Summary: Y/N is torn between joining the Dark Order and the Elite.
Her choice is being made even harder when the Dark Order starts trying to threaten her into joining them, Adam Page leading the charge.
Adam Cole seems to be the only one who doesn't want Y/N to join the Elite, but it couldn't be further from the truth. He just doesn't want her to get hurt while being caught up in their business. But it seems without his and the Elite's help, she'll be hurt anyway. So, when she is indeed in trouble, he comes running to her rescue.
Disclaimers: I own nothing or anyone associated or affiliated with AEW. I own only the original characters. This is just a fictional story that came from my imagination.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Some body shaming
Note: I'm going to mostly refer to Adam Page as "Hangman" or "Page" because it would get confusing to refer to him as "Adam" since the story's main male protagonist is Adam Cole. Also, this is my very first AEW fic, and I'm still learning a LOT from AEW. So please take that into account if the characters seem a bit off or something. I hope this is enjoyed!
Caught In the Middle
"So, are you joining us, or what?"
Adam Page sauntered toward you in the parking garage after the show that night. His henchman, the Dark Order and their "creepers" flanked him on either side.
You shook your head in reply, "I-I don't really know yet. I n-need more time."
"Well, darlin' you need to make up your mind soon," Hangman said. "My patience is wearing thin. You've had a week. How much longer do you need?"
"I need however much time I need," you shot back, gaining some nerve and not taking any of his crap.
He kept inching toward you and you backed up till your back hit the brick wall. Finally he was in your personal space and he reached up, taking hold of your chin. Made you meet his cold blue gaze. "I don't appreciate your lip, sugar."
You jerked your chin out of his hand and glared at him. "Too bad."
"Get away from her!"
You sighed in relief when you heard Kenny Omega's voice shout from nearby. You were saved. If only for a moment of time.
"What are you gonna do about it, Omega?" Page demanded, latching onto your chin again. You tried to jerk free once more but his grip was too tight. It hurt, and you winced a bit.
"Let. Her. Go."
Now it was Adam Cole speaking up.
The man you were secretly in love with.
The man that apparently hated you in return. Why? You didn't know. But he seemed to be the only member of the Elite that didn't want you to join them. Again, you didn't know why. You were a force to be reckoned with in the ring. You'd definitely be an asset.
But if he hated you, why was he jumping to your defense?
Probably because Kenny is, you thought to yourself. The leader of the Elite wanted you on his team badly, so it was what the rest of the team wanted as well. Except for Adam, of course.
"Now," Adam added.
Page did let go of you then. There was something about the look on Adam's face that couldn't be ignored.
You hurried away from Page and the rest of the Dark Order and made your way closer to the Elite, standing next to Nick and Matt. At this point, you were ready to join them. At least they weren't abusive to you.
"We'll give you another few days to decide darlin', but that's all." Page said, backing up a bit. "Don't disappoint us, or we'll take it personally. And you wouldn't want that."
"Is that a threat," Adam demanded, taking a step forward. Kenny put his arm out and held Adam back with it.
"What's it to you? You want the cow for yourself?"
Adam growled and took another step forward, hands clenched into fists at his sides.
You shot the Hangman a dirty look. It wasn't the first time your weight or size had been ridiculed but nonetheless it stung each and every time.
"You think we can't find another woman to fill our open slot," Page demanded in response to your glare. "There's women in the locker room that would kill to be in your position."
"Then let them do it," you replied. "I don't need more time, Page. I'll be joining the Elite." You nearly gasped. You hadn't really planned on saying that, let alone doing it. At least not yet. But there was no turning back.
Page's eyes flashed and he clenched his teeth, "I find that very displeasing."
"Like I care," you shot back, feigning indifference. On the inside however, you were shaking like a leaf. Making the Dark Order angry was not a smart move.
"Leave her alone," Kenny spoke up. "She's none of your concern anymore. She's with us."
Grumbling the whole while, but knowing there was nothing they could do at this time, the Dark Order began walking away from you and your nearby rental.
"Thanks," you said when they were gone. Your gaze shot over to Kenny, the bucks, and then Adam. "They're getting pretty forceful."
"You're one of us now, kid," Kenny smiled, and patted your back. "Welcome aboard. For a while we'll each take turns walking you to your car and whatnot. Till these goons realize that you are no longer an option for them. Hopefully they'll realize it sooner rather than later and will give up."
"I don't need a bodyguard, really," you protested, holding your hands up defensively. "I can take care of myself."
"That's not the point," Adam said, finally settling his gaze on your face-your eyes. "You're ours now. And we take care of our own." He said it reluctantly. Almost as if he resented your joining up with them.
"Really, don't go to any trouble-"
"That's enough," Adam snapped. "If you don't want our help you shouldn't have joined us."
You stepped back at his harsh tone.
"Maybe I should rethink it," you said, before you could stop yourself.
