Bold= setting/ place/ POV
Italic= narration/sarcasm/
Underline and ALL CAPS= emphasis
CAPS= shouting argument
*Asterisks= cut microphone* (example: F*** you)
(Parenthesis: Background noise)
[Brackets]: Text messages
Our Careers
Chapter 02: Jobbing Out On NXT Show Tapings & NXT Live
Matthew's POV NXT House Show (Largo, Florida 2 months later)
I get slammed to the mat by Lars Sullivan, "Okay so You're probably wonder what am I doing here? Not with a painful expression on my face but a NXT House Show, but a wrestling fan would know it as NXT Live or if you're like me and when you are interested in something you research the heck out of it a non-televised show which is just another way of saying House Show. Well think of it as a test by the PC Coaches to see my progress… that's how I think of it and I hope they think I'm ready for NXT." I was then promptly hit with his finisher and pinned for the 3 count, the good old eins, zwei, drei. Before Lars could commit a post-match assault I would not appreciate that I would break character and do the worst possible thing to do to another man physically, besides murder, I'd kick him in the nuts. I hung my head acting like I was upset that I lost as I walked backstage inside Minnreg Hall, "I hope I did as I was required." I mumbled to myself before heading to the showers to clean up and just hung out with Alex until her match with Kari Sane which was scheduled to be a squash match.
Alex's POV
"I really didn't want to do this Kari is a badass, and I'm well I'm Alex a newbie to WWE and the pirate princess has been here in NXT for a little over a year."
I was snapped out of my thoughts when Matthew waved his hand in front of my face,"Hey Lil' AD" He stated with his nickname for me that I didn't like,"'you okay?" He asked, "you spaced out, something on your mind?"
"Uh… yeah, I really, really, extremely don't want to do this match I'll get wrecked, I'm supposed to anyway but Kari is a badass she could kick my ass in real life." I explained my worry to him.
He just nodded understandingly but then said something surprising, "I have to disagree, I feel like you'll do fine, just be careful." He and I fist bumped and I walked away to the gorilla, " Some pep talk." I mumbled to myself before my music started playing and I walked straight to the ring , following my entrance was Kari my very dangerous opponent when the match started I ran and dodged a punch after punch from Kari. I ducked and ran to the corner and under the top rope, the referee tried to hold her back… it didn't work I had just screwed myself, Kari grabbed me by the neck and started kneeing me in the gut repeatedly until the ref counted 4 then pulled Kari off she let of a ferocious war cry to get this night over with then walked backstage and got dressed and headed to Matthew "Ready?" He asked I nodded, "Well put on some tunes we have to stay for the rest of the show." I sighed and put in my earbuds.
After the show we headed out I was tired and fell asleep for half the ride when I awoke we were at a gas station, "Did I wake you?" Matt asked he had rings under his eyes and some welts from the nights of pain which will continue Thursday as "local competitors" on an NXT Show Taping which fun fact consist of multiple episodes and multiple episodes means multiple matches "great".
"Yeah I'm fine. You look tired let me drive." I answered, "Can we put on an audiobook to keep me awake?"
'Sure I'll put on "Star Wars: Kenobi" it's a great story." Matt said. As the book played. Matt had his eyes closed but he wasn't asleep I had traveled enough to him to tell I paused the book.
"I know you aren't asleep so why are your eyes closed?" I asked.
"My late father" he started and started to tear up I know it's a sensitive subject for him, "whenever he would read a story to my brother and I when we were young he would ask us to close our eyes and visualize the story with our imagination." He said wiping his eyes so he didn't cry before unpausing the audiobook and closing his eyes I let him keep his eyes closed I know I'd never do that with a FNAF audiobook that series is really scary and I'm easily scared. We then arrived at the complex and I shook his shoulder to wake him up.
"Hey." I said quietly with a small hopefully sweet smile and not flirty at all I don't want to rush into a relationship, "We're at the complex time to get out."
"You have your key to your apartment right?" Matt asked sleepily.
Words escape me as I try to remember I legitimately forgot, I reached back for my bag to check I rummaged around around not feeling it. After not feeling it I used my tile, I then let out a chuckle I forgot It was on a wrist band, "I had a brain fart ." I said sheepishly Matt smirked warmly and we sat there silent for a second.
"That's a shame." Matt stated, "I just set up the guest room. If you ever forget your key, my door is open for you." Another long silence which I broke.
"We should-" I started but was cut off.
