A/N: Can I just say this, I am not a fan of the pregnancy angle in AJPunk stories. But it fits well with what's going on in this fic. So anyone who is still reading this I thank you, especially if you aren't a fan of pregnancy thing.
Other notes! I got the most reviews for this story with the last chapter. Also though not many of you asked for it[some of you might not have seen it]. But after the end of this chapter there will be a small bit of the first chapter for Crash and Burn sequel.
Gonna be a long chapter, hope you all like it!
It was Thursday night.
AJ wanted nothing more to be in her bed or made hugging the toilet in her hotel bathroom. Sadly for her, she had been coerced into heading out tonight. Her and Kaitlyn were picking up their strained friendship. And at this point in AJ's life she could really use a friend.
AJ hadn't told anyone yet of her pregnancy. The trainer had told her to check with her doctor and then beginning prenatal care. She hardly had the time to even go see any doctor. If she told Vince, Stephanie, or Paul they would probably help. The fear in her mind that they might just fire her was the only thing in her way.
Even more fearful was having to tell Punk. They were just starting to get the hang of a friendship that didn't involve humping each other anytime they were alone in a room together.
She waved lightly to John, Kaitlyn, and Kofi on the dance floor. She was at least able to convince them that she wasn't up to dancing. Kofi and John readily accepted it after having seen her state on Monday.
She had also made a point to keep a suitable distance between herself and John. Anytime she got close enough to smell in cologne she ready to puke all over again. Though it didn't seem to matter in the over crowded bar. The mix of cologne, perfume, smoke, and liquor was enough to unsettle anybodies stomach.
The smell of a strong cologne made her cringe even before the man came close to her. "Hey, I got you a drink." The stranger said. He set a glass of clear liquid in front of her.
AJ knew well enough not to take a drink from a stranger. Smelling the air she could tell the drink was was some sort of liquor from the strong smell rising from the glance. "I don't drink." AJ said pushing away the drink.
She hoped the man would take the hint and just leave her alone. She was having enough issue keeping food down she didn't need to be anymore disgusted. She should have known he wouldn't. Only taking closer steps toward her. Standing tall over her even in the high bar stool of the table she was seated at.
"What's wrong? I didn't put anything in it." He said seemingly innocent.
The fact that he had taken the time to say he hadn't spiked the drink only made AJ think otherwise. She eyed the drink with a glare before sighing. "No, I don't drink at all." She answered coldly. Hoping the rude tone she had would make him back off.
"Why? Are you pregnant?"
The question pissed her off. Not just because he was bringing up the current state of her body, but how he was trying to pressure her. She glanced at the glass seeing the smug expression cross his face. He thought she was going to give in and drink it.
She lifted her hand to grab the drink, but it was taken away before she could. She watch the new arrival's hand raise the drink and pour it over the head of the strangers. AJ watched with shocked glee as the man gaped. "She's straight-edge, so back off."
AJ's smile grew. Not many people used those words and only one man she knew was known for them. Turning her head over her shoulder she saw Punk standing protectively close to her. His eyes focused in a glare on the man. Once the man had left Punk's features relaxed quickly. He glanced down meeting her eyes.
"You good?" He asked. Moving around he took another one of the empty bar stool seats next to her.
"Thanks to you." AJ said still smiling. A lot of smells made her disgusted, but the lingering smell that Punk gave off only calmed her and her queasy stomach.
"No problem the guy was a creep." Punk said waving it off. He didn't want to be a hero, he thought himself as one and didn't want anyone else either. "So how about I get both of us two non-alcoholic and diet pepsis." Punk said with a smirk.
"That would be awesome." AJ said smiling as she watched him head to the bar. She glanced back to the dance floor. John, Kaitlyn, and Kofi were still dancing, though John more awkwardly than the other two. Zack Ryder and Alex both hitting on a pair of females. They were doing about as well as John's dancing judging from the expressions of the females. She giggled lightly just as Punk was returning.
"What's funny?" Punk asked curiously setting down the two glasses filled with pepsi with a cherry decoration on top.
AJ bounced slightly in a surprise not having seen him coming. "Oh, Zack and Alex. Not sure who I feel sorry for more, them or those poor girls." AJ said discretely pointing out the scene.