Scoffing, Adam walked off, leaving the rest of the Elite with you.
"Why does he hate me," you thought out loud and then could have kicked yourself.
"You think he hates you," Nick asked with a smirk. "That's adorable."
"He sure acts like he does," you replied, feeling a flush creep up your face. "I'm surprised he didn't laugh when Page called me a cow."
"I'm surprised he didn't pound his ass into the ground," Matt mumbled under his breath with a soft chuckle.
You pretended not to hear him, mainly because you didn't believe him. They were implying that Adam cared about you for crying out loud.
"Well, I'm going to head to the hotel now, I think," you said, turning toward your vehicle. "Thanks again."
They watched as you climbed into your car and started the engine. Then you were pulling out of your parking space and heading for the freeway that would lead you to the hotel.
}i{}i{}i{}i{
About an hour later, you were in your pajamas and watching an episode of Shameless on Netflix to unwind, when there was a knock at your door.
Sighing and turning off netflix, you got up and looked out your peephole, nearly swallowing your tongue.
Adam?
Hesitantly, you opened your door to him and stood on the threshold. "Yes?"
"Uh…" He started. "Kenny thought I should stop by and see how you were doing. I brought you an ice pack for your chin. It looks like it might be bruising."
"Th-thank you," you said, taking the ice from him and placing it on your sore chin. "Come on in."
"Uh, I can't really stay. I just wanted to check in and make sure...you…everything is okay."
"I'm fine, really. Thanks again, for coming to my defense tonight. I really appreciate it."
"Yeah, well, the Hangman is being a bully," Adam replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "We hate bullies. I mean, in real life," he elaborated. "It's kind of funny how we, the Elite, are the heels in storyline, and they're the good guys. And it's the direct opposite in reality." He prattled on, not knowing when to shut up.
You chuckled, and nodded. "I know what you mean."
"And uh…don't let what Page said get you down. Your… size… it doesn't matter. To me-to us."
You wrinkled your forehead in confusion. "So, that's not why you hate me?"
He looked confused this time. "What do you mean?"
"You haven't exactly given me an easy time ever since Kenny showed an interest in me joining up with you guys. So, I just thought that you hated me for some reason. It's not my weight?"
"No!" He exclaimed and then looked embarrassed. "No… I don't hate you, I mean. And no, that has nothing to do with it. I just…."
"What?"
"I don't want to see you get hurt," he said quickly, nonchalantly. "Getting caught up in some of our business is bound to get you into some trouble at one point or another."
"I seem to find trouble pretty easily, Adam. I always manage to get out of it somehow. Usually with my fists," you joked. "I think I'll be okay."
Adam nodded, "You will be. We'll make sure of it."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Well, I guess I'll get going. Let you rest up," he said, backing back into the hallway. "Let us know if Page or anyone bothers you."
You nodded, and moved back into the room, "Will do. Goodnight, Adam."
"Goodnight," he replied softly, as you closed the door and checked the locks.
"What was that all about," you wondered aloud as you went to the bathroom to get ready for bed.
}i{}i{}i{}i{
It was Friday night and nearly time for Rampage to start when you pulled into the parking garage. You were to officially announce your joining the Elite that night.
You cringed when you heard all sorts of power tools and drills sounding off. Apparently, the garage was needing some work done. Construction workers were all over the place, and up on a twenty-goot scaffold, repairing part of the upper level.
You saw Adam standing next to a space and pulled into it quickly, figuring that he was the one to walk you inside that night. Once you parked the car you killed the engine and climbed out of the SUV. Adam offered you a small smile as greeting and followed you to the back of the vehicle where you retrieved your luggage. He took it from you and rolled it behind the both of you. "So... Nervous about tonight," he asked as you walked toward the elevator.
You nodded, "A little bit," you admitted. "I know there'll be a confrontation and I'm not looking forward to it- OH!" You were startled as someone collided with Adam, which caused him to collide into you. You fell hard to the concrete, and gasped at the sudden pain shooting up your arm.
"Get up!" Someone growled at you. A hand latched onto your hair and pulled you to your feet. You groaned in pain as another sharp ache shot up your arm. You'd pulled something trying to break your fall. Hopefully it wasn't a break.
"Get over here!"
Page, you thought, as his hand pulled you by your hair toward the scaffolding.
"Let her go," Adam shouted, fighting off a couple of creepers along with Stu Grayson and Evil Uno.
"Make them leave him alone," you said to Page. "I'm the one who pissed you off, deal with me."
"Oh, how sweet," he mocked. "You have feelings for him, do you?" He yanked you toward him and pushed you to the scaffolding. "Get up there!"
"No." You knew if you went up on that scaffold something bad would happen. Most likely, a career-ending injury.
"NOW!"
"If I go up there, you're going to hurt me, so no!" You'd never told anyone your ultimate fear of heights, nor would you start now. You knew Page would use that to his advantage if you did.