"Yeah." Matt said before exiting the car and opening the door for me he extended his hand.
"Why Mr. Smith you are quiet the gentleman." I was joking and he knew it as I took his hand.
"I'm just who my parents raised." Matt replied as I got out of the car and he shut it.
"Well they raised a gentleman I wish I could meet your father." I said as we started to head inside.
"He would love you." We were silent for the walk to our apartments I was about to enter when, "Alex." Matt stated I turned around.
"Yeah Matt?" I replied.
"You and Adrian still coming over for the Christmas party Monday night?" He asked.
I smiled, "Wouldn't miss it. Goodnight."
"Gute nacht, süße träume Alex. (Translation: Goodnight, sweet dreams Alex)" He stated a warm smile on his face.
"Gleichfalls Matthew .(Translation: You too Matthew)" I said before I walked in my apartment, I went straight to bed.
Matthew's POV The Next Day Smith Apartment
I was setting up for tomorrows party playing some Pentatonix holiday albums thanks to my headphones I was standing on a stepladder trying to attach some mistletoe while trying to not fall I got it... eventually, I was halfway down when Daniel Travis called, "Yello?" I answered.
"Hey man, how are you?" He asked.
"Sore." I replied.
"Who was it last night?" He asked with a I don't really care attitude.
"Sullivan." I answered and looked at the time I would have to leave soon, "Can you cut." I started then his phone died, "Every damn time." I growled I could tell it died because Hallelujah continued playing, Kristen was singing her part with her angelic voice. There was a knock at the door, I looked through the peep hole it was Alex, I opened the door, "May I help you?" I asked. She lifted the eggnog with a smirk I had forgotten I asked Alex earlier that day to help me with some of the snacks and refreshments, I stepped to the side , "Come in." I gestured.
"Thank you… holy holiday spirit you've been busy." She said surprised as we walked to the kitchen to put the eggnog in the refrigerator I looked down at her and one of my eyes wandered upward I wasn't planning this but we were under the mistletoe and you know the mistletoe rule. She finished putting it up and looked at me and then up, "Well would you look at that." She said before wrapping her arms around my neck, "It doesn't have to mean anything or start anything unless we want it to." She said before we kissed for a long moment when our lips parted we did not let go of each other I had put my hands on her hips and pulled her body so it was pressed up against mine.
"Uh… yeah… maybe once we're on NXT… or now… whatever you're comfortable with just tell me when you're ready and what you want Alexis." I said.
Alex bit her lip, "I'll have an answer by New Year's Eve. I need time to think after the awkward tension of last night."
"I understand." I replied.
We stood there not letting go in silence for a few seconds, "I'd better get-" Alex started before I cut her off.
"Right. Right." I said before we let go, she grabbed her groceries and she ran across the hall. I was worried I could've just ruined a friendship with a kiss. I got a hoodie and left for my hair appointment.
Alex's POV Daniels Sisters Apartment
I put the groceries on the kitchen table and walked into my room confused. I just laid on my bed staring at the ceiling fan not knowing what to think or do. Adrian walked to my shut door, "Alex?" She asked concerned.
"No." I replied before she could ask.
"Do yo-" I cut her off.
"No." I answered, "I'll tell you during dinner."
"Okay." Adrian stated, "You're always more cooperative during Pizza night."
Matthew's POV Barber Shop, somewhere in Celebration, Florida
I walked in and signed in then waited for my name to be called after thirty minutes it was.
"What do you want?" The barber asked.
"I was thinking a fade."I replied, "And can you clean up my beard?" I asked.
"Yeah, you want a design on the shaved parts?" He asked.
"Nah, not this time." I answered. It took a while as my hair was so long it was curling up and my beard was wild looking, "Thanks man." I said before scheduling my next appointment.
Alex's POV Daniels Apartment
Adrian knocked on the door to my room, "Pizza time." I got out of bed and put on some pajamas and walked out to the dinner table, "Ready to tell why you've been so quiet today? You've hardly talked and you know I worry."
"I know. I know. I just have a lot on my mind, something happened today that I'm having trouble processing ." I said quietly after swallowing a bite of pizza.
"Dose any of it involve our new neighbor Matt?"Adrian asked I nodded, "What happened?"
I looked at my big sister and cracked a small smile, "We were caught under the mistletoe." You do know the mistletoe rule right? I asked smugly.
Adrian got a little offended and scoffed, "I taught you The mistletoe rule of course I…" her voice trailed off when she saw the smug smile on my face, "You two didn't."
