Hi guys.
Raw this week was great and my heart melted when I saw John and Randy together plus a couple weeks ago when John and Stone Cold having a few beers, it was brill! My favourite wrestlers interacting is always great to watch!
Huge thanks to ScorpioPrincess, ItsSimplyNatalie, 1222mercedes1222, takerz-mari, ChloeRKOx, ArokLynne, thinkb4uact for all the reviews and adds etc.
Really enjoyed writing this one and you'll find out why very soon.
Just a note to say anyone that is new to reading his you need to read Bitten By A Rattlesnake as this is the sequel, so you know what's going on. The link is on my profile along with a link to some pictures I've posted relating to the fic.
As always I only own Emma and the concept and nothing WWE related.
Enjoy and leave me a review if you like it!
Chapter 3 - Finally
I drove in my Black Audi R8 coupe pretty fast down the highway on my way to Houston for RAW.
I had set off at around 10 in the morning and the journey should only take a couple of hours and I fast approaching my destination.
I had my window down the wind blowing through my blonde hair, my sunglasses covered my eyes. I wanted to look semi professional since I was meeting with Vince so I decided on wearing some blue jeans, a black button up blouse and some heeled black boots that were calf high that give me a little more height.
"That was Lady Gaga with Born This Way and now shifting gears slightly here's and AC/DC classic" the guy on the radio said.
I smiled when the familiar riffs of the song began to play thinking how ironic and fitting the lyrics are to situation right now.
I listened to the first 2 verses then decided to join in singing on the ever so fitting chorus..
I'm on the Highway to Hell
On the Highway to Hell
Highway to Hell
I'm on the Highway to Hell
I could possibly be on the Highway to Hell right now depending on how this meeting goes.
I arrived in Houston in good time and decided to go ahead and check in at the hotel, I was hoping no one would spot me as no body knows I'm coming except Vince. I checked in and took my overnight bag to the room seeing it was almost 2 in the afternoon, just enough time to grab a bite to eat before heading to the arena.
After some lunch and after freshening up in my hotel room, I drive over to the Toyota Centre, I pull into the parking lot and grabbed the backstage pass Vince had sent me from the glove compartment.
I sat in silence for a few minutes just gathering my thoughts. I hadn't seen everyone in a long time and I was very intrigued and anxious to what Vince had to say to me.
I pulled my self together before opening my car door, climbing out, closing the door behind me and locking the vehicle. I walked through the parking lot smiling to myself at the trucks that displayed the faces of WWE Superstars.
I head to the backstage door and flash my pass, the hallways seemed quiet considering. I spotted one of the crew and caught up for a few minutes before asking them where his office was, I thanked him as he pointed me in the right direction.
I walked down a hallway and found the door I was looking for. I knocked lightly and waited.
"Come in" I heard the familiar voice say through the door, I pushed the handle down and pushed the door open walking in the room at the same time.
He looked up from the top of his glasses and caught my eyes he smiled brightly.
"Emma" he said happily standing up and walking round to the front of the desk to greet me. I closed the office door behind me and stepped closer.
"Hey Vince" I said as he stepped forward and embraced me which I happily returned.
"Nice to see you" he said genuinely.
"You too, long time no see huh?" I joked.
"Indeed, please take a seat" he extended his hand to the chair in front of his desk, I did just that sitting down as he sat back in his previous position.
"Thanks, how ya doing old man?" I teased getting comfortable.
"Very well"
"How's the family, everyone alright" I asked politely.
"Yeah, we I get to see them the grandkids are shooting up, they make me feel old" I smiled in return.
"How are things round here, I've been watching the shows, I don't know what's going on behind the scenes" I asked rambling on.
"If that's your way of asking how Cena is then just say it, Emma" he chuckled, sometimes he could read me like a book.
"Alright" I sighed giving in "how is he?"
"Better than he was last year" he said causing me to become confused.
"What are talking about, did something happen?" I asked with a mixture of concern and confusion. I wasn't prepared for what he was about to say next.
"Unfortunately he got divorced from Elizabeth." he announced causing my face to drop in surprise.
"What?"
