When Dean and Roman finally arrived at the arena, they found Seth in their locker room with a big grin on his face, whistling to himself. "So Mr. Sunshine, what has you extra happy this evening?" Dean teased, as he and Roman set their bags down. Seth turned toward his Shield brothers, "Well glad you asked, I ran into The Raven earlier." He went on to explain how he found The Raven and Randy Orton and how he helped her. Then afterwards, Kane made them workout their issues from earlier. When it was done he and The Raven had apologies for their behavior and decide to start over, before parting they had exchanged numbers. Seth went up to Dean and Roman put one of his arms around their neck and brought them in for a hug to share in his happiness.
Dean and Roman looked over his shoulders at each other with concern in their eyes as they returned the younger man's embrace. They had started to ask around about The Raven, since they had picked Seth up from the restaurant the other day. What they were learning about her was not very encouraging. She had pretty much alienated herself from the entire Diva's Division in her first six months in the WWE, but what really concerned them were the rumors of her various one night stands and her relationship with Randy Orton. Their were also stories of how she butt heads with management and how she was basically bidding her time until her contract expired, which would be in another year. Seth didn't need someone who was rebellious and unpredictable. He needed someone who would be stable, faithful and supportive, after all, they were able to find someone. Seth had already been through the ringer with his previous girlfriends, both had cheated on him, which was a blow to his confidence. Dean had seen first hand how hard Seth took his break up with Elizabeth, he spent days sulking and blaming himself over the end of the relationship. It had taken him a long time to finally start going out and then to decide on trying another relationship. They didn't want him to get hurt again and from what they were discovering about The Raven, she was definitely going hurt their friend and brother. Dean and Roman felt they had to put a stop to it, before, whatever was between Seth and The Raven became something more.
The next morning, Seth was dressed and ready to go workout. If only his teammates would wake up, he thought. "Dean, Roman, come on guys lets go workout." Seth shook first Dean's and then Roman's shoulder. Dean grunted and buried his face in the pillow as stuck his middle finger out at Seth. He then looked over to Roman who still had his eyes closed, in a sleepy but very irritated tone he said, "Fuck Seth, its like 5 fucken 30 in the fucken morning go back to sleep." He then turned to his side ignoring Seth. He sighed, he didn't like always going to workout on his own but these lazy bastards usually didn't like getting up until 7:30 or 8. Seth had an idea. He remembered, he would sometimes see The Raven stretching out in the hotel lobby's, they were assigned to, before she go for a run. He pulled out his phone and sent her a text.
The Raven was lacing up her tennis shoes to go for her morning run. She was reflecting on last nights Raw, the fans still cheered for her. They had not forgotten her, as she feared they would. The one thing which helped The Raven through her career was the support of the fans, she appreciated their cheers and well wishes, without them she didn't know how she could continue in the WWE. They made it worth wild for her to be a wrestler. The one thing she was not wild about was the tight ass outfit they had her wearing, it was like a second skin instead of clothes. Since, Kane was now Corporate Kane, they were required to wear suits. However, her suit consistence of a very short tight skirt that barely covered half her thighs, she feared if she bent down she would show her ass to the world. Then there was her jacket that was very form fitted, it showed off her waist and did nothing to really cover her cleavage. She felt if she sneezed the buttons would pop off. She did not wear a blouse under the jacket just a bra, the colors of the outfit where either going to be red or black. The final touches where the 4 inch heels and the non-prescription glasses she was to wear. She looked more like a prostitute than a wrestler, she thought, when she suddenly received a text message. She grabbed her phone and walked into the living room area of the hotel room she shared with Kane, the last thing she needed was to wake the sleeping giant. Who would be texting her this early in the morning? For a moment, her heart stopped thinking maybe it was about her grandfather.
Hi its Seth are you up?
She breathed a sigh of relief. Yes what's up?
Want to go workout with me?
I was about to go for a run.
How about you come with me to do crossfit? It would be more of a challenge. :-)
She shrugged her shoulders, why not try something different, she thought. Sure, I am up for something new.
Great! See you in the lobby in 10 :-)
They greeted each other in the lobby and head to Seth's car rental. Seth couldn't help but check her out, she had her long thick black hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was wearing a lime green tank top, which looked good against her olive colored skin and hazel eyes. The top showed off her well defined arms and shoulder blazes. It also, displayed her hard abs. She was wearing a pair of black yoga pants that gave him a great view of her shapely round butt and long toned legs. She was definitely in great shape but he wondered how she would do at crossfit.
