Hello, lovely readers!
Hope you are all well and ready for another chapter. I am absolutely shite at writing wrestling scenes so I apologise now for this. I can't write actions scenes for the life of me, and I know it's probably utter tosh. So just roll with it and pretend its something amazing lol! Hope you enjoy.
Raquel the writer – I think so too.
Haha95 – Haha! Don't we all? I love a slowburn, and it makes it all that more amazing and special when they finally get it on. But we get to enjoy many lovely Dean and Holly moments in the meantime.
Dutchangel1979 – Thank you! Hope you enjoy what happens during the match.
Tantoune – Can I have 3? Haha! He is a total gentleman when he needs to me… well, for Holly anyway.
Beautifultragedyxxx – Dean's thoughts are very confused as he's never been through anything like this before or allowed himself to. So he doesn't think like a normal person does and just go with it. you're right, he just needs to relax.
ChickWithAKick – Aww thank you! So sweet of you to say.
SisterAbby – Dean is obvious going to be quite unhappy about this. Lets see…
Britneygarza355 – I've never thought about putting them on wattpad but it's definitely something I'll look in to.
AKABlossom – Haha! We all do! We all want the drama. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, but if you want that scenario, I think you'll enjoy this.
Crazy-wild-and-free - Dean definitely overthinks things but it's because he's not used to this kind of thing happening. And as for Holly, feelings are definitely happening. The slowburn is certainly picking up some pace! Randy and Dean's interactions are probably my favourite to write as they literally piss one another off so their conversations can be brilliant. And as for her relationship with HHH, we delve more into it here. So enjoy!
Wolviegurl - You will have to keep reading to find out. Enjoy!
This chapter is named after 'Ain't That A Kick In The Head' by Dean Martin
Holly Helmsley's Point Of View
My referee's outfit fitted quite nice actually. It consisted of a pair of black shorts, fishnet tights, long black boots, and of course the trademark black and white striped t-shirt. It showed of my body and extenuated my curves in all the right places. It was definitely an outfit to pander to the male fans in the audience, but I still liked it.
Survivor Series had soon rolled around and I was currently in the gorilla, watching the match before ours on a monitor. Our match was the last one on the card, and I couldn't wait to get out there and for it to be over and done with.
After tonight, all the shit I'd been involved in with Sheamus would be done. It'd be over. No more walking with a pair of eyes in the back of my head, no more looking around every corner in case he showed up, no more worrying about whether he'd turn up and try something. After this match we'd have nothing to do with each other, we'd go our separate ways and I couldn't wait for that moment to come.
It had been a crazy few weeks, our feud starting with the debut of The Shield and ending in a fight with Randy. After that initial meeting Sheamus had been after me practically every single week. Sometimes he'd gotten the upper-hand, sometimes I had, but I knew throughout it all I'd never wanted any of it to happen. At first it had been to debut a new faction but it turned into so much more than that and went further than I ever thought it could.
But tonight was it, it was the end. And the sooner this match finished, the better.
"You okay?" came a voice beside me. I turned away from the monitor, smiling when I spotted Randy. "You seem a little out of it."
"Yeah, just can't wait for all this to be over," I said. "No more Sheamus, and I can't fucking wait."
"Your outfit looks nice, by the way," he said, his eyes looking me up and down.
"Oh, thanks," I said, a hint of a blush tingeing my cheeks. "It's a bit revealing but the fans will like it."
"Well I think it looks, uh, great," he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, avoiding eye contact.
I've never seen Randy flustered before…
"You excited for the match?" I asked, swiftly changing the subject and moving the conversation along.
"Excited to beat the shit out of Sheamus," he laughed. "And eager for this to be over for you. It's really taken its toll on you, hasn't it?"
"You can say that again," I commented as the match on the monitor coming to an end. "The sooner this ends, the better."
