A/N: Hello to anyone who is still reading this. I know I have been away for way too long. Not long after I last updated I became a mother and a lot of things went on the back burner. Wrestling was one of them so I ended up with a lack of motivation to finish this story. My son is now 4 and we have been back into wrestling the last year or so. so my motivation to finish this story is coming back to me. I loved writing this and I'm determined to finish it. I'm a little rusty so this chapter was quite hard to write. I hope it flows well.Thank you to anyone who is still along for the ride.

Edit: Also apologies if you've had several emails about this chapter, I seem to be having issues posting it. It seems to post but the link never works. Hopefully it sorts itself out soon.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the OC. I am not affiliated with anyone or anything.

Chapter 37: I've got 99 problems and they're all caused by men!

The next morning I waited for Nattie to wake before picking her brain about the night before and my conversation with Jericho. She agreed with me that I might have inadvertently accepted a date with the Canadian man. So we called in Beth to meet us for breakfast to get a second opinion.

Beth was a little more on the fence. She thought the word date was used so much these days it didn't necessarily mean a romantic situation. And if Chris and I had always been platonic then she didn't see why it would suddenly change. Nattie roped in her partner Tyson Kidd to give his opinion. He sided with Beth. From what he knew of Jericho it would be like him to use the word in a friendly way. Nattie was annoyed her boyfriend didn't side with her, but he soon won her round with promises of a new costume for her cat.

I left breakfast a little less reassured. Everyone was focusing on the use of the word date and not the way Chris has been behaving. His nervousness, his ignoring of prime joke material… that was more suspicious to me than a single word choice.

As I sat in the locker room before Raw, I began to doubt my own mind. Was my experience with Randy and Phil clouding my judgement? Was I seeing hidden agendas in harmless platonic things because it had happened before? I decided I would give Jericho the benefit of the doubt and treat this as a friend date. I had jumped to conclusions on my own and was doing my friend a disservice in my thinking. He had been nothing but comforting and supportive for me since I'd known him. More like a big brother than anything else. My past was making me suspicious and jaded and I wouldn't let that happen.

I pushed all thoughts from my mind and decided to focus on tonight, I had quite a bit to do to begin my new reign as Divas Champion.

Randy and I sat in his locker room getting ready for our promo while the crew got set up. He had beaten Punk at Mania, retained his title and ended their storyline. Or so we thought. It seems the Powers The Be liked real-life drama involved and decided to bring it all into the story. I wish I could say I was surprised but I really wasn't. This company had a habit of taking the personal issues of their employees and using them for their own gain. You'd think the issues between Randy and Phil would have put them off going down this road, Phil had already been suspended and fined for beating Randy to a pulp, and Randy had needed stitches. You'd think they wouldn't wanna risk this escalating and having two of their top superstars injured. Apparently not.

The crew motioned to us that they were ready so we got into position.

"Action!"

(Third Person POV)

The locker room door banged open, hitting off the wall and then slamming closed with a smack as Randy strode into the room. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a grey t-shirt he looked pissed off.

"That stupid son of a bitch! Who does he think he is? I'm the Champion! I deserve more respect!" He fumed as he paced the floor angrily.

The pink-haired woman moved towards him and laid her hands on his arms, stopping his movements.

"I take it the meeting with Shane didn't go well. What did he say?"

"He's giving that greasy haired hobo a rematch for my title. Tonight."

"And you'll kick his ass again."

"I know I will."

"Then why are you so riled up? Did something else happen?"

Randy took a breath to calm himself as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend.

"No, it's just… I thought I was done with him. That he would go away to lick his wounds. But no. He still won't give up."

Scarlett pulls back from the embrace a little to look up into the blue eyes of the viper.

"Then you'll beat him again and this time you'll make sure he gets the message."

Randy smirks.

"And what message is that?"

"That you're twice the man he is. And that he needs to move on with his life."

The viper smiled as the pink-haired woman leaned up as much as she could and he met her halfway with his lips, the two engaging in a passionate kiss.

"Cut!"

(Back to Scarlett's POV)

With the promo over I left Randy in his locker room and took off back to the Divas. I had a match with Kelly coming up and needed to get changed into my ring gear. I quickly changed into my black leather look tights and a black top that was cropped to just above my belly button. It was made of the same material, sleeveless like a vest top but with a deep v neck that was laced with purple string. My boots and kick pads finished off the look. My hair was tied up in a high ponytail and my make up was smoky. I looked like a badass and I loved it. Being a heel was so much fun. I grabbed my Divas Championship belt and exited the locker room.

