Author's Note: Special thanks to Therealchamps, Taker Always, JeffhardyChicka365, rawgirl54 (thank you for your message – my muse is a fickle little thing lol, but thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and the message), Shamaness1171, and AnimeJunkieGrrl (you should definitely read 50 Shades of Gray) Your reviews mean so much to me. Thank you to everyone reading, following, adding to favorites, and reviewing you all amaze me every day.

I wish I had a good reason for not updating this story sooner. The truth is I don't. I've let life, a mild case of writers block, pure laziness, and a fair amount of nonsense distract me. The good news is that I am back. I don't know how long it will take me to finally finish this story. What I can tell you is that no matter how long it takes – I will finish this story. To quote one of WWE's finest "You can believe that!"

Chapter 25

Mercedes P.O.V.

How many times can a person hear "I only want what's best for you" or some variation of that sentiment before they crack? For me, the limit is six. Six times my uncle expressed his need to protect me. On the seventh, my mind switched off and my autopilot kicked in. I tuned the rest of his mini tirade out. I moved quickly and efficiently around the office. I packed up my laptop, cleared the desk of any and all loose papers, and grabbed up my overnight carryall. I barely remember him asking if I needed a ride. I can proudly say I was calm and collected (despite my inner-storm) when I politely reminded him I was head back to Connecticut before heading to the next series of live events – Monday night Raw. I ignored his assumptions about my adjusting to the busy go…go…go life style of life on the road. Again, with more polite calm than I was actually feeling, I quietly informed him that my moving out would have no impact on my traveling schedule. I guess I probably heard every other word he said. One minute he seemed pleased that I was moving in with Celeste (I cannot stress enough how much I didn't care.) The next he was making assumptions about how long Celeste and I would survive as roommates. He was certain that I would 'finally' meet a man who was 'right' for me. I didn't bother trying to correct his erroneous assumptions. I mean what was the point in trying to correct him – he was obviously not listening. I could tell he was winding down, the awkward silences filling up more space in the room. Finally the moment had arrived; we exchanged a rather short, slightly uncomfortable hug, before he nearly sprinted from the room.

I sat silently for an additional fifteen minutes or so after Uncle Paul left. I needed a few minutes alone to simply breathe. The racing in my head was so loud I could barely hear myself think. What did I have to say / do to get through to my uncle? I searched my tired mind over and over again. When did I become this girl? Did my relationship with Jake change me that much? When did I become this pitiful creature? Something had to change. I loved my family without question or doubt. I wasn't however, willing to let them pity me / treat me as though I needed a keeper. It just wasn't happening.

A noise outside in the hall jolted me out of an avalanche of nothing good. Gathering my bags, I shut off the lights – closing the door behind me.

"Hey Mercedes! I figured I was the only one left here. 'The Authority' got you burning the midnight oil?" Asked Nic (Dolph Ziggler) with a usually infectious grin.

On any other night I would have been glad to see Nic. Tonight however, my brain was just skating all over the map. So much for being alone I grumbled internally. Forcing a smile I didn't feel, "Hey Ziggy, what are you still doing here?"

Walking towards the parking lot together, I listened half-heartedly as he rattled on about being with the doc and ringside trainer since the show ended more than an hour ago. Exiting the building, I sighed, the cool evening breeze a welcome change. I tried to concentrate on what Nic was saying. I think I focused enough to get through the walk to my rental without embarrassing myself to bad. Once more I was grateful for a highly functional autopilot.

Ever the gentleman, Nic made sure I made it to my rental safely. Together we tucked my bags into the trunk, spent a minute or more of small talk before going our separate ways. Checking my cell, I groaned. I had just over an hour to get to the airport if I had any hope of making my flight home. Absently I noted Nic starting his car across the lot. Ironically it was the same time I realized that my car wouldn't start.

If I haven't mentioned it before – I will know. Mental autopilot is a beautiful thing. Think about it. I was able to power through a less than productive conversation with my uncle. I was able to hold a reasonably intelligent conversation with Nic. I didn't start screaming and cursing when my rental car refused to start. There was a small part of me that felt as if it were on the outside looking in. I have to admit that small part of me was all that was keeping me together.