The wrestlers from the previous match made their way backstage as we prepared ourselves to go out, my body tensing as Sheamus walked past us in order to get to the stage. He was due out first. He glared at us as he held his briefcase tightly to his chest, Randy stepping in front of me a little when he saw the coldness in the Irishman's eyes and the way I recoiled timidly at his presence. Their stare off seemed to last a life time before Sheamus turned away and entered the stage, his music beginning.
"I can't wait to pulverise his pathetic little face," Randy mumbled as he turned back to me.
"Hey, I'm the ref, I can let you do just that," I said with a wink, Randy laughing lightly. "I can easily turn a blind eye to some dirty moves."
"I'll remember that," he replied. "You sure you ready for this?"
"Trust me, I'm ready," I replied.
"And I've got your back out there, don't worry," he quickly added.
"Thanks," I smiled. "I appreciate it."
And then he surprised me, quickly picking me up and embracing me in a hug. He'd done this before when I was a kid, but never as an adult, so for him to embrace me now was definitely out of the ordinary. Randy was a hell of a lot taller and stronger than me, so it was very easy for him to lift me. His arms were tightly wrapped around me, holding me to him tightly, my arms slowly wrapping around him once I got over the shock of his sudden affection.
"Good luck out there," he said to me, giving me an extra squeeze before putting me back on my feet.
"Yeah, you too," I said as he picked up his belt and walked to the mouth of the stage, his music hitting around the arena. I watched as he walked out, nerves hitting me harder and harder as I realised it was my turn next. I ran through everything in my head, remembering when to pin, remembering what manoeuvres were illegal, remembering when to count a wrestler out. This refereeing malarkey was not easy and I hoped I could do a good and decent job out there.
I breathed in and out steadily, shifting my weight from foot to foot.
"It's easy," I said quietly to myself. "It's simple. You can do it, Holly. You can do it."
"You know, talking to yourself is the first sign of madness," came a familiar voice behind me.
I knew exactly who it was.
"Hey, Dean," I smiled, turning to face him. He'd had a match earlier in the PPV so he was still in his ring gear, his hair still damp.
"You ready for this?" he asked as he approached me. "It's been a long time coming."
"Just a little nervous," I admitted. "Even though I'm the ref, I'm still getting in a ring with Sheamus. And we all know what he's capable of."
"Yeah, tell me about it," said Dean, his voice a little harsh and unhappy. "I wish it was me out there instead. I'd beat the fucking shit out of the prick."
"Yeah, but we don't want any blood in the ring tonight," I said teasingly, nudging his shoulder with mine. "We all know how much Hunter and Vince disliked it last time."
"Fair point," he smirked. "Probably best to leave it to Orton."
"Wow, never thought I'd hear you say something like that."
"Something like what?"
"Praising Randy. Giving him the chance to do something and allowing him," I said.
"Only because Orton is so pathetic that he'll only beat Sheamus to the point where he can win. Hunter won't have to worry about bloodshed and serious injuries when it comes to him. The guy can't hurt a fly."
I sighed. "What have I said about talking shit about him, Dean?"
He held his hands up. "Okay, okay. Sorry. I just hope he can do his job out there. He's looking out for more than himself during this match."
"I trust him," I smiled. "Randy has never let me down before, and I know he'll protect me now."
"As much as it pains me, I'll believe you on this occasion," he smirked as Randy's music died.
"I guess this is it," I said, releasing a calming breath.
"Good luck out there, okay?" he said, walking up to me and wrapping his arms around me. I was even more shocked by this than I was by Randy's. After everything Dean had spoken to me about after my attack the previous week, I knew he wasn't the kind of guy to show care and affection, least of all physical affection. So to receive a hug from him was a pretty big deal. I responded immediately, hugging him back, kind of liking it. He was warm, his muscles hard against my body, his minty smell filling my senses. He seemed to like my responses, holding me tighter in his cage of arms, my body relaxing against is, my head resting on his chest. It felt… nice.
