"You can' put her in the ring with Del Rio!" Sheamus snapped.
"Vickie, you can't do that!" AJ protested.
"Come on, Vickie, she's not a wrestler and you know it." John argued.
Vickie simply turned and walked away, laughing maniacally.
"Did she really just say. . .?" Kimber's voice trailed off, the young woman growing more afraid by the moment, "I-I can't do this."
Sheamus was in front of her within seconds. Placing his large hands on her shoulders, he leaned down until they were at eye level. Her frightened green eyes met his determined blue ones.
"It'll be okay." he tried to assure her, his voice low and soothing, "Ah won' let anything happen to you, lass. Ya got to trust me on this."
"Sheamus." Kimber replied shakily.
He squeezed her shoulders and repeated, "Ah won' let anything happen. Not to you."
"You'll be okay." AJ told her, but even she didn't look too convinced.
"Yeah." John agreed, "The big guy here will take care of you. Try not to worry."
"Do you have anything to wear?" AJ asked her, trying to tease her in a bid to lessen the tension, "You can't exactly go out there in that dress and heels. No matter how cute they are."
"I-I think so." Kimber closed her eyes, willing her racing thoughts to stop, "Yes. I have some workout clothes in my bag."
"All right." Sheamus straightened, reluctantly releasing her shoulders, "You go wit' AJ and get changed. When yer ready come back to my locker room."
"It'll be all right." AJ stated as she took Kimber's hand and led the other woman away, "Hey, I was in a similar situations a couple of months ago. I can teach you a few tricks that might help. . ."
As soon as they were gone from sight Sheamus spun around and, growling, sent a vicious kick to a nearby garbage can. It went flying halfway across the hallway before landing on the cement with a crash and rolling a few more feet.
He scrubbed a hand over his face and forced himself not to go find Vickie and do something he would regret.
"The situation sucks," Cena told the Irishman, "There's no doubt about that. But you have to keep it together. Look, you can handle Del Rio in your sleep. And Ricardo? Come on, that's just laughable."
Sheamus inhaled and cast angry eyes on the other man, "Ah know that. Ah'm not worried about Del Rio."
"So what's the problem?"
"Ah'm pissed that banshee had to bring Kember into it!" Sheamus forced himself to check his temper, his voice lowering, "Did'ya see her face? She looked terrified."
"You know Vickie." John shrugged.
"Yeah, well Vickie's about to know me.' Sheamus turned and stormed back to his locker room.
"Oh boy." John sighed.
This wasn't going to be good.
.
.
.
.
.
A hesitant knock came to his locker room door a short time later. Sheamus hurried over to it, throwing the door open.
Kimber stood out in the hallway, wringing her hands and looked up at him with trepidation. Her long, dark brown waves were now pulled back in a ponytail and she was wearing a pair of hunter green track pants and matching sports bra.
Despite the situation they were in, he couldn't help but admire her slim and toned figure. She had a beautiful body, from what he could see of it. Tiny waist and flat stomach. And that smooth, sun kissed skin.
He shoved the thoughts away and led her inside. As he closed the door he turned back to her and offered a kind smile.
"You'll be all right." he tried to reassured her, "As far as yer concerned, it's still going to be a two-on-one match. Ah'll take care of both Del Rio and Ricardo."
The SmackDown reporter shook her head and sighed miserably, "I'm so sorry."
"Oi." Sheamus reached out and cupped her cheek, "Ya got nothin' to be sorry for. It'll be okay, Kember."
She closed her eyes and involuntarily leaned into his palm. She just couldn't help herself. His hand was so warm, so strong, so inviting.
She couldn't even remember the last time she didn't flinch at the sight of a man's hand coming towards her. And now here she was, practically craving this man's touch.
She was just about to nuzzle his palm when she stopped herself, opening her eyes. She ducked her head away from him, running a nervous hand through her ponytail.
She couldn't deal with this now. Not when they were getting ready to go out there and face Alberto and Ricardo.
That's it, she tried to tell herself, You're scared and just in need of a little comfort. That's all.
At that moment a knock came at the door, causing Kimber to start. Sheamus gave her a gentle pat on the back before going to answer it.
"Oi." he nodded as he opened the door and found Bobby standing on the other side.
The crew member looked up at him and then over his shoulder at Kimber before announcing, "You're up, guys."
Kimber's eyes widened as she felt an icy finger of fear slide down her spine. She trembled slightly at the sensation.
"Kember." Sheamus' soothing tone reached her ears.
She slowly turned to find he standing before her, his hand outstretched. She automatically took hold of it, practically hanging onto it as though it were a lifeline.
"Let's go kick some arse." he gave her a grin and a wink and began to lead the way out into the hall.
He kept her hand firmly in his as they walked down the hall and towards the gorilla. Kimber looked up at him in disbelief. He appeared so calm. Confident, even. How could he do this? How could he be so unruffled?
It came to her then. He was used to fighting. She didn't know if he had ever fought two men simultaneously before but she figured he must have at some point in his career.
She just wished she could share in his confidence.
They came to a stop and he released her only to turn and placed both of his hands once more upon her shoulders. He felt her shaking beneath his touch and he vowed to make Vickie pay for this.