They had already been working out for an hour and a half, Seth was impressed by The Raven's athleticism, she had great stamina. She did her best to keep up and never once complained or gave up on any of the exercises. She actually seemed to be really enjoying herself, which he really liked a lot. However, what he didn't like was all the attention she was getting from the other males in the gym. They were openly gapping at her, she either was ignoring it or she didn't notice the effect she had on them. Whenever she approached a different machine, there was always some guy willing and able to show her how to use it properly. They would smile at her and she would smile back politely, listening intently to their instructions. Seth was really getting annoyed and he started to stare down anyone who looked at her or tried to get near her. She was after all with him and he wanted to be the one to teach her about crossfit. He couldn't help the possessiveness he felt toward her, he really had no right but he couldn't stop how he was feeling.
The Raven could understand why Seth liked crossfit, it was definitely a challenge and kept a person mobile by switching up the routines and equipment. It was different from just going to the gym or going for a run, which could sometimes be boring, plus everyone seemed so nice and helpful. They had been working out for an hour and a half when Seth removed his shirt which was drenched with his sweat. The sight of his bare chest took her breathe away, his pecs were toned and he had a six pack. His skin had a light tan, which made his skin look warm and inviting. The Raven didn't know what it was about hair on a man's chest but she found it incredibly sexy. And Seth had a nice soft patch of hair across his chest and a trail that ran down the middle of his torso and end at the top of his sweats. She had to look away before he caught her staring at him, she couldn't believe how hot and bothered she was getting by only looking at him. She distracted herself by concentrating on the exercises she was doing.
As they were walking out of the gym Seth asked "Did you like it?" The Raven smiled and looked up at Seth, "It was awesome! They really worked my butt off." He returned her smile, "Glad you enjoyed yourself. You think you'll come with me again?"
"I would love to. It would help me work on my endurance and build up my strength."
As they drove back to the hotel, he asked, "You want to go get some breakfast?"
"Aww, thanks but I already have plans with Kane."
"Maybe next time?"
"Sure."
For the past 3 weeks this had became their habit, where ever they had traveled Seth would find the local crossfit center and they would go for a morning workout. Sometimes they would go out for breakfast and they would talk about their favorite music, hobbies, movies.. etc. Their topics were always safe subjects nothing too personal. Neither wanting to get hurt by the other.
The Raven was in her hotel room packing and getting ready to go to the airport, while Kane was taking a shower. She really enjoyed her morning workouts with Seth, she couldn't believe how attracted she was to him. It wasn't like she hadn't ever been with someone with a great physique before, Randy was her ex-lover after all. Seth, however had a way of effecting her and it kinda scared her. But it was not only his body she was attracted to, he also had a great personality. He was always goofing around and making her laugh. She felt comfortable around him, he didn't have these high expectations of her like her family and friends did back home. He simply accepted her as she was. She had to take it slow, she didn't even know if he felt the same way. During her last session with Dr. Reeves, she had promised that the next time she had sex, it would be someone she was in a relationship with. The thought of being in a relationship scared the shit out of her, but if she wanted things in her life to change she had to stop with her self destructive behavior. Maybe, she needed to stay away from Seth, he was too much of a temptation for her. My God, she was acting like a teenager unable to control her needs and emotions. She was stronger than this, anyways, she was heading home and she would make an appointment with Dr. Reeves to discuss these current events.
She was interrupted from her thoughts as Kane came out of the bathroom fully dressed and sat on his bed to put his shoes on.
"Raven, there is something I have been meaning to ask you?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"What's going on with you and Seth Rollins?", he asked bluntly.
The Raven was surprised by his sudden question. "Nothing, we are just friends and workout buddies."
"Really Raven, this is me your talking to.", he said with a bit of sarcasm. "I know you like him and it is obvious he feels the same way."
"How do you know that, he has never said anything to me.", she said with interest.
"Raven, he is always making up excuses to come speak with you and he eyes you like a hawk. Even when we are out in the ring, he can't tear his eyes away from you."
"Really, I never noticed", she said with surprise.
"Raven Duran, you have pursed your share of guys, are you honestly going to tell me you don't think he is interested."
The Raven blushed, "I guess I have noticed it, I am just ignoring it. I really don't need something like this right now, especially since I am not done with my therapy. Also, didn't you tell me that he had a reputation in the guys locker room as a player?"
"That was a couple of months ago, I haven't heard anything about his exploits recently. I think ever since his buddies got girlfriends, he is looking for something more serious. You do like him, right?"
"Yes", she said hesitantly.
"And do you want something serious with him?"
Kane could see the look of distressed that suddenly clouded The Raven's face from his simple inquiry. "Raven?"
