Monday's Raw rolled around and Kimber found herself in Layla's locker room, she and Joel filming the Diva as she prepared for her match with Eve that night.
The reporter was so excited to be spending the week with her. They had become very good friends and she couldn't think of a better person to hang out with.
She ducked her head, feeling her cheeks begin to warm. Well, Layla was the second best person she could think of to hang out with.
"And that's what I do to prepare for a match." Layla announced with a smile as she rose to her feet, the Diva now finished stretching.
"I think we're good, Joel." Kimber proclaimed and the cameraman lowered his camera.
"Great." Joel stated, "I'm just going to go make a run to Production. Be back soon."
The second he left the Diva turned to the reporter and asked with a sly smile, "So, how are you and a certain Irishman doing?"
Kimber began to grin as a blush warmed her cheeks, "Fine. We, um, we spent Thanksgiving with my family."
She added with a laugh, "I think they want to adopt him."
Layla joined in before stating, "Meeting the family. Sounds serious."
"It's. . ." Kimber paused, thoughtful, "I don't exactly know what it is. What we are. Truthfully, I don't think we have a label. We're just us."
"Well I think it's wonderful." the Diva informed her, "I think you're good for one another."
They stepped out into the hallway and made their way towards Catering. As they walked Kimber noticed Natalya, Rosa and Alicia standing up ahead. The trio spotted them and began whispering to one another in between sending narrowed looks their way.
"Just ignore them." Kimber announced, not bothering to give the three a second look, "They can't do anything to me now."
"Stay on your toes, though." Layla warned her, "Just in case."
"I will." Kimber promised her.
They reached Catering and headed over to one of the food tables to grab a bite to eat. A large television was set up in the back of the room, the show being aired on it. A few of the talent and a couple of the crew were sitting around, watching while they ate.
Kimber slowed to a stop as her eyes focused on the screen. Sheamus was in the ring, talking. At the sight of him a soft smile instantly came to her lips.
Layla noticed her friend's expression and bumped her with her arm, teasing, "Somebody is in love."
Kimber stuck her tongue out at her, the two women giggling.
"Maybe I am." she admitted softly, her eyes returning to the monitor.
"Nobody can deny that the Big Show and Ah have had some real battles for the past few months." the Irishman was saying, "But when we get to TLC it's gonna be an all out war!"
The crowd began to cheer.
Suddenly Kimber's smile vanished as the Big Show came out onto the stage.
On the screen Sheamus' grin only grew. It looked like he had been waiting for the Largest Athlete in the World to make an appearance.
"You really are a dumb Irishman." Big Show announced and it was then that the smile finally left the redheaded man, "Don't you get it? At TLC I'm going to destroy you. I'm going to take my steel chair and break that pasty white body of yours. I'm going to take that steel chair and wrap it around your scrawny neck."
Kimber watched on in alarm as Dolph Ziggler suddenly appeared from out of the crowd. The bleached blonde man jumped the barricade and climbed into the ring, hitting the Zig Zag on the unsuspecting Celtic Warrior.
It wasn't long until Big Show joined him and the pair began to pummel and kick the fallen man.
Kimber's eyes remained locked on the downed man, watching as Show and Dolph continued to assault him,
Suddenly the fans began to scream as John came racing down to ringside. He slide into the ring and went right for Big Show, hammering him with hooks to his gut. He added a few kicks for good measure.
While he was doing that Sheamus had managed to get to his knees. He was delivering a few vicious blows of his own into Dolph's stomach. While Ziggler slammed against the corner the Celtic Warrior stood, getting a few more shots to Dolph's face.
The Big Show tried to swing at Cena, but John ducked out of the way and spun him into a corner. As Dolph came tearing out of the other corner Sheamus moved and Dolph ended up on John's shoulders. The crowd began to cheer as John delivered the AA.
Somehow the bleached blonde managed to roll out of the ring. As John turned around Big Show came storming out of the corner, his massive hand going around the smaller man's neck.
Sheamus rushed forward to stop him but Show seized him, as well.
Kimber's hands went to her mouth, her eyes wide.
Unexpectedly, both Sheamus and John kicked the Big Show in the gut. As the enormous wrestler released them they locked their arms around his neck, took hold of his tights, and gave him a two-man Superplex.
Surprisingly the Largest Athlete got to his feet. Sheamus and John hit the ropes before coming back and giving him a battering ram, knocking the man out of the ring.
Vickie suddenly emerged on the stage, "Excuse me! EXCUSE ME!"
