Authors Note- So I found myself updating again and off-screen chapters are one of my favorites to do as well. Thanks for the reviews left in the last chapter, I'm glad everyone is enjoying the rewrite so far.

Songs I used to write this chapter

PVRIS ( One of my favorites )

-Heaven

-Empty

-You & I

Anyway, onto the chapter!

Straight Edge Sister

"Matt told me to ask if you're making good choices before him and Nick left out." Allen says.

Pharya rolls her eyes. "They are the worse."

Allen chuckles on the FaceTime call with her.

"I've been like a proud parent over here watching you, Phar." Allen admits. "How is it going over there off screen? On screen you seem to be fine."

Pharya nods—smiling. "It's really cool. Of course I'm still feeling out everyone but it is really welcoming back here. Also I know majority of them because my time visiting Phil. I caught up with Truth today to. Told me to tell you bring your Phenomenal butt here before you retire."

Allen laughs. "One day I might, yeah. If the opportunity ever presents itself and it's good for me. You know I'd be there causing hell with you in a minute."

"I really hope one day you do." Pharya nods. "Didn't know how much I missed you guys until now. Especially you,"

"You know that I still have your back, kid." Allen promised. "Doesn't matter how far you are. Practically adopted you the minute we caught back up in TNA."

Pharya giggles. "What about Karl and Luke?"

"That's too much of an age difference. They are on their own," he says making her laugh. "Nice selfie you sent Karl by the way."

"Thought I give him a heart attack." Pharya nods. "Standing up on the twelve foot ladder was the best way to do it. Are they all stressing you out?"

"They are filling your shoes well."

Pharya smirks. "See."

"Doesn't mean your not missed."

"You don't have to always worry about me."

Allen scoffs. "Of course I am going to worry about you. I took being stuck with you seriously." Pharya shakes her head laughing at him. "How's working with Colby Lopez going?"

Pharya took a second making Allen raise a brow.

"It's great!" Pharya nods. "Colby is really nice, grown up since the last time we all seen him. He helps me a lot back here and gives me good advice in adjusting to WWE life." Allen brows quirk. "What?"

"Nothing." Allen head shakes. "Right?"

"Don't tell me you've been talking to Rebecca?"

"No." Allen says. "Now I think I should."

"It's nothing."

"Pharya."

"I'm serious, nothing I can't figure out." Pharya tells him but Allen gives a head tilt. "You remember what I told you about him right?"

"Pharya we have over five years of memories, you gotta be specific with me on this." Allen reminds her.

"Remember the time I told you that I had a guy in the independent scene who I would give a shot if not for Ross." Pharya says. Allen nods but his eyes went low on suspicion. "That guy was Tyler Black, who is actually."

"Colby Lopez."

"Yeah," Pharya sighs. "You know I just thought it was some silly crush that would die in time. Yet when I came here and started talking to him, it all comes back like nothing and it's weird. "

"Why don't you just tell him?"

"Girlfriend."

"You're into women now? Jesus Christ, Pharya, you've only been gone for, what? Two weeks? When were you going to tell me?"

Pharya rolls her eyes. "No! Stay with me over there, I get your getting in your elderly stages."

"Watch it." Allen points.

"I'm saying he has a girlfriend." Pharya tells him.

"Ohhhhh." Allen nods, his eyes widened. "Oh!"

"Yeah, oh." Pharya played with the bottoms of her flannel black and white pajama bottoms. "So as much as I want to. I can't do that. I'm not a home wrecker for anyone."

Allen head tilts. "Isn't his girlfriend the homewrecker from his engagement?"

"Eh," Pharya makes a face. "Yeah, she is."

"Interesting." Allen hums.

"Just because she did it, doesn't mean I have to." Pharya says. "I also don't want to be anyones rebound chick."

Allen double takes. "No one would think you're that."

"Going to the guy that I currently still do like very much and saying 'Hey, Colby, I still like you. So what time to do we go to the ring again?' yeah that wouldn't be awkward Allen."

"Well if you say it like that Pharya, what the Sam-hell do you expect it to be!"

