Disclaimer; i own no one except Nicole Austin, everyone else owns themselves

Author's Note: I have returned and with me i bear gifts lol: a new chapter! Hope you all enjoy this :)

Chapter 23: Fatal Attraction

Nicole walked the fifth floor hallway of the Boston Hilton hotel. She intently searched for room number 528: Dave Batista's room. After having coned the concierge at the front desk into giving her his room number, she had immediately continued her search to find him.

She knew that Dave really wanted to talk to her; not only had he told her when he first saw her, but he had also left a message on her cell phone requesting they meet up soon. So, in order to not be berated my Dave any longer, Nicole had decided to give in and just humor him. She knew Dave would not stop until he got what he wanted, and so Nicole conceded to the fact that she would not win this one. After all, a chat with Dave Batista couldn't be all that bad? Right?

She knew that all Dave wanted to do was to make sure she was doing okay. And she knew that he would be scrutinizing every single one of her answers to do so. So, she had told herself to be as cheerful and most "Nicole like" as possible, without being too fake for Dave to notice. She just wanted this to be over with so she could move away from Evolution and start over.

She finally found the room she was looking for and knocked at the door. After a few moments of waiting, there was no answer. Again, she knocked; inwardly hoping that he wasn't there. However, it was not to be as within seconds of her second trial, the door swung wide open.

"Hey..." Dave managed, while in a state of shock.

When he had encountered Nicole in the hallway and had requested to speak to her, he had never thought she would actually oblige. He thought for sure she would push it off until he wouldn't even bother asking any longer, yet she had managed to surprise him.

"..Come in." He opened the door wider, allowing her entrance.

They walked over to the small sitting area and sat down.

"How are you?"

"Really good," she responded, "How are you doing?"

"Good, you know the same old same old."

She nodded and they remained in an awkward silence for a few minutes before Nicole couldn't take it any longer.

"Dave, I know you wanna say something, so just say it."

Dave racked a hand through his hair, "I just want you to know that even though you and Randy broke up, I'm still here for you. I don't want it to be awkward with us, like just now; it's stupid. Our friendship wasn't based around Randy, and I want you to know that."

Nicole smiled, "Of course I know that Dave. Your friendship means a lot of me, and I would never let Randy get in the way of that. Dave, you're one of the very few people I know I can trust, that I can tell you everything, and anything." She paused, "I hope I didn't give you the wrong impression when I came back; I was just really busy."

Dave sighed, "To tell you the truth, I did think you were blowing me off, and that you would continue to do so until I let up. But I'm glad to hear that I was wrong, and that you trust me. Good, now that we've got that settled, why don't you tell me what's going on with you and Cena."

Nicole looked on in amusement, "Why ever would you think something is going on between John and myself?"

"I dunno" he scratched the back of his head, "I just assumed that the two of you were together. I did see you two all cosy with one another."

He couldn't very well tell her it was Randy who had seen them together and had a hissy - fit; Nicole needed to move on and reminders of Randy would not help. After all, Randy was the one who broke her heart, and telling her that he all of a sudden was interested in whom she was seeing would leave Nicole even more confused than she probably already was.

Nicole wondered for a moment when it was that Dave could have seen them together; but it really didn't matter. "You shouldn't assume Dave; John and I are just friends. We hang out together because we work together a lot. That's it, that's all."

Dave scrutinized her, "But there's obviously some feelings there; at least on his part, I know for sure. What about you; would you ever consider getting serious with him, he is your type after all."

Dave had to admit, that all this information he was trying to acquire was for Randy's sake; so that he would at least be prepared when the time came. He knew his younger friend still cared deeply for the blonde, no matter how much he tried to makethem believe other wise. All Dave had left to do was figure out why Randy had broken up with her.

"Look Dave, John and I are friends, and if the time was right, then yes I'd probably date him. But just not right now. Now can we just drop it, please?"

"Alright, alright" he smirked, "So what are you doing later tonight?"

Nicole shrugged, "Trish mentioned going out to a club or something earlier; I'll probably end up going."

"I heard about that, thought I'd check it out for a bit."

Nicole smiled, "Good then, I'll see you there."

She stood and began making her way to the door, "Any ways, I should be going if I ever want to be ready for tonight."

He nodded his understanding, "So I'll see you."

"Of course." She turned to open the door and then, before slipping out the door, hugged him, "Thanks Dave; you're a true friend."

Nicole walked into her hotel room, and flopped onto her bed. Since leaving Dave's room, she had been thinking about what he had said concerning John; that he had feelings for her, and that perhaps she reciprocated these feelings.

She knew that Dave was partly right: John most probably did still like her as more than just a friend. After all, he did try to get close to her while she was secretly seeing Randy. However, she had pushed him away, and any normal guy would have tried to completely disregard her. But John was different; he became her friend, and he was there when she needed him most.

As for Nicole herself, she knew John was a great guy and that he would never hurt her. And Lord knew she wasn't blind either: he had one of the best bodies she had ever seen, and his features weren't bad either, quite the opposite actually.