The crowd booed her while Sheamus and John grinned. John even went so far as to cup his ear, mouthing 'What?'
The Managing Supervisor scowled at the pair, hand on her hip, "Tonight you, John Cena, and you, Sheamus, will compete in a tag team match against Dolph Ziggler and the Big Show!"
The fans went nuts as John shrugged nonchalantly at the Irishman. Sheamus had that cheeky grin on his face, also clearly undeterred.
The show cut to commercial and the female wrestler turned back to the reporter.
"A bunch of us are going to a club after the show." Layla informed her, "Passions, I think it's called. Feel like joining us?"
"Yeah, that sounds like fun." Kimber told her, "I just want to run it by Sheamus, though, and see if he wants to go."
"Great." the Diva started to head off for her match, "Let me know before the show closes, either way."
"All right." Kimber called after her, "And good luck!"
"Thanks!" Layla gave her a wave and was gone.
The reporter turned and headed off in the other direction, making her way through the halls. It wasn't long until she ran into Joel, the pair continuing on.
"I'm not looking forward to this." Kimber sighed.
Joel looked down at her and smirked, "It's Dolph. What's to like?"
While the cameraman got ready Kimber grabbed her mic and awaiting Dolph. It wasn't long until she saw the arrogant man making his way down the hallway.
"Dolph, what is your opinion of Vickie's decision tonight to put you and the Big Show in a tag match against Sheamus and John Cena?" Kimber asked as he approached.
"What's my opinion?" Dolph sneered at her, "What do you think my opinion is, Kimber? The Big Show and I have to face Cena and Sheamus. So what? I could beat them both with my eyes closed."
He offered her a sarcastic smile, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere else more important to be."
He stormed off and Joel lowered the camera, stating, "We're clear."
"Wow, isn't he a charmer." Kimber mockingly gushed, causing the cameraman to snicker.
"Yeah, he's great." Joel deadpanned, "I'm gonna take a break and I'll see you in fifteen."
"Okay." Kimber smiled after the man as he walked off.
She turned and walked over to a nearby table, going to collect her bag and notebook. As she picked up the bag an envelope, which had been laying under it, fluttered off the table and onto the floor.
She stared down at it in confusion. Kneeling down, she reached out to pick it up. Her hand stopped, though, frozen in mid air, as her eyes landed on the cover.
My Dearest Kimberlynn
With shaky hands she ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter. She began to read it, her face falling. She closed her eyes momentarily and took a shaky breath, willing her racing heart to subside.
When she felt she was much calmer she carefully folded up the letter and placed it back into the envelope.
She rose on shaky legs, her mind racing. She planned to go to Triple H's office immediately and show him the note.
She was just starting to make her way there when she heard, "Kember!"
The reporter started and spun around, her heart about ready to burst from her chest.
Sheamus came jogging up to her, taking note of her startled expression.
The second he reached her he placed a hand on her arm, eyes filled with concern, "Ah'm sorry. Ah didn' mean to startle ya."
She gave him what she hoped passed as a bright smile, "It's all right."
His brows began to knit. Though she tried to appear fine, he could see she was still on edge. He knew her behavior couldn't be just because he had startled her. Kimber wasn't a scaredy cat.
"Are you all right?" he asked her.
"What?" Kimber blinked, coming out of her thoughts.
She began to laugh weakly and nodded, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I was just worried about your tag match later."
"No need to be worried about that, angel," Sheamus gave her a grin, "John and Ah can handle Big Show and Ziggler with no problems."
"I know." she forced herself to relax, "You're right. I'm just worrying over nothing."
"Ah heard about the plans for the club after the show." Sheamus told her with a wink, "Feel like goin' on a date wit' me?"
"Hmm, maybe." Kimber gave him a coy smile, "If you're good."
"You'd date me even if Ah was bad." he gave her a beguiling grin.
"True." Kimber giggled up at him.
He tapped his lips and she leaned up, giving him a chaste kiss. As she pulled back he gave her a grin and bid her goodbye to go prepare for his match.
Kimber watched after him, her smile fading. Though she felt bad about keeping her latest note quiet she knew it was for the best. He had a match to prepare for and he couldn't do that if he was worried about her. She would tell him after the show, anyway.
Now she just needed to go tell her boss.
It wasn't long before Kimber found herself in Triple H's office. He looked up at her in surprise, eyebrows arched.
"What can I do for you, Kimber?" the Executive Officer asked.
Kimber closed his office door and turned back to him, producing the envelope.
As she handed it to him she replied hesitantly, "This was left with my things. I found it after my interview with Dolph."