Pharya looks down. "I just think he's really happy where he is and I don't want to confuse him. Or mess up anybody's home."

"You told Phil?"

"Yeah and the bastard said go for it and called me Wreck it Pharya." She grumbled.

Allen snorts making her glare at the laptop.

"Sorry, sorry." Allen bites on his laugh. "But you know your brother is-"

"An ass." Pharya cuts him off. "I'm not risking my friendship over some stirred feelings. Colby probably doesn't even look at me like that, I'd be making an idiot of myself. I'll just hope one day they take a break and find the nerves to tell him."

"Isn't wishing for a break up the same thing as home wrecking?"

"No!"

"Yes," Allen nods. Pharya pouts—shoving her chin in her palm. "I'm teasing, come on." Pharya eyes lift to look at the screen. "Why do you like him?"

"Huh?"

"Said you like the guy, can you tell me why?"

Pharya lowers her hand. "I think because he was my friend first." Allen listens to her. "You know even back then when I didn't believe I was much to look at, he never stopped to say different. I don't know he always had this look in his eyes when talking to me," she smiles when remembering. "like he loved every second of just talking to me. Maybe I read to much into the small things but the jerk people seen, I seen it, but I also seen the great guy behind all of that. Being around him made me happy, just wish I would have got to know him more than I did." Allen lips lift into a smile. "What?"

"Weird hearing you talk about a guy like that." Allen admits, nodding. "You talked about Ross and others but you didn't look like that."

"It's just the truth." Pharya looks down.

"There's nothing wrong with that." Allen tells her. "You know I had a friend..."

"God someone put a bag over my face." Pharya shoved her face in her hand.

"Hey, hey, hey, let me finish dang it." Allen points. "I promise it isn't a long one and it may help you out."

Pharya eyes him. "Do I have a choice?"

"You could hang up but I'll just text it to you."

Pharya throws up a hand. "Floor is yours."

"Thank you," Allen nods. "Now, before I was rudely interrupted." Pharya rolls her eyes. "I had a friend, you remember Nico?"

"Yeah,"

"You know he's married to Tamara?" He asks. Pharya nods slow. "Tamara was married for six years before she met Nico again. She had married the guy she knew right from out of High School. They were the two sweethearts that made it. I mean everyone knew those two as like the perfect couple and they were."

"But she's married to Nico now?"

"Exactly." Allen nods. "But back then, Nico was just that guy she knew in high school. Had a few talks, but for some reason those small moments and talks really played into years later. Ten years with one guy, and for some reason that one guy from years back was the one she ended up loving the most."

"So she just walked away from the other guy?"

"Eventually she had to." Allen nods. "She didn't cheat in her marriage but she knew eventually she had to let him go. It wasn't fair to him or to herself. That's not where her heart was and the minute she finally admitted that to herself, she was a lot better. Eventually her and Nico started dating and then look at them now, five years and two kids."

Pharya thinks. "But Colby isn't married?"

"Pharya," Allen gives her a look. "Your missing the point."

"Well what's the point?"

"My point you stubborn woman," Allen says—she smiles. "Sometimes it isn't just a silly crush, and maybe your not overthinking. But your never going to know that if you don't speak about it? Nico had to have the guts to tell Tamara how he felt and leave the rest to her. It helped him clear his conscious and if he wanted to move on he could. Didn't have to worry about the past because if it wasn't meant to be then that's where it would stay. However, clearly, she felt the same way."

"I don't think I'm that bold, like he was, Allen. Colby could look at me and say he never felt a thing about me."

"So what?" Allen shrugs—brows pulling together. "There is a man out there who will feel something about you." Pharya smile was frail. "I watched you hurt a lot and I don't ever want to see you like that again."

"I know," Pharya smiles. "You won't ever have to see that."

"People are full of surprises Pharya, and people can hide their feelings because they're just like you, scared of what that other person thinks. That's how some people end up missing out on the best things meant for them." Allen gives her a smile. "You got to be a brave person to love anyone. Cause it can get ugly."

Pharya looks at him. "You know I hate when you're right about things."

