AUTHOR'S NOTE: Today is... well another random day so you know what that means? Another chapter! Yippie everyone is excited right? Oh you're not. Very well then. Just so you know this chapter is a banger with a twist! So, grab your popcorn cause you're for a ride.

Before we get started as always I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time out to read this book as well as review, favorite and follow. I never imagined my first book would get this much attention and for that, I say thank you. It's definitely inspired me to work harder and bring you all the best my novice writer mind could give you. Let's get on to the chapter.

WARNING: This story may contain triggering scenes and strong language not meant for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. (I love to get that outta the way)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters except my OC Kendra and other OC's I might have forgotten to mention. This story is a pure work of fiction (hence its written on) and most of the events and facts are completely made up so... I guess that's it.

Chapter 9 - Gunning It Out To The Max

"Five minutes Shawn. I'm only letting you in because I don't want anyone to see you standing out here." Kendra said to him motioning for him to get inside. Shawn blinked a few times not expecting her to invite him in. Was he dreaming? "Either get in or get out, I can't hold this door open that long" She said. He nodded scratching his head as he stepped into her hotel room scanning around the whole place. It was smaller than his obviously because she was an intern and a bit messy but neat and well, that was the best way he could describe it.

"You know I'm kinda shocked you decided to let me in and..."

"Just say whatever the hell you wanna say and be on your way. Like I said, I just didn't want anyone seeing you out there. The last thing I need right now is a slut rep. Or for Bret to find out" She said mumbling the last bit out so it was inaudible to Shawn as she leaned on a wall.

"Right, uh can I sit down?" He asked. She motioned to her bed which he took as a yes. "Right thanks. oh this bed is soft. What kind of mattress?"

"Get to the point Shawn!" She spat already frustrated with him. You could understand why.

'Okay, Kendra I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I had no right to call you weak or to stare at you like a creep or to confront you like that or to kiss you in the elevator or to... well, I have done a lot of awful things so I'll just sum it all up by saying I'm sorry for everything. Would you find it in your heart to forgive me? Please?" He asked remorsefully. Kendra didn't answer for a moment as she examined his face and found nothing but pure genuineness. But she wasn't gonna let him off the hook that easily, no sirree.

"Shawn, you can't really think just saying sorry would fix everything? You really hurt me" She said softly making him feel even more guilty. "I mean, I can handle being called a lot of things but no one, I mean no one calls me weak. What were you thinking?"

"I wasn't" Shawn said cracking a nervous smile. "But you know you can't stay mad at me" Kendra laughed.

"Oh really, you'll be surprised." She said holding a stone face.

"Kendy please" He said in whatever his attempt was to do a baby voice. The stuff of nightmares. Kendra couldn't help but laugh at it. "That's more like it"

"Maybe, and by the way Kendy? Really?" She said pretending to gag making him chuckle, "But you're right. I'm not mad at you at all, I can see you're being genuine and not just giving some half assed apology so I forgive you. Just promise that would never happen again" She said her voice cracking a bit at the end.

"Never. I will try my best. Just know, it was never my intention to hurt you."

"I believe that now. And don't worry we're cool" She said sending him a small smile which he gladly returned. Everything was okay. Then why did he feel unsatisfied?

"So..." He cleared his throat grabbing her attention as she turned to look at him. "...we're friends now?" She thought for a moment.

"Yeah, of course we are friends Shawn." She said a bit confused as to why he asked that question. They were obviously friends, well more like progressive acquaintances but yes, they were friends.

"Very well then, I...uh... I should be taking my leave. Maybe join the others downstairs." He said as he stood up from her bed. "You wanna come along? Like not with me... you can come on your own and all or with me it's uh... really your choice" He said rubbing the back of his head nervously. She laughed softly.

"Thanks but no thanks. Not really my scene plus I'll need to get my beauty sleep." Shawn nodded trying not to hide his disappointment as he walked to the door.

"Okay then, guess I'll catch you around" He said with a sigh as he made his way to open the door.

"Wait Shawn..." She paused making him turn around with hope in his eyes. She took a few steps closer to him. "...do you have a crush on me? Just asking"

His heart stopped. What the actual fuck? Who did she talk to? How did she know? What did she...?