"Last year, about 2 or 3 months after you left to be precise, he went home to Tampa like normal and walked in on her and another guy" he said softly, I tried to digest this information but almost couldn't believe it especially since Randy hadn't said anything.
"She cheated on him?" I asked concluding the situation.
"Yes, apparently for some time before that too. I'm surprised you didn't know" I shook my head "he did keep it very private for a long time, the news only broke and leaked out the internet at the end of last year so the fans know"
"I tried to stay away from those sites since I retired" I said the sighed again "Oh man" I whispered just feeling so bad for him.
"I'm surprised Randy didn't tell you or someone anyone. I know you and John are not on speaking terms right now"
"Nah I haven't talked to him since" I said still in shock "Poor guy" I wasn't being selfish right and thinking all my Christmas's had come at once now he was divorced for all I know he could be involved with someone else, all I could think about was how I wasn't there for him while he was going through all this shit and what she did to him, he doesn't deserve to be treated in that way.
"Are you ok?" I heard Vince asked snapping me out of my thoughts.
I nodded sadly still digesting the information he just gave me about my former best friend. I looked up at him and decided to get on with what I was here for.
"Look, I'll be honest with ya, Vince I'm not sure why I'm here and I don't know what you're up to" I said, he chuckled lightening the mood once again.
"That's one quality I like about you Emma always to the point so the least I can do is be upfront with you" he said looking over some papers quickly then turning back to me.
"Seems fair"
"I have a proposition for you actually I have two" he started causing me to raise my eyebrows "First, I want you to be Special Guest General Manager in 2 weeks from tonight in Boston."
"You want me to come back?" I asked confirming I heard right.
"For one night only you get to be that Rattlesnake again" he chuckled. I studied his face a minute almost a look of encouragement and a look of desperation covered his features.
"You really want me to do this don't you"
"Of course I wouldn't of asked you if I didn't, you were one of the most popular Diva's of all time and still am, the fans would love if you returned even if for one night" he explained.
"You kinda caught me off guard" I shifted uncomfortably in my chair "I was not expecting that. I don't know if I can" I shook my head not sure.
"Why couldn't you?"
"I don't know if I could be HER again, I haven't been her in a long time now" I said sadly looking down to my lap.
"She'll always be apart of you, once you get out there in front of that crowd you'll fall right back into her shoes and remember what you really are" I nodded in agreement looking back up a him "you won't be Emma Williams, you'll be an Austin again, a foul mouth, beer drinking, middle finger gesturing ass kicking, Texas Rattlesnake" he rattled off the famous description Steve and I had.
"I do love that chick" I admitted.
"So do you think you could do all that for me?" he smiled "One more time. Steve's done it for me"
"I think I can manage that" I agreed without even thinking twice.
He laughed out a hearty laugh loudly.
"One more thing about that. It's not finalized but I was wondering if you could possibly wrestle one more match" I went to open my mouth he held his hands up "like I said noting is confirmed I'm still working the details out"
"Fine I'll do it" again I agreed without even thinking twice.
"Fantastic, with that sorted I have another proposition for you…I want you to come back" he said, now I was confused.
"You already asked me that"
"Full time" he then admitted.
"You mean to wrestle again? I agreed to the one match, look Vince I ret-" I started to argue thinking he respected my decision to hang up my boots.
"No, not to wrestle." I looked confused for about the millionth time that day "I'm offering you the position of Head Road Agent for the Diva's. Fit needs some help and the first name that came to mind was yours. Who better to help run the Divas division than a former Diva, a successful one that knows what she's talking about"
"You mean going on the road again?" I asked and he nodded, I had to think about the gym well I guess Rach could take care of that for me she does anyway, then there's the dog. I guess I'll be home a few days a week and my folks could look after him while I'm gone, there's not a reason why I shouldn't take this position, it's a hell of a opportunity.
"I talked to Steve on the phone about this and got his opinion whether or not I was wasting my time asking you. I know this is a lot to process Emma, you life has changed since you left here but so has the women's division and I want to make it better and stronger like it used to be, back to way it was in the attitude era just as you arrived here" he then explained.