"My job," Allen smiles. "Your not telling a person how you feel because of them, your doing it for you to. What they do with that is up to them but you know where you stand. That's what matters."

Pharya nods slow. "Thank you,"

"You're welcome." Allen tells her. "Told you the story wasn't too bad."

"No it wasn't." Pharya giggles. "Gives me something to think about."

"I hope it does." Allen tells her. "I gotta get some sleep, early flight back to Japan in the morning. Text me tomorrow?"

"Sure will," Pharya stretches, she smiles at him. "Love you, Allen."

"I love you too, take care of yourself."

"I will."

Allen ended the call.

Pharya closes the laptop with a sigh and moves it to the side.

Running a hand through her messy curls—pushing it to the back.

Looking to the empty bed, she wondered what time Rebecca was coming back tonight. She had went out with the girls for dinner and a few drinks. As much as she wanted to go, she didn't want to miss chatting with Allen and her body was a bit tired.

Pharya grabs the ice bucket with her as she pulls down her fitted black tank. The half heart choker in its regular showing around her neck.

Closing the door behind her, she went down the hall and got her ice.

Allen's words still going through her mind. Him and his stories were always the death of her because whether she liked it or not, he always had a point.

Maybe her gut wasn't telling her wrong when it came to Colby and how he was around her. He could have just been being nice but something kept telling her different. And that little voice wasn't going anyway. It only got louder and more annoying.

Grabbing the bucket back, she reached her door and reached in her pocket but didn't feel the key.

Eyes going wide—she reached in the other and immediately cursed.

A light thud of her forehead on the door.

"Why, why," Pharya banged it again. "God. Why?"

A throw up of her hand, as she sighs putting a hand on her hip. She also had to remember that the room was only in Rebecca's name and not hers.

Trying to remember what room Mercedes was in since she was another that stayed in—Pharya went to the elevators.

Out of everything, she left her phone to.

She only went six doors down and didn't think she needed it until at this moment.

Getting off on the floor, Pharya headed down the hall.

What she didn't want to do is knock on a random door and have a fan see her in pajamas or just a creep in general. That would be a great thing for Mark to try and clear up. Why there WWE wrestler was out at 12AM, knocking on random doors. Granted she could explain but this really wasn't a situation she wanted to, and it did look a little bad from the outside looking in.

Pharya wracked her memory as she counted room numbers going down the hall.

"Was it 227 or 228?" Pharya mumbles to herself.

Going for it she knocked on one door.

Pharya heard movement towards the door—it was quiet for a brief moment before it opened up.

"Mer-"

Eyes were wide to see the person who opened the door.

"Pharya?" Colby looks her over, blinking in confusion.

"Crap." Pharya hissed under her breath. "Colby I'm sorry. I was looking for Mercedes room, I thought it was 227,"

"One more floor up, it's 327." He tells her. "I had to borrow her game controller before she left tonight." Colby waves it. "So I know for sure it is 327."

"I'm a hundred off." Pharya throws up a hand at her luck and rubs her temples. "Wait," she realized what he said and snaps her attention back to him. "she left?"

"Yeah," Colby nods. "Did you need her?"

Pharya scoffs. "Yeah. I went for ice, and locked myself out my room that I share with Rebecca. I also left my phone inside."

"You know ice trips can be risky?"

Pharya tried to hide her smile but it didn't work as he chuckled at her trying.

Looking at him she could tell he'd been settled for a while.
A blackcraft tank and pair of black sweatpants as he had his hair pulled back and glasses on.

"Nice glasses." Pharya smirks, pointing at them.

"Yeah, I know. Come on with the nerd jokes, I know you got them." He leans against the door frame.

"No, It's adorable." Pharya giggles. Colby eyes roll. "I never seen you in glasses like that. Got the Superman role on lock for the future, just saying."

"Okay that's enough."

Pharya laughs. "Had to."

"You got anyone else to stay with until Becky comes back?"

"No," Pharya shakes her head. "I don't mind waiting in the lobby though. I didn't mean to ruin your game time."

"I was just finishing and about to watch a movie." Colby leans up. "Also. I'm not going to let you sleep in some damn lobby. Come on,"

"Don't you have a roommate?"