Wait, he doesn't have a crush on her. That's crazy talk. Yeah... Crazy. Oh who was he kidding.

"I..." He started not really knowing what to say next. "...you know what, yes. Yes I do. How'd you find out?"

"I figured, plus I'm not an idiot." She said as Shawn pressed his lips into a thin line "Listen, I'm really flattered, and you're incredibly hot but just know, this isn't happening." She said motioning to the both of them. "Just thought I'd get that out of the way. Now that we're officially friends, I wouldn't want a situation where you'd get mixed signals from me"

"I truly appreciate that Kendy, but I'm Shawn Michaels, it's just a phase and I know it'll pass very soon" He said though it seemed to him he was trying to convince himself more than her and also trying to hide his less than obvious heartbreak. He was supposed to be the heartbreak kid not the heart broken kid.

"That's cool, and I guess the Kendy nickname has come to stay huh?" She asked completely changing the topic. A skill she was the master at.

"It has a good ring to it. And I assume you like it if not, you'd have probably crucified me by now" He said with a smirk.

"You know me so well" She said with a grin.

"Agreed. Well I best be on my way, got a lot to drink now that I know we'll never be a thing" He joked making her laugh even though it hurt him inside. Like a bitch he might add.

"Oh don't be like that" She said pouting playfully. "We're friends, that's okay"

"For now" Shawn thought. "That's good enough, catch you later... friend"

"You too... friend" She said as they shared a laugh. "Good night"

"Goodnight." He said turning around to face the door but stopped midway "Oh and Kendra?"

"Yeah?"

"I apologized for a lot of things but I can and will never apologize for what I said about Bret, I meant everything I said about him" Shawn said. Kendra nodded with a sigh.

"I know Shawn," She said. That was the last word they exchanged that night as a minute later he had already left her room with an array of feelings and emotions. He felt happy that they patched things up, he felt heartbroken that she pretty much rejected him before he even made a move but most importantly, he was in an ass kicking mood with one thought in mind...

To find Hunter, beat the living daylights out of him, tell him what transpired, beat the living daylights out of him, tell him that he would never take his relationship advice again, beat the living daylights out of him and that pretty much sums it up. Oh and did he mention beat the living daylights out of Hunter.

"What the fuck did I do?" Hunter asked innocently as Shawn approached him in the bar causing the girl he was flirting with to leave. "Look what you did, you sent Candice away" Hunter complained to an expressionless Shawn Michaels. "So, I'm guessing it didn't go quite well with her"

"No duh. She forgave me, and we're friends now" Hunter looked on as if expecting him to say something else.

"And...? That's great news. See, you made the right call to apologize" Hunter said doing a toast to him before gulping down his drink.

"Let's not forget the fact that if you hadn't told me to tell her how I really felt about her ignoring me, all this would've been avoided" Shawn said glaring at Hunter.

"Yeah, so? It's better like this. She forgave you, you're friends. What could go wrong? Did she not give you her number or anything? Why are you acting so pissy?" Hunter asked amazed that Shawn was acting like that. If he was in Shawn's position he'd be fucking happy that he'd finally done something right.

"I wish that was my only problem. She told me, she knows I have a crush on her. And I admitted I did" Shawn said looking up to a smirking Hunter. "What?"

"First off, good for you for finally admitting to yourself that you're crushing on her. I wondered when you were ever gonna do that" Hunter said making Shawn roll his eyes. " And second, this story keeps getting better and better so I'm waiting for the point it gets worse so I can understand why you're pissy" He said with a shrug. "Do proceed Shawn"

"Uh, yeah. Long story shot she said we can never be a thing, I should stop trying before I even begin, blah blah you know, the classic classy rejection style. But it's okay. I'm fine" Shawn said. "I just need to kick your ass really bad because we both know this is all your fault" Shawn said calmly making Hunter laugh.

"You're real funny. Sorry about all that with your girl and all, but you're not pinning anything on me. When you're ready and you know, in your right frame of a less heartbroken mind, gimme a call and I'll be there to supply you with all the advice you need to win her heart. In the meantime, don't be bummed up, find a chick or Sunny or someone that will make you feel better. And if you'd excuse me, I need to find Candice" Hunter said stepping off one of the bar stools on his way to find his girl for the night leaving Shawn there all alone.

