Tristen walked backstage with Punk, only to be greeted by an angry Sheamus.
"What are ya thinkin', goin' against Kane?"
"Why do you care? I'm a lass, remember?"
Sheamus growled.
"Which is exactly why I want you to let me fight him instead."
Tristen snorted.
"You don't think I can beat him."
"I know you can't beat him. He's a killer, lass."
"You know what? I can beat him. Without anyone's help. I don't want you or Punk anywhere near the ring during the match!"
Punk looked at her.
"Tristen, are you gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine, Punky. And so will you."
Sheamus sighed and looked at the Straightedge Princess.
"Tristen, this isn't a good idea."
"I don't give a fuck what you think, Sheamus. Stay away from the damn ring."
And she walked off with Punk, leaving Sheamus alone to punch a wall.
Punk taped up Tristen's wrists in white, talking to her about her stipulation.
"Tristen, I don't think this is going to turn out well."
"Punky, if you lecture me I'll give you a foot up the ass."
"I was just going to say that maybe you should talk to Kane. Ask him for a different stipulation."
"No."
He looked up from his work.
"What?"
"No! I'm going to do this. And I'm going to beat his sorry ass!"
Punk chuckled.
"You are a firecracker, you know that?"
Tristen blushed and grinned.
"Wouldn't I be a pipebomb instead?"
Punk burst out laughing.
"Nice one, Tris. Nice one."
"Tris? Why Tris?"
"Why Punky?"
Tristen laughed.
"Touche, Brooks."
The Miz walked into the room and froze.
"Sorry Punk. Didn't know you'd be here. Tristen, we were wondering if you would like to come clubbing with us. Like we do after every show?"
"Sure, why not? But I'm not drinking."
"You don't have to."
She looked at Punk.
"You coming or what?"
"Nah. I'm gonna skip this one, guys."
Mike shrugged.
"Whatever. Come on, Hellaena!"
"I'm going!"
Just before she walked out, Tristen looked at Punk again.
"I'm gonna miss your company tonight, Brooks. I hope you can come later."
Then she left.
Punk sat in the locker room, thinking about Tristen Colden. She was pretty, in a rebellious way. High-spirited, Straightedge, and impulsive. He liked that about her.
He liked everything about her.
He loved her.
Punk couldn't love her. They were...
Destined for each other. Equals.
But she would be Kane's.
Doesn't matter, Punk. She should be yours. Fight for her!
I can't. She won't let me.
So?
I have to respect her wishes.
You don't have to give her up to do so.
I can't lose her.
So fight! Before either Kane or Sheamus gets our girl.
He decided that's what he would do.
Punk would fight for Tristen, and win.
Or die trying.