Punk glanced over AJ's head before sitting back in the seat. "Not sure. I wanna say the girls, though." Punk commented. "So I don't usually see you coming out like this? What's the change?"
"Kaitlyn, we were close way back. But after the push they gave me in the whole 'crazy chick' storyline we kinda lost track of each other. And the slapping her on-screen didn't do anything to help it." AJ responded sadly lifting the cherry from the drink. She plopped the fruit in her mouth the stem poking out.
"Makes sense. But, you don't look like you're having much fun." Punk said.
"I'd rather if we just hang out in the hotel playing video games or watching movies." AJ confessed. She looked at Punk curiously as he chuckled taking a sip of his drink. "What about you? Why is the straight-edge savior hanging out here of all places?"
"Easy, straight-edge also translate into designated driver. I make sure these guys either get a taxi back or I drive them back to hotel myself." Punk said. "Not a fun job, but if it means making sure these guys don't kill themselves or someone else then I'm fine with it."
AJ resisted the urge to gush over Punk's care toward his co-workers and friends. The fact that he would come to places like this surrounded by drinking just seemed so noble to her. She knew he preferred himself as a anti-hero or just plain villain. She plucked the cherry off the stem chewing it lightly before swallowing. Her eyes drifted lightly to the cherry in Punk's glass.
She didn't even have to ask before Punk had lifted the fruit by the stem dangling it in front of her face. She opened her mouth closing her lips around the stem. "Thank you." Her speech muffled as she didn't want the cherry to fall out.
"You're welcome." Punk chuckled.
Kaitlyn, John, and Kofi returned to the tap finally. All panting for breath and with a drink in their hands. John a beer, Kofi a mojito, and Kaitlyn a martini.
"OK AJ, you need to dance once." Kaitlyn said raising a single finger to make her point. "One song, one dance, and then we'll go."
A quickly removed the stem and swallowed the stem of the cherry. "Promise?" AJ asked her eyes filling with hope. It wouldn't be the first time Kaitlyn tricked her into once dance that lasted for 10 songs.
"Promise." Kaitlyn said.
Raising their fist they did their special first bump/hand shake before both of the girls went back to the dance floor. Both ignoring the men around them.
"OK, what's this thing with you and AJ?" John asked Punk quickly after the girls left. Kofi looking on intently wanting to know Punk's answer also.
"We're friends. Why does no one believe me?" Punk questioned.
"Maybe cause of those moments the fans so affectionately call 'eye sex' between you and her on stage." Kofi answered with a small snicker.
Punk glared at his road wife before snatching away his drink putting in on the other side of the table away from him. "You're officially cut off." Punk said.
It didn't stop Kofi from reaching across the table. Picking up his drink again he held it close to his body so Punk wouldn't take it away again.
John left out a laugh. "Look Punk, there is something between you two. Whether you or her want to admit it."
Punk might have had a retort for the man had he been playing any attention. He was looking past to the dancing floor seeing the man he had doused with whatever drink he had tried to pressure AJ into drinking. With him were two other guys that Punk hadn't see yet, but he didn't like what he saw as they moved in on AJ and Kaitlyn's unsuspecting forms.
Just like the first time AJ smelled the man before anything. She felt the two hands come to rest on her waist. She wiggled out of the hands looking to Kaitlyn who was surrounded by two other men looking just as uncomfortable as AJ was.
She glared back at the man she had seen before. She couldn't walk away cause then she'd be leaving Kaitlyn. Even if Kaitlyn could probably kick all three of the guys asses without breaking a sweat.
"Not so tough without your boyfriend." The man whispered into her ear bring her back against his chest.
AJ's skin crawled at the feel of his arms around her waist. The smell he was admitting was enough to make her sick to her stomach, literally. She tried to wiggle out of his grasp again. She flinched when she felt her stomach lurch. Her arms folded over her stomach rather than trying to push the man away.
"Apparently you can't take a hint."
The sound of a fist colliding into the man's face rang in her ears. Not that AJ cared. She was just glad the hold he had loosened enough for her to break away. Stumbling forward she was steadied by Kofi.
"AJ, are you OK?" He asked. He could see her paled features even in the dim lighting. "Are you gonna throw up?" He asked.
AJ only nodded in response cover her mouth with one hand not wanting to empty the few contents her stomach had on Kofi. He wrapped an arm around her leading her away from the developing scene as more of the superstars that were around started to gather. More to hold of Punk than the actually beat the men.