Deep inside he knew Hunter was right. Everything that happened he brought upon himself. It was his fault she didn't reciprocate his feelings. And dare he say, it was his fault to for even going to Hunter for advice. As he sat down alone at the bar watching his colleagues, his mind went back to the events that occurred after his "Midnight Ecstasy" (Events of Chapter 5 - Midnight Ecstasy & Chapter 6 - As A Friend, As A Known Enemy) where he had a talk with the Undertaker.

It looked like the time was right to finally call on the services of the deadman.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Steve is looking good out there, never realized how hot that man was. Mama like" Sable commented as they watched a match between Steve Austin and Bam Bam Bigelow with Steve fully utilizing his impressive moveset the crowd going wild. The stage was already set for his big push.

"You've never called me hot before Sabes and God knows I deserve that, perfectly" Curt said with a frown as she giggled.

"Sorry but I'm married" She said flashing a wedding to him by wriggling her fingers.

"But you just called Austin hot, no fair!" Curt said pouting making Sable erupt in laughter. "That's it perfect-plex time... oh good Kendra you're here. I'm about to dispose of your friend." Curt said as Kendra walked up to them with an amused look on her face wondering what those two idiots were up to this time.

"Kendra save me!" Sable said amidst laughter as Curt attempted to set her up for the Perfect-plex. "Kendra!"

"Oh grow up Curt, this is 1996 for God sake. Have some manners" Kendra scolded which made him roll his eyes but eventually put Sable down.

"Now, was that so hard? So what do we say now?" Kendra asked.

"Sorry Sable" He mumbled which sounded more like 'hurry tables'

"I didn't hear you" Sable teased. "Louder"

"Sorry Sable" He said a little bit louder but still had a grumpy tone to it.

"I didn't hear you" She egged on as she and Kendra giggled loudly. "Louder!"

"I'm fucking sorry Sable, I'll never put you in the perfect-plex again just leave me be!'' Curt yelled obviously frustrated which made Kendra and Sable laugh even louder. "Fucking witches"

"God forgive me for saying this..." Sable said still laughing. "But, I really didn't hear you. Can you be louder?" Curt sighed running his hand down his face in frustration.

"That's it. Perfect-plex time!" He announced as Sable immediately hid behind Kendra. "Kendra, I love you dear but move the fuck outta the way" He said to a laughing Kendra who found this whole situation to funny to even stand still and 'protect' Sable properly.

"Okay, can one of you tell me why you guys are fighting? Or whatever the hell it is you're doing?"

"She started it!" Curt said pointing an accusing finger at Sable who playfully gasped. "She refused to say I'm hot" Kendra turned to Sable with a glare who gave her an innocent smile before turning back to Curt. "You see, and she call Austin hot"

"I have idiots as friends" She thought to herself with a sigh. But she had to do what needed to be done.

"It's okay Curt, you know you're hot" Kendra said pulling him into a hug.

"Yeah, I am also perfect" He said returning to his arrogant voice making Kendra roll her eyes which he thankfully didn't see as she pulled away from the hug.

"And for what it's worth, I'm sorry" Sable said as well. Curt narrowed his eyes at her causing her to burst out into laughter. "This is too weird, I'm sorry" She said as all three of them laughed.

"And for what it's worth, apology NOT accepted" Curt said huffing.

"And for what it's worth, grow up!" Sable said.

"And for what it's worth, the two of you shut up!" Kendra yelled as the two of them became silent almost immediately. "And besides Curt, Sable thinks you're hot she says it all the time"

"Aha!" Curt said.

"Kendra!" Sable said her eyes widening. "Why would you say that? His head is big enough as it is"

"Whatever, I'll let you settle whatever you guys are settling, I need to see Shane" She said stifling a laugh at their never ending foolishness.

"Wait Shane? Finally got your big break? That'll teach Vince Douche-o, congrats on that" Sable said.

