Okay…so the timeline on this story…I've set this sometime before Elimination Chamber but after the Royal Rumble…

The Rules of Flirting Part One With Dolph Ziggler

Sneaking up on someone, Dolph reflected after the fact, was probably not a good idea. He'd only intended on getting Punk's attention and to, maybe, invade his personal space just a little bit. So he had, in the locker room, snuck up on Punk while the man had his back turned.

"Looks like we'll be in the ring together-" He'd barely gotten the words out, spoken in a low tone, when Punk swung around in surprise, his elbow going high. The padding that Punk always wrapped around his right elbow to protect it was most likely the only thing that saved Dolph from a broken nose, although it didn't save him from a bloody one.

"Dammit!" Dolph's head was knocked back and his hands went immediately to his nose.

"What the fuck are you doing, Ziggler?" Punk asked with a glare.

"I just wanted to talk to you before you attacked me," Dolph said with a glare of his own.

"You snuck up on me, moron." Punk rolled his eyes and then shoved Dolph towards the bench until he sat down. To Dolph's surprise, Punk reached forward and gripped Dolph's chin. Dolph obediently dropped his hands, a little pissed at himself for screwing his own plans up.

"You're fine," Punk stated shortly, releasing the almost bruising grip and stepping away again.

"Fine? You attacked me. A little more sympathy here."

Punk shrugged. "Next time, don't sneak up on me." He grabbed his WWE championship from the bench and walked out of the room, leaving Dolph to stare after him.

Well, that hadn't gone as planned.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Dolph was grinning as he made his way down the hallway of the arena. After his failed attempt earlier with Punk, he was happy to learn that he'd been booked in a match against Punk. It was the perfect opurtunity.

His last showing against Punk at Royal Rumble hadn't exactly been his best and their match had been completely overshadowed by Laurinaitis and his issues with Punk. Admittedly, Dolph hadn't really brought his A game that night either and he'd been frustrated with himself afterwards but tonight…

Dolph did not care that it was just a dark match after the show. In fact, he was sure that it would work in his favor. Cameras wouldn't be on him so he could get away with a bit of flirting during the match.

Dolph went out first, of course, unconcerned with the boos he got from the children in the audience. The smirk did not leave his face when Punk's music hit and he made his entrance. Dolph kept his gaze trained on the man. His smirk widened even further when Punk stripped off his shirt.

This was one of the things that started the initial attraction he had for Punk. The man's trunks rode almost obscenely low on his hips, and his thighs…he'd imagined, more than once, what it would be like to have those thighs wrapped around his waist.

After the hit earlier, Dolph felt that he could mess with Punk just a little bit. They locked up and Dolph pushed forward immediately, pushing until Punk's back pressed against the turnbuckle. Pressing his body as close as he could, he brought a knee in-between Punk's legs. A second later, he was shoved forcefully away.

He had to suppress a laugh at the look of surprise on Punk's face but was wary a moment later when that surprise turned to anger. They raised their arms again and Dolph probably should have expected the kick he received to the midsection instead of another lock up.

Dolph used every opportunity he could after that. He let his touch linger a bit longer than he needed to; he got a little closer than he needed to. It was a tactic he'd used before and one that had worked in the past. He knew he was throwing Punk off his game, he saw it every time Punk forcefully created separation between them.

He was still in a good mood after the match when he made his way backstage and went to take a shower and change. He was just opening his bag to get some clothes when his arm was grabbed and he was spun around until he was face to face with a furious CM Punk.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Punk was still in his ring attire as well, his hair still sticking up, still sweaty from their match.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Dolph answered, doing his best to sound as innocent as possible, aware that the half smile on his face was probably ruining the affect.

"Sure you don't. I don't know if you're fucking with me, if this is some sort of game to you but if you pull that shit again, I am going to hurt you."

"It's not a game," Dolph stated plainly. "I want you." The blunt honesty of the statement surprised Punk, who drew back a little. He seemed to recover after a moment and shook his head.

"Right. And you thought putting your hands on me without my consent was a good way of telling me that?"

"You agreed to the match," Dolph pointed out with a shrug.

"You know what I'm talking about, jackass. Just because we have a match doesn't give you the right to grab my ass."

"Fine." Dolph threw his hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry for getting a little too close. Now, I'm free tonight…"

"I am too but I think I'd rather go back to the hotel and watch late night television." He turned, started to leave but Dolph reached forward to stop him, wrapping his fingers around Punk's bicep.

"Wait. Look, I really do like you."

"And you think what?" Punk raised an eyebrow, his tone turning a bit condescending. "Just because you 'like' me I have to 'like' you in return? Sorry, Ziggler," he patted Dolph on the chest, "but you don't get what you want this time."

He pulled his arm from Dolph's grip, and walked out, once again leaving Dolph alone in the room, staring after him.

"Dammit."

To make matters worse, he spotted Orton and Cena in the hallway on his way out talking and when Cena left, the smirk on Orton's face as he turned to face Dolph made his blood boil.

"Get what you want yet, Ziggler?" Orton asked.

"Screw you," Dolph said, aware that he sounded a little petulant. Orton only laughed in response before continuing down the hallway.

Dolph sighed and headed towards the parking lot. He still had confidence. The game wasn't over yet.