I suck. Damnit, I know I suck. But real life happened aaand guess what friends!? I got married! :)
On another note, thank you to those that followed me on Twitter and got me motivated. I am forever in love with wrestling and I love to "tweet-meet" so to speak those who have supported me. So, if you'd like to add me on Twitter, my handle is ashrainboww. So here we go, another installment of YTH.
"Stephanie," Seth Rollins answered his phone bitterly, still remembering the godawful pitch she'd given regarding a real-life love triangle storyline. Although he respected her greatly, he knew that she gave up a fight to Vince McMahon often, and he was ready to hear the news that Mr. McMahon had chosen to bring Zahra not only back to WWE, but straight to Monday Night Raw.
"Now, Seth, there's no reason to be short with me," came her smooth voice. It sounded calm. Too calm.
"Given our last conversation and airing out my dirty laundry in front of my girlfriend and the rest of the world, I feel it's justified," he replied, warmth beginning to fill his cheeks. He was getting annoyed quickly, knowing this discussion couldn't be good.
"I know that it wasn't exactly fantastic, but luckily, one of the stagehands in the back was able to come up with a solid solution to this problem."
"A stagehand? Seriously?" Since when did Stephanie McMahon listen to a random nobody in the back? This smelled fishy.
"I know, it's not usually my style. My team usually creates a story, and we stick with it. Despite what everyone else thinks."
"Yeah, so I've realized," Seth replied, rolling his eyes. He was glad that she wasn't able to see him.
"I ran this idea by dad-er, Vince, and it was approved. So Zahra can stay in whatever filthy basement she's been staying in. Thank God."
Seth quirked an eyebrow; surprised that his boss would undermine a former talent like that so quickly. Though it was never a secret that she disliked the tattooed star, it was unusual for her to say something that could be deemed unprofessional.
"Sorry," Stephanie apologized quickly, trying to mask the obvious embarrassment in her voice. "I know you used to-well, nevermind. The good thing is, you can leave your previous relationships alone and focus on the one you're in now." Seth could hear the smirk in her voice, and the same annoyance crept up on from just moments ago. It was demeaning in a way, and he felt that she was insinuating that, with certainty, this relationship wouldn't be able to last.
"Fantastic. And exactly what does this have to do with me?" Seth sighed, ready to hear the dumb ass storyline that had been concocted.
"Oh, well, we actually just wanted to put you in a storyline with Paige. You both are natural heels, she needs something to do while she's out of the title picture...I don't know, it might be good."
"Paige? Paige can't stand me!" Seth didn't bother to acknowledge to his boss that they had seemingly buried the hatchet; it was none of her business and certainly would somehow be used in storyline format.
"Even better. We're trying to turn her against AJ, cementing the heel turn. And who else better but to stick around with?"
"This sounds like a shitty love story," Seth argued.
"It's going to be fine. If you don't want to work with Paige, then work with AJ and be top heels together."
"No way. Our relationship isn't meant for the world to see yet."
"The world as in CM Punk, or Zahra, or Leighla? Or...Finn Balor, perhaps?" Stephanie's tone changed to a flat, cold one; the one where Seth knew he ought to stop pushing her buttons.
"What in the hell does Finn Balor have to do with anything?" Seth grit his teeth, wishing Steph was able to see the anger she was conjuring up within him.
"Nothing," she replied sweetly. "He's still in NXT, defending his title shortly against Joe."
Shaking off her comment, Seth agreed. "As long as I don't have to liplock with the wicked witch, I guess I can handle that. She's okay with me dating her best friend, but I seriously doubt she'd be interested in a bogus love triangle that involves me. Didn't you guys learn from Nikki, Brie, and Daniel? It just never works."
"On contrary, Seth, Brie and Daniel are married now."
"I'm aware!" Seth snapped. "Sorry. I am aware. But I'm not looking to marry AJ, I just want to give a solid shot at a relationship and the last thing I want is for the writers to ruin that for me. I'm actually happy in my personal life."
"I understand completely, Seth. No worries," she had a little bite to her farewells, and Seth knew that she was up to something. He had already fallen victim to shitty writing on numerous occasions, and he hated that he was going to be the reason Paige and AJ would begin feuding. He felt lucky that, at the very least, he'd be working with Paige of all people. If it had been the likes of Nikki Bella, he would worry that AJ might get a bit...jealous. It seemed to him that the management had taken his words into consideration: Right now, his relationship with AJ was of high value, and he wasn't willing to ruin that.
"Yeah, we'll see about that," he responded hotly, but Stephanie had already hung up.
