Punk walked over to Ziggler. This was exactly the sort of situation that Kofi was trying to prevent, but after Kofi and Randy failed to win the Rumble, they both had scattered so he was currently without a babysitter and prone to doing inadvisable things.

"How in the world did you manage to get this drunk in 30 minutes?"

"Patron goes down easy. Why shouldn't I be drunk? My entire body is aching and I have absolutely nothing to show for it except being spectacularly humiliated in the ring tonight. Do you know what Laurinaitis said to me? He said that if he knew how easy it was to beat me without outside help he would have picked someone else to take you on. He's not even going to give me a one on one rematch. Did you have to embarrass me like that? Do you hate me that much?"

"I don't hate you."

"But you don't like me."

"I like you just fine."

"But not enough."

"No, not enough. Not in the way that you want." Ziggler stared at him then raised his hand to the bartender for another round. "You shouldn't drink so much it's…"

"I'm not going to listen to a straight edge sermon unless we're dating and then I will listen intently. Are we dating?"

"No."

"Then I'll take a pass on the self-help speech for tonight. What is it precisely about me that you don't like? I'm smart, entertaining, and hot as hell. What is it that Cena brings to the table that I don't? Better yet, what was Cena lacking that made you leave him; I might be capable of giving you the things he can't."

"You know the reason John and I are no longer together is because I won't tolerate having three people in a relationship. You come with the same baggage and I can't punch Vickie in the mouth when she gets into harpy mode."

"If that's the only problem, screw Vickie. You want her gone, she's gone."

Punk was taken aback. The very thing he wanted from John, Ziggler was offering up with no argument whatsoever. Maybe John was gone for good. Maybe he and Ryder were already together and he was hoping for a reconciliation that would never happen. Maybe dismissing Ziggler out of hand meant he was throwing something away that could be good for him. Ziggler was all the things he said, even if humility was a personality trait that was completely foreign to him. He couldn't really hold that against him because the concept of humbleness was just as foreign to him.

"Listen, I'll think about it, okay."

"You will?"

"Yes. Come on, I'll help you to your room," and Punk wrapped his arm around Ziggler's waist and slung his arm over his shoulder, dragging a very inebriated Ziggler to the elevator and up to his room. "Where's your key?"

"Dunno. Want to help me look for it?"

Punk just looked at Ziggler dubiously.

"You're no fun," and Ziggler dug his key out of his pocket. "So, did you finish thinking about it yet? You could come in and we could think about it together. Better yet, let's not think at all."

"I give you an inch and you want a mile."

"Nah, I just want you," Ziggler said, opening the door to his room wide and leaning against it, giving Punk more than enough room to enter.

"Enough of you and your drunken sexual advances. Go sleep it off, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Will you be done thinking by then?"

Punk just shrugged his shoulders and began to walk down the hallway to his and Kofi's room.

"What would you say if I told you that I think I'm falling in love with you," Ziggler called after him. Punk paused and then just kept walking, not looking back.

January 30, 2012

Monday Night Raw

Punk walked into the arena in Kansas City not bothering to speak to a damn person because he knew tonight was going to be a clusterfuck of epic proportions. The show started with Laurinaitis announcing his opponents in the Elimination Chamber. There was a 1 in 6 chance that he could lose his title to Ziggler, Miz, Kofi, Jericho, or R Truth. Punk really couldn't argue with Laurinaitis' choice of his opponents because they were all competent wrestlers and deserved the shot they were being given. On any given day with this crew he could find himself watching one of them walk away with his title. He was the best in the world but even he could have an off day and the Chamber was so perilous anything could and probably would happen. Just because he approved of one of the last actions of Laurinaitis as GM didn't mean that he wasn't going to the ring to get in a few last digs before Hunter sent him packing.

He entered the arena and was met with the roar of the crowd, belt in one hand and a mic in the other. He taunted Laurinaitis through song on his way to the ring. Laurinaitis had an idiotic smile on his face but underneath that he was probably seething. Laurinaitis' treatment of him had ended up being the last nail in his coffin and Laurinaitis would probably like nothing better than punch him in the mouth that had embarrassed him time and again. After talking briefly to Hunter backstage he knew that Laurinaitis would not be getting a positive review. Hunter also offered to lend him his sledgehammer if Punk was in the mood to beat someone half to death that was practically in a full body cast. The idea had a certain appeal but he knew that Ryder was not in attendance tonight. Maybe next week.

He finally entered the ring, "Goodbye clown shoes."