"You asked his opinion? So he knew about this before I did" he nodded "What did he say? I bet he said I should do it"
"In so many words yes he did, however this is your decision" he then said I thought for a minute.
"Well if making the division stronger means I'm the one that has to the job then I guess you can't do it without me" I said confidently yet only playing.
"Fantastic. I have a contract for you to look over and get back to me"
"No need I'll sign it now"
He slide the contract over the table along with a pen. I flicked through it knowing it had the usual stuff I didn't even see what the salary was I didn't care as far as I knew I was doing this for fun and to help the business. When I was competing I was pretty smart with my money and saved apart from my house and my cars along with helping my folks out a bit I didn't over spend so I had enough to survive plus I have the gym which produces a nice, healthy profit. I signed on the dotted line and slide the contract back.
"Pleasure doing business with you and welcome back to the WWE" he said proudly.
"Thanks Vince"
"You're very welcome. You made my day, I'll send you some details out in the post and copy of this. I was thinking you could start on the week you become guest general manager, maybe that week just follow Fit around get some advice and how it works I know you're used to being on the other side as the talent so now you need to see how it works from the agents point of view then when you're ready you'll be in charge and report to me and Steph and sometimes Kevin depending on the storyline."
"Sounds good. I'll catch you later… I wanna go and say hi to everyone not to mention surprising a few people" I grinned almost evil, he chuckled at my expression. We said our goodbyes and I left his office knowing exactly where I was headed to next. I walked down the hall way towards the locker rooms and heard 2 very familiar voices talking.
I approached the door to see it was open and peaked my head round the corner.
"Man that flight was horrible, turbulence all the way back I was nearly sick" I heard Cody's voice, I looked round to see he was in the corner of the room unpacking his gear, he was a SmackDown superstar and must have been making an appearance tonight on RAW.
"Yeah they almost lost one of my bags. I had to nearly go and choke the guy out" Randy laughed. I saw he was to the right of Cody with his back to the door, I shook my head and stepped into the open doorway.
"Will you quit whining like a girl, Orton" I said crossing my arms over my chest. They both stopped at the sound of my voice and Randy turned round with one hell of a grin on his face, I saw his eyes light up like a Christmas tree. Cody was also smiling brightly too at this unexpected visitor.
"Emma?" he asked almost not believing I was there, I nodded smiling.
"In the flesh" I said opening my arms.
He stepped forward and in a flash scooped me up into his arms lifting me up off the floor, I gripped onto his shoulders and buried my face in his neck just breathing in his scent.
He pulled away while putting me down on the floor again and looked at me with those intense blue eyes of his.
"You look good honey" he said looking me up and down.
"Thanks I feel good. I see you're just as ugly as you used to be" I laughed "Specially since you grew that" I reached up and rubbed his jaw where his beard was beginning to grow "Have a shave you scruffy bastard" I laughed. Usually Rand was clean shaven, keeping his hair short which still was and his face hair free but now he had a few weeks of stubble growing.
"Thought I'd try it, do ya like it?" he asked me.
I nodded in approval "Does suite you"
"Hey Emma, nice to see you" Cody then said approaching me giving me a small hug.
"You too Codes"
"I'm gonna leave you guys to catch up" he then said after we pulled away.
"You don't have to go on my account" I said feeling guilty. I didn't wanna push him out.
"That's alright. I gotta go catch Ted, he has one of my video games that he borrowed"
We bid our byes before he left the room, I turned back to Randall.
"He's still a kid at heart" I said smiling slightly.
"Yeah remember when we were his age" he smiled.
"Do I ever, he's such a sweetheart"
"He learned from the master" he said giving me his famous Orton smirk.
I gave him an unconvinced look.
"Whatever Viper boy" I laughed.
"I can't believe you're here" he then said a little more serious.
"Me neither actually, seems so surreal being back, I see not much has changed" I said looking around.
"Nah" he said "what brings you here anyway?"
"Well long story short, Vince called me asked me to come here tonight cause he wanted to see me and basically I'm going to be Special Guest General Manager in two weeks from tonight" I told him.
"No freaking way" he said shocked.