"What if I have them drag Adam over here? Send him flying from off the scaffold? How would you like that?"
You bit your bottom lip. You couldn't watch Adam be hurt like that-maybe even killed. "Okay. Fine."
You began climbing the wide ladder alongside Page and felt his grip tighten in your hair. "Don't try a thing or I'll fling you off this ladder."
A few more rungs and he had you at the top of the scaffolding. He still hadn't released your hair. "Get over here! To the edge!" He looked at the construction workers then. "I don't care if you climb down or jump, get out of here or the girl goes over!" He yanked you over to the edge of the scaffold as the construction workers scattered.
"Okay, now…. Jump."
You looked behind you down to the ground. "That fall will kill me, are you crazy?!"
"You shouldn't have crossed us, Y/N." He had a wild look in his eyes. It was frightening. "Now, I said...jump." You hesitated still, unable to make your body do what he asked. "JUMP OR I'LL PUSH YOU!"
Now a shrill scream of terror pierced the air and you realized a second later, that the sound came from yourself.
"Leave her alone!"
You caught a glimpse of Adam climbing the rungs of the ladder, making his way to you.
How did he get free, you wondered.
And that's all you had the time to think as the Hangman pushed you backward.
Shrieking in fear, you miraculously were able to latch on to the edge of the scaffold as you went down. You clung to it like a lifeline, the concrete digging into your fingers and palms. Your legs and feet dangled helplessly below you. Your injured arm screamed in protest.
"HELP ME!" you screamed to anyone who could hear you.
"BABY, HOLD ON!" You heard Adam shout.
Any other time you'd have started at him calling you "baby" but right then, you were too consumed with trying to live. There was the sound of flying punches. So many punches. You hoped that Adam was able to land the majority of them.
"Help me, please," you cried weakly, feeling your fingers slip just a bit.
All at once, Kenny was there, grabbing one of your wrists and holding on tightly. "Hang on, sweetie. I've got you." He began pulling on your uninjured arm and trying to lift you back onto the scaffold.
Then Adam appeared, taking hold of your injured arm. "Please, be careful," you warned. "My arm is hurt."
"There's no easy way to do this, baby," Adam said. "We've got to get you back on the scaffold."
"Just do it," You said, gritting your teeth against the pain.
With that, the two men yanked and tugged on you till you were safe on the scaffold.
"Where's Page," you asked, panting from the exertion and the adrenaline and the pain throbbing in your arm.
"He's out cold over there at the moment, thanks to Adam," Kenny reported, pointing over at an unconscious Hangman. "He'll be arrested as soon as he comes to."
Then what you did next, you hated yourself for.
You burst into tears.
"Can we sit here for a minute," you sobbed, covering your eyes with your hand. "I'm terrified of heights. I'm not ready to have to climb down yet."
"Sure, sweetheart," Adam said, helping you to a sitting position. "Take all the time you need."
You were starting to wonder about the terms of endearment Adam was using on you when he pulled you into a hug. "I'm so sorry your arm is hurt."
"It could have been a lot worse," you sniffled. "Thank you for saving me. He really pushed- Mmm!"
You were kissed to silence then. Adam's mouth moved over yours as his hand came up to rest on your jaw. He pulled back, looked into your eyes and then moved in for another kiss. "So glad you're okay," he said between kisses. "So scared."
"Adam?" You managed, before he pulled back again. "What are you doing?"
"I'll have to say this fast or I'll lose my nerve. I love you. Have for a long time."
"But you… I thought you didn't like… I thought you didn't want… Wait, what?"
He chuckled, and brushed a lock of hair behind your ear. "I know. I made this very confusing, didn't I?" He swallowed hard. His face went serious again, "I love you. The reason I didn't want you to join us is because I'm afraid for you. People are always pissed at us. I didn't want you getting tied in with all that."
"But I did join you. You're gonna have to get used to that."
"I'll manage," he smiled once more, his dimples flashing. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners. "I'll just have to keep an eye on you."
"And I love you too," you said, reaching over and returning his earlier kisses. "I just didn't think you'd feel that way about me."
"What wouldn't I?"
"I always thought you were more suited to a thin woman."
"I don't care about that," he said, with a slight roll of his eyes. "I find you to be very beautiful."
"Well, I find you to be very handsome."
"So what do you say we go on a date," Adam asked, taking your hand and squeezing it lightly.
"I'd love to."
"First, let's get you off this scaffolding, and get you to a trainer to be checked out."
"Sounds good."
Minutes later, you were both on solid ground again and heading for the trainer's office.
"How did you get away from Stu and Evil Uno? You know, when you came to the scaffold?"
"Ah, Nick and Matt were watching on a monitor and came to help me."
"I think I'll like being a part of this faction," You smiled as Adam took your hand again and walked with you.
"I think I'll like you being part of this faction too, baby." With that, he brought your hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "I'm gonna like it a lot."