Triple H opened the envelope and removed the note. As he read it he let out a curse, slapping the piece of paper onto the desk.
"I thought we were done with this." he muttered, raking a hand through his short hair.
He looked up at her and sighed, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Kimber assured him, even if she, herself, didn't believe it, "I just want whomever is doing this to stop."
"You and me both." Triple H rose from his desk and walked around, slipping a comforting arm around her shoulders, "We're going to go find Security and get them on this. I'll have them check the cameras, too. Hopefully we'll have caught this S.O.B. on tape."
He led her from his office and the pair headed towards the Security office.
Kimber couldn't help the involuntary shiver that raced down her spine. Though she knew she was safe right now with the Executive Officer, she still couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
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The crowd in the arena were going nuts as the tag match raged on.
Sheamus was on his back, struggling to breath through the last vicious shots Show had landed on his body.
The massive wrestler leaned down, taking hold of his head and dragging him to his feet. He slammed his head into the Irishman's, causing Sheamus to hit the ground again.
The redheaded man blinked, trying to clear his vision. He rolled onto his side, reaching out a hand for the ropes.
As he struggled to his knees he could hear Show approaching him. The larger man started to turn him around when Sheamus swung his fist into the other man's abdomen. Show grunted and Sheamus did it again.
Show kneed him in the shoulder but that didn't seem to faze him and he hit him again. The Big Show managed to drive his fist into his back and that seemed to do the trick, Sheamus once again going to the canvas.
As the larger man stalked around to the front, Sheamus rose to his knees. He could feel his anger rising, could feel it burning through his veins. He looked up at the Big Show, teeth clenched and chest heaving.
Without wasting any time he began to plow the man with blow after blow. As he got to his feet Show came off the ropes and drove his foot into the redheaded man's face. Sheamus hit the canvas with a 'thud'.
On the apron John began to beat his hand against the turnbuckle, calling for his partner to get up and keep fighting.
Sheamus blinked, again finding himself looking up at the ceiling. He suddenly yelled as Big Show stepped on him on his way to tag in Dolph.
The Irishman rolled to his side, gripping his now injured middle. Ziggler was on him in an instant, giving him a drop kick when he finally rose to his feet.
The bleached blonde went of the cover. One! Two!
Instinct more than recovery caused him to kick out. Dolph popped up and locked his arm around Sheamus' neck. He managed to get his legs wrapped around the larger man's waist and bring him to the mat. Sheamus felt the air leaving his lungs and he struggled to try and remove the arm.
He could hear John screaming for him to fight through it. He could hear Big Show calling for Dolph to keep the hold tight. He could hear the fans yelling, chanting his name.
Somewhere, from deep inside, Sheamus could feel his strength and resolve come back. He managed to get Dolph's hold on his body loosened and he turned around to his knees. Dolph came back around, locking his arm once more around his neck from above, applying more pressure.
The Celtic Warrior got to his feet and picked up Ziggler. As the crowd cheered he threw the other man off of him, Ziggler landing face first on the canvas.
He somehow managed to get to his feet and he charged at the larger man. Sheamus scooped him up like he was nothing and planted him on his knee for the Irish Curse Backbreaker.
Unfortunately that zapped the majority of his adrenaline and he, too, ended up on the canvas. The fans were on their feet and John was yelling for his partner to tag him in.
Sheamus staggered to his feet and dove towards his corner, tagging John.
Cena came racing into the ring. He ducked under the clothesline Dolph tried to give him and raced across to the other corner, hitting Big Show off the apron.
He spun around, giving a shoulder tackle as Dolph tried to hit him again. As the smaller man stood up John came off the ropes and hit him again.
Both men got to their feet and Dolph took a swing at him. John, again, ducked him and picked him, up, slamming him onto the mat.
He jumped up and gave the crowd a grin. They began to cheer, knowing what was coming next.
Dolph got to his feet, though, staggering around. John set him up on his shoulders, ready to deliver the AA. He was just about to do it when Big Show came back into the ring, kicking him in the gut.
That brought a newly energized Sheamus back in and he tried for the Brogue Kick. Show caught him before he could strike and yanked him forward, his hand going for his throat. He tried to lift him up but Sheamus jumped out of the hold.
Big Show turned around and Sheamus picked him up for White Noise. He looked over and discovered that John had once again got Ziggler up for the AA.
The two faces looks at one another, each with a mischievous grin on their lips. They nodded and simultaneously delivered their moves.
