A/N: Thanks for reviewing all… its makes writing all the more enjoyable!
Chapter Five: All Ears
"It won't work."
"It will! You remove her from the equation and they will be lost."
Roman Reigns and Randy Orton looked at Dean Ambrose in confusion.
"I don't know man," said Roman, "It's a dangerous game to play."
Dean Ambrose smiled almost sadistically, "My type of game."
Sister Abigail's theme hit and blasted around the arena. She walked out holding her candle and slowly walked down the ramp. She was set to face off against Sasha Banks in the opening match of Raw for the night.
"Sister Abigail has been on a mission as she puts it, to remove the liars of the Diva's Division. She is also aiming to remove Nikki Bella as the Diva's Champion and has so far taken out Brie Bella and Alicia Fox," stated Michael Cole, "So it will be interesting to see how she goes up against Sasha Banks."
Abigail stepped into the ring and turned to wait for Sasha to join her.
Sasha's music hit and Abigail smirked as she waited for the diva who claimed to be the Boss to join her. The music continued to play but nothing was happening – no one was coming out. Abigail looked over at the referee and stepped towards the ropes when suddenly Sasha's music stopped and the arena went dark.
The WWE Universe began talking in confusion, along with the commentators. Suddenly the lights turned on and Abigail was gone, with only her poncho hanging on the ropes the sign that she had been there.
Matilda grinned as she walked backstage, pulling her jacket on and zipping it up. She spotted Windham preparing to shoot the scene where he bursts into the Authority's office and gave him the thumbs up. He smiled at her in return and Matilda headed for catering, which she had realised had become her routine.
Matilda entered catering and instantly spotted Jon and Renee whispering furiously to one and other. Matilda turned away and got herself a salad and passionfruit yoghurt and joined Joe, who was sitting alone.
"Hiya," greeted Matilda, startling Joe from staring at his steak and vegetables, "Ooh, sorry… I can leave you if you want?"
"No, no. Lost in thought," said Joe with a wave of his hand, "I ah, heard you and, err, Colby are dating?"
Matilda nodded, "I know about his past, Joe."
Joe gave a nod, satisfied that Matilda wasn't in the dark. The pair ate and chatted about random things, both astutely ignoring the bickering couple who were slowly getting louder. It was Jon finally storming out that caused Matilda and Joe to look at each other.
"I better go stop him from doing something stupid," said Joe standing up and leaving.
Matilda sat silently, picking at her salad, smiling warmly when Colby walked in. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and grabbed some food before sitting beside her.
"I watched your segment – interesting storyline," he grinned.
"Yeah. A twist in the tale," agreed Matilda, "Whose your match against?"
"More of a building up to the fallout with the Authority and bringing back Kane."
"Oh nice. Face turn for you?"
Colby shrugged, looking uncertain, "Depends on how the fans take it I guess. I like being heel though. I get away with being an asshole."
Matilda chuckled at that and looked at the time, "Shit, I gotta go."
She kissed Colby on the lips and dashed away, quickly weaving through the corridors, spotting an upset Renee with Brie and Nikki as she went.
Matilda rounded the corner and slowed to a walk seeing Joe walking with a frustrated looking Jon. Randy was waiting casually, adjusting the strapping on his wrists.
"Here's a line I never thought I would say," said Matilda to Amber and one of the crew members, "Tie me up."
Amber smiled and Matilda held her hands behind her so they could tape them up behind her. Jon and Joe walked over with Amber giving Joe the pillow case.
"Don't make me trip," said Matilda teasingly.
Dean Ambrose's music hit and everybody went crazy as he and Roman Reigns led out a hand bound and pillowcase head covered Sister Abigail. Behind them walked a smug looking Randy Orton.
Dean had a firm grip on Abigail's upper left arm with Roman holding the other side.
Abigail struggled a bit in their hold, nearly stumbling up the staircase into the ring. Roman guided Abigail's steps through the ropes before Dean pushed her down to her knees as Randy got them microphones.
"Yeah," started Dean Ambrose, "We got someone Bray Wyatt and his two little minions are looking for."
"You know, I thought this idea was stupid but now… I gotta say, it's pretty genius," commented Randy.
"Bray Wyatt, you've been picking fights against us from day one. It ends, tonight," added Roman.
"Sister Abigail has been pulling your strings," said Dean, yanking the pillowcase off of Abigail and glaring at her, "Telling you who to fight, who you take out… but not any more."