"Thanks, Dean."
"Me and the boys will be watching backstage."
I pulled away as The Authority's music began, know this was my cue. "Cheer me on, okay?"
"Always," he winked as I turned on my heel and approached the stage.
xXx
This was it.
All 3 of us were in the ring.
Sheamus and Randy were in a corner each with me in the middle. The fans were ready, the commentators were geared up, the world was waiting for this fight. So I finally raised my hand, the bell rang, and the match began.
The two of them locked up immediately and I stepped back, my eyes keeping a close watch on them. This wasn't a match where I was simply a viewer, I needed to watch everything they did.
Annoyingly Sheamus got the upper-hand, slamming Randy to the ground with a thump before running at the ropes and coming back to hit him with an elbow drop. He picked Randy up, throwing him at the ropes before running at him with a clothes line, The Viper dropping straight to the mat, Sheamus already going in for a pin.
I slid over to them, hitting the mat. Randy lifted his shoulder at one.
Catching Sheamus off guard, he kicked his foot up into his face, temporarily stunning The Celtic Warrior before hitting him with a DDT, Randy now going in for a pin. I began to hit the mat, but like before the kick out came at one, much to my annoyance.
The match continued like this for a time, both men offering decent offense and defence, no guy coming out on top over all. It was tightly matched, the contest close, my hard work cut out with every pin that was tried. I honestly couldn't call a winner until Sheamus was on the ground, Randy totally going into Viper mode, his hands hitting off the mat angrily.
I absolutely loved it when Randy did this.
He was totally focused, his enemy always in sight, and I knew not many men made it out safely when Randy became The Viper. Sheamus got to his feet and Randy went in for the RKO. However before that could happen Sheamus reversed it, throwing Randy against the ropes, hitting him with a Brogue Kick when he bounced back. He fell to the floor totally out cold and I knew he was done.
"Shit…" I mumbled to myself, knowing Sheamus was about to go in for the pin to win the match.
Only he didn't…
He stared at Randy on the ground for a few seconds before he turned to me instead.
My mouth went dry and I swallowed. Hard.
Sheamus looked annoyed, his face sweaty and red from the match, his eyes cold and distant as he glared at me. I backed up slowly as he took tentative steps towards me, the blood draining from my face as he made his approach, and I knew the weeks upon weeks of feuding was about to end here.
This was it.
"We can talk about this," I tried, my hands held up defensively. But he wasn't having any of it.
"I'm done with talking," he muttered, grabbing my wrist and throwing me against the ropes just like he had Randy. I screamed as I bounced off them, rebounding back towards him, and if this turned out like it had for Randy, I knew exactly what was coming. So I braced myself for the impact knowing there was no escape from what was about to happen.
And I was right.
The next thing I knew, a brogue kick hit me square in the face, knocking me straight to the mat with a thud, the bell ringing, the time keeper instantly ending the match once I was out.
My head hit the mat hard, the ceiling up above me spinning wildly as I became dizzy, my eyes unable to focus on anything. A harsh and loud ringing noise sounded in my ears as I began to see spots in my vision. It made me feel nauseous, my mind unable to comprehend what the fuck had just happened and I knew I was fucked up.
I lifted my hand to my head, pain shooting right through my body, my head pounding so painfully I wanted to scream. The kick had been direct, the pain made even worse as I hit the mat and I knew I'd landed badly. I dropped my arm back to the floor, my body too tired and fucked to move, my head in too much pain to think about doing anything.
My blurred vision could make out Randy's lying on the other side of the ring, his body unmoving after accepting a Brogue Kick of his own. I knew he was unable to help me, fear and horror fighting the pain for domination in my body and mind as Sheamus approached me.
He was shouting things at me, my eyes just about able to make out the movement of his lips, but all I could hear was noise, the ringing in my ears making his words impossible to make out. He looked angry and mad as he stood over me, the pain in my head growing worse.
