Disclaimer :As much as I wish otherwise, I do not own Randy Orton or any other entity associated with WWE. I can only claim property rights of OC.

The flight into Dallas was delayed two hours due to a massive thunderstorm hanging over most of the state. Claire set her bags down and eased into a chair. Her feet were killing her and she was starving. Too bad it was close to 3 AM and she still hadn't been able to make contact with Randy. She had left several messages on his voice mail before she had left Stamford. It figured she would have to do this the hard way. She'd have to go to the arena and track him down.

Claire dug in her purse for change. She couldn't resist the call of the candy machine. Maybe something chocolate would help. It sure a hell wasn't going to hurt. She made her way over to the row of machines and slid the coins in. She grabbed the bag of M&Ms and turned to go back to her seat. She took a step and hit a wall. A very large, very male wall. Claire stepped back, caught her balance and looked up into the frowning face of THE MAN himself. Randy Orton glared down at her. "Watch where you're going."

Claire stood rooted, watching Randy's back as it disappeared into the terminal. This was not the first meeting she hoped for. Claire dashed after him, going as quickly as she could. "Randy! Wait up!" Randy Orton didn't stop or slow down until he had reached Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. Claire slid to a stop beside him and took a deep breath. "I left you 5 messages and you didn't call back."

Randy arched a brow and glared down at Claire "Who the hell are you?"

Claire offered her hand in greeting. "I'm Claire. Claire Davis, from the Senior Creative Team. I've been assigned to write your bio."

Randy looked her over from head to toe, making Claire feel like a bug under a microscope.

"And I'm supposed to care?" Claire bit her tongue and tried to control her temper.

"Stephanie suggested that I meet you here in Dallas so we can get to work." Claire met his even stare and forced herself not to blink.

"So you think you can keep up?" Randy let out a low laugh. "Good luck. Do yourself a favor and stay out of my way."

Before Claire could say anything Randy turned and stalked away. She stood there, watching his lanky form stride away. It wasn't until she heard a voice at her side that she realized she wasn't alone. "Don't take it personally. Randy's not a bad guy, he just hates every one."

Claire glanced over and couldn't help but smile. Cody Rhodes had always been one of the good-guys. He'd always been nice to the writing team.

"I'll try to remember that. Is he always this pleasant?" Cody laughed. Little Claire had a sense of humor. Maybe she'd last longer than the last one.

"Nah, you've caught him on a good day."

Claire let loose an unladylike snort. "I'd hate to see him on a bad day." Cody reached over and gave her shoulder a quick squeeze, "Don't worry, you will. Where's your stuff?" Claire motioned over toward the seat occupied by Jasmine and Cody headed over. "Let me grab them and we'll catch up with Randy."

Cody handed the laptop bag to Claire and grabbed her carry-on. He waited while Claire said a quick farewell to her friend. He had always liked Claire. She was tall for a lady, he guessed about five-foot-nine. Her silky black hair hung straight down her back, held in place by a simple clip. She had the most incredible blue eyes Cody had ever seen. Overall, she had the total package.

By the time they made their way to Randy, she was even more exhausted. Just the sight of him sprawling in a seat made her want to kick him. Hard. Right where it hurt. Cody set her bag beside his own and motioned for her to sit. Randy didn't even glance in her direction as she took the seat next to him. Claire had the same feeling she got when she was waiting to see the dentist. She didn't want to make conversation but the silence was wearing on her nerves. She glanced between Cody and Ted, then back again. "How long are we in Dallas?" Silence. Claire wasn't quite sure if she honestly expected ANY of them to answer, least of all their fearless leader.

"Just a couple of days. We have a break before we HAVE to be in L.A." Cody smiled at her, hoping she wasn't offended that Randy wouldn't even look in her direction. Claire nodded once and returned the smile. "Good! That will give me some time to get started. Maybe we can find time to play 20-questions"

Cody nodded in agreement and crossed the aisle to sit next to her. "Yeah, that sounds good. Maybe we could maybe get something to eat or … " Cody was cut off as Randy suddenly moved from his seat and walked away. Cody sank back, a slow blush creeping up his neck.

Claire forced herself not to even look in the direction Randy had went,

"Dinner tomorrow? My treat?"

Cody nodded and smiled a little. "What hotel are you staying at? I could pick you up."

Hotel? Oh damn!!! She had no clue where she was going to stay. Her focus had been on catching the red eye to Dallas. She couldn't help but laugh. This day was getting even better by the second. "Funny you should ask. I don't actually have a hotel. Guess I need to figure that part out."

Cody looked at her, his grey eyes full of disbelief. "Seriously? You don't know where you're staying? You flew all the way here without any kind of plan?"

Claire shook her head slightly. Surely Cody must think she was either very brave or INCREDIBLY stupid. She was willing to put her money on the stupid part.

"Me and Ted have rooms booked over at the Double Tree. I can crash with him and let you take my room." Claire couldn't help but smile as the blush started moving up his neck, staining his cheeks. If she didn't know any better, she would bet he was shy.

"You sure? I don't want to cause any more trouble than necessary."

Cody leaned toward her. "My Daddy would whip me if he found out I had a place to sleep and a lady didn't"

"If you're sure it won't be too much trouble."

Cody shook his head, "You won't be any trouble at all."

Claire laughed and looked down at the bag of M&Ms clutched lightly in her hand. "I wouldn't be too sure of that.

A/N: Let me know what you think and write a review!