The Wyatt's music started to play and instead of the darkness and slow entrance, Bray, Luke and Braun stormed out quickly. They made a beeline for the ring only coming to a halt when Dean pulled Abigail up and held her in front of him, one arm around her torso and the other holding the microphone to his mouth.
"Oh, no, no, no. Don't even think about stepping in the ring," said Randy smugly.
"We got someone you want back, remember?" added Roman.
"The thing is, Bray, she's not going back with you tonight… no, no Sister Abigail is staying with us until Hell in a Cell!"
Bray yelled out in anger as Abigail struggled in Dean's hold.
"Her being with us will guarantee you will keep your dirty tricks to a zero!" yelled Roman, "No more sneak attacks."
"If you fail to keep on the down low… we can't vouch for what happens to your sweet, little Sister Abigail," added Randy.
Dean chuckled, "Say goodbye to Bray now, Abigail."
Abigail let out a frustrated scream and the lights went out, coming back on to reveal Sister Abigail, Dean, Roman and Randy were gone.
Angrily Bray slid into the ring yelling out in frustration.
Matilda stood still as Jon unwound the tape from around her wrists. She could feel his breath on her back and the sensation made her want to shiver.
"Done," said Jon as Matilda turned around, flexing her wrists.
"Thanks."
He gave a shrug and began pulling the tape off of his hands and wrists. Matilda turned and began walking away before she stopped and turned around and walked back over to him.
"Look, you can tell me to butt out or shut up… but if you need someone to talk too, I'm all ears," said Matilda with a slight shrug.
Jon just nodded and Matilda turned and walked away, this time continuing on to her locker room.
Matilda pulled on her three-quarter pyjama pants and singlet top and stifled a yawn. She knew she would sleep well that night, especially after a late dinner with Colby. As Matilda plugged her phone in to charge a knock sounded at the door.
Matilda walked over and opened it, surprised to find Jon standing there looking uncertain.
"Hey… umm… you still willing to listen to me?"
Matilda nodded and stepped back, letting Jon in, "Cuppa?"
"What?"
"Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Oh… yeah."
Matilda made them both a coffee and they settled on the two seater couch.
"Well," said Matilda after a few moments of silence, "Talk."
"She just won't drop the moving in together. I've explained my reasons for not wanting to live in New York but she won't accept them. So I said that maybe she should move to Vegas… you'd think I asked her to donate a fucking kidney to the black market with the way she reacted… I have tried reasoning with her… tried ignoring the issue… arguing the issue… fuck, I don't know what else to do!"
"How do you guys go, you know travelling together on the road? I assume you both stay in the same hotel rooms?"
"Renee… is very precise. Everything has a place and that's where it stays. I'm opposite – not a slob, but you know if it's not perfect, who cares."
"So I suppose that causes tension?"
Jon shrugged, "Makes the sex great."
Matilda rolled her eyes, "Okay, but I doubt sex is on offer at the moment."
Jon sighed, "Not at all. Who knew moving in together would cause a shit fight?"
Matilda shifted in her seat, "It happens. Is… is Renee controlling at times? Like it's gotta go her way or the highway?"
"Yeah," nodded Jon with a slight thrown of thought, "I mean it saves me making the plans but I guess it can be hard and frustrating."
"Ultimately you love her."
Jon nodded.
"I'm not going to give you advice," stated Matilda, "I would be the last person anyone should take relationship advice from. But I'll listen to you and maybe by venting you'll come across a solution to the situation."
Jon smiled at Matilda, "Thanks."
Matilda returned the smile, "Any time."
They drank their coffee in silence for a few moments before Jon randomly asked Matilda a question.
"So where in Australia are you from?"
"A small country town called North Star. It's like nearly seven hundred kilometres from Sydney."
"Err… what's that in miles?"
"Umm… four hundred and something," guessed Matilda before chuckling, "You know, America is like one of the only countries that still goes by miles and pounds and all that jazz."
"It's called being unique."
Matilda laughed, "More like difficult!"
"Says the difficult one."
"Oh kiss my ass, Good."
"Don't tempt me."
Matilda rolled her eyes and sipped her coffee.
"What about your family?" asked Jon curiously, "They must be proud of you?"
Matilda lowered her coffee, "They… they… it's difficult," Matilda sighed as Jon frowned at her response, "Let's just say I'm the black sheep of the family."
"Okay."
"Especially after my grandfather died. But it's not something I like to talk about. I'm here, living my dream with people who are becoming brilliant friends. Oh, and I have a kickass apartment. What more could a girl need, right?"
Jon smiled a little, "Well, hey, I return the same offer to you – if you need someone to talk too, I'm all ears."