"Douche-o, I like that. Sounds like something I'd say. Good luck Kends." Curt said. She nodded bidding them goodbye as she made her way to Shane McMahon's office. She could've sworn barely ten seconds after she left Curt and Sable she could hear something along the lines of 'And for what it's worth...'. She shook her head at her friends.

When she eventually got to Shane's office she found out that he wasn't there. Bummer. So she decided to head back when she bumped into the one and only Billy Gunn.

"Sorry" She said taking a few steps backwards intending to allow the tall man walk past. However he stood where he was.

"That was my bad, I just came to wait for Shane. He said he'd be right back in a minute or so" Billy said looking her up and down. "Is that why you're here too?"

"Yeah. I'll just wait for him too I guess"

"By the way I'm Billy, Billy Gunn" He said his eyes locked intensely on her body.

"Kendra" She said feeling a bit uneasy with the way he was staring at her. He eyed her like she was piece of meat which made her very uncomfortable. "Uh, I'll just stand over there" She said moving further away from him to lean on a wall close to Shane's door.

"Hey, why are you moving away? I'm just trying to be friendly" He said with a laugh walking closer to her. Kendra nervously laughed to inching away from him walking backwards.

"What are you doing?" She asked laughing nervously as she continued to move away from him. "Stop"

"Why the hell are you moving away, I'm not a scary guy am I?" He asked moving closer to her.

"What? Psshhh... no, I just... you're too close to me" She said as continued to walk backwards until her back touched the wall. Fuck.

"What wrong with that?" He said moving closer to her once again until they were mere inches away from each other that she could feel his breath on her face. It made her shiver with fear. "Is there anything wrong with that?"

"Just move away from me!" She said attempting to push him away only for him to grab her two hands roughly and pin the above her to the wall.

"I'm sorry love, I can't do that" He whispered into her ear as she shivered. Her heart raced and tears formed in her eyes. She hated this. She hated what he was doing to her. She hated how she was so paralyzed with fear that she couldn't defend herself. She hated how weak she felt. "You know, you're really beautiful" He said nibbling softly on her earlobe "You're gonna enjoy this don't worry" He said bringing his lips up to her neck kissing different spots lightly.

"Stop!" She screamed. "Stop, somebody help! Hel..." He cut her off by clamping his hand over her mouth shutting her up.

"Listen to me! If you scream God help me, I will do so much worse, understood?!" She froze scared straight to the bone. "Answer me!" She nodded quickly as he removed the hand covering her mouth and instead replaced them with his lips forcing her into a rough kiss. Disgust, fear and panic pulsed through her. "Fucking kiss me back" He ordered in between kisses but to no avail as the already frightened girl started shaking. He didn't take a hint and instead let his free hand go under her shirt tracing up to her breasts before giving one of them a slight squeeze. She made the mistake of gasping as he got the opportunity to deepen the kiss.

"Kill me now, please. What did I do to deserve this?" She thought as tears ran freely down her cheeks as he continued the assault on her.

"Alright Billy, that's enough" A familiar voice said patting Billy on the back but the he paid no attention and continued what he was doing "Billy, I said that's enough!" Kendra knew that voice. That bastard.

"Fuck, that was amazing" Billy said a evil smirk coming across his face as a stunned Kendra continued leaning on the wall still trying to wrap her head around what happened and maybe, just convince herself that it never happened. But who could really lie to themselves that well?

"Agreed, job well done" Vince Russo said with a smile. "Be sure, you'd be rewarded duly with a push. Be on your way now"

"Yes, thank you. Catch you around Kendra" He said winking at her as she gave him a dare that could kill as she slowly managed to calm herself down. She wiped the tears off her face as well. But it didn't do her much good as she was still shaking.

"Miss. Hart" Vince Russo called making her look up at him with a look that could kill. "Easy there, he wasn't going to do anything that bad. I made sure of that"

"You fucking ass..."

"I advice you to stop right there sweetie. I could always call him back" He said and fear gripped her once again and she kept quiet. "That's the spirit."

"Why would you do that? Why the fuck would you ask him to do that to me? Are you fucking insane?!" She screamed.