Bitch, he thought to himself; though he didn't actually feel that way about her. He was just very, very stressed out over the past few day's bringings. He knew being a superstar for this company was going to be a lot of work. He knew it'd be rewarding. He knew his privacy was going to be hugely diminished.
All he wanted, though, was a clean cut from the past; and for whatever reason, everytime he turned around, his past was literally staring him in the face.
With that final thought, he laid down on the hotel room bed, putting earbuds into his ears and relaxing to the thudding of the loud guitar riffs into his ears. It was a good way to unwind, to forget about the shit he'd had to listen to today. Fuck, the only thing that made today worth waking up for was AJ.
Seth woke up to his phone buzzing against the wood of the nightstand. At some point during his nap, he'd removed the earbuds and his iPod now lay next to him on the thick red quilt that covered the hotel's bed. He was relieved he hadn't accidentally knocked it to the floor.
He snapped into reality, stretching to reach for his phone. He smiled as he saw that it was AJ. With a quick swipe, he answered, happy that it was she who had interrupted his sleep.
"Hey, sleepyhead," AJ said when he'd answered. "I figured you'd fallen asleep. I know it's kind of late, but I just got back from dinner with Paige. I was wondering if maybe you wanted some company? She's off to have probable phone sex with her boyfriend."
Seth chuckled. "Too much information. But yes, I could use some more of you in my evening. I have to talk to you anyways about some dumb ass new storyline I've got to be a part of," his smile faded whilst remembering his last conversation.
"Oh, great," AJ groaned into his ear. "Seth, I really hope 'ol Vinnie didn't give the green light to...well, I just have already been punished enough by having to suffer a loss to Eva Marie soon here. I feel like that's fair. But anything past that...I don't know if I can take it."
"AJ, relax," Seth consoled her quickly before she got too panicky. "We don't have to worry at all about Zahra. She is a non-issue. Just meet me in my room as soon as you can, and I'll explain it."
AJ agreed half-heartedly, and Seth repeated that it wasn't as bad as the ideas Stephanie had slung their way earlier. He figured she'd be much more relaxed to discover that he'd be in a storyline with her friend; someone who wanted nothing but the best for her.
Nearly twenty minutes later, a gentle tap came on Seth's door, to which he swung open quickly, yanking the petite woman inside before wrapping his arms around her shoulders and holding her small body against him. He breathed in her freshly shampooed hair, kissing the top of her head before breaking away to look into her dark eyes.
"Well hello there, beautiful," he smiled, giving the cocky grin he was known and loved for by viewers of the WWE. AJ rolled her eyes before rocking back on the heels of her feet, getting up on her tiptoes, and kissing him square in the nose. Something that would seem juvenile normally made Seth's heart skip a second, the innocence she carried around rather calming.
"What was that for?" he asked, leading her to the bed before falling down against it, forcing her to topple to the mattress with him. She settled awkwardly into a spooning position with him as he stroked her long, dark hair. He kissed her temple, wishing he could photograph this moment and keep it with him forever.
"I wish that things were easier," she said after a long silence. "I hate that the whole world seems to know that we want to be together. I hate that it had to be leaked to the world by someone who is envious. I wish that I was more comfortable being honest about our relationship to the world...but I'm just not. I love you, Seth. I do. I just want to be recognized as a person separate from you. I don't want to be known as 'Seth Rollin's girlfriend.'"
Seth gave a quiet laugh. "You will never be known as 'Seth Rollin's girlfriend' to the world, AJ...be serious," he gave her a side-hug, propping himself up on an elbow. "But I understand how you feel. I can't tell you to stop having such reservations, because I know that it's not fair. But I think that we'll be able to get through anything. I mean...we've already gotten this far, haven't we?"
AJ turned to face him, drawing her knees closer to her stomach and forcing a reasonable distance between them. "If it's not Zahra, it's Leighla. So what's this big storyline? In walks ghost of girlfriend past during a segment between you and Dean? Or, better yet-Leighla interferes in my match against newly-signed diva, Zahra? I know I sound like a scared little girl, but this is extremely uncomfortable for me to live through."
Seth draped his arm over her, pushing her knees downward with his free arm. Though she resisted at first, he brought his body closer to hers. He could feel the warmth of her body against him, wishing that their bodies were touching...
"No, April. You don't have to worry about them. I promise on all that exists. Stephanie actually got me involved in a different feud. And while I'm not sure how it is going to work, she has me working with one of your friends."
AJ raised an eyebrow. "Big E?" she asked, confused. Before her split from Punk, Big E had been her rock...literally. But now, things between them still seemed strange, most specifically because he still spoke to Phil on a regular basis. While in the past, he'd been one of her closest friends, things just don't remain the same for long.