Sheamus once again leaned down, only this time his forehead touched hers and he closed his eyes. Kimber found herself doing the same, a silent prayer on her lips.
"Everythin's goin' to be all right." he murmured to her, "Ah won' let Bertie lay a hand on you."
He reluctantly opened his eyes and pulled back, resisting the powerful urge he had to kiss her forehead. He kept his hands on her shoulders and didn't release her until she opened her eyes and her shaking subsided. She even went so far as to give him a weak smile. One that he boldly returned.
They watched on the monitor as Alberto and Ricardo, who was now donning a copy of Alberto's ring attire, made their way into the ring. They leaned in close and talked to one another, both men laughing. They were so sure they had everything in the bag.
Soon Sheamus' music hit. He gave her a determined nod and led the way out onto the ramp. Kimber walked after, almost in a daze. Everything seemed to be on overload. The lights were too bright. The crowd's cheering was too loud. She felt like she was on some sort of autopilot.
Sheamus pounded his chest three times before throwing his arms out and bellowing. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure Kimber was still with him and he led the way down to the ring.
As Alberto and Ricard took sight of the pair they began to laugh.
Sheamus took Kimber's hand and led her up the steps. He motioned for her to stay on the apron as he joined her. He placed his foot on the bottom rope and, grabbing the middle one, he pulled them apart and allowed the reporter to enter.
Kimber slipped between the ropes, her eyes never leaving Alberto's face. The Mexican aristocrat regarded her slyly, a devilish light in his eyes and a smirk on his lips.
"I'm going to enjoy locking up with her." Alberto announced loudly.
The Celtic Warrior saw red and he started to go for the other man. Kimber quickly grabbed his arm, though, trying to hold him back. Chad Patton, the ref for the match, also stood in his way, hands on his chest in an attempt to keep him back.
"Sheamus, don't. Please." Kimber warned, giving his hand a tug for all the good it did. Trying to move him was like trying to move a brick wall.
The Irishman relented, coming back to stand by her. He looked down at her and nodded, assuring her he was all right.
"Excuse me!"
At the sound of the Managing Supervisor's voice, the crowd began to boo.
Vickie stepped out onto the ramp and called out over their deafening screams, "Excuse me! EXCUSE ME!"
She looked towards the ring and began to smile, "I've been doing some thinking and-EXCUSE ME! I've been doing some thinking and I've realized that it's not fair to have a non wrestler in a tag team match."
"Oh, thank goodness." Kimber closed her eyes and sighed with relief.
Sheamus' eyes constricted, though. He was still suspicious of the banshee.
Vickie's grin widened as she went on, "And so, I've decided that Ricardo will be replaced with an actual wrestler."
Suddenly Big Show's music hit the arena.
Kimber's eyes popped open and she looked up at Sheamus in alarm.
Alberto and Ricardo began to laugh.
Big Show appeared on the ramp. Grinning, he made his way down to ringside, his eyes never leaving Sheamus' face.
Sheamus watched the other man coldly. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Kimber watching him nervously. He turned to her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Nothin's changed." he told her, "It's still goin' to be two-on-one."
"I wasn't thinking about myself." Kimber slipped her hand over his in concern, "I was thinking about you. Now you have to deal with Del Rio and Big Show."
He glanced over at Show, who had now climbed into the ring. The massive man walked over to Del Rio, who shook his hand. The pair began to talk, casting triumphant eyes at their opponents.
Sheamus gave her a wink and grinned, "Ah at least thought Vickie would give me a challenge."
Kimber didn't crack a smile, though. She wished she could share his confidence but she was just too afraid.
Too afraid for him.
If only she had kept her big mouth shut, this never would have happened. Sheamus would have faced Del Rio and Ricardo-well, Ricardo wouldn't have been much of an obstacle. This was all her fault.
Sheamus could see the self-disgust written across her pretty face and he shook his head and sighed. How could she blame herself? Didn't she know Vickie had probably planned for something like this all along.
"Kember." he called down to her, the young woman slowly looking up at him, "Don'. You didn' cause this, so stop thinkin' what yer thinkin'."
Kimber frowned but nodded. She didn't agree with him but she knew he didn't need this right now.
He led her over to the ropes and helped her out onto the apron. He turned back around and began to warm up as Justin Roberts announced their names.
He felt a slight smile come to his lips as Big Show eased out onto the apron, leaving Alberto back in the ring. The Mexican aristocrat realized he was alone and he frowned at Show before turning back to face Sheamus.
"What's the matter, Bertie?" Sheamus called out to the other man, "Ya suddenly feelin' alone there, fella?"
Chad called for the bell and the match was underway.
The two men began to slowly circle one another, sizing the other one up. They locked up, Sheamus getting the other man in a headlock.
He managed to flip him over and onto the mat, the headlock still in place. Alberto grabbed at his hair, but was unable to get him to release the hold.
Soon the two men were back on their feet, Del Rio pushing the Irishman towards the ropes. Sheamus came back towards him, knocking Alberto down with his shoulder.
"Come on!" Big Show yelled in disgust.