However, truth be told, Nicole didn't know what exactly it was she felt for John. At times, she felt a very strong attraction towards him, and not only physical. And she knew John felt it too. She continued to find herself in compromising positions that would eventually lead nowhere. Whereas other times, they acted as though they were best friends; nothing more. Yet the first of the two often outweighed the latter.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her cell phone. She fished through her purse, as the caller ID stated her mother, Debra, was calling.

"Hey mom,"She greeted cheerily.

"Hey darling, how are you?"

"Great; how's everything down in Texas."

"Oh, you know: hot, busy; it's all the same."

Nicole smiled to herself, realizing how close she and her mother had become in the past few weeks. Nicole had never been close to either of her parents due to her being without them for most of her life. Yet ever since she had joined the WWE, it seemed as though she actually had grown to like her parents. She and Steve were now doing well, and even had diner with one another every so often. She and her mother communicated through telephone, and Debra had suggested that Nicole come to Texas on her next break. Nicole was starting to realize what is was to actually have a family.

After a few minuted of back and forth chitchat, Nicole and her mother had informed each other of their daily happenings. However, the topic soon changed.

"So," her mother began, "How are you enjoying working with John Cena. Your father tells me that you spend quite a lot of time together."

Nicole could already tell what her mother was thinking, "Well, if it was anything serious, don't you think Steve would have already gotten in the way? Besides, I don't know how many times I have to say this for people to understand, John and I are just friends."

"Darling, who are you trying to convince, me or yourself, because from the sound of it..." she was cut off.

She rolled her eyes, knowing her mother couldn't see her, "From the sound of it, I'm getting really annoyed of having to explain myself to everyone; especially when I don't even know what I feel right now."

Her mother sighed, "You know you can always talk to me about anything Nicole, this is no exception. So if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."

"I know. I think I just need to figure some stuff out for myself first, but thanks."

"Well alright, I'll leave you to your thoughts."

"Bye mom."

"Bye"

And the line went dead. Nicole sighed and lay herself down on her bed and closed her eyes.

Nicole was soon awoken by a constant pounding on her door. Being in the state she was, she tried to ignore it. However the noise continued to progress to the point where Nicole could no longer take it. She pulled herself put of bed and stomped over to the door, and without looking through the peep hole, pulled the door open.

"This better be important!" And as soon as she saw who was standing before her, her mood suddenly brightened.

"Of course I'm important." John said with a smirk, and then after taking in her appearance, "You're not coming like that are you," he said referring to her green Juicy joggers and white wife beater.

She stepped aside, allowing him entrance, "And what is wrong with my outfit?"

"Well, nothing really...just that, well you know..."

Nicole broke out into a smile, "Don't worry, I have to change.."

"...well get stepping woman, we're already late." He sat himself down on a chair and opened the television.

She carefully decided what is was she needed, and grabbing all her things rushed into the washroom to get ready. And, as she did so, she couldn't help stealing a few glances of John. Dressed in a pair of his signature jeans and his black "Ruck Fules" t -shirt he looked as good as ever. He was intently watching television, and every so often would break out into a smile. And whenever he did, so did Nicole. She caught herself doing this and immediately tried to put an end to it, yet she couldn't. Finally, she realized she should hurry along and get ready.

After 20 minutes of seclusion in her hotel washroom, Nicole finally emerged ready for a night on the town. She walked over to one of the night stands, unnoticed by John who was still very focused on the tv, and picked up her cell phone.

John's cell phone rang 3 times before he actually realized what was happening, "Hello?"

"Yes, this is Nicole Austin here, wondering if maybe a certain John Cena could get off his behind so we can proceed with the nights events," she said in her most formal tone of voice.

John instantly glanced over her way and smiled whilst hanging up. He took in her appearance, and couldn't help but smile to himself, "Now this is quite an improvment."

Nicole smiled as she did a complete 360 for him; enticing him with every move. Her short denim skirt barely reached mid-thigh, and her black shirt's two middle buttons were the only ones done up, exposing just enough of both her stomach and cleavage. Sleeves pulled up till her elbows, blonde wavy hair, and silver accessories such as bangles, shoes and purse completed the look.

With one last look in the mirror, John and Nicole left for the club hand in hand.

Soon, Nicole and John were seated with Chris and Trish downing a round of shots. She looked around the room they were currently in, and realized that almost every superstar was in attendance. Some were dancing, others talking and laughing; it was a night for them to all mellow out.

Since they had gotten to the club, she and John had mostly stayed with Trish and Chris. However, every so often they would venture off on their own either to dance or just to be alone together. Either way, he never left her side. He had been quite protective of her the entire night, not that she minded the attention she was getting from him.

John leaned in, "You wanna head over to the dance floor?"

Nicole smiled and nodded a "yes". She stood and took John's arm as he led her through the throng of people. They finally found a spot, and he pulled her closer to him; her back to him. He took in the scent of her hair and perfume as she felt him tense up. She smiled up at him, and pulled his arms further around her waist.