"Yeah, I'm coming back for a night with the possibility of wrestling one more time too"
"That's great news, Em"
"That's not all. He err offered a more permanent position. You're looking at the new Head Road Agent for the Divas" I said proudly.
"You mean you're coming back on the road?"
"Yep, the week I host RAW I'm just gonna be learning the ropes then I'll take over and help the division"
His mouth left wide open.
"That's awesome congratulations"
"Thanks, I'm pretty excited. I get to see how things work on the other side for a change instead of being on the talent side I'm on the agent's side." I shrugged.
"Well I'm very happy for you plus we'll get to hang out again" he said genuinely.
"Damn right" I smiled before asking him something "Why didn't you tell me about John, Randy?" I asked him my tone turning serious.
"Yeah that." he rubbed the back of his neck "I wanted to but he swore me to secrecy, it only came out at the end of last year, he managed to keep it under his hat for a long time before someone leaked out what happened. How did you find out?"
"Vince just told me. I don't read any of the gossip sites anymore incase he knocked her up or something. Part of me should be happy for obvious reasons but it's not I just feel sorry for him."
"I felt for him too. I had to pick up the pieces"
"How is he and I mean really how is he?"
"He's doing good, time has been a good healer. He's been back to his old self for a few months now. Divorce was done pretty quickly, with the fact she committed adultery she didn't have any arguments and with there being no kids involved plus he made her sign a prenup when they were married so things got sped along, it was all over by the time the whole Nexus storyline started, he used his personal emotion to get through that." I nodded "Between you and me after it happened he was heartbroken but to me he also look a little….relieved."
"Relieved? You mean like he wanted out and this was an excuse to get out" I asked.
"I guess so"
"I don't expect anything from him now he's single. He made it pretty clear he didn't love me and I'm ok with that" I shrugged.
"Are you over him?"
"I think I am, I guess I am. I made my peace with it and maybe I can see him tonight and build some bridges put the whole thing behind us and who knows maybe we could be friends again like we used to be" I smiled.
"I'm sure he'd like that"
"Anyway never mind Cena, how are my girls doing?" I then asked lightening the mood and changing the subject.
He smiled brightly at the mention of them.
"Good. Al's getting bigger and bigger every time I go home I can't believe she's nearly 3"
"Seems like 2 minutes since she was born" I said making small talk between us.
"Time flies, she's growing up so fast"
"You guys gonna have any more little Orton's?"
"I'm not sure, we haven't really talked about it, I wouldn't mind having another baby but it's not entirely my decision. Sam would be the one raising them along with Alanna, running the house and the dog too while I'm on the road"
"Yeah, she has enough going on as it is. Imagine more Orton's running around that would be a disaster to all humanity" I joked causing him to poke me.
"Hey! Stop insulting my imaginary offspring" he chuckled along with me.
"It's the offspring I feel sorry for and Sammie" I joked while we both laughed.
We chatted and for some strange reason he told me about his lovely wife had been up to at the Hall of Fame party last year.
"After you ran out Liz started running her mouth about you so Sam stood up for you, getting all in her face"
I raised my eyebrows in shock "Really?"
"Yep, I gotta tell ya, I've never seen her that feisty" his eyes twinkled while he thought about his wife.
"Maybe she spent too much time with me, I became a bad influence on her"
"You default rubbed off on her, I saw a little fire in her that I used to see in you" he said causing me to frown.
"Not anymore that fire has gone out" I said sadly.
"I don't believe that" he said I decided to ignore his comment.
"Go Sammie! And how come I'm only hearing about this now?" I laughed proudly that she defended me like that.
Randy was about to reply when the door opened…
"Hey guys do you-" I heard a familiar start to say then stop, my smile dropped off my face and I slowly turned round coming face to face with the man I once called my best friend John Felix Anthony Cena. He was stood near the open door around 10 feet away from me dressed in his usual jean shorts, sneakers and a grey t-shirt, no cap on his head. His mouth and eyes wide open in shock as he stared at me. My heart was racing so much I though it was gonna leap out of my chest, I knew this moment was coming sooner or later I just didn't realise it would have been sooner rather than later.
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other feeling incredibly uncomfortable as I looked from him to the floor.