"Easy there tigress. I had a good reason swears. You said you weren't scared of me so God knows you'd have kicked my ass. But Billy on the other hand... well you can see that for yourself" He said with a laugh. "This could be the beginning or the end of your troubles. It's your decision to make. Make the right one, no more of these occurrences. Make the wrong one well, that question answers" He said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Now if you'd excuse me, I have other places to be and I expect you to be at your A-game from now"

"You're not gonna get away with this"

"Oh but I just did. You see, you might have given Shane one great idea but in the eyes of everyone you're still a nobody in the World Wrestling Federation meanwhile Billy is a solid mid carder and I'm one of the most powerful men in the entire industry. Who do you think everyone will believe? I'll advice you to play your cards right or else at the end of the day, it's you alone who would suffer the repercussions. Am I clear?"

"Crystal" She mumbled audibly enough for him to hear.

"That's the spirit. Sorry for what happened but desperate times call for desperate measures" He said finally walking away from her.

Once he was out of sight and hearing distance Kendra let all the tears spill out again as she sunk down to the floor. She already knew she was a mess but how could allow herself be manipulated and played like that? God, maybe she was weak. Thoughts like that and more ran through her mind as she buried her head in between her knees weeping bitterly.

"Whoa, are you alright miss?" Shane asked surprised to see a crying girl at the foot of his door. "Are you lost or some... Kendra?" Shane asked as she finally looked up at him. Somehow with everything that had transpired she forgot she was still at the front of his office door.

"Shane!" She exclaimed jumping up to her feet. "Oh hi, I was just on my way out, I just... well I was..."

"Are you alright?" He asked knowing that was a stupid question as he saw he crying but nonetheless he decided to humor her since she wouldn't tell him what was wrong.

"I'm fine Shane. Just fine" She said taking a deep breath in. She knew he could obviously tell she way lying but she wasn't gonna speak up. Especially after Russo was done messing with her mind. Fucking bastard.

"Okay, just cut the crap okay. I met you crying here and looking all petrified and you're telling me you're okay? Did anyone attack you?!" He asked angrily making her flinch though his anger wasn't directed at her. Seeing her flinch confirmed his theory. "Kendra, this is a safe environment. Just tell me whatever the hell happened and I'll take care of it"

"Shane, I..." This was the moment. She was finally gonna tell him what happened and get her justice. But would he really believe her and believe that Vince Russo set it up? She was taking a chance and she knew she couldn't risk it. If she got fired from the WWF under conditions like this it would be hard for her to find another job in this country. Hell maybe even the world. "...I'm just overwhelmed. With work, stress everything. I didn't mean to come crying at the foot of your door I just..."

"It's okay Kendra. Sorry for that outburst. I just seriously thought you were attacked or something. Who could blame me? But you're sure you're alright?" He asked.

"I'm fine. And I was told you wanted to see me"

"Uhh, how about we skip that. Tell you what, how about you call it a night early. Get some rest. Then we'll talk another time. Okay?" Shane asked. She inwardly breathed a sigh of relief as she nodded at that.

"Thanks" She said to him sincerely grateful. She knew all she had to do now was to do the things that calm her down when she's in times of extreme pressure. Take a long hot shower and...

"What's that on your neck?" Shane asked breaking her away from her thoughts. She struggled to take a glimpse at her neck and her eyes widened when she saw what he was looking at. A hickey. That bastard marked her. "Kendra..."

"Um, you know what that is." She said laughing nervously. Shane nodded trying to shift his eyes away from the hickey on her neck. Failing miserably too. "I'll just be on my way now" She said walking away.

"So much for no slut rep" She thought.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"...what do you mean I'm not getting a title match anytime soon? I did the job for Michaels at WrestleMania it's only fair he does the job for me at Summerslam. And now I'm not even on the card?" Bret huffed at Shawn Michaels as they went back and forth in Vince McMahon's office giving the poor man a headache as he slowly rubbed his temples.

"WrestleMania. You hear that. You outta wait till next year pal. And if you don't want to fine by me, but I'm not letting this baby go anytime soon so you better stop whining and complaining Hart" Shawn fired back.

"Whining and complaining? No you're just scared. Because you know if... no wait when I get that title back I will as I have always been, much more popular than you" Bret said.