Watching Nic stow my bags in the trunk of his car – I called the rental company to arrange for a tow truck. The very kind phone rep apologized three times for the inconvenience. She promised that she would have a tow truck out to me as soon as possible. My wait time shouldn't be more than thirty – forty-five minutes. Quietly, with a polite thank-you I will be waiting I hung up immediately dialing out to the airport this time.

"We're terribly sorry ma'am but the earliest flight for Connecticut was six a.m. tomorrow morning." My autopilot failed. The representatives' words might as well have been Latin for all I understood. Cursing her loudly, I demanded a manager. There was no way in hell I was going to spend one more night in this damned city. I was going home tonight.

A gentle but firm hand took the phone from my trembling hand. I nearly choked as he spoke in hushed tones. I couldn't resist rolling my eyes as he apologize to the clerk I was obviously stressing out. Handing me back my cell phone Nic laughed. "Listen Mercedes, I was planning on driving back to Connecticut. Why don't you let the tow company take this one, forget about the plane, and ride with me there is plenty of room?"

Two hours later, we'd signed over my rental to the tow company, stopped at a small twenty-four hour 'Waffle House' type diner, and were finally headed down the highway. Curled up in the front seat of Nic's rented SUV I sighed, leaning my head against the window. Since coming on board with WWE I'd had the chance to interact with pretty much all of the superstars and divas at least once or twice – sometimes more. Some of them I would now consider friends, others acquaintances, others I'd hope would be friends, and still others that I had no feeling at all about. Watching Nic from the corner of my eye, I smiled. We weren't what you would call the best of friends. We'd ran into each other a few times in catering; made conversation over grilled chicken sandwiches and diet Dr. Pepper. Moving further from the city and deeper onto the open highway I gave myself over to the churlish thoughts clouding my head. A half hour maybe forty-five minutes passed before either of us spoke. Turning the radio down, Nic drew my attention. "I know it's none of my business Mercedes. I'm just a friend trying to help out another friend. But, if you decide you want to talk, I've been told that I'm a decent listener."

I laughed. His sweet earnest expression was genuine and sincere. "I appreciate it Nic – I really do." I murmured with all honesty. Just because I wasn't ready to talk about the mess I'd made of my personal life didn't mean I wasn't ready to talk. Over the next dozen or more hours Nic and I talked about damn near everything. We talked about his career – what he wanted for the future. We talked about my path in the WWE. I hadn't told anyone yet – not John and certainly not my family but I confided in Nic that I would eventually like to work for WWE creative. His initial surprise was quickly overshadowed by his friendly, supportive "go for it" attitude.

Walking out of the arena I was in a desperate hurry to get back to Connecticut. I can't put my finger on exactly when but somewhere along the way that changed. I was thoroughly enjoying this impromptu road trip. We stopped several times for coffee, diet Dr. Pepper, or just junk food in general. We decided the only radio station we could agree on was the classic rock stations. Our competing renditions of Kiss' "Beth" left something seriously to be desired, but the laughter felt great. Deciding to drive straight through we would switch up the driving duties every few hours or so.

At our last stop for gas, I took over driving. Turning the radio down I suggested that Nic try and get some rest. I promised to wake him if I needed anything. Nearly an hour passes I assumed Nic was asleep. He soft sudden words surprise me. "I know it's not my business Mercedes, but I've been told that I'm a pretty good listener."

"Talk…about what?" I ask as innocently as I can, praying for nonchalance.

"I won't pretend to understand what it is that you see in him Mercedes, but I know about you and overgrown boy-scout." Casting careful eyes my way he smiles, "like I said, I'm here if you want to talk."

"It's complicated Nic, not sure there is anything to talk about right now, but thanks" I murmur feeling the sadness returns if only briefly. Pushing it back once more, I smile catching his eye as I make our exit. "What about you Nic – anyone special any in your life?"