Sheamus again launched himself off the ropes and again knocked him down as he came back up in his feet. The Celtic Warrior was on top of the Mexican aristocrat in seconds, going for the pin.
Alberto kicked out at one and both men rose to their feet. Sheamus grabbed a hold of his arm, meaning to twist it. Before he could apply pressure, though, Del Rio nailed him with an elbow to the face..
Kimber flinched as Alberto followed it up with a kick to the thigh, bringing the larger man down to one knee. Alberto then sent a vicious kick to Sheamus' head, driving him down to the mat.
"No." the SmackDown reporter gasped in alarm.
Alberto kicked the fallen man in the chest and Kimber found herself crying out.
She had to close her eyes and turn away. She felt terrible for doing so but just seeing Sheamus like that brought back a rush of memories.
Don't do this. Don't even think about that, she told herself, Come on, keep it together! You have to for Sheamus.
She forced herself to open her eyes and turn around. She watched on in apprehension as Alberto walked over to his corner and tagged in the Big Show.
"Sheamus!" Kimber cried down to the fallen man, "Sheamus, you have to get up!"
Grinning hugely, the Big Show climbed over the top rope and stepped into the ring. His eyes landed on Kimber, a wide grin on his lips.
The young woman swallowed nervously before turning back to the Irishman, "Sheamus, please! Please get up!"
Big Show took hold of the other man's arm and pulled him to his feet. He then leveled him with a brutal clothesline, driving him right back down to the canvas.
Sheamus rolled over to the ropes, holding his sore jaw. He fought through the pain and slowly rose to his feet.
Unfortunately the Big Show was right back on him, pushing him into a corner. He tilted him back and slammed the palm of his colossal hand onto the Celtic Warrior's chest.
Kimber flinched at the thunderous sound as Sheamus cringed and made his way along the ropes.
He made it to his own corner, leaning back against the post as Big Show came in and sent a nasty hook to his gut.
Kimber found she could only watch on, wide eyed and feeling absolutely helpless. Big Show caught her expression and grinned, taking pleasure in it.
He sent another slap to Sheamus' chest, the red headed man grunting with the force of the blow. He bent over, arms locked around his middle as he struggled to calm his racing heart and fight through the pain that scorched his chest.
Show took hold of his arm and whipped him across the ring and into the other post. He came after him, turning and driving him into the post with his back. Sheamus groaned, moving along the ropes.
Big Show went to go after him again when the Irishman suddenly launched himself at him, taking out his knee. Big Show ended up draped across the ropes and Sheamus attacked, hammering him with blow after blow.
He tied the larger man up in the ropes and jumped out onto the apron. Holding him with one hand, his features tight with rage, he began to beat the man's chest with his other fist.
"One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten!" the fans counted along.
Chad helped Big Show out of the ropes as Sheamus climbed back into the ring.
Sheamus charged across the ring, meaning to hit the Brogue Kick, when Show ducked out at the last second, rolling across the ring.
The Celtic Warrior went to the top rope, preparing to launch himself at the larger man. He jumped off and Show met him midair, driving his shoulder into Sheamus' chest. The monster climbed to his feet first and began to drive his big boot into Sheamus' chest. Each kick caused the other man to grunt and groan in pain.
Big Show kicked the Irishman and waved his arms, yelling, "Come on, fella! Come on and fight!"
Sheamus struggled to his hands and knees, his limbs shaking with the effort. He began to crawl/drag himself to his corner, his instincts screaming for him to tag.
He was almost to the corner when he started to extend his hand and raise his head. He stopped short, realization hitting him like a tidal wave.
Kimber was staring down at him helplessly, her hands gripping the ring ropes tightly in fear. She looked so apologetic and vulnerable that it broke the Irishman's heart.
Behind him he could hear the Big Show laughing.
"Come on, fella!" the large man shouted with a chuckle, "Tag her in!"
Sheamus' eyes narrowed in anger and he staggered to his feet. He turned around and that's when the Big Show launched himself at him, ready to deliver the WMD.
Kimber let out a cry of alarm, her hands going to her mouth.
To her amazement, though, Sheamus ducked out of the way at the last second and grabbed a hold of the massive man, setting him up for White Noise. He slammed the giant on the canvas with such force that the entire ring shook.
Unfortunately that seemed to zap whatever shred of energy Sheamus was holding on to. He rolled onto his back and stared up at the lights, his chest heaving and his eyes dazed.
Chad looked back and forth at the two fallen men and had no choice but to start counting, "One!"
"Get up!" Alberto screamed at his downed partner, "Get up, zoquete!"
Big Show brought his hand to the back of his neck but made no move to rise.
Kimber let out a shaky sigh as she watched Sheamus. He blinked, his eyes slowly beginning to focus.
"Three!" Chad was still counting.
Kimber stuck her head in between the top and second rope and called out, "Sheamus! Sheamus, come on! You can do this! Please get up!"
He turned his head towards her, the Irishman hearing her voice over the fog in his brain.
Kimber straightened and began to beat her hand against the top turnbuckle. Soon the crowd was clapping along, calling for the Celtic Warrior to get to his feet.
"Five!"
At that both men began to come around. As Big Show rolled onto his side Sheamus struggled to sit up.
