a/n before mum cracks the shits with me. Thanks to Neurotic-Idealist, Julzi, 'anonymous' (could you maybe leave a name? Even if it's not your real one?), tvrox12 and Showni13 for reviewing like the awesome people they are!

-June 22, 2010-

NXT preparation was in full swing. As were the Smackdown preparations. Everyone had, thankfully, arrived on the time and with smiles on their faces.

A quick rundown of the show happened without interruption and I felt significantly less stressed than I had in previous weeks.

"Everyone understand? No complaints?" The Pros and Rookies all agreed that they understood and they left to get ready for the live show.

"You were a lot happier giving that than you were last week," Cody commented, "I think they're more willing to listen to you when you're smiling."

"I feel the love," I laughed, "No, um, I feel a lot better than I have been lately."

"Does it have anything to do with Mike?" his smile was cheesy and I rolled my eyes at him.

"You seem happier, too. Did you happen to speak to Gwen?"

"Have you? Because they were your-" I covered his mouth quickly with my hand.

"Ne le mentionnez pas!"

"Cody's in trouble," Mike sing songed, "Claire's speaking French." I pulled my hand away from the younger man's mouth. I walked over to Mike and kiss both of his cheeks before finally kissing his lips. I put a hand into the pocket of my jeans and transferred the contents to Mike's hand.

"Because I'm going to keep forgetting my key." I whispered to him and he nodded and gave the key a kiss.

"I'll keep it safe." He kissed my forehead, "Right now, though, I need to take Alex so we can beat MVP and Percy Watson."

"Yeah, go kick some ass." I pushed him out the door and closed it behind him, turning back to Cody. "We talked about this! We aren't mentioning that ever again! And no it is not because I'm embarrassed that it happened. It's because if anyone ever found out, both of our lives would go to shit."

He looked at me, smirking. He nodded his head in agreement and left without a word. "Fuck you, Cody!" I shouted out after him.

"Been there!" he called make and I had to stick my head out the door to make sure no one was in hearing distance of his. I ran my hands up the sides of my faces and rubbed my temples, feeling the onset of a headache.

I pulled Windham into a hug as soon as he walked into the room. He was taken aback by the sudden display of affection but eventually returned the hug; squeezing the life out of me in the process.

"I am so proud of all you guys!" I told them once they were all seated, "I know it's still kind of hard out there for you guys, the audiences are huge and, at times, very demanding... But you guys rock it and keep it cool. Okay, so, you need to work on your promo skills... And I do actually mean all of you." I added once Alex had decided to look offended at my statement, "But nerves play a big part in how well you can speak in front of people. You'll all improve and I can't wait to see how that works out. Ah, next week is the first Season 2 poll. Originally it wasn't going to be an elimination... But I was told while you were all speaking that they've changed it up and someone will be eliminated." Not a sound was heard in the room, "I honestly don't know who it's going to be and I don't want it to be anyone. Yeah, okay, so you've run out of time to convince the fans... But you have the whole next week to convince every one of these Pros that you deserve to be here. It's not just in ring that you have to do well. They all need to know that you can handle being here every week."

"Do you know what the standings are so far?"

"I got no idea, Joe." I told the third generation superstar sadly, "I know just as much as you guys right now." I sent them a warm smile; "We won't worry about it until we have to, okay?"

"Everyone," Cody began to speak, "Meet Mama Bear."

"Cody!" I scolded the soon-to-be 'Dashing' Cody Rhodes.

"There's nothing wrong with Mama Bear." Cody defended himself with a cheeky grin, "Unless Mama Bear's ridiculously hot, then there's a slight problem. Coz Baby Bears might want to hit on Mama Bear." I kept a solid glare on Cody as he was speaking, but he pretended to not notice.

"No one is gonna be hitting on Mama Bear." Mike said forcefully, "Mama Bear is only for Papa Bear." He walked over to me and pulled me flush against his body.

"Don't encourage him, Mike!" I screamed in protest as everyone else in the room started laughing and I began to hit his chest. "Stop it!"

"Sorry Mama Bear." The whole room chorused and I felt my cheeks burn bright red.

"Alright, guys. Mama's had enough for the night," Cody was still smirking, "I think we should leave before she gets violent." They all nodded and began to stand up, getting ready to leave.

"Keep in mind that you have a morning flight tomorrow. Try not to stay out too late." I wanted to take back what I said as soon as it left my mouth.

"Yes Mama Bear." I pulled away from Mike and began to chase Cody around the room.

"I'm gonna fucking kill you, Runnels!" I screeched at him, but Mike eventually caught up to me and held me on the spot until I calmed down.

"It's a joke, Claire. Lighten up, yeah? Besides, I love Mama Bear." He walked over to me with open arms and I eased up straight away, hugging him tightly.

"Mama Bear loves you, too." Mike joined the hug, sandwiching me into between the two grown men.

"But she loves Papa Bear more." He whispered in my ear and I nodded quietly. I eventually felt really awkward. The hug had not stopped and I realised that I was stuck between the two men who had been my only sexual partners in quite a few years. And my boyfriend didn't know that Cody and I had been there. That made me relax slightly. Slightly.