Watching from the corner of my eye, I continued to drive as his expression grew tight. The silence growing, I almost didn't expect any answer at all. Soft but firm his reply almost startled me with its accurate simplicity "it's complicated."

"Complicated huh?" I began with a brief grin "like a wise man once said, I'm here if you want to talk." I answered quickly. Our last few hours together flew by. Neither of us was ready or willing to discuss the status of our romantic entanglements.

Pulling into my aunt and uncle's driveway was bittersweet. I knew moving out was the best thing for everyone involved, but that didn't mean I wasn't going to miss being around here with Aunt Steph and the girls.

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Mercedes P.O.V. (one week later)

Being back to work was a great feeling. Nearly a full week away was more than enough down time. Thanks to Celeste, Nic, and Aunt Steph I was able to get all moved in to Celeste's spare room. Right, wrong, or indifferent I had only heard from Uncle Paul once since our conversation after Raw. Once he arrived back in Connecticut, he called once to see if I needed anything. I let it go straight to voice mail (hey no judging…I didn't know what to say!) The truth is I'm still not sure what to say. Glancing at my watch, I realize that although I've arrived at the arena earlier than most, I still only have about an hour before uncle Paul should arrive. Guess I need to figure things out and fast. Making my way down the long corridor towards tonight's office I heard my name shouted from the opposite direction.

Turning around I smiled as Nic raced towards me with a ready hug. "Welcome back Mercedes," Nic laughed pulling me in for a sweet, but brief hug.

"It's good to be back," I returned his hug smiling. "Thank you again Nic for all the help, getting me moved into Celeste's place. I appreciate it."

Shrugging off my thanks with a muttered "No worries, not a big deal," he pushed forward "Listen I was just in the locker room a few minutes ago. D.B. (Daniel Bryan), Brie, The Big Guy (Ryback), and a few others were thinking of grabbing a late dinner after the show. Why don't you join us?"

It was on the tip of my tongue to yammer on about busy schedules and maybe next time. Yet as I opened my mouth to speak I laughed – loud and silly. His look of confusion only lasted a moment before he smiled with a laugh of his own. "I will take that as a yes." He replied. "Why don't you meet me outside the men's locker room area after the show once you're finished? We can head out together to meet up with the guys. What do you say?"

I needed some fun in my life. I didn't know what was to come with Uncle Paul. I'd only talked with John once in the last several days since his return. I was tired of feeling like crap, so I accepted. Feeling lighter, I promised to meet him after the show and continued on towards the office. I don't think I'd made it five hundred feet when John fell into step beside me his arm causally resting across my shoulders as we walked. We walked several feet neither of us speaking a word. Casting a brief glance in his way I smirked "Well hello to you to Mr. Cena."

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John P.O.V.

I kept my silence for a beat or two longer as we stopped outside the office door. Releasing her from my light grasp I followed her inside the office. "So did you get all moved into Celeste place? I'm sure Nic was a big help." In my mind I knew I sounded like a jealous ass but I just couldn't seem to care. I'd watched her and Nic in the early moments earlier.

I watched her dump her things on the desktop with an aggravated sigh. "Yes John, Nic was a big help and I really appreciate all of it. So yes, between the three of us, I moved into Celeste place without any problem."

Watching as she set up her laptop, pulling files and folders from her carryall bag my mind raced almost eager to pick a fight – better yet stake my claim. With her back to me, I asked, "So are you going?"

"Going where?" she replied absently without ever turning around or looking my way.

"Out with Ziggler and company tonight after the show?" I asked pleased with myself that I asked that without too much sarcasm.

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Mercedes P.O.V.

Turning slowly, unsure of his tone or intent, I smiled "Yeah John, I think I am. Why don't you come with us? It sounds like fun, don't you think?" I wasn't just being nice. I did want him to come. I wanted us to spend time together; to have the chance to talk."

"Are you sure your new pal Ziggler wants me hanging around? Me tagging along, makes it harder for him to get into your pants don't you think?"