"Six!"
"Sheamus, you can do it!" Kimber cried out, her hand continuing to hit the turnbuckle.
Sheamus was up on his knees. He could hear the crowd cheering him on, could hear Kimber shouting encouragements at him.
"Seven!" Chad went on.
Big Show lumbered to his feet first and he went after the other man. He grabbed hold of Sheamus' hair when the Irishman let out a roar and drove his fist into the other man's gut. Show was knocked back a step but then he came right back for him.
He grabbed him and again Sheamus plowed him with another brutal punch. Then he did it a again. And again.
Kimber cheered as Sheamus got to his feet and continued to slam his fist into the other man's gut. He was able to hit him three more times before Big Show grabbed a hold of Sheamus' head and head butt him.
Sheamus staggered back, but so did the Big Show. As the massive wrestler fell into his corner Alberto used that opportunity slap him on the back and tag himself in.
The Mexican aristocrat jumped into the ring and took off for the Irishman. He grabbed a hold of him and Sheamus used that opportunity to punch him again and again. He staggered back against the ropes and suddenly Del Rio was on him, grabbing his arm and whipping him across the ring. Sheamus reversed it, sending the other man against the ropes.
He knelt down, meaning to flip him over his shoulder when he came back. But Del Rio stopped his momentum and sent a kick to Sheamus' face, causing the larger man to stagger.
Bellowing, Del Rio charged at him, meaning to drive his elbow into Sheamus' face. At the last second, though, Sheamus grabbed him and slammed him onto his knee for the Irish Curse. He plowed him into the canvas, but also fell himself.
Big Show began to yell, ordering Del Rio to get up. Ricardo, too, was screaming at his boss in Spanish.
Kimber gripped the ropes and leaned over, yelling, "Come on, Sheamus! Come on, you can do this! Please, I believe in you! You can do this! Get up!"
The crowd were also on their feet, cheering and chanting the Irishman's name, Kimber joining in with them.
She couldn't believe how incredible he was. Pride welled up deep in her chest, the young woman so in awe of the man who had fought tooth and nail tonight against not just one man, but two.
He truly was a warrior, inside and out. But not the kind that ruled his life by destruction and dominance. No, his warrior's heart was fueled by honor and a protective nature.
Kimber blinked, realization coming over her. She hadn't even realized that until this very moment.
"Sheamus!" she found herself calling out with renewed vigor, "Sheamus, you can do this! You're a fighter! Fight!"
Sheamus blinked, something in him stirring. He heard her words and felt his body automatically responding.
Eyes filled with determination and a roar on his lips, Sheamus rose to his feet and took off for a now standing Del Rio. He drove his clasped hands into the other man's skull, knocking him to the ground.
Big Show threw up his hands in disgust, shaking his head.
Kimber cheered as Alberto stood up and Sheamus leveled him again with another punishing blow. And another.
As Del Rio staggered to his feet Sheamus herded him into a corner and drove his fists into the other man's gut and then his back again and again. He then picked him up and slammed him into the unforgiving mat with unrelenting force.
He walked over to his corner and began to beat his chest, bellowing, "Brogue! Brogue! Brogue!"
Kimber looked up at him with a wide smile, chanting along with him. The crowd, too, yelled for the move.
Alberto lurched to his feet and shakily turned around. That was Sheamus' cue and he took off across the ring, planting his massive boot into the other man's head.
Del Rio went down like a sack of potatoes and red headed man quickly covered him for the pin.
One! Two! Three!
Sheamus jumped to his feet and threw his arms out at his sides, shouting in triumph.
Kimber couldn't keep the wide grin off her lips, the young woman cheering from her spot out on the apron.
She climbed between the ropes and came into the ring, she hands clasped under her chin, her bright smile fixed only on the amazing man standing before her.
Actually 'amazing' didn't even begin to describe him. He was more than amazing. He was. . .extraordinary. He continued to surprise her on a daily basis.
Sheamus beat his chest three times before turning. He drew to a stop, realizing that she was standing there.
Not only standing there, but standing there and smiling sweetly up at him, her green eyes filled with pride and happiness.
Without thinking, Kimber launched herself at him, practically jumping into his arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, that silly grin of hers never leaving her face.
Sheamus' arms instinctively went around her waist, the large man holding her high and close to his chest. He was stunned, absolutely rocked to his core, that she would voluntarily embrace him. From what he had gotten to know about her, he suspected intimacy didn't come very easily to her. So for her to hug him so freely. . .
He held her tighter and closed his eyes. He didn't care how she had come to do it. He was just grateful that he could have her in his arms at that moment. And did it feel good. She was so warm, so soft. Her body perfectly molded to his as though it had always meant to do so.
He could feel her shaking, but he knew it was from enthusiasm and not, for once, from fear. And that alone made it all the better for him.
Can' you feel it, Kember? he silently asked her, Can' you feel how right it is? Ya got to feel it, too. Ah know you do.
"Ah told you everything would be all right." Sheamus replied as he slowly pulled back and grinned down at her.
She continued to beam at him, "You were right. I should have listened."
"Ah'm gonna have you record that." Sheamus teased, "So's Ah can play it the next time you doubt me."