Cena went for the cover on Ziggler while Sheamus rolled Big Show out of the ring. One! Two! Three!
John's music began to play while the Irishman went back to him, the ref raising their hands in victory.
Sheamus gave him a hug, "Thanks, fella."
"Not problem, fella." John pulled back and laughed, "We've got to do that again some time."
Sheamus laughed and the pair each went to a ring post to celebrate with the fans.
It wasn't long before they climbed down and left the ring, making their way back up the ramp.
The Celtic Warrior was keyed up. He wanted to go find Kimber.
As soon as they got to the back, though, he discovered that the reporter wasn't around. AJ and Layla were instead there to greet them.
John went right to AJ and picked her up, hugging her close. The small Diva was surprised at first but then wrapped her arms around his neck and , laughing, hugged him.
Sheamus looked around, trying to spot Kimber. But still she was no where to be seen.
"So have ya seen Kember?" the Irishman asked as he began to make his way up the hall, his eyes on the look out.
It wasn't like the lass to not be there to greet him after a match. And besides, he had really looked forward to one of her celebratory post match kisses.
"She's probably still talking to the police." AJ called after him as John set her down.
Sheamus came to a screeching halt. He slowly turned around, eyes narrowing in confusion.
"What do you mean she's talkin' to the police?" he demanded, worry beginning to come over him, "Why would she be talkin' to them?"
AJ and Layla exchanged looks, both women nervous. Obviously Sheamus had no idea what was going on.
"Girls, what's going on?" John gently asked them.
"Well. . ." AJ turned to Layla and smiled weakly, "Why don't you explain, Layla."
Layla gave her a look as if to say, 'Gee, thanks.'
The Diva sighed and explained, "Kimber got another note tonight. Only this time it wasn't sent through the company. It was sent directly to her."
"When?" the word was laced with an underlined rage.
Layla glanced over at AJ and shrugged, "I think it was after her interview with Dolph."
Sheamus had to close his eyes and count to ten. Then he had to do it again.
Nope, he was still pissed off.
He knew something was wrong with her when he had met up with her in the hallway earlier. Oh, but that sneaky lass had told him she was only worried about his match with Big Show and Ziggler.
He couldn't believe she would keep this from him. He thought they had gotten past all of that when they were in Colorado.
He shook his head, a cold smirk coming over him. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe she really didn't trust him as much as he thought she did.
But he sure as hell was gonna find out one way or the other.
Livid, he stormed off in the direction of Triple H's office.
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"Well, I think that covers everything." one of the two cops stated as she finished writing in her notebook.
Kimber leaned back in her seat and sighed, still not feeling much better since she had received the latest note.
They had spent some time checking the cameras but had come up with no results. It would seem that whoever had left the note had been able to do it discreetly.
"Thank you, officers." the reporter rose to her feet.
Triple H also stood and came around the desk and joined them.
He was just about to speak when the door flew open with a flourish.
The foursome turned and looked to the open doorway. Kimber swallowed, uneasy.
Sheamus was standing there, his eyes boring into her. His face was red and she could tell he was fighting to keep his temper in check.
He knew.
The officers turned back to her, one of them reaching out to shake her hand, "Thank you, Ms. Gentry. If we find out anything, we'll be in touch."
"Thank you, officer." Kimber nodded.
"Why don't I show you two out." Triple H stated as he led the pair from the office. He looked back at the couple inside and arched an eyebrow before closing the door behind him.
Kimber slowly turned to find that the wrestler was still glaring down at her.
"So I take it you heard." she said, her tone surprisingly casual.
He scrubbed a hand over his face and began to pace the room, not in the mood.
"What happened?" he asked quietly.
Kimber followed him with her eyes, her trepidation growing. She could see how hard he was fighting not to lose his temper. And for a moment she actually preferred if he did. A raging Sheamus was surprisingly a lot less scary than a quiet one. He was at his most dangerous when he was quiet.
Fingers knotted in front of her, she looked down at the floor and murmured, "I was finishing up my interview with Ziggler and as I was leaving I found a note with my things."
"What'd it say?" he came to a stop and turned his angry eyes on her.
Kimber closed her eyes and sighed, the contents of the note burned into her brain, "'My Dearest Kimberlynn, nothing can keep me from you. I dream of the day when we can be together. When I can feel your body beneath mine as I bring you to ecstasy. Soon, dearest Kimberlynn. Soon you will be mine. I'm always watching'."
He growled. He honest to goodness growled. At the sound Kimber opened her eyes and looked at him.
