Title: Staring At It

Rating: T-M, depending on the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own any superstars/divas/anything at all from WWE. Sad day, but I get by with fanfiction.

A/N: (slowly creeps head over hiding place and tip toes out) Okay…I know. I know there was A LOT of controversy last chapter. I know that I pissed a few people off…but you guys can't still be mad at me right? I know it was an unpopular start, but this had to be done. Rest assured I didn't enjoy writing the scene at all, but it is quite essential to the rest of the sequel. Bare with me and I will give you all the AJ/Punk goodness you seek very soon. It's just going to take me some time to get there. This chapter will jump around a bit since there was so much going on during the 1000th episode of Raw, but I'm hoping it achieves the desired result it needs to. PM me if there is any confusion.

As always, feedback is appreciated 100%.

July 23rd, 2012 (Raw 1000)

"Who the hell are these people?"

Eve pursed her lips at the men dressed in starchy white before her and turned her head to see Daniel Bryan walking toward her in a huff, clad in his pristine white tuxedo. Every question she'd been asked throughout the week had been stupid. It wasn't a secret to her why they were, but Daniel Bryan's seemed to hit the number one spot of stupid questions she'd been asked.

"I thought you had this handled. Instead you find me groom's men?"

She rolled her eyes at his incredulous tone before gesturing to the men behind her. "Daniel, these men aren't your wedding party. They're orderlies from the St. Louis Asylum."

Watching his brows furrow as he looked at each of the men slowly, she was thankful that he didn't lack that much intelligence so he understood what was going on. "Now all you have to do is wait for the inevitable 'I do' and you'll not only be AJ free but she'll be dragged off to the padded cell and straight jacket life that she deserves."

"You informed them of everything?" He questioned, glancing between her and the group.

"Quite indebtly," one of them spoke drawing his attention, "Miss Torres has graciously informed us of the goings on and we've come to the conclusion that Miss Lee is more than overdue for treatment."

Eve smiled at the young man in appreciation before turning it to Daniel who still looked quite puzzled.

"So all I need to do is have us pronounced husband and wife then you can take her?"

The man nodded looking at his cohorts for equal conformation. "Unless she seeks to commit herself personally, then yes."

A malicious grin formed on his bearded face as his eyes shifted to Eve. "You have really outdone yourself."

Eve extended a hand to him, which he gladly took, signaling the end of their arrangement with a firm shake. "Don't thank me yet," she said, "Just make sure everything goes smoothly and you won't have a problem."

"Gladly," he nodded before releasing her hand.

Giving him a curt nod, she turned on her heel and sauntered away. Leaving Daniel to relay his plans to the orderlies about how things should go later on during the show. AJ would be named his wife, and then the medical professionals would do their job and carry her off. He would probably skip for joy into the sunset as it happened.

Unbeknownst to the former World Heavyweight Champion however, vicarious had witnessed the exchange in shock and awe before looking to each other. The camouflage wearer looked to the dusty haired man and sighed running a hand through his sandy brown hair.

"Seems he was right," he said with unpleasant distaste at what he just witnessed, "You think this is the best course of action?"

The elder man regarded him with a curious expression, rubbing his chin as he looked back to the groom signaling for the orderlies to wait in the halls for a moment while he finished preparing for his big night.

"It could shake things up a bit," he offered, "everyone seemed to enjoy the idea when it was suggested. Qualified, yet unpredictable…it's almost too perfect."

"I'll keep an eye on things if need be," the younger man spoke gruffly.

"Yes you will," he confirmed, "but first, I need you to intercept those gentlemen and inform them their plans have changed. Take your hooligan friends with you for extra motivation while I go and speak to our new colleague."

With that one of the most powerful men in the world walked away buttoning his suit jacket as he past the other men without so much as a glance. They looked back to the younger man they considered their leader since day one as he signaled with a nod to the hallway to move out.

AJ took deliberative slow breaths as she waited outside of the gorilla position. She twisted the small bouquet of fake flowers in her hands nervously nearly mangling the stems wrapped in white fabric. This plan was destined to fail. There was no doubt about it in her mind at the moment. She ran a hand down the silk white gown and fussed at the veil that caressed her shoulders, her body was becoming heated and she wanted nothing more than to rip the dress to pieces so she could breathe.

Maybe it was best if she ran. The runaway bride thing was still pretty popular and it wasn't like anyone could blame her for it. She hadn't given an answer yet, but this being the solution to get out of a marriage she didn't want in the first place was absolutely ludicrous. The thing that ate away at her soul the most however was that she had no one to go back to whether she chose to marry Daniel or run.

She'd become estranged to her family during her relationship with Daniel and agreeing to marry him hadn't helped matters. She had betrayed Kaitlyn, so the likelihood that she would come back was slim to none. Everyone else in the locker room just saw her as a mental little girl. Then…there was CM Punk.