As I strolled down the corridor on my way to the gorilla, I passed a few superstars and divas. One particular superstar was standing in the middle of the hallway blocking my way. I made to go around him but he moved with me.

I sighed

"Can you move out of the way please?"

He feigned a look of surprise.

"Such lovely manners. Since you asked so nicely…" he made to move but then stopped and laughed. "No."

"Get out of the way Punk, I have a match."

"There goes the manners."

"I tried asking nicely, I should have known it would be wasted on a Neanderthal like you."

"And into the insults."

"Are you gonna move or just commentate on everything I say?"

"I think I'll stay here. I'm enjoying our lovely conversation."

"Just like I'll enjoy watching Randy beating the hell out of you. Again."

His jaw clenched as his smile became more strained.

"Speaking of your boyfriend." He spat the last word, "I have a little message for him."

"Why don't you give it to him yourself? I'm not your errand girl."

"You'll wanna give him this message, trust me. Maybe your pretty face will soften the blow."

"I don't have time for this. Unlike you, I have a title to defend."

I moved to go around him again, to slide between him and the wall but he put his hand out blocking my way. I stopped and he closed in on me, bringing up his other arm and trapping me against the wall. He leaned in a smug look on his face and an intensity in his eyes.

"Not yet but the night is young. Which brings me to my message. Tell Orton our match tonight is no DQ.

He must have caught the surprise on my face because his smugness increased so much that he began grinning.

"Have a good match, Scarlett. When we both walk out tonight with the gold we should celebrate."

He moved away from me, giving me just enough room to pass him but still stayed quite close that I would have no choice but to touch him.

I took a deep breath to calm myself before I shoulder checked him and pushed my way passed.

"Call me!" He called out after me.

I kept walking towards the gorilla, not giving the straight edge superstar another glance.

"Cut!"

The director called an end to the scene and the crew began to pack their equipment to move to their next filming location. A stagehand came up to me and gave me a bottle of water and gave me the go-ahead to head to the ring. Phil stood a few feet away in the hallway donned in his ring gear and a black hoodie. His gaze was on me and I tried not to react to it or even let on that I noticed but it was hard. I caught his eye after a few moments of awkwardly avoiding it. It still sent shivers down my spine. There was a heat in his gaze, one that had the ability to turn me into a puddle. I quickly turned on my heel and made for the gorilla.

My match with Kelly went well. I dominated as the alpha bitch, acting cocky and making the ref use a 5 count several times before I would break a hold on my opponent. As much as I disliked Kelly in real life, I had to admit that we worked well together. She was sweetness and light, and I was dark and dangerous. With her dressed in white and my black attire, we were good and bad personified. The crowd was eating it up. I won the match and exited to the back. I had to get back to Randy's locker room for the next live scene which would be after the break.

I opened the door to the locker room and had barely entered when Randy strode up to me.

"You didn't tell me you spoke to Punk." He seethed.

"I am literally just back from my match. I didn't have time."

"You should have made time. It was important."

"And my match wasn't?" I asked, my own voice rising.

He didn't answer. Just clenched his jaw and raised an eyebrow slightly. That was answer enough.

"Well, you got your message anyway so you didn't need me to pass it on."

I replied pushing past him towards the locker with my bag in it.

He followed behind me, not saying a word but I could hear his breathing. He was trying to regain his composure. He was clearly pissed off. At me, at the no DQ stipulation, at Punk… I didn't know. Possibly all three. I ignored him as I got my towel and clothes out of my bag and made to go for a shower. He put his arm out to stop me.

"Scarlett, I'm sorry I yelled. I'm just so angry that he cornered you. The thought of him being anywhere near you just gets to me."

I turned to look at him.

"Hey," I said, getting him to look me in the eyes, "I'm fine and I can handle myself."

"I know you can. It's just… Punk likes to mess with me. And he knows you're the only thing I care about."

"And that's all he is doing. Playing games. He's trying to get in your head because he knows he can't beat you when you're not distracted. Don't let him win."

"How do you always know the right thing to say?" He smiled.

"Didn't you know? I'm slightly fantastic." He returned his smile before pecking him on the lips.

I went off to the shower, leaving Randy to think about what I said.

"Cut!"

After the scene was filmed and the crew cleared out I grabbed my bag to take it back to the Divas locker room. I really did need a shower.

As I was about to leave Randy approached me.

"Hey, you can shower here for real if you want. I'm going to go warm-up for my match so the room will be empty."

"Really? Not sharing a shower with several other women does sound appealing."