Punk had finally calmed with both Sheamus and John holding him back for minutes while he kicked trying to make contact with the man that had back into a wall of other superstars. One punch wasn't enough to satisfy Punk even if he had already successfully broken the nose of the now disfigured man.
The two buddies of the man were apparently wrestling fans as they tugged at the arm of the injured one telling him the wrestling names of each of the surrounding superstars and divas. Too bad the men didn't realize sooner when they were hitting up on AJ and Kaitlyn.
They let the three scamper away before finally letting Punk go. Punk didn't even care to chase after the men as he scanned the room for AJ. He found Kaitlyn safely taking a close position between Alex and Zack, who had been looking on.
"Where is she?" Punk muttered sweeping over the room with his eyes.
"Punk." John alerted tapping his back he caught Punk's attention. He was point to the side exit of the bar where Kofi was standing with the door open waving them over.
Punk and John maneuvered there way past the people. Getting to the door they could hear the stomach churning hacks before they saw AJ hunched over. Vomit splashed when it hit the ground drops of it falling on her shoes. Both of the took to standing back as the small woman emptied her body.
Kofi, the braver one, went to her side. He rubbed her back soothingly. He didn't even care when some of the splash hit on his own shoes as well. "Gonna be OK?" Kofi asked.
AJ coughed some wanting the foul taste to be gone from her mouth. She concentrated on her stomach wondering if her stomach would stir up again, not that it had anything left to offer. She gave a small nod when she was certain she wouldn't puke. At least for a while longer.
"OK. Punk, go get the rental." Kofi directed.
"Why do I have to?" Punk questioned forgetting where they had just been.
"Besides the fact that you have the keys. You're the only sober person besides AJ here." Kofi reminded. "John, go get Kaitlyn, Alex, and Zack."
John nodded not arguing. He went back inside as Punk went to the parking lot.
"Sorry." AJ muttered lightly leaning her body against the brink wall of the building.
"No problem, AJ. Guess you really shouldn't have gone out tonight. We'll wait till you feel better. Then we'll all go out again." Kofi assured.
AJ forced a small smile knowing she wasn't going to better till 9 months from now. "Next time, we're going to Denny's." She said.
John returned to the alley way with the other three. Kaitlyn quickly stepped over to AJ. The two women locked into a hug.
Punk pulled the car at the opening of the alley. Waiting as they all shuffled out. Alex and Zack immediately climbing into the far back of the SUV. John and Kofi waited for Kaitlyn and AJ before they decided their seats.
"AJ, do wou wanna ride in the back?" John asked gently for the girl's condition.
AJ looked up with tired eyes looking at Punk patiently waiting in the driver's seat. "Front." She said simply. They opened the door for her staying close by while she climbed into the vehicle high off the ground.
She felt almost like a child as Kofi pulled on her seat belt handing off to Punk to buckle her in. Normally she would hate this. But at this moment being treated with such care was refreshing. Plus when Punk leaned over she was able to get another whiff of the smell of his skin. Her stomach relaxed.
John, Kofi, and Kaitlyn all filled into the middle seats. And they were off back to the hotel.
AJ closed her eyes as she listened to the group converse. The conversation mostly lingering on the men that had been a few minutes away from getting their asses kicked by one CM Punk. The same person who strangely hadn't said a word on the subject while everyone else had a very animated discussion on how he punched the one guy out.
She cracked her eyes open slightly looking to Punk. His eyes were on the road. A cocky smirk on his lips as he drove. AJ smiled lightly. Shutting her eyes again she snuggled into the seat. She sound of the conversation behind her lulling her to sleep.
AJ woke up with a start. Running from the bed to the bathroom. Quickly dispensing whatever was in her stomach. She didn't even think there was anything in her stomach.
Taking deep breaths the leaned her back against the tub, sitting on the floor.
She was trying to remember how she got back to the hotel room. Last thing she remembered was being in the car, but she fell asleep. She guessed they had carried her in. Used her key card from her pocket and left her to rest for the night.
She cradled out of the bathroom. She found the clock on the night stand. It read 11:50. AJ instantly groaned. She had a flight scheduled for 12:00. There was no possible way she'd make it in time.