"OH my God John! Ziggy does not want to 'get in my pants.' I replied, sarcasm dripping alongside my fancy little air quotes. I didn't realize my mistake in using the backstage nickname that some of the divas had hung on Nic until I noticed the unusual glint in John's normally calm blue eyes.

"Oh so its Ziggy now huh," his sarcasm running full tilt now.

"It's just a nickname John. You're making a big deal out of nothing. You realize that right?" My patience was just about gone. I needed to get to work. I needed to decide what I was going to say to my uncle when he arrived. I needed the old John back. I needed the John who ate scrambled eggs with me and pretended not to notice that I stole his t-shirt. What I didn't need was this sarcastic jealous ass sitting in my office pretending to be my John.

My thoughts stopped, wait a minute was that it? Could John be jealous that I was going to hang out with Nic tonight after work?" Running my hands down the front of my long dark skirt, I smiled as I moved away from the desk. Silently, I sat across John's lap once more smoothing out my skirt. My hands on his shoulders, I smiled before dropping two brief soft kisses on his expecting lips. "I don't want Nic, John no reason to be jealous."

He scoffed loud and rude just once before returning my kiss with a heated one of his own. "I'm not jealous of that douchebag. I just know how he thinks."

Answering his kiss with one of my own, I laughed "Tell me John, how does he think?" I'm not sure I expected an answer. Good thing too, because our kisses quickly became carried away. His tongue plundering my mouth was both welcome and confusing as hell. We'd only spent a hand full of hours together since our relationship went public. What the hell did any of this mean?

I couldn't control the breathy sigh that slipped free as his mouth moved down my jaw to my ear lobe and then down the right side of my neck. "John" I whispered, "we left the office door open. What if someone notices?"

Without breaking contact John murmured "Fuck the door, let them notice."

I nearly giggled at his don't give a shit attitude about the door; that is until I felt him biting at my neck like a starved man. "John" his name a nearly erotic moan falling from my lips. I could feel his hardness growing under my bottom. I silently cursed the long skirt I chosen for comfort, realizing that jeans would have made straddling him an option instead of this awkward and not entirely comfortable angle.

Grasping for some sense of control, I pulled back. "John we can't do this here." I murmured trying to pull away from his warm biting mouth tearing its away down the right side of my neck.

"Your right" he agreed "we are at work, this should wait" His words agreed his actions kept him nibbling at my neck.

A clattering in the hallway, finally gave me the strength to pull away. Needing some distance, I stood quickly from his lap, leaning against the desk behind me. Standing from the chair, he smiled. "Are you traveling with Paul tonight or on your own?"

"I'm on my own tonight why?"

"Great! I can meet you here after the show, and you ride to Smackdown on the bus with me and Mac. What do you say?"

"That's a great idea John, we can head to the bus after dinner with Nic and the guys." I said, naively thinking this meant that he was going to out with me and the guys tonight.

He laughed almost coldly, "I don't think going out with Ziggler is a good idea Mercedes. Why don't…"

I cut him off, "John, Nic and I are just friends its nothing – come with us and you will see that."

"Thanks but no thanks Cedes, I won't spend the night watching some half as good as me wrestler try to worm his way into my woman's pants." I started to speak, to dispute his words when he grabbed my chin with one hand running the fingers of the other along my neck he smirked. "Although I wonder, if my mark on you might discourage him from trying to steal what's mine."

Placing my hand atop his I nearly laughed and the juvenileness of this whole situation. "A hickey John, really that's your answer to this argument?"

Shrugging, he claimed my mouth in a fierce angry kiss before pulling back. "Just remember one thing tonight while you're out with your friend 'Ziggy.' No matter how hard he works he's never going to be able to make you scream in bed the way I do."

I couldn't help it. I hate violence. After Jake and I, I hate it with a passion, but I snapped. Pulling back I slapped him. My right hand stinging across his cheek, I shouted "GET OUT!"

Author's Note: Not my best chapter, but still alright I think. Cannot wait to hear what you all think please please please read and review – I love you guys. I promise that we will see more of John next time-honest