"Your in luck, not tonight." He shakes his head. "You can text Becks that way you know when she'll be back."

"Well I can just use your phone and tell her I'll be in the lobby. I really don't want to make you uncomfort-"

"Pharya," Colby stops her, he nods his head in. "I'm fine. Come on,"

Pharya offers her ice bucket. "So I won't feel like a burden."

Colby looks down at it amused and takes it. "Get in here you weirdo."

Pharya laughs walking inside.

Seeing his game system setup neatly to the flatscreen.

Pharya sat on the bed and takes the phone when Colby hands it over to her.

Wasting no time she texts Rebecca and folds her legs.

Colby often took a glance back to her as she texted on his phone.

"Is that PVRIS?" Pharya asks, she looks up and already taken back to see him staring at her.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Pharya points to the game playing music. "The song, is the artist PVRIS?"

"Yeah," Colby smiles. "You listen to them?"

"Best band in my mind rent free, I didn't have a chance to listen to the new album yet." Pharya hands him back his phone.

"What?" Colby sat on the bed. "Oh that's got to change tonight." He used the controller to change it. "Gives me an excuse to listen to it all over again."

"I thought you were watching a movie Lopez?"

"Pharya please, this is life or death right now." Colby says to her laugh. He plays the song and turns it up a bit. "I kind of think this is their best one." Reaching over to his duffle he pulled out snacks for himself. "Want any?"

"I don't turn down chips." Pharya reached.

Colby handed her a bag and took one for himself before tossing it to the side and handing her a water.

"Would get you ice but think you had enough of that sponsorship tonight."

Pharya pauses in mid-eating. "Oh real funny."

Colby snickers as he laid back and propped himself up on his side.

Hearing his phone ring he looked down at the name and sighs.

"You want to get that? I can pause the music."

"Don't worry about it. Just Zhara, and I can't argue anymore tonight." He muted it.

"Everything good?"

"Yeah we'll be alright." He nods. "Long distance is a hard thing. I also don't feel the need to keep explaining that two hundred times. As much as I would like to be home. I can't."

"You guys moved in together?"

"Yeah we did." Colby sighs.

"You know normally people say that with a smile Colby." Pharya points.

"Oh I did for the first few months." He admits. "Then you know, life."

"More like you got to know her better."

"Then there's that." He nods. "I do care about her and I did before any of this."

"What changed?"

Colby eyes drift to her briefly but shakes his head. "I don't know."

"Do you love her?" Pharya asks.

Colby pauses from the question as he looks down.

"I'm sorry. I just-"

"No it's not you, nobody ever asked me." Colby tells her. "I never even thought about it." His brows pull together. "I think I do." He looks to Pharya. "Is it bad that I don't know?"

"Don't look to this train wreck for relationship advice."

Colby smiles. "How about from a woman's point of view?"

"Well," Pharya brushes off her hands. "If you both don't know then you need to rethink some things. If your not sure it'll ever get there, you have to look out for both of you. Sometimes we hold onto things we're not supposed to. I found out the hard way."

Colby head tilts. "The hard way?"

"Yeah, me and Ross."

"I wanted to ask you but I feel talking about him isn't something you're ready for." Colby says to her.

Pharya glances down. "He isn't my favorite topic."

"The break up was that bad?"

Pharya smile didn't meet that haunted sadness taking over gaze.

"The relationship was the bad part." Pharya admits to him.

"So it's okay to finally say you deserve better. I know I said it before but I wasn't joking then either." Colby says. "I never liked the way I caught him treating you."

"You guys got the censored version of how he treated me." Pharya admits, gripping her hand as her nails dig into her own wrist. Colby was confused until the dots started to connect themselves. "He was worse behind closed doors. Trust me."

Colby sits up, looking at her. "Did he-"

"Yeah, he did." Pharya nods. "More times then I'd like to remember."

"When did he-I mean I knew he wasn't a good guy but I didn't know that." Colby shakes his head.

"No one did Colby, so don't get over there looking at me like that. I'm okay now," Pharya smiles. "It took a while for me to realize that I'm stronger than that."