Laurinaitis had the gall to ask for an apology for not interfering in his match last night. Why in the hell did Laurinaitis think he needed credit for something that he was supposed to do in the first place. Punk did extend his thanks for all the fun he had in owning the man again and again. Laurinaitis extended his hand and offered Punk a truce. His response was to offer the soon to be ex GM a goodbye GTS.

He was interrupted by Daniel's music playing through the arena. Punk had a pretty good idea what was coming next. With Daniel's current mental state he doubted that he had asked for this match. This was Laurinaitis' real goodbye to him, setting up a match between himself and the only other person on the roster that could reasonably contend that he was just as talented as himself. He and Daniel had torn the house down in ROH and now it was the turn of the WWE fans to see what real wrestling was all about. Sheamus came out to the ring to announce that he would decide who would be meeting him in the ring at WrestleMania after the Elimination Chamber. Sheamus took a couple parting shots at Laurinaitis and left the ring to him and Daniel. Punk extended his hand to Daniel. Daniel hesitated before shaking his hand. There was still enough ROH etiquette in them to show respect where respect was due.

Daniel left the arena, Punk following soon after. Punk looked up to the graphics on the screen to see Randy vs. Ziggler announced as the next match. Laurinaitis was probably feeding an already beat down Ziggler to Randy as punishment for being unable to get the job done the night before. He passed through the curtain to find an annoyed Randy watching Vickie screeching at a road agent that Ziggler was in no condition to compete while Ziggler was contradicting her at every turn. Ziggler finally pulled Vickie aside and when they came back Ziggler had somehow forced Vickie into silence but the look on her face showed how irate she was over the whole situation. With the drama finally silenced Randy entered the arena followed by Ziggler in his horrid furry vest.

Punk was glad that Ziggler had been preoccupied with Vickie because he had no idea what he would say to Ziggler after what had transpired last night. Punk returned to the monitor bay and took a seat next to Kofi who informed him that he would be taking on Miz tonight. Punk settled in to watch Randy's match with Ziggler. 5 minutes later Ziggler found himself on the wrong end of a RKO and the match was at an end. Randy had shown Ziggler no mercy and he knew Ziggler must be fuming, another loss added to his record.

Punk's match would be starting momentarily and he made his way to the arena entrance, finding Daniel already there. Punk had stopped being insulted when his match ended up lost in the card in no man's land or having to play second fiddle to his opponents. No matter when his match was slotted or who took precedence over him, the fans didn't seem to give a fuck and neither did he. As the match progressed he was fully aware that he and Daniel were putting on a 5 star match and the fans loving them for it. Punk delivered his patented head kick to Daniel who rolled to the edge of the mat under the ropes. Punk should have capitalized but instead took the opportunity to catch his breath before going after Daniel again. Punk was taken aback when his body was jerked around. He met the eyes of Jericho briefly before becoming a victim of the Code Breaker. Sure, he was pissed about being blindsided but was actually glad that Jericho had finally declared his intentions. He hoped this latest action of Jericho's would prevent the man from continuing to run around like a manic disco ball.

Punk returned to the locker room to shower quickly so that he would be back in the monitor bay in time to see Kofi's match. Even though Kofi was a friend his was still his competition in the Elimination Chamber and watching him and Miz fight were just a preview of what he might expect. Miz entered the arena with his usual mic in hand. Miz was even fonder of the microphone than he was. It seemed that short matches were the theme of the night because Kofi took Miz down in 5 minutes with Trouble in Paradise.

"Have you made up your mind yet?"

He turned around the find Ziggler's arms folded over the back of his chair and his head lowered so his mouth was inches from his ear. Ziggler had obviously judged the right time because Randy was in the locker room and Kofi was still in the arena.

"Ziggler, it hasn't even been 24 hours."

"You should consider my impatience a compliment and why don't you call me Dolph."

"Because it's the silliest name I have ever heard."

"I'm open to terms of endearment and pet names."

"Lucky for us both I'm not."

"Ziggler, what are you doing?" Randy said, towering over Ziggler.

"Just talking."

"Go talk to someone else."

"Fine, I'll see you later," the parting words aimed at Punk, Ziggler smiling enticingly.

"Can't you be left alone for a minute? Do you have any sense of self-preservation?"

Punk remained silent, not wanting to reveal to Randy what the extent of the situation actually was.