The man was at the forefront of her thoughts all week long. She didn't see him last week, nor at any point today. His mind was probably wrapped up in thoughts of defeating John Cena tonight that he simply didn't have time for her. Or he probably forgot about her. It was just as well though. He hadn't rushed out to stop the proposal, or confront her about it. He had more important things to worry about. She wasn't important to him. She was never important to anyone really.

His goal was to take down John Cena tonight, not her stupid wedding.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. She jumped slightly when she felt a hand on her shoulder and released a small scream in fright.

"Whoa! Easy it's me," the stranger announced.

Clutching a hand over her heart, she glared at Raw's Money in the Bank winner, John Cena. "Don't do that," she said poking him in the chest with the decorative bouquet as she said each word through gritted teeth. She fussed with getting her veil back in place while he stood there watching in amusement.

"Why so jumpy?" He chuckled at her flustered form earning a glare from the small woman.

"Shut up," she spat shoving the flowers into his free hand that hadn't been occupied by the red briefcase. She bent to tighten the laces on her converse, careful not the let the dress wrinkle with her movements.

"I hope those Chuck Taylor's are because you lack the grace of walking in heels and not because you plan to high tail it faster than a speeding bullet," he joked. Though he was somewhat serious. In order for everything to go smoothly she needed to remain calm and not do anything drastic.

"That would be Superman," she pointed out, "which happens to be your alter-ego from what I've heard. I prefer to high tail it like the Flash."

Her voice spoke in all seriousness. She wasn't joking. She was really thinking about making a break for it.

"I don't think I can do this John," she admitted before he could question her in concern over her footwear, "This can only end terribly."

"Come on," he assured her, handing back her flowers as she stood, "Everyone loves the idea."

"Yeah," she rolled her eyes, "All three people that know about it."

"I never would've suggested it if I didn't think it could work and he wouldn't have agreed if he didn't see the potential in you."

"Or you're both just insane and he see's dollar signs," she argued, "Seriously John-"

She wasn't able to finish when she felt his free arm wrap around her and pull her close into a hug. The friendly gesture nearly made her heart lift. She may not have many people on her side, but she did have John Cena to help her. His cologne was intoxicating, but it didn't compare to that husky sent his opponent for the night carried. The embrace reminded her of that day in May when she cried into his chest and she clutched at John's shirt in a similar fashion.

He eased her back and rested in forehead against her own, speaking with confidence. "A mutual friend of ours once told me not to long ago to embrace the things that tear us down."

She nodded when he pulled his forehead away and smiled down at her while she looked up to him with her big brown eyes glowing with nervousness. "Everything's going to be fine," he assured her, "Embrace the non-believers and the doubt. Let it…"

"Envelop you," her mind whispered the same words he spoke. Only it was in a different voice, the voice that told her the same thing just outside her hotel room back in May. She almost cried at the similarities.

She pretended to hear the rest of what he was saying and nodded at what she could assume were words or comfort and confidence boosters. All the while a pair of emerald eyes narrowed at them from the shadows.

The mixture of cheers and boos followed him even when he finally made it to his bus. He gave the Scottrade Center one last pondering look over his shoulder. What he had just done would no doubt echo through WWE history…and come back to bite him in the ass.

He didn't regret it. He'd been thinking clearly when he delivered a perfect GTS to Dwayne's shiny forehead. He was justified…even if everyone else didn't think so. People stared when he exited the curtain and began walking through the halls. They were a mixture of fright, shock, and absolute disdain.

Did they not understand?

Did they not watch week after week for the past year as he subjected himself to mediocrity?

No. Because no one knew what it was like to be CM Punk. No one would dare to walk a mile in his shoes. Especially after tonight.

Sighing, he opened the door and climbed the steps inside. Still clad in his ring gear and sweating profusely from the bout, all he wanted was to lie down and forget about this awful night. When he finally glanced up from the floor to see the three sets of eyes drilling holes through him, he realized all hope of forgetting was for nothing.

Kofi and Sheamus regarded him with sad expressions, but it was the surprising presence of Alex Riley and his worried eyes that made his brows furrow. He hadn't seen him since the Great American Bash but should've guessed he would be here for the 1000th episode. He didn't care either way really.

Best to get it over with he dropped his bag to the side and placed one hand over his hip while the other rubbed the bridge of his nose. "What?"

The three men just stared back at him. Maybe they were letting him off the hook of providing an explanation. No such luck, then again…luck was for losers.

"You wanna tell us what all that was about fella?" Sheamus asked leaning back against the bus sofa, crossing his arms over his chest.

Punk chuckled and the question and shrugged, "I assumed it was fairly obvious. Guess I can't count on you to be smart enough to catch the references."

Kofi's eyes widened in the surprise while Sheamus' simply narrowed, Alex was the only one who seemed unphased by his response.

"Look man," Kofi spoke, "If this is about AJ-"The twitch in Punk's eyes was enough to make him pause, wrong subject. He mentally smacked himself.

"This had zero to do with her," he snapped and reached to pick up his bag and made his way toward the back of the bus. He didn't even make it a step before Alex stood in front of him. His face was serious but his eyes spoke a very different story, almost one of understanding.