'We did." I stated, "and I told him it didn't have to mean anything but then he expressed interest in us becoming, "a thing" I told him I need time to think about it I gave myself until New Year's Eve but he's stuck on my mind."
Matthew's POV Smith Apartment
I was on my couch playing the newest edition of the WWE 2K series, WWE 2K19 and I got a call on my cellphone it wasn't Travis it was a business call I looked at the phone It said, "Boss Levesque" on the screen I paused the game to talk to "The Game" I took a deep breath, "Yes sir." I said nervously.
"Hello Matthew, I'm calling to tell you you aren't needed at the taping this week at all... We have a gimmick for you" Triple H announced with a purpose.
"Y-You do?!" I stuttered." Hoping it wasn't bad.
"How dose "The Unbreakable" Matthew Smith sound?" Triple H asked.
I thought for a beat, "Better than I expected."
"Come to the Performance Center Wednesday we'll start work on the previews for your debut." He said and almost hung up.
"WOAH WOAH WOAH!" I shouted, "Previews? For my debut? I'm going to NXT?" I asked surprised.
"Yes." He answered.
"This quick?" I asked arching an eyebrow.
"Well you've done well being an enhancement talent on NXT and at the house shows you've also put on exceptional matches at the Performance Center shows for the NXT Roster, I've talked with some of the Veterans in NXT and the NXT coaches. I got their opinions and they think you're ready. Well actually we need you for one thing we're going to have you're contract signing on NXT Television in a backstage segment so after that you can leave."
"Can I hang out backstage?" I asked.
"Why?" Triple H arched an eyebrow.
"I'm Alexis Daniels's carpool buddy she lives across the hall from me." I explained.
"Well actually she'll be waiting on you she has one match at the next taping and it's right before your segment." Triple H said.
Alex's POV Daniels Sisters Apartment
I'm back on my bed staring at my ceiling listening to the radio when the song "Can't Help Falling In Love" started playing I quickly changed it to a Christmas station . I still couldn't decide. I groaned in frushtration.
Matthew's POV The Next Day, Christmas Day, Smith Apartment
I woke up early, like I do every Christmas Day and I showered humming Christmas carols while doing it. After I showered I dried my hair and put some gel in it followed by some festive clothes and a Santa hat. Normally I wake up early on Christmas Day because… well it's Christmas Day… presents, not this time I am up early to get the snacks and what not for the party set up, well I'm not sure if I can call it a party more like a get together with friends I know my former Tag Team partner couldn't make it he was on the west coast but some of my other friends and family were able to make it my brother, my friend Michael, my ex-girlfriend Tyler for example… okay not Michael he was celebrating Hanukkah with his family. A few minuets later guest started to arrive.
Matthew's POV NXT Taping December 27, 2018
I hadn't told her why I was wearing a suit or I received a voicemail from Triple H telling me to wear one, I parked the car and turned off the song "Feel Invincible" by Skillet , "HEY!" Alex snapped annoyed, "I was listening to that."
"Alex we're at the arena time to get out.
Alex sighed, "Fine" she gave me a once over, "You look handsome by the way." She said before getting out.
I got out, "Thanks I said shutting the door behind me as we walked in we went opposite directions, Alex to the Women's Locker Room and myself to Mr. Regal's office I knocked on the door.
"Come in." He stated sounding preoccupied.
I walked in quietly, "Hello Mr. Regal." I greeted, "I'm Matthew Smith the guy who is signing his contract for NXT tonight."
"Ah, yes. Mr. Smith good to finally meet you in person, I've heard many things about you from Coach Bloom."
"Good things I hope, and do you not remember me from promo class? I just got the call Sunday that I was being called up I've been in promo class for eight weeks." I said a little confused.
"Oh now I remember, forgive me I guess I'm used to you with longer hair." Regal apologized.
"No need to apologize you have a lot of responsibilities as NXT General Manager." I said understandingly.
"Well start reading the contract. He grabbed it and handed it to me I started the long process we were on the third recorded show so I had plenty of time to read it as slowly as possible outside the office , I guess out of frame would be a more correct term.
Alex's POV
My match came up and Matt was nowhere to be found, my phone buzzed it was a text from Matt.
"Luck"
That's all it said, "Thnx" I replied and had my match with Kairi Sane and as per usual I got wrecked, but that wasn't anything new Kairi had destroyed me in Japan so in conclusion, I lost.