After what felt like a lifetime, Randy cleared his throat "I better leave you two to talk" he said before standing next to me.
Childishly, I tugged on his arm and looked up at him with the cutest face I had "Don't leave me"
"You guys need to talk" he said before squeezing my shoulder reassuring, I watched as he went to John and patted him on the back before leaving us alone.
I again looked down the floor as we stood in a very awkward silence.
"If you've got something to say then just say it so I can get out of here" I said not looking at him. When all I got was silence I shook my head slightly "I think it's best I just go" I said beginning to take steps towards him as he was just in front of my only escape route, I had no choice so I brushed past him still not bringing myself to look at him. As I was level with him surprisingly I felt him gently grab my wrist wrapping his long fingers round me, which stopped me from walking.
"Don't go" he whispered. I finally turned my head and looked at him in the eye for the first time in over a year. "So you can look at me"
"I got plenty of reasons not to, so why the hell should I? You made it perfectly clear…" I trailed off not even wanting to finish my sentence, I looked down again swallowing the lump that had formed in the back of my throat. He let go of my wrist and I took a step forward towards the door until I was interrupted by is voice.
"Emma" his voice was go soft. When I didn't look at him again "please Shorty"
I spun round on my heels and gritted my teeth at his nerve.
"Don't you dare call me that! You've got no right" I said angrily shaking my head trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to fall.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I just wanna talk I understand if you don't want to" he said pleading with me, I didn't realise I still felt this angry I thought I was over things.
"I think we better since I'm gonna be sticking around for a while" I said deciding to hear him out.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm coming back in 2 weeks as the Guest GM and then Vince wants me to be Head Road Agent for the Divas" I said carefully.
"That's awesome" he said a twitch of a smile came over his lips.
"So maybe it's wise to build some bridges" I then said. He nodded in agreement.
"Look.." he started clearing his throat taking a step towards me "first of all I wanna tell you that…I got divorced"
"I know. Vince told me" I replied softly.
"Oh" he make an O shape with his mouth.
"I'm sorry" I said actually sympathetically.
"That's ok. The more time goes on the more I realised it was for the best" I scrunched my face up in confusion, maybe this is what Randy was talking about. I stayed silent waiting for him to continue "Truth is you were right about her…. about everything"
"Like is said.. I'm sorry" I repeated not knowing what else to say to comfort him. "What happened to us huh? We used to able to talk about anything, now we can barely look each other in the eye" is aid looking on the floor again.
"Weird how things change, huh?" I nodded "Also…" he trailed "I'm so sorry Em." I looked at his eyes and he genuinely looked sorry, if anything I'm sure I saw tears in his eyes "For everything. For what I said. For what I've done to you or what I haven't done"
"I'm sorry too. I said some pretty uncharacteristic things to you that night and I wish I hadn't" I said guiltily and genuinely sorry for my harsh words. "What haven't you done?" I continued confused to what he was talking about.
"What I haven't done is tell you something I should of a long time ago..something you told me that was extremely important and I didn't reply" he said before taking a deep breathe and rubbing a hand over his short scalp "it's always been you Em" he smiled, I studied his face for a second, was he saying what I thought he was? Was he confessing.. "You've always been that one person who liked me for who I was who was there for me and actually cared for me like no one else. The one that always made me smile or laugh when I was down" he confessed "What I'm trying to say is.." I waited while he gained some composure "I love you too"
"What?" I asked in disbelief. He stepped forward again so he were now inches apart.
"You told me you loved me that night and I didn't tell you back even though I should of" he looked down ashamed "I'm in love with you beautiful" he whispered looking up at me then reaching a hand up and brushing my hair from my face gently. I leaned into his touch "I guess I always have been. I was just blind to see what I had staring me in the face" he said quietly.
I've waited a long time to hear those words leave his lips and all I could think about was getting him back once and for all.
"John, I'm so sorry" I shook my head looking up into his eyes.
"All is forgiven" he whispered still stroking my face.
"No, you don't understand" I said seriously. My placed my hands behind my back and quietly slipped the ring I had on my right hand to my left ring finger. I then pulled out of his touch by stepping back a step and raised my left hand cautiously "I'm sorry…. I'm engaged" I confessed.