"Why'd you go out their then?" He asked referring to his confrontation with Daniel Bryan after AJ had been proclaimed the new General Manager of Monday Night Raw.

Everyone was still in shock. More so then when he attacked the Rock. AJ was now their boss and controlled their employment. It was a move no one saw coming. Punk just rolled his eyes at the question.

"Daniel Bryan is a waste of precious air time," he answered.

"You wanna know what I think?" Sheamus spoke up and came to stand next to Alex, blocking his means of escape from whatever intervention shit this was.

"That you need some fucking sun," he offered while shrugging his shoulders.

Sheamus ignored the comment, "I think you went out there to rub it in his face. While you're upset that she accepted his proposal, you wanted to shove his face in the fact that she left him…just like she left you."

The silence in the enclosed cabin was almost deafening. Punk gave the Irish brogue a death glare that rivaled the devil himself. How dare he suggest such a thing? AJ had made her choice…and it wasn't him. He'd accepted that, though he had to remind himself daily for the past week since. Their thinking was laughable. So that's just what he did.

They stared at him in confusion has he started to laugh darkly. Kofi had been a victim of that laugh at one point in time. It was the same laugh he heard from his friend when he was the leader of Nexus. He had flashbacks of those events sometimes, but he assumed those days were behind him. Apparently he thought wrong.

"I didn't go out there to mock Daniel Bryan," he spoke between his fits of maniacal laughter, "As the WWE Champion the focus, hell the entire scope of the show is about me. Bryan threw a tantrum so I thought it best he left, the Rock interrupted me and I thought it best to return the favor-"

"I don't believe you," Alex said in a quiet tone, "Nobody on this bus believes that."

Punk shrugged, "Believe what you want."

With that he shoved past them with hard shoulders so he could be alone in his room at the back.

"You keep down this path lad you're gonna lose everythin'" Sheamus called. This prompted him to stop at the door. His breath became heavy and his face scrunched up in anger. He dropped his bag to the floor once again and unzipped his quickly, nearly breaking it apart in the process. Retrieving the championship title he'd proudly defended for more than two hundred days and stalked back toward them.

He held it gingerly, like it was the most important thing in the world…and at this moment it was. It was the most important thing in his world.

"I've already lost everything," he spat in a low venomous tone. "This," he said looking at the gold in his hands, "is all I have left."

Just like that his friends, though they weren't sure how long that would be the word he'd use to describe them, watched him walk back to his room still staring at the gold and slammed the door shut.

"He's gone isn't he," Alex said alternating his gaze between the two current champions.

"Aye lad," Sheamus sighed, "Back to that dark place where we can't follow."

The redhead studied her reflection in the mirror while she brushed the lip gloss on delicately. She was waiting for her best friend to get back from whatever the hell she was doing so they could enjoy a night out in St. Louis before separating once more. She was happy to be back for the night, and even more elated that she got a chance to compete in at least one more match.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry," the newly brunette woman gasped entering the diva's locker room. It was pretty empty since the night ended and the other superstars were already ahead of them at the after party.

"What took you so long?" She questioned in frustration.

Trish just held up a hand and dug in her makeup bag for her mascara. "I'm sorry people still enjoy talking to me and letting me in on the juicy gossip. You know how much I used to love that."

"How could I forget," Lita laughed, "Everyone started subscribing to you over a wrestling gossip blog."

Trish grinned while painting her eyelashes with the black wand. "Well let me tell you what I just head was a dousey. Have you heard about the WWE Champion and his recent exploits?"

"With AJ?" Lita replied. That was obvious. It was all over the television screen every week. Nothing new to the former queen of extreme.

"No," Trish laughed placing the mascara back in her bag and zipped it up. Turning to her friend and confidant she arched a brow. "Jane told me that apparently he's sleeping with the resident hoeski."

Lita's eyes widened in surprise, "Eve."

She said it with utter disgust and Trish nodded, "Yep, happened last week as a matter of fact. Could've been a one night stand according to Jane but knowing that girl, she's quite persistent and he's only a man after all."

Lita shook her head in disbelief while she packed up her makeup. "Remember when we made horrible decisions?"

Trish nudged her playfully before they both turned to go. "Her decisions are deliberate. Ours were justified. We were the top bitches of this business after all."

"True," Lita laughed as they walked from the room out the side door.

A tiny whimper escaped small woman as she made herself known to the now empty locker room when she emerged from the side of the doorway. Her body began to shake as she walked in and walked to the small connecting room to collect her things.

She ripped her veil in the process of removing it from her hair and gaped at the giant tear. She muttered a few curses and dropped to her knees next to her luggage. A small television made the room glow and caught her attention; she watched the end of the show reloop on the small screen. The sad look in his eyes when he took his title and looked out at the audience with mixed emotions written all over his handsome face…it was all too much for her.

She felt her hands tear the veil further into little pieces as she watched him walk up the ramp.

"Black king," she spoke as the tears started running down her face, "…white knight."