"I will never-" Kimber's smile instantly vanished, her eyes suddenly widening, and she struggled to get out of his arms, "Sheamus, look out!"
He stared at her in confusion and released her. She scarcely had time to point behind him when he felt himself being spun around.
The next thing he saw was Big Show's massive fist flying at his face. Then he saw and heard nothing as darkness enveloping him.
Kimber let out a horrified shriek, hands flying to her mouth, as she watched Big Show drive his fist into Sheamus' face. The Irishman instantly crumbled, hitting the mat with a resounding thud. He was still.
The SmackDown reporter sank to her knees beside the fallen man, tears instantly springing to her eyes.
"Sheamus?" she called out to him, her voice shaky with panic, "Sheamus!"
"Get out of here!" Chad called to the grinning Big Show, trying in vein to push him back.
"When he wakes up," Big Show called down to Kimber joyfully, "Tell him I'll see him later. Fella."
And with that the massive wrestler turned and casually exited the ring.
Kimber sneered at his retreating form before turning her attention back to Sheamus. The ref and a few of the trainers also came to his side, motioning for her to get back so they could check on him.
It killed her to do so, but she pulled away and stood up. She wrapped her arms around herself and watched as they began to tend to him.
It wasn't long until the Celtic Warrior began to come around. His eyes were glassy and unfocused but he was awake and that was all that mattered.
Soon he was sitting up, the crowd cheering at the sight. Sometime after that he was helped out of the ring, his hand groggily going to the vicious bruise beginning to form on his eye.
Kimber trailed after them, her gaze locked on the back of Sheamus' head.
As they hit the backstage area Josh was suddenly at her side, slipping an arm around her shoulders. Kimber tensed at the sudden embrace but slowly began to relax as they continued on to Sheamus' locker room.
The Irishman pushed away from the trainers and sank onto the bench. Someone had an icepack waiting and they handed it to him. He took it with a grunt, bringing it up to his eye.
"Sheamus, let's get that eye checked out." one of the trainers murmured, gently tilting his head back and removing the pack.
He began to shine a light in his eyes, checking his vision.
Kimber and Josh took up positions against the back wall. Kimber looked intently at Sheamus, her hands fidgeting in front of her. She could still see Big Show hit him again and again in her mind. The thought of it made her sick inside.
Josh glanced down at her and gently bumped her arm with his own, "Why don't we go take a walk and let them check him out."
"No." Kimber murmured with a shake of her head, "I want to stay."
She needed to stay and make sure he truly was all right. She wouldn't have piece of mind unless she saw it for herself.
Josh was going to protest but he could see that she was adamant. He simply sighed softly and turned his attention back to the Irishman.
Sheamus was beginning to come around. His eyes were coming into focus and it looked like he was starting to realize just what had happened. Anger began to harden his features and his body was growing more tense by the second.
He suddenly launched himself off of the bench and tried to head for the door, clearly intent on getting to Big Show.
"Sheamus, you can't do that!" Chad warned him.
"Whoa, hold on there!" Josh sprang forward, arms raised in a bid to keep the Irishman back.
He seemed to realize what he was doing, standing up to a man twice his size, and fear came over him. But he knew he couldn't let him go tearing off after the Big Show and so he stayed where he was.
"Sheamus, sit back down." the trainer told the irate wrestler as he tried to get him to return to the bench, "We're not finished yet."
Sheamus glared at all three men who were visibly worried that he would turn his fury on them.
"Sheamus, please." Kimber's gentle voice somehow found a way past the rage in his head and he turned to her.
She was staring up at him pleadingly, silently begging him to sit.
He bowed his head and closed his eyes, trying to get control of his anger. After a few tense minutes he opened them and grudgingly returned to the bench.
Kimber leaned back against the wall and sighed with relief.
Josh joined her and murmured to her, "Good job."
At that moment the locker room door opened, Bobby popping his head inside.
"Big Show's gone." he announced to the room, "Someone saw him grab his gear and jump in his car about five minutes ago."
Sheamus glowered at the crew member, who quickly beat a hasty retreat. Instead of lessening the tension the news seemed to cause the opposite effect. Sheamus appeared to be humming with rage.
"Okay, we're done." the trainer announced as he stepped back and put away his equipment, "Sheamus, it doesn't look like you have a concussion. Just keep some ice on that eye and get a good night's rest."
"Everybody get out." the Celtic Warrior muttered quietly, his eyes cast to the ground.
His face was red, his features tense. It were as though he was about to explode at any second and was now fighting tooth and nail to keep his temper at bay. It didn't look like he was going to be able to hold it back much longer.
Kimber looked over at him with a frown but followed the others out of the locker room.
The second the locker room door closed it was like someone had flicked a switch. Suddenly the sounds of crashing and roaring could be heard from inside.
Not wanting to stick around and witness the carnation, the small group began to scatter.
"Kimber?" Josh called back to her, "You coming?"
"No." Kimber shook her head, "I'm going to stay."
"You sure?" the SmackDown announcer flinched as he heard what sounded like a steel chair hitting the cement wall followed by a ferocious growl.