"I beg to differ." He laughed. "But yes, the offer is for real. Make yourself at home. I'll see you later."

And with that, he left the room. I gathered up my toiletries and towels and made my way to the shower.

The water was warm and the room was silent. It was a welcome relief from the chaos that always went on in the Divas room. I washed my hair and body and wrapped myself and my hair in towels when I was done. I walked into the locker room and started to dry my hair off.

Two sharp raps knocked on the door before it swung open and John Cena barged in. Upon seeing me in just a towel he backed out and closed the door slightly so only his head and shoulder was coming through the door, and even at that he had his gaze averted. Ever the gentleman.

"Hey Red, uh.. sorry to interrupt but is Randy here?"

"He went to warm up before his match."

"Ok cool. Thanks. Sorry again."

I laughed.

"It's fine."

He went to move away but paused at my voice.

"Oh and John… you might need to come up with a new nickname. My hair isn't red anymore."

"Oh, you'll always be little Red to me." He laughed before leaving and letting the door close behind him. I made a beeline for it and locked it to avoid any more surprise appearances as I changed.

I changed into a pair of indigo skinny jeans, biker boots and a cropped and ripped up black t-shirt. It was one of Randy's merch tees that had his name and a viper on it, modified a little to suit me better. All part of selling this romance story between us. Of course, a loving girlfriend would want to wear her boyfriend's merchandise, so I did.

I made my way to meet Randy at the gorilla, getting ready to accompany him to the ring. As I walked into the hallway that led to the ring Punk entered it too. We both stopped, surprised by the other but quickly regained our composure. He walked first and I kept a few steps behind him, the two of us walked in silence towards our destination.

When we arrived Punk's music began playing and he went straight through the curtain to the ring. Randy and I hung back to wait for our turn.

Third Person POV

"I hear voices in my head,

They council me, they understand,

They talk to me…"

The arena was filled with cheers and boos as The Viper slithered his way onto the stage with the Divas Champion at his side. Both had their championship belts, Scarlett had hers on her shoulder, Orton's around his waist. The pair held hands as they descended the ramp towards the ring as the crowd began booing louder.

CM Punk stood in the ring watching the pair closely. His face giving away no sign of emotion.

As Orton reached the ring he stood outside and met the gaze of the straight edge superstar, he climbed up the steps and into the ring without ever once breaking eye contact with his opponent. The pink-haired woman entered the ring behind her boyfriend while the two men engaged in an intense stare-off. Every seat in the house could feel the heat between these two.

Orton climbed the turnbuckle and performed his signature pose for the fans, turning his back on the occupants of the ring. CM Punk took the opportunity to move closer to the Divas Champion who was distracted watching the viper at that moment.

"I'm glad you're here. Now you'll get a front-row seat." He spoke, loud enough for the cameras to pick up.

"To see you get your ass kicked?" She laughed.

"To see someone deserving become the champion."

The viper moved between the pair having noticed their closeness. He began moving Scarlett towards the ropes while also sending a few glares at the Chicago native. As she climbed out on the apron she placed a good luck peck on Orton's cheek but as she moved away he pulled her back and into a fiery lip lock. His eyes trained on the dark-haired man in the ring.

With the Divas Champion on the outside and both men ready to begin, Orton gave his belt to the referee who held it high as their match began.

Punk ran at Orton, pummelling him til he was on the mat then switching to kicking the fallen man. Orton was able to get back to his feet and throw in a few jabs of his own but CM Punk was unloading hit after hit not allowing the viper room to fight back. At the first break in the onslaught, the viper struck with an uppercut, dazing the straight edge superstar and causing him to stumble back. This was the break Orton needed. He seized his opportunity and unleashed a barrage of attacks on his rival.

The match went back and forth for quite a while. Both men gaining the upper hand before losing it to the other. They used chairs, kendo sticks, items from under the ring as well as the environment itself. Each superstar was exhausted. The crowd was going wild. But so far neither had managed to get a three count.

The men were fighting outside the ring, CM Punk manoeuvred the Viper onto the announce table and hit him with a few forearms to the head before he climbed the turnbuckle. Just as he was about to jump, the Divas Champion ran towards the Saint Louis native and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him out of harm's way. The two fell against the barrier, Orton still not fully roused and the woman trying to keep the heavier man steady and move him further away.