Matilda exited the arena the next day at Cincinnati. She looked out at the crowd entering the stadium for the show, ensuring her hoodie was pulled up to hide her features.
"My home town."
Matilda looked at Jon as he stood beside her, hands jammed in his jeans pockets, "You must love it when the shows come here then."
Jon shrugged, "It has its perks I suppose."
"Family?"
Jon snorted, "We aren't exactly close… I mean we call on the typical days a person would but that's the extent of it."
Matilda gave a nod, "How are things with Renee?"
"It's the silent treatment stage."
"Right."
"There you are," came Colby's voice as he exited the arena and slipped his arms around Matilda from behind, "Hey Jon. Hometown boy tonight!"
Jon gave a low chuckle, "I should go get ready. We open the show tonight."
Matilda nodded and Jon left. Matilda turned in Colby's arms to face him, linking her hands together around his back.
"We should go out after the show tonight," murmured Colby, "Get the group together and make a night of it."
Matilda smiled, "That sounds like fun."
"And it gives an excuse to dance with you."
Matilda laughed, "Are you trying to seduce me, Mr Lopez?"
Colby grinned cheekily and Matilda responded with a kiss, silencing any further comments.
The music of Dean Ambrose hit and he strode out with Sister Abigail at his side, along with Roman Reigns and Randy Orton. They walked down to the ring and once again, Roman assisted Abigail into the ring.
"One night away from the Wyatt's and Sister Abigail is already looking more pulled together," joked Dean.
Abigail's hair was tied back from her face, but her clothing remained the same. She glared furiously at Dean muttering under her breath.
"Whoa, whoa," said Randy walking over, "Please, say that for everyone to hear."
"Redemption is coming! You will pay!" yelled Abigail, still yelling as Randy pulled the microphone away.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," waved off Dean, "What we actually came out here to say was the Authority have granted us a match at Hell in a Cell against the Wyatt's… an old fashioned STREET FIGHT!"
"Oh… and Abigail," added Roman, "You will face Nikki Bella… in a Hell in a Cell match."
Abigail's expression changed from one of fury to one of pure delight as she grinned and started laughing.
"You look hot," grinned Saraya as Matilda checked over her reflection in the mirror.
Her long, light brown hair was up in a messy ponytail and she had pulled on her tight black pants made from shimmery material. She had donned a white tank dress shirt and a cropped leather jacket. Matilda moved from the mirror and pulled on her black, mid-calf boots and in one of the jackets pockets stuffed in her cash and bank card and in the other her phone.
"Let's go," grinned Matilda, linking arms with Saraya and leaving her hotel room.
In the foyer stood Colby, Jon, Joe, Victoria, Tenille, Renee and Brie. Renee was standing away from Jon, ignoring the looks he sent her way. Matilda and Saraya ran over to the group laughing, more so laughing even more when Matilda nearly stacked it down the three steps. Jon managed to grab Matilda before she completely lost balance and steadied her.
"Have you already been drinking?" joked Colby as Matilda thanked Jon and walked over to him.
"No. I have more balance when I'm drunk," replied Matilda as the group left the hotel, "Oh! And I get strikes when I play ten pin bowling drunk!"
The group laughed and bundled into the maxi taxi with Jon instructing the driver to take them to the Below Zero Lounge. The entire drive Colby spoke softly into Matilda's ear, making her flush in the cheeks and bite her lower lip.
"You think he will treat her right?" murmured Joe to Jon in the back where they sat.
"He better," replied Jon, eyeing the couple, "I think she's been hurt before."
Joe nodded and turned to talk with Victoria.
The music was pulsing in the club as the group arrived. Instantly, Saraya pulled Matilda and Victoria out to the dancefloor as a remix song of Kelly Clarkson's played. Matilda grinned and lost herself to the music, moving about with her friends.
When Colby joined her, he handed her a cocktail, which she thanked him for and slowly drank. Matilda was in all honestly a beer girl. Cocktails never tickled her fancy, yet she knew it was the thought that counted. Colby held her against him as they moved to the music, the humid air making their skin glisten in the pulsing dance floor light.
After a few songs Colby yelled he needed to take a call. Matilda nodded and gestured to Saraya she was going to sit for a bit. Matilda weaved through the dancing bodies and spotted the group had secured a VIP section.
Matilda let out a relieved sigh as she flopped on the couch besides Jon, "Where's the others?"
"Joe's getting a drink and Renee is off with Brie probably drinking wine and bitching about me," replied Jon bitterly.
Matilda looked at him worriedly, "That's just bullshit."