I'd never been attacked like that before, I'd never had a hit directly to the head. The Brogue Kick easily took out fully trained men, so lord knows what it had done to me, a small woman with practically zero wrestling skills. I didn't know how to take the move to make it hurt as little as possible, I didn't know how to land properly. Instead I'd taken the attack directly and had fallen awkwardly to the floor, my body totally broken.
I tried to focus on Sheamus above me but it just hurt too much. I couldn't do it, my eyes constantly wanting to close. I had a concussion for sure.
But then I winced as the crowd began to cheer wildly, the loud noise too much for my ears to take. I didn't know why they were cheering, but I wished they'd stop.
I soon learnt why, Sheamus's angry form disappearing from view as a black blur launched itself at him, the noise of punches being heard in my ears over the crowd's roar. Slowly but surely I looked to see where he had gone, my eyes widening in disbelief as I saw the outline of Dean on top of him, punching him with every ounce of energy he had.
I couldn't make his features, but I heard the anger and rage in every breath he took, fury being shown with every punch he threw the Irishman's way. Dean was beyond pissed, he was acting like a bull that had been shown a red rag and I knew what was happening.
The lunatic had arrived.
And he was mad.
Slowly but surely, Dean's voice registered in my head.
"Fucking bastard." Punch. "Don't fucking touch her." Punch. "I'm gonna kill you." Punch. "I'm gonna destroy you." Punch. "Whether it's inside this ring or outside, I'm gonna fucking mess you up." Punch. "You will never lay a finger on her again."
I could hardly focus on what was happening before I turned my head, looking at the big screen over the stage, seeing my brother walking forcefully down the ramp, Seth and Roman either side of him, Kane close behind. Hunter's face was red, angrier than I'd ever seen him before in all my life.
I could hear him shouting, speaking to Seth and Roman, the noise barely audible due to my ringing ears but I could just about make it out.
"Get Ambrose off him and get him to my office right now!" he bellowed, Seth and Roman quickly following his orders. Kane helped Randy out of the ring whilst The Shield removed a raging Dean from the now broken body of Sheamus, the two of them grabbing a side and leading him out of the ring and towards the ramp. Hunter was going to kill him, I was certain of it.
"Holly, I'm so sorry," I faintly heard as my blurred vision saw him approach me. "I'm so so sorry."
He bent down to pick me up, but it wasn't his arms that grabbed me.
"I've got this," I heard Dean say as he quickly scooped me up, cradling me against him, holding me close. Hunter didn't say anything, he simply stared at Dean before nodding in understanding.
I snuggled into his chest, closing my eyes to block out any noise and pain I was feeling, using Dean's warmth for comfort and relief. I just wanted a lie down and a rest. I wanted a big warm bed, some medication and a nice long sleep.
I just wanted the pain to go away.
He held me tightly and protectively, carrying me out of the ring and up the ramp as Hunter followed us, our exit essentially ending the match and the PPV.
"You okay?" Dean asked me softly as me walked up the ramp. "Please tell me you're okay."
"My head hurts," I said, wincing in pain as the crowd got louder, clapping us as we headed backstage.
"It will do, kid," he said. "But I'm gonna get you to the medics. They'll sort you out."
"He kicked me, Dean," I said, a few tears building behind my eyes as an overwhelming flow of emotions overtook me now I'd left the arena and was able to reflect on what happened. "He Brogue Kicked me."
"I know, I saw," he said through gritted teeth, but he tried to remain calm for my sake. "But don't worry, Hunter is going to sort him out."
We finally reached the medic's room and Dean carried me inside. They were already waiting for me in there so I knew they'd seen everything that had happened on screen. Two beds were prepped and I saw Randy had already been brought in and laid upon one. I looked over at him as Dean gently placed me on the bed, Hunter closing the door once we were all inside.
"Is he okay?" I asked weakly, looking at Randy. He looked exhausted.