The straight edge superstar still stood on the turnbuckle watching the pair who were only a few feet in front of him. Orton was resting against the barricade with the fans while Scarlett was trying to get him to move. The crowd began chanting CM Punk as he motioned to them what he intended to do. As he flew through the air the viper moved at the last second, narrowly avoiding the attack. The Diva wasn't so lucky, she turned just in time to take the full force of the dark-haired superstar crashing into her and crushing her against the barricade. She fell to the floor, unmoving. Punk looked worried as the referee checked on the unconscious woman. He bent towards her reaching out a hand as the ref shooed him away. As he straightened back up he was hit on the head from behind with the ring bell.

The viper pushed Punk into the ring and pulled the referee up pushing him towards the ring too. With everyone in the ring, Orton went into Viper mode. He pounded the mat. Slithered on his belly and stalked the fallen man who was just beginning to rouse. When he shakily got to his feet… RKO!

1-2-3.

"The winner and still WWE Champion… Randy Orton!"

The crowd was a mix of boos and cheers. They loved to hate the Viper.

He slid out of the ring, collected his belt and that of his fallen girlfriend before he made his way towards her. He shooed away the officials checking on her, picked her up over his shoulder and carried her to the back.

(Scarlett's POV)

As we passed the curtain and entered the backstage area Randy set me on my feet.

"That looked like a nasty bump. How are you feeling?" He asked.

"I'm fine, it wasn't too bad."

"Are you sure? You don't have to pretend if you're hurting."

"I know and I'm not. The move was done well. I'm all good."

"If you're-"

"Fucking hell Orton, she said she's fine. She's not made of paper. Stop smothering her." Came a voice from behind us.

"No-one asked you, Brooks."

"Yeah well, I don't like it when someone insinuates I botched a move."

"I never said you botched. Maybe you were a little overzealous. Let your personal feelings get in the way. Maybe you hit harder than you were supposed to."

"Unlike you, I don't vent my feelings on my co-workers. I'm a professional, you should try it sometime."

"You son of a-"

"HEY!" I yelled getting the attention of the two of them before they started beating each other up.

"We are all professionals. So let's act like it. The move was executed perfectly. I'm fine and the match was excellent. The fans are happy and therefore the bosses are happy. Can we please quit while we are ahead?"

Both men begrudgingly agreed.

"Thank you. Now, Randy… your locker room is down the East corridor. And Phil, I believe you're in the South. And I'm North so let's all go our separate ways before we all end up suspended.

Randy hesitated for a moment before he took off down the corridor leading to his locker room. I turned to face Phil expecting him to take off himself but found him looking at me strangely.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing, just… you're good. At being the peacekeeper. You know just what to say to defuse the situation."

"Just one of my many skills." I laughed.

He gave a small laugh then looked at me like he was going to say something. His mouth parted and then closed again. He did this twice before he finally found his voice.

"I'm sorry. For everything. I did some unforgivable things and I will regret them for the rest of my life. I never wanted to hurt you, in any way, ever. And I'm sorry that I did. I don't expect your forgiveness but I just wanted to say that."

I wasn't expecting that. I stood silently digesting all that he said, scrambling to come up with a reply.

"I… I don't know what to say." I finally found my voice. "Thank you, Phil. That means a lot. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry too."

"You don't have anything to be sorry for Scarlett. I'm glad you've found your happiness, even if it is with Orton."

I furrowed my brow.

"My what with who now?"

"You and Orton. I know you're together now. And I want to let you know I'm happy that you're happy. I know I lashed out when I first found out. And my actions were inexcusable. But now that I see you, and see how good you are, you won't have any more problems from me. I just want you to be happy and now you are."

"Eh… thank you?" I replied, my head still trying to process what he was saying. "But you know Randy and I are only together onscreen."

"Huh?" I could see the surprise in his eyes.

"Yeah. Shane asked us to play it up for the fans so we've been travelling together, having dinner, doing interviews, all stuff just to sell it to the fans. It's all kayfabe."

"Oh." He barely made a sound. "But Cena told everyone he walked in on you guys half-naked."

"That fucking prick!" I exclaimed. "He did not! I used Randy's shower while he was out warming up. John walked in on me in a towel. That's it. I can't believe he's telling people that!"

"Maybe he's not. You know how gossip gets distorted the more it's shared. Could be someone else added that extra bit in."

"Good point. But John did tell everyone about walking in on me so I think he still deserves a good talking to."

We both laughed before we both said goodbye and left for our respective locker rooms.

It felt nice to clear the air with Phil. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders that I didn't know had been there. Things would probably never be the same between us, it would probably always have that awkwardness but that was better than before. At least now we could both be civil. Even if part of me did still yearn for him.

I pushed Phil out of my mind. I had to get ready for my maybe date with Jericho. One man problem at a time.

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think.