She hurried to her feet though gathering her things. Her check out time was 12 and the sooner she could make it to the airport the sooner she could get the next flight for the show.
She didn't bother organizing her items as she tossed them in her two suitcases. Only caring if the lid could zip closed. She did one last sweep over the room. Looking at the clock it was already 12:15.
She growled throwing the door open she tossed them both from the room. Letting the door shut behind her as she entered the hall. She looked at the suitcases wondering why she didn't just curl in a ball and go back to sleep when she had the chance. She doubted there would be another available flight till at least that night. Which meant spending the entirety of her day in an airport and the next on a plane.
"AJ!" She jumped slightly at the voice. Seeing Kofi and Punk walking towards her from down the hall. They both had their bags with them, so they were probably going to check out now also.
"Hey." She said. Not able to even fake a convincing smile as she waved at them.
"Still not feeling well from last night?" Kofi asked.
"Not even close." AJ sighed. "Plus, I've already missed my flight." She confessed.
"Oh man." Kofi looked over his shoulder.
Punk could already tell by the sad and gentle expression what Kofi was thinking. He sighed quietly. Throwing his head back for a second before waving him on to go ahead.
"Hey, AJ." Kofi said turning back to the small diva struggling to get both of her suitcases standing. "How about you ride with me and Punk? We have the tour bus. You can lay down and rest more." He offered.
AJ blinked looking at the two. "Really?" She asked. Foolishly her eyes were starting to build with tears. Maybe she was already becoming emotional because of hormones, but she was so relieved from their offer.
Kofi nodded with a smile. Punk giving a small nod of his head as well.
"Thank you." AJ said letting some of her tears escape. She hugged Kofi and Punk. Not even noticing how Punk stiffened slightly at her touch.
She got the smaller suit case standing. And before she got grab the other on Punk lifted it up.
"If you still aren't feeling well you shouldn't be straining yourself." Punk reasoned.
AJ bit her lip. Giving a light smile she walked with them to the elevator.
Punk was first on the bus climbing the steps. He knew AJ was behind him and Kofi was behind her. He went back to the master bedroom, or his room setting down both his and AJ's bag.
AJ followed him nervously setting the smaller suitcase she had next to the one he had carried.
"OK, I have 1 rule." Punk said gaining her undivided attention.
"No number 2, in the bathroom. If you need to then we'll stop. Also I'll get the bucket we use when Kofi has a hang over in case you want to puke." He directed.
"OK, should I sleep on one of the bunks?" AJ asked ready to go back down the hall.
"You'll be more comfortable here." Punk said.
"This is your room." AJ said. She could feel herself blushing as she look at the large bed.
"It's fine." Punk assured. "I hardly sleep anyway."
"I don't either, usually." AJ remarked sadly. Silently still berating herself for missing her flight.
"Yeah. Well you look like hell, so you might want to." It was a joking comment that earned him a glared. Punk smiled in return. "It's a joke. Get some rest." Punk said directing her to the bed.
AJ childish stuck her tongue out before climbing onto the mattress. Resting her head on the pillow all she could smell was Punk. She relaxed into the sheets easily falling asleep. Not even hearing what Punk said anymore.
Punk had left the bedroom returning with the bucket he had mentioned earlier. See AJ already fast asleep on his bed. His mind flashing to memories of last time she had come on his bus. He shifted lightly as the memories made a tightening feeling in his groin.
He left the room assuring himself that those times were over...
A/N: OK for this whole pregnancy angle. I'm a little wary. I'm 19 and have NEVER been pregnant. So anyone out there that would be able to help me with the progression. Mostly for like doctor appointments. Most of other things I know from 5 years of health classes and television.
NOW! For the Crash and Burn sequel sneak peak. The name of the this story, "Not Yet Over"
How many times had he walked through the curtain? Went out to the crowds. Whether they hated him or loved him it always brought that same thrill. His only addiction, besides maybe caffeine. But he was about to go cold turkey.
The music hit.
He walked out. A mic already in his hands. Fans screaming with anticipation of what he was gonna say. It would not be anything they expected. He had planned this for that few months...well actually years. He had thought about what he would say, what he would do. It haunted his mind since he entered the company...
How was he gonna leave it?...
A/N: I know some or most of you might have questions now. And I don't wanna answer many cause they might give it away. But go ahead and ask. If I can answer you I will.