She looked away from Kane unable and unwilling to answer his question.
"Raven?", he said again patiently.
"Kane I have never been in a serious relationship before, much less have a boyfriend. I-I . . " she trailed off and looked down at her feet, unable to continue. Kane got off the bed, walked up to her and put his arm around her shoulders to offer comfort. "But, what Raven?", he asked gently. "What if he leaves me, the way everyone else that has been important to me has?" Kane had to strain to hear her words, they were barely audible. He lifted up her chin, so she was facing him, he could see the tears brimming in her eyes. "You can not live like that Raven. You will miss out in a lot in life, if you shut yourself away. I can't say you won't get hurt, but what you will gain will be far worth it." He said as he wiped away The Raven's tears and embraced her. She return his embrace.
"Are you guys ready to go?" Seth asked in an upbeat mood. He really liked the time he was spending with The Raven, they would push each other during their workouts. She was sweet, stubborn, competitive and hotheaded. He was really starting to like her alot.
"Seth, we have some time to spare before we have to be at the airport. We need to speak to you about something?", Roman said seriously with Dean beside him.
"Ooook, you guys look so serious.", Seth wondered what was on their minds.
"What's going on with you and The Raven?", Dean asked directly.
"Nothing really, well nothing yet anyway. Why do you ask?" Seth had been taking it slow with The Raven. He didn't want to make the same mistakes he had with his pervious girlfriends and rush into something.
"We have been asking around about The Raven and what people are saying about her is not the best.", Roman said tactfully.
"O really and what have you heard?" Seth was kinda of annoyed but also curious as to know what they found out.
"Well, six months after starting in the WWE, she pretty much turned all the Divas against her. They say she is arrogant and thinks she is too good to be in the same ring with them. That's why she shares the locker room with Kane and travels with him, because he is the only one what will be around her." Roman could see that Seth was upset but he needed to make sure he knew what he was getting into with The Raven.
"Those are just rumors, you don't know how true they are. Plus, we had the same issues when we started.", Seth said defensively.
"Seth, we have some people not talking to us because we are getting a push from management, but we don't have entire division against, refusing to travel with us or ignoring us." Dean argued.
Seth felt they were ganging up on him but not just him, also The Raven. He didn't like the things they were saying about her, but he also wondered how true the rumors were. Kane seemed protective of her and willing to stand up for her. She couldn't be as bad as they were making her out to be.
"Then there's management, they are against her because she is not a team player. Do you know she refused to lose to any of the Divas? They had to strip her of the Diva's Championship Title. You saw first hand, the hostility Stephanie McMahon has for The Raven when we had that meeting in Hunter's office." said Roman.
"Look we are all bound to buttheads with management from time to time." It was the only thing Seth could think to say.
"Man, you are not listening." Roman said with aggravation as he ran his fingers through is hair in frustration.
"Yea man and what about the rumors of her one night stands and how she was just using Randy Orton for sex.", Dean blurted out.
Seth could feel himself getting angry. "Enough!", he said as civil as he could, "I don't want to hear anymore about this."
"Look Seth, we are telling you this because you are, our friend-" Roman was cut off by Dean.
"Man, not just our friend but brother. Seth, I was there when you broke up with Elizabeth. I saw how much it fucked you up. We just don't want you going through that for the 3rd time."
"Ya man, you asked why things don't work out with you and the women you are with, well maybe its how you are choosing them." Roman said hoping to sway Seth.
"You want someone who will elevate your career, not bring it down. I mean The Raven is an outcast." said Dean wishing Seth would see reason, he couldn't believe the hold she had on him already and they had yet to do anything according to Seth.
"If that were true then why does Hunter want me to work with her, its because she is popular with the fans and they want to see her in action." Seth argue.
"Seth don't you want someone who will be faithful, supportive and understand your career? She may have the last two down but what about the first. Are you really willing to take that chance?" Dean replied.
"I appreciate your concerned, but I don't want to talk about this anymore. I will meet you guys at the car.", Seth cut them off by yanking the door open and then slamming it behind him. Dean and Roman looked at each other as they felt the room rattle from how hard Seth slammed the door. They hoped, they had gotten through to him before he was hurt again.
Gone was his cheerful mood from the morning, he was angry, irritated but also worried about what they had said to him. He couldn't help how he felt for her, he felt protective, possessive and drawn to her, he knew he was getting too attached to soon. Which is the reason, he was trying to take it slow and had not asked her out yet. From the first time he met her there was something between them, he just couldn't walk away. The only person who could answer his questions was The Raven and he would give her that chance before he made any final decision.