"Yeah." Kimber tried to reassure him, "You can go, I'll be fine. I promise."
Josh was hesitant to leave her but did as she requested. If she was okay with handling Sheamus' temper than who was he to try and stop her. Besides, he really didn't feel like getting in the way of the Celtic Warrior while he was on his tirade.
Kimber leaned back against the wall, flinching when she heard something slam against the door.
Suddenly it was thrown open. It bounced against the wall with such force that she was sure that it left a dent.
She cringed but slowly straightened, watching wearily as Sheamus appeared in the doorway. He was breathing hard, his eyes wide and wild.
The Irishman came to a screeching halt when he discovered she was still standing there. Some of the tension seemed to leave his body and the out-and-out rage slowly began to fade from his eyes to be replaced with absolute astonishment.
"Kember?" his voice was hoarse from all of the shouting.
Without fear she approached him, reaching up and lightly brushing the unblemished skin around his still forming black eye. It looked stark and ugly against his pale complexion.
"I wanted to stick around and see if you were okay." she murmured, her gaze locking with his.
His hand closed around hers and held it against his cheek for a few seconds. He felt relieved, grateful even, that she hadn't run at the first signs of his temper. He was both surprised and confused about why she hadn't. Especially when everyone else seemed to disappear.
He also couldn't help the pride that welled up in him over it. Grown men had run away but not this woman. This woman who had been so frightened of his anger before. But not now. She knew in heart that he wouldn't hurt her and that gave him more relief than he could say.
He had the sudden urge to kiss her fingertips and he knew then that it was time to let her go. He had to take this slow and he didn't want to do anything to scare her off. Not now when she had finally come to trust him.
He slowly removed her hand from his cheek and released it, taking a step back.
"Ah'm all right." he told her, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, "Ah'm just surprised to see you here."
Kimber shrugged, "I thought you might need a friend right now."
"Is that what we are?" he couldn't help but smirk at her, "Friends?"
"Yes, silly." she smiled up at him, shoving his arm playfully, "Hey, we're tag team partners, remember?"
He chuckled at that before scrubbing a hand over his face. He winced, remembering his present from the Big Show. He'd get even with the bastard. He promised that.
Sheamus noticed that Kimber was looking up at him with concern and he felt something twist in his gut at her look.
"Ya want to get out of here?" he suddenly asked her.
"Yes, please." she sighed, "I just need to get changed first."
"All right. Ah'll meet you back here."
Both got dressed in record time and Kimber was soon making her way back to his locker room, her rolling case trailing behind her.
She was almost to his locker room when the door opened and Sheamus stepped out. He was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans that hugged his thighs. One of his soft caps, black, and pulled low on his head. Kimber grimaced at the sight of his black eye.
He caught her expression and rubbed his jaw, joking, "Am Ah still beautiful, Kember?"
Kimber laughed and nodded, "Stunning."
"Good woman." Sheamus reached her and, without a word, took hold of her bag.
She smiled up at him and together they made their way towards the parking lot. As they crossed over to Sheamus' rental car they noticed Josh enter from the other side. He approached them, cringing at the sight of the Irishman's black eye.
"Hey, guys." he greeted, turning to Kimber, "You ready to go?"
"Actually," Kimber glanced up at Sheamus for a second before turning back to her friend, "I'm getting a ride back with Sheamus."
Josh looked from Sheamus to her and suddenly began to grin.
"Hey, that's fine." he murmured knowingly as he turned and began to make his way over to his own rental car, "See you guys tomorrow."
"See ya, fella." Sheamus called after him as he popped open the trunk and stuck the bags inside.
Kimber walked over to her door and was about to open it when Sheamus hand came around her, taking hold of the door handle.
She looked over her shoulder to find him grinning down at her.
"Ever the gentleman." she smiled before slipping into the car.
"We live to serve, lass." he winked with his good eye and firmly closed her door.
Jogging around to the driver's side, he slipped behind the wheel and started the rental up. It was soon roaring to life and the pair began to make their way out of the lot.
"So are you hungry?" he asked her as he drove down the street, "We could stop for a bite. Or something to drink."
"I'd like that." Kimber smiled over at him, earning a grin.
They continued on for another ten minutes before finally finding a quaint little grill not far from the hotel.
It was steady but nobody paid attention to them as they entered. Plus the lighting was dim, which was a plus. After everything that had gone on that night, Sheamus didn't feel up to meeting with fans.
They took their seats in a back booth and started looking at the menus.
"Are you really okay?" Kimber suddenly asked him hesitantly.
"Ah'm still pissed." Sheamus answered honestly, "But other then me temper Ah'm all right."
"Thank you for what you did." Kimber replied, heartfelt, "And I am so sorry for getting you into this mess to begin with."
"Stop right there." Sheamus stated, adamant, "This was none of yer fault."
"Yeah, it was Vickie's." Kimber grumbled as she went back to her menu, "That woman is so vindictive!"
"She is." Sheamus agreed, "But let's not talk about her anymore. She tends to effect my digestion."
Kimber couldn't help but smile at him, earning another grin from the Irishman.