A match for the Divas Championship between Beth Phoenix and Eve was up next. Eve must really be committed to her plan, whatever is was because she seemed nervous and twitchy during the match, losing quickly to Beth. Eve's vulnerability summoned Kane and the lights dimmed until there was only an eerie red light in the arena. Eve nervously searched the arena but Kane appeared on the big screen demanding Eve to deliver the message that Kane would continue physically decimating Ryder until John embraced the hate. Punk thought that a pre-recorded clip was a little mild for Kane and sure enough he appeared in the ring behind Eve. John's music cued up and he ran to defend Eve. For once John was saving an actual damsel in distress. John put a brutal beating on Kane, sending him fleeing into the crowd. The strangest part was the smile John had on his face the entire time, as if he was truly enjoying annihilating Kane. Punk couldn't fathom what state of mind John must be in to cause him to behave the way he did. John returned to the monitor bay, propped his feet up on the chair in front of him and sat back to watch Laurinaitis' job evaluation. Punk couldn't stop staring at John and the creepy smile that had overtaken his face. John turned his head and caught Punk staring. The smile faltered for a moment and John quickly turned his head back to the screen.

Punk too turned back to the monitor. At least seeing Laurinaitis get canned would improve his mood. Laurinaitis entered the ring, the smile from earlier in the night completely absent. Laurinaitis tried to plead his case to the arena but they were not having it, the fans were out for his blood tonight, and that's when Hunter entered the arena. Hunter tore Laurinaitis to shreds and Punk found it hilarious as did much of the roster. Hunter invited Laurinaitis to join the Kiss My Ass club and the absolute fool put on a layer of chap stick, knelt down and puckered his lips. Hunter busted out laughing, calling Laurinaitis a freak that need professional help. A cheer went up in the bay when Hunter wrapped his arm around Laurinaitis and began to future endeavor him…and that's when the gongs sounded.

The monitor bay immediately hushed. No matter your allegiances or behavior there was one person that commanded every person on the roster's respect, and that was the Undertaker whom no one had seen since WrestleMania when he was carted off, unable to stand on his own power. The roster waited with bated breath, much like the fans, as the Undertaker made his way to the ring. Punk noticed that Laurinaitis fled the ring like a shot. The Undertaker entered the ring and stared Hunter down, looked to the WrestleMania sign hung above the ring, and then back at Hunter running his hand across his neck. Punk knew what that gesture meant and it was nothing he ever wanted to experience again, and then Hunter shocked the hell out of him. He patted the Undertaker on the shoulder like one would greet and old friend and left the ring, leaving the Undertaker alone and clearly dissatisfied by what had transpired. Punk had no idea what could possibly be in Hunter's head. He knew damn well from last year that Hunter's suit was just a costume; he was still capable of visiting the same carnage on a competitor as he had prior to becoming COO. He had just said no to the Undertaker and Punk had no idea where anyone would get the balls to do something that suicidal.

Punk gathered his things and headed to the arena exit.

"Why are you doing this to me? Do you think I'm deaf and blind and ignorant of what's going on around me?"

Punk turned around and saw John leaning against the wall, far enough down a hallway where he hadn't seen John as he passed.

"Not to sound like a magic 8 ball but all signs point to yes."

"Hilarious."

"I'm glad to see at least one of us finds this situation funny and I know it's not me."

"Of course it's not, you've got Dolph Ziggler panting after your ass and yelling out his love for you down the hallway."

"You heard that?"

"I'm pretty sure everyone that came back to their rooms immediately after the Rumble heard that."

"I'm not going to lie, yes Ziggler is interested in me, it's a refreshing change from the last month or so when you didn't even notice I was alive."

John grabbed Punk by the bicep and pulled him to the end of the hallway. "How can you say that? I can barely remember a time when you weren't everything to me."

John grabbed Punk and pulled him in tight to his body, threading his hands through Punk's hair and kissing him frenetically. At the first touch of their lips Punk knew that there would never be anyone for him besides John. He had ruined him for anyone else. Punk pulled back quickly, holding his fingers to his lips. Punk was disturbed from his thoughts when John's phone rang. John looked down at his phone, then back at Punk, at then stared at the screen of his phone.

"Oh just answer it. Wouldn't want to keep Ryder waiting."

Punk grabbed his things and made his way to the exit. He caught a cab and told the driver to take him to the airport, not the hotel as he had planned. He had to get away from the WWE and everyone in it. He had two days off, barely sufficient to get his mind straight but it would have to be enough. He was going back to Chicago, screw everyone else.

AN: I know it's shorter than usual but the longer chapters were getting approching information overload. Thank you again for all your great reviews, you guys are the best.