Jon ran a hand through his hair and shrugged, "I don't know what else to do."
"Well, we can have a beer and go dance to some really bad music," said Matilda, slapping Jon on the knee as she stood up, "I'll be right back."
Jon smiled a little as Matilda skipped away and returned at the same time as Joe with two tall glasses of cold beer.
"Bet I can scull mine faster than you," challenged Matilda as she removed her leather jacket and placed it securely with Saraya's.
"You're on," grinned Jon.
"On three… one, two… THREE!"
Joe watched in amazement as the two downed their drinks, managing to finish at precisely the same time. The two looked at each other and laughed as Matilda stood up, placing her schooner on the table.
"Come on, dance time!" she said, grabbing Jon by the hand and pulled him to the dance floor.
Matilda weaved them through to a space and grinned at Jon as she found her rhythm to the pulsing beat. Jon watched her for a few moments before beginning to dance himself, unable to ignore the vibe of everyone around him, especially the woman in front of him.
Jon caught a hold of Matilda's hand and pulled her a bit closer, making Matilda twirl one way and back again. She laughed and gestured to Jon to do the same, with him smiling in amusement at the end of the action.
Time seemed to pass but the pair were caught up in their dancing antics.
"I need a drink," said Matilda, leaning in close to Jon so he could hear her.
Jon nodded, grabbed Matilda's hand and led her from the dance floor to their VIP section. Matilda sat and Jon went and got them both another cold beer each.
"Having fun?" asked Joe.
Matilda nodded, "Has Colby been back yet?"
"No, I haven't seen him."
Matilda nodded with a little frown, grabbed her jacket and extracted her phone and sent Colby a text, 'Where are you?'
When it sent Jon returned as Renee and Brie walked into their area with Saraya, Victoria and Tenille. Renee sat away from Jon, leaving him no choice but to sit beside Matilda.
"Group photo!" shouted Saraya, gesturing a person who worked at the club over.
The group squeezed in together and the person snapped the photo and handed Saraya her phone back.
"Oh it's awesome… Instagram!" grinned Saraya, "Gee, Mattie, people won't recognise you!"
Matilda laughed, "It's the hair! It bloody hurts to brush after every show."
Matilda felt her phone vibrate and unlocked it.
Be back soon.
She gave a sigh and slumped back in her seat. She shook her head. No, she wasn't going to let Colby's desire to take calls instead of spending time with her ruin her night. She was enjoying herself with her friends and that was going to continue.
Matilda downed her drink and stood up, "Right. I'm going back to dance and get all gross and sweaty. Who is coming with me?"
Saraya and Tenille stood up and the three women raced down to the floor and resumed dancing. Saraya and Tenille were soon intervened with rather cute guys to dance with and Matilda shrugged, enjoying dancing. She spun around and when stopped was surprised to see Jon standing there. Matilda smiled and took his offered hand, moving in and out of movements.
Two in the morning saw the group walking back to the hotel – except for Colby. Matilda stopped by a light post and pulled her boots off letting out a sigh of relief.
"You women just love torturing your feet," joked Joe.
Matilda linked arms with Joe, carrying her boots in the other, "How else am I meant to at least attempt to reach your height?"
Joe chuckled and made a head gesture to Renee and Jon walking silently besides one and other, "They okay?"
"I don't know. They need to talk."
Joe nodded as Victoria screamed when a moth flew and landed on her face. The group doubled over in laughter with Brie shooing the bug away.
"I'm sorry."
"You've said that."
"I'm a lousy boyfriend who treated you second to everything and I am sorry."
"Just go away," snapped Matilda as she pushed past him and headed for the elevator, "Don't even think of coming to visit me at my place."
"Mattie, please!" protested Colby as he walked towards her.
"Last night was meant to be a night for us to have fun! I did have fun – but it wasn't with you!"
"Yeah, I heard you danced the night away with Jon."
Matilda who was pressing the button for the elevator whirled around to look at Colby, "What are you insinuating, Colby?"
"Nothing."
Matilda shook her head in disgust and walked into the elevator. When the doors shut she slumped against the wall and left out a breath of frustration. She had a night at home and then flew to Texas for a live appearance – unfortunately, at which Colby would be at.
Matilda checked out of the hotel and pulled her sunglasses on, knowing fans would be outside watching for the WWE stars leaving. She didn't need them to see her tears of frustration and confusion – confusion over the fact that despite being angry at Colby abandoning her last night, that she truly had a great time spending the majority of it with Jon, who was still in a relationship with Renee.
A/N: And now it starts getting messy! Review!