His eyes fell to his menu as he murmured nonchalantly, "Ah was surprised to find you still standing outside my locker room. Ah thought you might have left with the others. Not that Ah'd blame ya if you had."
Kimber's smile grew as she told him softly, "No. No, I wouldn't have done that."
Sheamus sat the menu down, catching her eye, "Ah'm sorry if Ah scared you."
"You didn't." she was quick to tell him, "I'm not afraid of your temper anymore."
Sheamus grinned and nodded, glad for that.
They shared a long steady gaze, neither one speaking. The rest of the restaurant seemed to fade away. Soon it was just the two of them, alone in their own little world.
"Kember-" Sheamus began, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"Hi, welcome to Benton's." the waitress suddenly materialized, chirping happily to them, "My name is Michelle and I'll be your waitress tonight. Would you care for a drink while you decide?"
Sheamus growled inwardly. So much for trying to talk seriously to the lass. But considering how the rest of his night had gone, he wasn't that surprised.
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They returned to the hotel later that night.
As the pair slipped into the lobby they talked and laughed casually.
Sheamus caught her staring up at his eye for the fiftieth time and he had to chuckle, "So tell me the truth. How bad is it?"
"Well. . ." Kimber bit her lip and shrugged, "Let's just say that I hope you like the colors blue, black and purple. Because you're going to be wearing them for quite a while."
Sheamus threw back his head and laughed, Kimber giggling in return.
They were halfway across the lobby when the man at the front desk called to Kimber.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow." the reporter told the wrestler with a smile.
"What kind of gentleman would Ah be if Ah didn' walk a lady to her door?" Sheamus replied easily, "Me sainted mother would never forgive me."
"Well we can't have that now, can we?" Kimber giggled and the pair made their way to the front desk.
"Good evening, Ms. Gentry." the desk clerk handed her an envelope, "This came for you earlier tonight."
"Thank you." Kimber murmured absently, her eyes landing on the envelope.
She opened it and began to read the letter inside, her eyes narrowing. Her mouth twisted into a frown and she quickly folded the letter back up and slip it back into the envelope.
Sheamus watched with curiosity as Kimber hurriedly stuffed it into the pocket of her jacket. He took special note of the way her hands shook as she did so.
"Kember, are you all right?" he asked her gently, slipping a hand onto her shoulder.
She flinched at his touch before quickly apologizing, "Sorry. I'm fine, yes."
She turned and began to lead the over to the elevators. Sheamus followed after, confused and concerned.
They slipped into the elevator and Kimber punched the button for their floor. As they road her eyes remained on the numbers, her mouth turned down in a slight frown.
"Ya want to talk about it?" he questioned and nodded towards her pocket when her gaze met his.
"I. . ." she offered a weak laugh and shook her head, "It's nothing. I'm fine."
They finally reached their floor, Kimber all but hurrying to get out of the confined space and to her room.
Sheamus came after, the pair drawling to a stop by her door.
"At least I can't say you're not a gentleman." Kimber tried to joke with him.
Sheamus smiled faintly but grew serious, "You want to tell me why that letter has ya so rattled, lass?"
"I. . .It's nothing." Kimber shook her head, but it was clear that she needed to talk to someone.
"Come on." he gently coaxed her, giving her a playful wink as he added, "We're tag team partners, remember?"
"I don't want to bother you." Kimber replied, "Especially considering everything you've had to go through tonight."
"The only thing bothering me is seeing you upset." Sheamus went on when she tried to protest, "Oh, yer doin' a good enough job of tryin' to pretend yer not. But it's clear that you are. Now if you want to talk, Ah'm here."
"Okay." Kimber murmured and she unlocked the door.
She led the way inside, setting her bag down on the way. Sheamus entered behind her, closing the door behind him. He watched as she crossed to her suitcase and opened it, removing another envelope.
She dug the other one out of her pocket and handed both to him.
Sheamus opened the first, reading the contents. His brows knit has he began to read it again.
It seemed simple enough, the writer telling Kimber they thought she was beautiful.
"The only thing this tells me," Sheamus glanced over at her and teased, "Is that the whoever sent it has good eyesight."
Kimber found herself smiling weakly, despite the trepidation she felt.
"The 'Ah'm always watching' is disturbing, though, Ah'll give ya that." Sheamus nodded as he set the first aside and pulled the second one out of other envelope.
As he read it he began to feel his temper spark.
My Dearest Kimberlynn,
You set my blood racing every time I see you.
I want to know, is your hair as soft as it looks?
Sometimes I touch my screen, imagining it's strands
of your hair between my fingers.
You have the most beautiful green eyes. I want to
see what they look like when they're filled with
excitement. I want to excite you in so many ways.
You are so beautiful.
I'm always watching.
Kimber watched as Sheamus carefully folded that letter and placed it back into the envelope. Her eyes followed him as he crossed over to the nightstand and neatly stacked the two on it.
He was making her nervous. Thunderous rage she could handle from him. But tightly leashed control. . .it was just too unsettling.
"It's probably nothing." she quickly stated, "I mean, I showed the first one to my friend, Cassidy, and she told me not to jump to conclusions. That it could have just been a fan letter."
"You don' believe that." Sheamus stated evenly as he turned to her, "And Ah know you especially don' believe it after readin' that second one."