His face dropped and his shoulders slumped.
"Oh congratulations" he said trying to hide his disappointment by being gracious "the guy doesn't know how lucky he is"
I couldn't keep it up anymore I started smirking then placed my hand back down by my side. I then began giggling while he looked confused then he clicked on what I'd done.
"You're just messing with me aren't ya?" he asked hoping I was.
"Yeah. Now you know what it feels like" I said in a smartass way.
"You really had me there for second" he blew out a deep breathe holding a hand to his chest "Nice to see you still have that sense of humour"
"Good to see you fall for everything I say still" I said like things were back to normal between us.
"It's good to see you smiling" he said seriously.
"It's good to see you period" I confessed.
He reached out and took hold of my hand, he looked down and smiled back up at me when he realised he what I wearing on my wrist.
"So you got my gifts?"
"Yeah. I never take it off and I didn't thank you for them"
"No need to thank me" he said and pulled me into him so our bodies were pressed right up against each other he wrapped his arms around my waist and I wrapped mine around his neck burying my face in his neck and breathing in his familiar scent a scent I missed so much.
John
I still couldn't believe she was here, I couldn't believe I was holding her in my arms again.
We fit together so well like to puzzle pieces, she always suited me and I suite her.
I buried my face in her hair and taking a deep breathe smelling her familiar coconut conditioner I know she uses and the fruity scent of her perfume was driving me insane, all these memories flooding back to me and for the first time in a while I felt truly content because she was back in my life. She always made me feel this way.
"I missed you so much" I whispered.
"I missed you too more than you know" she whispered back before sighing deeply probably with relief.
We pulled away and I took her hands in mine again briefly before leaning up with my right hand and stroking her cheek gently.
"You are so beautiful" I said quietly like it was for her ears only. I always thought she was drop dead gorgeous, I was not blind that way. She smiled weakly and looked down almost embarrassed I called her that. I cupped her cheek and brought her head up to look at me. "Since when do you get embarrassed?" she shrugged her shoulder.
"Never… just overwhelmed" she said.
"You know there's something you're supposed to do when you're in love with someone" a wicked grin spread across my face.
"Care to explain" she played along.
"Something I should of done a long time ago" I said meaning every word.
"Oh and what's that?" she said.
"This" I leaned my head forward and gently pressed my lips on hers in one sweet soft kiss, I then pulled back and pulled her whole body towards mine so were pressed up against each other once again in a sweet embrace. My arms were wrapped securely round her waist a metaphor for not wanting to let her go ever again. Her arms slide up my arms and shoulders before they settled my neck, her hands pressed to the back of my neck. I then smirked before pressing my lips against hers again this time with a little more pressure. My eyes closed and she responded by moving her sweet soft lips against mine and her hands ran across my shaven scalp. I gave her all the love and passion she deserved. I don't wanna push it so I resisted with the tongue. Our lips moved together in sync for a few minutes and I was about to run out of breath I gave her one last peck before pulling away. I smiled at my handy work, her eyes fluttered open and looked straight into mine, her lips were pink and swollen yet they were turned up into a smile and her cheeks were a little blushed. I leaned my head forward and let my forehead rest against hers, our arms still firmly locked round each other.
"I love you so much, Emma Austin" I whispered.
"I love you too, Dimples" she said and I had to chuckle, she hadn't called me that in years.
"I've waited a year to hear you say that and to do that" I confessed.
"I've waited much longer"
"Alright you win" I laughed and pulled away.
"I'm gonna go say hi to the girls before the show starts" I groaned and she giggled at my reaction.
"Can you not just stay here a little longer" I gave her my puppy dog eyes.
"Sorry" she gently kissed my nose "you've got a match to get ready for plus you share this locker room it would inconsiderate to the other guys"
"Ok, you free for dinner after the show"
"You bet your cute ass I am" she giggled pulling out of my arms.
"I'll find you in a half hour" I said.
"Ok" she said then walking to the door, I bite my lip as I watched her walk.
She walked out and I stood there grinning like an idiot not believing that after all this time and thinking I wouldn't never see her again that she was finally mine.