Mel met Mark outside the hotel. It was an hour drive to Pensacola, Florida, where they were scheduled for the Smack down taping. After that they would have two glorious days off. "So you ready to get home?" Mark asked as he took her bags and threw them into the trunk.

"You bet I am. I just want to be in the comfort of my own house. I feel like I haven't been there in months. There's a lot of stuff I need to do." Her voice trailed off as she thought of removing all of Bubba's belongings from her home. It was a task she should be dreading but she was actually looking forward to getting on with her life. The sooner she got rid of all the reminders of him the better.

"Are you going to be alright there by yourself? You don't think Bubba will try to show up there do you?"

"No I don't think so and even if he does, I'll call the police. Besides I think Torrie is coming over and we'll probably be out all day tomorrow anyway. Don't worry, I'll be fine." She smiled and hopped into the passenger side of the car as Mark slid into the drivers seat and started the car. Awkward silence filled the car, apparently Mark was preoccupied with his thoughts. Mel cocked her head to the side, daring to quiz the man about what was bothering him so. "What did you do last night? I thought you were going to stop by my room." She sipped her diet coke waiting to see if he would offer any information.

"It was late and I knew you needed your rest. I had some errands to run anyways." Mark's tone told her to drop it but she couldn't, this wasn't like him to push her away. Maybe it was something about Bubba. "What kind of errands were you running in the middle of the night?"

"Drop it Mel. You'll find out soon enough. Now leave it at that."

Mel frowned and turned her attention out the window. What was that suppose to mean? Her mind flooded with all kinds of possibilities, but she didn't dare ask anymore questions, not when he had made himself this clear.

Taker glanced over at Mel and resisted the urge to laugh out loud as he watched her chew her lip nervously. He knew the wheels in her mind were burning rubber trying to figure out what he was talking about. He supposed he should tell her about his little surprise. Not that he was acting alone, he couldn't have done it without the help of Torrie and another willing participant. It was past time to give fate the nudge it needed.

"Don't worry Mel, it's nothing bad. Everything is ok, trust me."

"If you say so."

XXX

They finally arrived at the Pensacola Civic Center with time to spare. Mark parked the car and got their bags out of the trunk. Making their way inside he shifted the bags so that he had a free hand. He took Mel's small hand in his and squeezed it gently. " You know I don't like to get all sappy, but I feel like you should hear me say this. I'm always here for you sweetheart. Just remember that. No matter what, I'm on your side, you can count on me."

She smiled and almost blushed at his confession. "Thanks Mark. I really appreciate everything you've done."

She threw her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly, he hugged her in return and planted a kiss on top of her head before turning and walking down the corridor.

XXX

Mel opened the door to the Women's locker room and sat her bags down. Same routine, different day. The room was empty and no luggage to indicate that Torrie, Jackie or Dawn had even arrived yet. She changed into her workout gear and headed out into the arena hoping to help the guys set up the ring. But they were one step ahead of her as she walked out the ring was already completed. There was nothing for her to do now but kill some time. She walked up the aisle into the top of the lower level seats and sat down. It gave her a perfect view of the ring which was like a work of art to her. She gazed out over the entire set up, hypnotized at the magical effect the squared circle had on her.

FLASHBACK

"That's some moves you got there beautiful."

Melony was all alone in the ring, perched on top of the top rope just about to execute a moonsault. "Hey Kurt!" She smiled brightly at him as he approached the ring. "You'll make a perfect victim. Get in here, I need some practice before my match."

"Uh uh. Not me, no way! I'm the main event tonight. You're not going to injure me with your high flying tactics." He hesitantly climbed up on the ring apron.

"Come on Kurt. I won't hurt you. Well, in case I do what's your favorite flowers so that I can bring a bouquet by your hospital room?" She smiled sweetly at him, her blue eyes sparking mischievously.

"Real funny! I'll be your victim one time and one time only. But then I think you'll owe me one, say a cup of coffee?"

Mel sat on the top rope waiting for him to climb through the ropes. "Sure Kurt! Now get your Olympic ass in the ring."

Kurt stood in the middle of the ring staring at her in amusement. He really wasn't scared of getting hurt, he was actually looking forward to being that close to her, even if he would be getting the breath knocked out of himself. Picking his spot in the middle of the ring he laid down, propping himself up on one elbow. "Shouldn't I get dinner or something before you abuse me like this?"

She rolled her eyes and stood up, carefully balancing herself on the top turnbuckle. Looking down her eyes met with his and her breath caught in her throat. He was a beautiful man. His soft full lips begged to be kissed and she contemplated making good on the thought. "This isn't considered abuse, it's called helping a co-worker out. And you know just as well as I that meals are catered, so with that problem solved, lay down and take it like a man." She sprung off the ropes and flipped in the air, executing a perfect moonsault. As she landed on his torso, she heard a breath escape him. The feel of his body under hers sent a rush of heat through her. As much as her body protested her mind willed her to remove herself from him. Slowly she got to her feet and extended a hand to help him up. His eyes were closed and his body still. "Kurt?" Mel shook him and noticed his breathing was shallow. "KURT!" He wouldn't budge and she began to panic. What happened? The moonsault went perfectly, she was sure she hadn't kneed him in the head. So why was he unconscious? She called his name again frantically shaking him. This time Kurt's eyes popped open and he propped himself up on one elbow. "What? Why are you screaming? Can't a guy take a nap?"

"Damn it Kurt! You scared the shit out of me!" She punched him in the gut and he fell over moaning in pain. "Hey that's not fair. I agreed to be your test dummy for one move, not two." He flashed his big blue eyes in her direction, sticking out his bottom lip making the cutest pouting expression. She couldn't resist the face. And she knew he was only trying to make her laugh with his usual antics. "Sorry Kurt, but that really wasn't funny."

"Ok, maybe not but this is." His arms reached out pulling her to the canvas, so that she was now beside him. Her heart palpitated, his lips were just inches from her own, she could feel his warm breath on her face. "Kurt, I ...." She was interrupted as his fingers dug into her sides sending her into a fit of laughter as he tickled her until she was breathless from laughing.

END FLASHBACK

Kurt had always been there to make her laugh and now was no different as a childlike giggle escaped her at the recollection of that day. Her eyes transfixed on the wrestling ring in front of her, her thoughts drifted through past Angle antics. All he had ever done was try, try to be a friend to her, try to encourage her and try to love her. And what had she done? Turned him down and pushed him away. "Shit!" She mumbled under her breath, as she took out her phone and dialed his number. She listened as the phone rang and rang and rang. "Damn it." She held the phone in her hands staring mindlessly at the number on the display screen. If she just had the chance, she would tell Kurt all the feelings she had for him, and how she just wanted to be in the safety of his arms. He was all she needed right now to be content. "Where are you Kurt?" She questioned the inanimate object in her hands.

"I'm right here where I've always been. Behind you." Kurt's voice filled her ears, fighting back tears she turned to see him standing on the steps fighting back tears of his own.

A/N: Ummm, sorry it's so short. I think I have almost lost my direction with this story. I appreciate all the reviews. Really you guys are the reason I keep writing. Mentally-Unstable, Justagirl8225 and Huntersgirl, I appreciate the reviews so much! You are the few, the faithful, the inspiring. :) smoochies