"No, not E," replied Seth. "Stephanie had this weird idea pitched to her by some camera guy or whatever, and I guess they're going to run with it for now. I'm working with Paige for awhile."
AJ began to giggle. "Paige? Are you sure? Because I really don't see Paige giving the thumbs-up to working with you, babe. No offense."
"And none taken. But I agreed to it, because I know I can trust her. And you know you can, too. So long as she agrees to it, we'll be somehow written in together for awhile. I don't think as a couple or anything like that, because the real world knows better. But as a pair of evil villains."
"I don't know, Seth. This whole thing seems super sketchy," she bit her lip, clearly having reservations about the whole ordeal. "Something doesn't feel right here."
"AJ...I promise you, if I felt things were going to get fucked, I would have never agreed to it. We fought too hard to be like this to just let outside forces influence us."
AJ gave a sigh, finally acknowledging that she was probably getting worked up over nothing. She turned to face away from Seth once again, melting into his arms. Suddenly, though, she gave an excited jump.
"Hot damn, check out that moon!" she exclaimed, pointing towards the orangeish glow that was being cast through the room's window. Seth glanced up, the moon seemingly so close that they could touch it if they wanted. It was incredible, to say the least.
"It's beautiful," AJ breathed, swinging her feet to the bed as she walked towards the window, marveling at the magnificent yet simple glow. "Possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in person."
At some point, the architect must've gotten up and followed her to the window, the view up from the eighth floor overlooking the busy city they were staying in now in his view, too. AJ was right, though; the moon seemed to be peeking into the window as if to see what was going on. He'd never seen anything quite like it.
Seth hugged her from behind. "I'm going to be corny here," he warned. "But it's the second most beautiful thing I've ever seen myself. A runner-up to you."
AJ turned, loosening his embrace, to face him. Her eyes had a light in them, one that he wasn't sure he'd seen before. She twisted her mouth, and was now wearing a ridiculous, goofy grin. "Any more cheese, and I can start calling you nacho," she teased. "But thank you." She wove her fingers between his, lacing them as a weird warmth began to overtake her body. She quickly meshed her lips to his, succumbing to this overwhelming urge to feel connected to the man she loved.
"What was that for?" Seth asked, smirking against her mouth after she'd softly nipped his lower lip.
"For making me feel the way you do. I mean it. I was so far down on myself for so long...but I would've lived through it all over again if it meant that I'd be standing here in this moment with you."
"What was that about cheese?" Seth gave a gravelly whisper and she gave him a lighthearted punch to his shoulder.
With that, Seth gently pulled her back towards the bed, tucking both hands behind his head. "But trust me, sweetcheeks, the feeling is mutual. I love you, with all that I am. Spend the night here with me." Seth's voice seemed urgent and needy, and there was something in it that AJ found as a huge turn-on. This man could say anything in the world, and he'd ignite this ridiculous heated buzz within her; the need to be with him in every way evident, despite all of their obstacles.
"Of course I will," she agreed, nuzzling him before laying gentle kisses against his skin. "But don't expect to get a great amount of sleeping done, if that's what you're aiming for."
Seth swooped in for another kiss before resting his hand on her hip, fiddling with the waistband of her black jeans. He had an urge to kiss her protruding hip bone, as though he was suddenly aware that she was possibly the sexiest woman he'd ever met...and she didn't even have to try.
"You're going to be the death of me, you know that?" he said to her before stroking her chin and succumbing to the glossy, pouted lips. And in that moment, they were blissful; their bodies contouring to one another as the clothes they once wore ended up in a messy pile next to the bed.
The next few weeks had been a blur; both AJ and Seth enjoying one another's company while away from the ring and ignoring the backstage talk while they were working. Each worked hard to maintain their characters: Seth played a mega-heel, to which AJ found herself disliking. For someone who had so much backstage politics on his side, she couldn't comprehend why he wouldn't ask his mentor and guide Triple H to at least make him look like a respectable champion and cleanly win over someone.
On the flip side, AJ and Paige were still playing out the 'freaks and geeks' story, forever feuding with the Bella Twins who represented everything they were not. Sometimes, Eva Marie would get herself involved just to prove to the fans that she was still there. Each time the redhead showed up, AJ couldn't help but be a little proud of her: Each time, she would get booed out of the building and still stand there with a hateful, awesome lipsticked smile. If anyone could play a narcissistic witch, it was her; and she owned it.
Finally, though, the night of the pay-per-view rolled around, and AJ was nervous to work with Eva Marie. She knew that she'd have to carry the match, despite her opponents improvements. At least it'd be the end of the feud, and if she understood correctly, it would be the beginning of a new one.