"Your the last girl I would think to ever-"

"I know," Pharya nods. "A lot of people say that. Shows even the strongest get tested. Ross didn't break me physically first, he used it mentally before anything. It's hard to think you can defend yourself when someone just damages you mentally the way he did. I think he knew that, it's why he did it. Breaking me was a joy for him."

"He didn't break you Pharya." Colby shakes his head. "Got you down yeah, but not break."

"That's what it felt like."

Colby eyes her. "Now here you are after all of that."

"Here I am." Pharya smiles. "And I'll never go back down that road for anyone. Going to have to kill me to do that."

Colby smiles at her. "I believe you," Pharya nods slow. "I'll tell you again then, he definitely messed up the chance of a lifetime. I know people who kick themselves for not saying a word to you," Pharya giggles and shakes her head. "You deserved better and I already hated Ross anyway, so this just pretty much nailed it in for me."

"How could you hate him?" Pharya chuckles.

"Like I said, I didn't like what I saw when I saw him with you." Colby looks at her. "Especially when I knew if that was me it wouldn't be like that." Pharya hears this and felt her butterflies grow. "Your to amazing for that and I really hope you know that now."

"I do," Pharya nods. "Thank you, Colby."

"Thank you," Colby says.

Pharya brows pull. "For what?"

"Trusting to tell me that." Colby says. "You didn't have to. I know thing like that are hard for people."

"Yeah but knowing you overcame it is worth talking about it." Pharya sighs. "I don't call that time in my life a mistake. I learned from it."

"I'm proud that you did."

Pharya eyes find his and smile as he returned it.

"So." Pharya looks at him. "You want to explain to me how you went from engaged to not?"

Colby sighs heavily. "Where do I start that tragic story?"

Pharya lays down and props up on her side across from him.

"I got time."

Colby eyes lift to meet hers and his lips couldn't help but lift into a smile as she showed her own.

"Judgement free?"

"Of course."

The two of them laid there for a few hours just talking and swapping stories of the worse thing to happen in their time apart. Not one judgement passed as both did listen to how the other learned their lesson down the line from everything.

Knowing their ugliest parts wasn't bad, it actually helped them understand how they grew up to be the people they are. It briefly went into childhoods.

The two of them sharing laughs at even the most hell because the other understood.

Rebecca had texted back during their talk and he didn't look at the message but Pharya did—she calmly answered before handing it back and continuing to talk to him.

Colby opened up about his parents and it had been a while since he told someone about how that really affected him. Pharya told him how her father was on and off out of her life when her parents split. How she almost blamed herself if not for her brother being there.

Taking a phone call from his mother had took him onto the balcony for a bit.

Coming back inside the room, he slid it closed but was shocked to see Pharya asleep. Using her arm as a pillow—her legs curled up.

Colby looked back to the message with Rebecca to let her know Pharya fell asleep but stops at the last message.

Rebecca- I'm back!

Pharya- I think I'll stay here and talk with him a bit longer. He doesn't have a roommate so at least if I fall asleep it's another bed to use.

Rebecca- You sure?

Pharya- Lol, yes. I'm comfortable enough to sleep around him. I know he won't hurt me...

Colby smiles at this and turns the screen dark.

Walking over to her, he was gentle as he moved her more up the bed and onto the pillow.

Yanking up the blanket from the end he lets it fall on her.

Pharya adjusted to tuck the pillow under her head more to his chuckle.

Moving she grabbed his hand briefly in her sleep but her grip drops as she lets him go. Colby's hand leaves her as took joy in seeing the peace on her face.

Knowing what he did now, it kind of hurt.

Who knew the girl that protected everyone needed the most protecting at times.

Strong but still so fragile to certain things. Even if he couldn't be that guy, he would always be that friend for her.

No matter what. There wasn't going to be anything that kept her out of his life this time. Not even his own thinking.

"Night, Phar..."

A simple off screen chapter! But I love building their relationship together. Most who know the original, know when they'll finally get there. For now let the friendship continue.

Don't forget to leave a review, I'll see you guys soon!