They stayed that way for a while, until his phone began to ring. Nicole stepped away, allowing him to take the call. After a moment, he notified her that he was going to step out, for he couldn't hear whomever was on the other line.

As John made his way out, Nicole ventured over to the bar. She ordered herself a drink and sat herself on one of the stools. She scanned the room, smiling to herself; she wasn't the only one having a good time. Chris and Trish, who previously seemed on edge with one another, were now all over one another on the dance floor. She also noticed Dave, and thought of going over to him, yet he seemed to be in a very heated discussion with Paul and Stephanie; Nicole knew better than to interrupt.

She now focused her attention on trying to find John, yet she never did find him. Instead, what she did find was Randy Orton, and he wasn't alone. Right beside him, practically throwing herself at him and coming out of her dress, was a tall brunette. She watched as they continued to dance, yet not for much longer for she had to turn away due to the disgust, and disdain she was feeling in the pit of her stomach.

All of a sudden, she felt as though she could no longer breath; the room was suffocating. Setting her empty glass on the bar, she made a beeline for the door; and in doing so, didn't notice bumping into John.

The man watched as Nicole rushed out of the club upon seeing Randy and his catch of the day all over one another. Since overhearing Chris and Trish, he still could not understand what exactly was going on. All he knew was that Trish had somehow managed to get Randy to break up with Nicole; but why? And how, for that matter.

He knew that no matter what he was going to get to the bottom of this. Seeing Nicole in the state she was in tore him apart, and that fact that he couldn't fix it in the matter of a minute or with the right words didn't help.

He also knew, he'd have to do this alone; involving anyone else would complicate matters even further, and that's the last thing he needed. He decided he would begin his "investigation" soon, possibly even tonight, that is if he found the person he was looking for.

Nicole ran out into the cool night air, stopping to rest herself against the brick wall. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on breathing and on ridding her mind of any thought of Randy and of what she had just seen. She could not fathom how is was that she loved him; or at least did love him at some point. Now all that she felt for him was anger, and after tonight's events, disgust.

She suddenly, felt a hand on her shoulder, "Are you alright?"

She looked up into the blue eyes of John Cena, "I just needed to get some air; it's suffocating in there."

John nodded, even though he knew she was lying. He had a very good feeling that her sudden discomfort had something to do with a certain Legend Killer; exactly what it was that happened he was unsure. Yet, he knew better that to pry; if she wanted to talk about it, she would. He decided it was best to leave her to her thoughts, and so he situated himself next to her, mimicking her previous actions.

Nicole inwardly sighed, What the hell are you doing Austin? You keep making the same damn mistakes, over and over; it's as if you don't learn your lesson. And for what, you always end up the one hurt in the relationship; it's not even as though you get something out of it.

She looked over at John who was staring off into space, You can't keep pining over Randy; he doesn't want anything to do with you. And here you got this amazing guy, who actually cares about you, and you're being stupid about it. John's not like Randy, you need to realize that. And he obviously likes you; you like him too.

"I'm Sorry," she practically whispered.

John shifted and stood in front of her, "Sorry for what?

"Just for everything John. I'm such a horrible person.."

"No you're not..."

"Yes I am. Just look at the way I was treating you when I was with Randy. I'd have been lucky if you would have even justlooked at me after that..."

"Yeah, well, maybe I just can't stay mad at you for very long," he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, as she looked down and bit her lip.

She took his hand and laced her fingers with his, all the while tugging at the bottom of his shirt with her free hand in an attempt to pull him closer. He, in turn, complied and then rested his arm against the wall right above her.

Nicole knew that she had to do something; she was going insane with how close they were. She removed his cap from his head and before she knew it, she was placing her lips on his in a light kiss. She pulled away shyly, as he tried to grasp what had just happened.

His thoughts soon evaporated and he moved closer against her. He wanted to kiss her more than anything; it was torture, especially after having just felt her lips on his. And so, after what seemed like an excruciatingly long period of time he captured her lips in a hard kiss. Soon enough, they were passionately kissing one another, not noticing the amount of people looking in their direction. They finally broke apart, taking in a breath of fresh air. They stood in silence, until Nicole finally spoke.

She looked at him, eyes ablaze with passion, " You wanna go back to the hotel?'

John simply nodded and led her to the car.

Later that night, Nicole lay awake watching the man beside her. John looked so peaceful and sweet when he slept that it was hard for her to resist kissing him.

She looked around the room, and almost laughed out loud at the state it was in. When they had arrived at the hotel they had wasted very little time, and so clothes were thrown all over the room. Nicole smiled as she remembered how amazing it had all been. It seemed as though they both had waited long enough, and as soon as the hotel room door closed, they could no longer take it.

Everything seemed to be perfect. Yes perfect, that was the only way to describe John, and everything that went along with him. Every time she was with him, she felt it. And it was in those very moments that she too felt perfect, even if it was just for a moment.

Nicole decided it was best she get some rest, and as she snuggled closer to John, that all so familiar feeling came over her once more.