During the kick-off show, AJ did some stretching to ease her rattled brain. She wished she could find Seth, but she knew better. He was very confined when it came to big shows like this and she respected that. Still, it didn't change the fact that she wished she was with him.
Later, she reminded herself. He'd asked her out on a proper date after the show, but since her match was in the beginning of the main card and his was the last, she'd be doing a lot of waiting around.
"Hey, there she is," came a vaguely familiar voice as it entered the locker room. "How've you been, April?"
AJ turned to see the beautifully chiseled, cleaned-up man known as Finn Balor. She felt as though she forgot how to breathe; she hadn't seen him in a long time...and yet here he was, standing there watching her as she did awful warm-ups. She scrambled to her feet, wishing she'd at least allowed the makeup ladies to put a coat of lipgloss on her earlier. All she normally allowed for was a bit of eyeliner and half-sets of fake lashes...but that was all. As for her hair? Well, it was a wreck anyway, so she opted to do it herself every single show.
She felt like an actual potato next to Finn.
"Beautiful as always," he said, his accent thick as ever. He began stepping forward to give her a hug. She allowed it, finding her Chuck-clad feet stepping towards the ridiculously tall, godlike man. "I haven't seen you in awhile. You look good. Happy."
"I am," she smiled, and he gave her a generous smile in return. "Oh, hey-what are you even doing here?"
Finn gave a smile. "It's a surprise," he made a quick gesture with his free hand, the other holding tightly to the NXT championship that sat on his shoulder. AJ would never admit it to Seth or anyone that was important, but the NXT belt was much more appealing that the one that was of high prestige on the main roster. Shoot, all of the NXT belts looked better in her opinion.
"Well, I'm glad you're here. Even more glad to see you," she smiled, quickly realizing how bad that sounded. She was in a true relationship, yet she was falling over this guy who, a few months back, she had a rough time going out to dinner with? What was wrong with this picture?
"I'm glad to be here. Glad to see you, of course. Hopefully I run into you again soon," Finn gave her a quick wink before exiting, slightly ducking under the doorframe so he didn't knock his head. He gently closed the door behind him, and AJ stood in silence, still gawking at the place he had stood moments before. She knew she was being stupid...but had he always been so flipping gorgeous? She supposed at the time, she hadn't really been ready to be in a relationship, which might've been why she had no true interest in Finn back then...but now...
She gave a shake of her head, warding the thoughts away. No, she shouldn't even be thinking of the what-ifs. Seth had given her something she could only dream of, and she shouldn't risk that for a charming, accented man in a dapper suit.
Giving one last stretch to her calves, she left the room, too, ready and anxious to skip down to the ring.
Seth watched as AJ left the room she was in.
And normally, he'd have walked up to her, wished her luck on the match despite the horrific impending outcome, and given her a chaste kiss so that their peers didn't see the interaction.
Except just a few moments ago, he'd seen a certain demon king exit the same room, a swooning look painted on his face. As though he had just been kissed, perhaps?
No...AJ wasn't like that, he told himself. Things had been consistently happy between them, and in fact, they had planned on going to Tyler Breeze's wedding together later that month as an exclusive couple for the first time ever. Still, there was confirmed interest between his girlfriend and the current NXT champ in the past, and he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable that they'd just left the same exact room, matched, dopey expressions on their faces.
Quickly shaking his head to ward off the evil thoughts he shouldn't be thinking, he stepped towards AJ to give her a good luck kiss, despite the fact that were members of the roster lingering around.
"Oh-hey!" AJ turned towards him when she'd seen him from the corner of her eye. "I didn't think you'd be out and about so early."
"I wanted to make sure I saw you before your match. Good luck, sweetcheeks," he planted her with a very clear kiss, happily aware of the onlookers.
Fuck 'em, he thought as he could hear small gasps and whispers around him. It wasn't as if they didn't already know there was something going on. He secretly hoped that Finn Balor, too, was lurking around somewhere so he could see that the beautiful black widow was his, and he had just made that known to his friends.
"Seth, people are looking," AJ whispered, nervously looking around. "I thought you didn't want...I thought we were waiting for Tyler's wedding before we...you know, announced anything."
Seth began to speak, but a nearby stagehand cut him off as he began to escort AJ towards the curtain, where Eva Marie stood already in a huge, sequinned red robe, a makeup artist brushing some sparkly shit on each of her cheeks while she looked upward. He smiled as another artist approached AJ, whom she promptly told to find something better to do.
"You'll be great," he said before walking away from the chaos. She gave him a nerdy thumbs-up sign, her cropped Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tank top riding just above her bellybutton.
Shit, he couldn't wait to take that thing off from her later.