Matthew's POV
Finally after reading the contract for the third time we got to my segment.
Matthew's POV Backstage Segment:
I was walking back and fourth in front of Mr. Regal I paced for a little bit before walking to his desk and signing the contract, "Welcome to the big leagues." Mr. Regal said extending his hand. My back was to the crowd, "Thank you for the honor of being able to fulfill my dream of wrestling for WWE ."I say with joy as I firmly grasped his hand for a handshake.
Matthew's POV Segment over
"Congratulations." Mr. Regal stated, "Until your character is fleshed out you'll be working on that in the Performance Center."
I nodded and walked out. Alex was putting on regular clothes and being hit on my a bleach blonde douchebag, "Look if I ever get into frat boys I'll give you a call but that will happen when there's a cold day in hell." She started to walk towards me and the dick grabbed her arm.
I got angry, My blood was boiling I stormed over and got in his face, "Beat it asshole." I said as Alex grabbed my hand and squeezed it. The asshat just smirked and walked away but not before blowing a kiss to Alex, "Matt let's go, I need to talk with you" she said, "in private" she mumbled under her breath before pulling me towards the exit.
"Okay." I said confused before we entered the car.
Narrative POV
The two looked at each other in silence for a second time the awkward tension between the two of them was back, "I have-" they started but stopped when they realized that they both were talking.
"Ladies first." Matthew said.
"Okay" Alex said calmly before taking a deep breath, "I want this… I mean us to be a thing you've been on my mind since that kiss and I think it's been the same for you seeing as how you asked if we're on good terms at the holiday party."
"You have been, not 24/7 but you are on my mind I have been nervous about your answer and the reason I asked is I was worried that I ruined our friendship, one of my only friendships in wrestling with a kiss I thought "did I just fuck up another friendship?" and I was relieved to hear that we were on good terms and I am ecstatic to hear that you want to give us a shot." Matthew said smiling.
"I just don't want to start dating yet." Alex said, " Not this year at least. There are 4 days left, a new year means new opportunities and possibilities next year January 1, 2019 I will officially become your girlfriend as stated by the relationship status on Facebook." Matthew nodded understandably, "Anyway what is your news?" Alex asked.
"Well during one of my gaming sessions on Sunday I got a call, from Mr. Levesque, they have a gimmick for me, and on Tuesday we filmed the first preview to hype up my debut which will take place, the night before The Road To Wrestlemania begins." Matthew said, "do you want to see the preview?" He asked
Alex grinned, "Absolutely." She answered. Matthew pulled out his phone.
Unbreakable preview #01
A man had his back to the camera he was wearing a hoodie with a diamond wrapped in steel chains(to form an x shape) on the back the screen flashes to black and displayed the words
"Unbreakable
Coming Soon".
With each "o" being the same diamond wrapped in steel chains logo. Alex clapped.
"That was cool." She said before raising her hand, "May I make a suggestion and asked an unrelated question?"
"Sure." Matthew answered as he turned on the car.
"I think you should get the logo shaved into the back of your head."
After that Matthew kissed her, "That is an amazing idea." He shouted.
Alex was taken aback, "Okay 2 questions
1. WTF?
2. Can we listen to Skillet?"
Matthew looked at her, "Sorry about the kiss. You look really pretty tonight." He paused as he connected his phone to the Bluetooth system in his car, "Do you want Skillet recorded or live?" He asked.
"Recorded why?" Alex answered puzzled before the song "Feel Invincible" started playing making Alex jump.
"Because" Matthew said laughing, "I have a playlist of a few of their albums that I can play on shuffle" he continued as he laughed, "and I have their in concert recorded album, "Comatose and Alive" That I have to play in order because the song flow into each other." He finished as he stopped laughing. Alex shoved him playfully as they drove to the complex.
Author's Note: I doubt anyone will mention this in the comments but didn't I say I was going to do a slow build. In case you forgot I did. The loophole is the time jumps this version of the two of us not only had a more believable meeting and a past but carpool together and that was why it happened this early despite what the saying is separation doesn't make the heart grow fonder (I should know) the opposite is true, the more you see someone the more likely you are to become attracted to them and hopefully them to you so two months of being on the road together with no one to talk to but the other person and with a past I bet some people thought that at the start of the chapter they'd be dating but no that is chapter 3 which much like the chapter will most likely be posted next year with that said... happy holidays. I hope you enjoyed.