"Ha, that's a lie. Then why do all the ladies scream when I'm on TV?"

"I dunno because you're a whore! The real ladies scream for me when I'm in bed but of course you have never satisfied a woman enough to make her scream have you?"

"And you call me the whore! God knows the only women that sleep with you only do so for bragging rights not because you're so all attractive"

"Blah, blah, blah. I can't hear you Mr. 'I posed nude for playgirl magazine'" Bret said rolling his eyes.

"Aha! But you read that magazine"

"God knows I hate breathing the same air as you. Why would I wanna touch something or even look at something with your ugly face on it?" Bret shot back.

"Ugly? Why you little..."

"Enough! Both of you! God you two give me a headache. Bret, you will get the title back eventually that's a promise. Shawn you will do the job for him next year at WrestleMania. No more bitching and whining. expect more from my two top stars. Why can't you guys just learn to get along and stop being so childish all the time?" Vince spat out reaching his breaking point. There's always so much a man can bear.

"I'm not childish and by the way he started it!" Bret said pointing an accusing finger at Shawn who stuck his tongue out at him. Vince sighed.

"You know what whatever. You two fight all you want just keep making me money that's all I ask. Now out, both of you" Vince said as they mumbled a bunch of profanities before finally exiting his office. "God, why can't I ever get a break? As if Macho Man and Hogan's drama wasn't enough..."

Meanwhile once they got outside they continued their bickering.

"You better not weasel your way out of this Shawn." Bret said glaring at him.

"Whatever. It's just a silly title" Shawn said with a yawn.

"Then why don't you let go of it? Since it's just some silly championship" Bret said gritting his teeth at Shawn who laughed.

"It makes it all the more fun. You know having something you don't have" Shawn said with a cheeky grin.

"The same way you don't have my sister's heart yeah" Bret shot back to Shawn whose grin quickly turned into a frown. "Oh I thought you were smiling? Sadly the truth hurts. To think I was trying so hard to keep you away from her but turns out she doesn't even want you. Who would've thought?" Shawn remained silent with that same frown etched on his face. "Enjoy that title while it lasts Shawnie. Sooner or later it'll be mine and once again you'll be left with what you deserve, nothing" Bret said with a smirk walking away.

It was music to his ears when he heard what sounded like a fist going into a wall. Truth hurts.

But the question remained, how did Bret know?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Later that night...

Kendra felt better already after taking that shower. It was one of the things that never failed her in this life as it almost felt like she was washing away all the bad experiences...Almost. Showers were one of her best friends.

Speaking of her best friend, that was the second thing she ran to in hard times.

"...Curt, please open up it's me" She replied to a 'who's there'. Seconds later the door the door opened revealing a shirtless Curt in nothing but sweatpants motioning for her to enter his room. She took the invitation gladly as he locked the door behind them.

"Hey Kendra, got your text. Movies, popcorn, everything you need to relax. You can tell me everything that happ..." He paused taking note of the look on her face. "...I know that look. It's been a while"

"Curt, I'm not in the right state of mind and I just really need..." Curt cut her off by pressing his lips against hers. She smiled into the kiss wrapping her legs around his waist.

"Wait, wait, let me think with my brain for a sec. Are you sure you want this? I really don't wanna take advantage of..." This time she was the one that caught him off by pressing her lips against his. He shrugged. "Fine by me" He said in between kisses as he threw her on his bed and began to take off her top.

"I'm making a right choice. Tomorrow I'll deal with everything else" Kendra said to herself.

Okay, God I hope the last scene wasn't as cringy as I feel it is. I really don't know how to write sex scenes. Not even mild ones like these. Lol. But anyways, that wraps up this chapter. Shawn and Kendra are friends. Bret and Shawn go at it again and Billy Gunn (Title reference) and Vince Russo are assholes and Shane is suspicious as hell. Basically the only righteous character in this chapter is Vince McMahon. As usual.

So, don't forget to follow and favorite if you haven't already and also don't forget to review! Mama loves reviews! Till we meet again in Chapter 10. Expect more Undertaker aka. My favorite wrestler of all time. Peace.
Stay Safe, COVID-19 is a mega hell Jabroni that will be extinguished.