Hunter was at my side instantly, Dean taking a reluctant step back as my brother grabbed my hand.
"Randy will be fine," said Hunter as the medic began to look me over. "But how are you?"
"My head hurts," I explained. "And I ache."
I did. I felt like utter shit, every bone in my body not wanting to move, my entire head feeling like it was ready to explode. My vision was blurred and I felt dizzy. That kick had been pretty powerful and I'd felt the blunt force of it completely.
"I'm so sorry," Hunter said, brushing some hair from my face. "I had no idea he'd do that, I'm so sorry."
I saw Dean leaning against the wall by the door, his arms folded, his head shaking in disbelief. I knew he was thinking exactly as I was. How could Hunter not know? He'd seen the shit I'd been through in the last few weeks, the threats he'd issued me, the way I'd been treated. Hell, he even used Seth as a weapon against me last week! And had Randy not been there, I'd I've been hit with it full force.
Sheamus was dangerous to me, even a blind man could see that. The entire fucking world knew what he could do, the only people unable to see it clearly being Hunter and Stephanie.
Well now the worst had come to fruition. He'd done what everyone feared and he'd attacked me directly, injuring me and hurting me in every way possible. Not only was I physically hurt but I was emotionally hurt, my ego bruised and my love for my brother and sister-in-law questionable.
Why did they have to do it? Why did they have to risk me like they had? They knew the risks and those risks had come through and happened. I was now lying on a medic's bed, hurting and injured due to that sick-in-the-head bastard. And it was all their fault.
"I told you I didn't want to do any of this," I argued, tears building. "I never wanted to go out there in the first place."
"I thought you'd be okay," he admitted. "I thought he wouldn't dare touch you, that Randy would be on hand if anything went down. He knows you're my sister, I never thought for a second you'd be his target."
He squeezed my hand tightly in his, my face blank as he poured his heart out to me.
"I am so sorry I put you through that," he explained. "I am so sorry it went this far. I will never put you in any danger like that again, Holly. I promise you."
And as I looked at him, I saw the remorse and regret in his eyes. He knew he'd done wrong and he genuinely seemed sorry for putting me in such a position. All the anger and sadness he'd made me feel fizzled away as I saw how truly apologetic he was for what he'd done, and I believed then he'd never do it again.
I was about to respond when a knock came from the door. It slowly opened, Jamie Noble popping his head in.
"Boss, Rollins, Reigns and Kane have Sheamus detained and are waiting for you when you're ready."
"I'll be through in a second," he replied, Noble quickly leaving. Hunter turned back to me. "I can stay if you need me."
"Go," I smiled. "I'll be good. The medics will take care of Randy and I, and I know you're dying to give Sheamus a piece of your mind."
"I'd fire the bastard on the spot if it was my choice," he mumbled. "But Steph has phoned her dad and he's on the way to discuss what we should do."
"Then do what you have to," I said as he stood.
"I'll organise for someone to take you straight to the hotel when the medic is done with you. You can have the best room and the best room service."
I smirked. "Maybe I need to get injured more often," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Just rest up, okay?" he said, stroking my hair. "And I'll see you as soon as I can." He headed to the door. "You ready, Ambrose?" he asked.
"Born ready," said Dean, standing up straight, flexing his fingers before balling them up into fists.
Hunter left the room, Dean waiting in the doorway. He turned, giving me a long and lingering look. He looked a lot calmer now he knew I was in good hands, his blue eyes warm and gentle. He didn't seem like the lunatic anymore. He was lovable old Dean again.
Thank you I mouthed to him.
He smiled warmly, offering me his trademark wink before following Hunter out the room and closing the door behind him.
Again, a huge thanks to Raquel the writer, haha95, dutchangel1979, Tantoune, beautifultragedyxxx, ChickWithAKick, SisterAbby, britneygarza355, AKABlossom, wolviegurl and crazy-wild-and-free for their lovely words about the last chapter.