She swallowed, taking in the rage that laid just below the surface of his eyes.
"You're right." she admitted quietly, "So what do I do?"
"Did he send them directly to you?"
"No. No, they came care of the WWE."
"Good." Sheamus nodded, taking a measure of relief from that, "Get in touch with them and tell them what's going on. They'll start screening yer mail and weed out any from this son-of-a. . ."
He had to stop himself and fight to keep his temper in check. She was already on edge, he didn't want to scare her any further.
"So long as he's sending them directly to the company, Ah think you'll be all right." he stated when he felt he could safely speak again, "But if they start comin' directly to you Ah want you to let the WWE know about it. They'll contact the police and they'll be able to put a handle on this bastard."
"I will." Kimber promised.
"And one more thing." Sheamus added, serious, "Ya let me know, too."
"I don't want to bother-"
"You let me know." his tone told her it wasn't up for debate.
"I'll let you know." Kimber assured him, adding, "Thank you."
His expression softened, "All right then. Get yerself some sleep and Ah'll see you in the mornin'."
He started to head to the door when she called his name, stopping him. He turned and watched expectantly as she approached him.
Without a word, she slipped her arms around his waist and gave him quick hug. He patted her back reassuringly, wanting to do more. Wanting to hold her tighter and longer. Wanting to promise her that he wouldn't let anyone hurt her.
"Thank you." she murmured before pulling back and stepping away.
Sheamus grinned down at her, "Get some sleep."
Though it killed him to do so, he forced himself to turn around and leave her.
His mind was racing over the events from that night: Realizing that Kimber now saw him as a friend and the fact that they were getting close to one another, the match with Del Rio and Big Show and Big Show's knockout, those bleedin' letters that bastard had sent to Kimber.
All he wanted was to take a couple of aspirin for his headache and get some sleep.
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Kimber made her way through the halls that next night at SmackDown. She drew to a stop when she noticed on a nearby monitor that Sheamus was in the ring, talking.
Her smile slowly faded as she took in his black eye. She couldn't help the concern that welled up in her chest at the sight of it.
"What happened last night is exactly what's goin' to happen at Survivor Series, Del Rio." the Irishman was saying, "Ah'm gonna hit you with the Brogue Kick and get the one, two, three."
The crowd began to cheer at that, a few of them chanting, "Sheamus! Sheamus! Sheamus!"
The Celtic Warrior went on, the grin leaving his face only to be replaced with a look of tightly leased fury, "And then that just leaves you, Big Show.
"You see, we have a saying in Ireland. Coimhead fearg fhear na foighde." Sheamus explained, "And what that means is 'Beware the anger of a patient man.'. Yer time is comin', fella."
His music hit and he dropped the mic, leaving the ring.
Kimber continued to look at the now dark screen, her eyes clouding over in thought.
She knew that Sheamus would make good on his threat. Of that she had no doubt. But she worried about how far he was willing to go to make it happen.
She could still see Big Show hit him again and again in her mind. Each time it made her feel that much more sick.
She knew he didn't blame her for having to face Big Show and Del Rio but the truth was she still blamed herself. He would have been just fine facing Del Rio and Ricardo had she not opened her big, fat mouth.
Of course, how could she not, though? What Vickie had done to him was completely unfair. And he was a friend of her. She couldn't just keep silent.
Friend. Friend.
That's what she had called him last night. And she had meant it.
But she certainly hadn't acted like just a friend. Not when she had all but nuzzled his hand or when she had jumped into his arms after the match.
"Kimber?"
The young reporter jumped and spun around. She saw Layla and Kaitlyn standing behind her, smiling good-naturedly at her reaction.
"Hi." she greeted them with a warm smile.
The two women exchanged knowing looks before turning back to her.
"So. . ." Layla began to grin, "You and Sheamus seemed to be hitting it off last night."
Kimber flinched and groaned, "Oh, please don't use the word 'hit'."
Layla bit her lip and shrugged, "Sorry. Bad choice of words."
"But you two did look pretty chummy." Kaitlyn couldn't help but tease, "I mean, you guys had some celebration in the ring last night. Ya know, until Big Show ruined it."
Kimber looked back and forth between them, her face carefully blank, "Sheamus was incredible last night. The way he handled both Del Rio and Big Show was nothing short of amazing. I was glad he was all right and happy that he was able to win the match."
"Mmm-hmm." Layla agreed sweetly, "That's all."
"Sure." Kaitlyn added, clearly not believing her.
Kimber stuck her tongue out at them but began to laugh.
"Hey, it's okay." Layla informed her, "You're not the first woman around here to have a crush on a certain handsome Irishman."
"I don't." Kimber automatically replied, but it was obvious that she was lying.
Giggling, the three women headed on down the hall. As they rounded a corner they discovered that the man in question was making his way from the other side.
A soft smile came to Kimber's lips. She felt her heart begin to pound against her ribcage.
That smile slowly died away as she watched Natalya unexpectedly come up behind Sheamus and take his arm. As the Irishman turned around he had little time to react before the blonde grabbed his face and leaned up, planting a fiery kiss upon his lips.