"Why didn' you tell me earlier?" he demanded, his words starting to gain in volume, "When Ah saw you in the hall, Ah knew you were upset,. But you told me you were just worried about my match with Big Show and Ziggler. Why didn' you tell me then? Why did ya keep it from me?"
"I had every intention of telling you." she explained, hurrying on when it looked like he was about to protest, "Later on tonight. After your match."
Her explanation didn't seem to satisfy him, though. He still regarded her evenly.
She threw up her hands, frustrated and upset, "I didn't want you going out there thinking about that. You needed to concentrate on Big Show and Ziggler."
"Ah don' need you tellin' me who Ah need to be concentratin' on!" the Irishman barked, causing Kimber to flinch.
They stared at one another for several moments, Kimber resolved, Sheamus with his chest heaving and his eyes flashing like fire.
"I'm not sorry for keeping silent." she replied softly, "I had a choice and I made it.
"Besides, there was nothing you could do." she added, "Except be pissed."
"Ya got that right." Sheamus muttered, though some of his anger had left him.
He rubbed a hand over his face and exhaled. When he turned back to her he seemed to have calmed down a little bit more.
"Are ya all right?" he asked, his tone more gentle.
Kimber shrugged, "I've had better nights."
She tried to appear so strong, so brave, but he knew better than that. He knew that inside she was frightened.
"Come'ere." he held out his arms to her.
Kimber walked into them willingly. She sighed when she felt him tighten them around her and draw her closer. She held onto him, not wanting to let him go. Not wanting him to let her go.
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "Ah'm sorry you have to go through this. And Ah'm sorry for losin' me temper."
He looked out over the quiet office and reluctantly admitted, "When Ah heard you were in here talkin' to the police Ah got scared."
His arms tightened even more and he added quietly, voice full, "Ah don' know what Ah would do if somethin' happened to you."
She pulled back, looking lovingly up at him, "I really wasn't trying to keep anything from you. I really did have every intention of telling you after the show tonight."
The Celtic Warrior reached out and stroked her hair, "I know."
And he truly did. He knew they were past keeping things from one another.
She gave him a gentle smile and he felt his heart clench.
"Ya want to get out of here and go back to the hotel?" he suggested.
Kimber thought a minute but shook her head, "No. I still want to go to the club."
"Are ya sure that's such a good idea?" Sheamus didn't look convinced.
"Yeah." Kimber was adamant, "I need to take my mind off of what happened.
"Besides," she added as a slow smile began to curve her lips, "I'll be in a room full of wrestlers. Not to mention a very handsome, very dangerous Irishman. I'll be fine."
He began to grin at that. She was a sneaky one, all right.
"And," the reporter couldn't help but include, "We need to celebrate your victory."
Sheamus chuckled but soon paused, thoughtful.
"How do ya know Ah won?" he asked.
She gave him a look and a wink, "Is there any doubt?"
The Celtic Warrior grinned, hugging her close.
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"Are you sure you don't want to go back to the hotel?" Sheamus asked her.
Kimber gave him a smile and shook her head. She began to bob her head to the beat of the music playing out over the club.
They had been at the club for about thirty minutes and the reporter was feeling better by the minute. This was what she needed, being out and living life. Not locked away in a hotel room somewhere.
She looked over at Sheamus and took his hand, her smile deepening. Besides, she liked the idea of going out on a date with her guy. It made her feel normal. Something she was just starting to get back in touch with.
The Irishman leaned back in his seat and studied her. Well she did appear to be in better spirits. She seemed relaxed and comfortable, something she definitely wasn't an hour ago. Perhaps this was a good idea after all.
"Ya feel like riskin' yer feet and dancin' wit' me?" he asked with a grin.
"I'd risk anything with you." she told him, her heart in her eyes.
His smile faded away, his own heart filling with that unknown, yet familiar, emotion again.
He took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor. He pulled her close, one hand on her waist. The other was clasping the hand she held over his heart.
The beautiful sounds of a piano played out over the club and a female singer stepped up to the mic.
"Standing here outside your door, not sure if you're home." she crooned in a sweet voice, "Wondering if I'm a fool. Maybe I should go."
Kimber laid her head against his chest and smiled, nuzzling closer. Sheamus grinned down at her, the arm around her waist pulling her tighter against his body.
"Usually I'm fearless, but I've become undone. A clown without even a disguise. Now everyone will know that I've fallen, fallen. I've fallen in love. And I can't make sense of it."
Kimber pulled back and looked up at him, the pair sharing a long, steady gaze. Something profound passed between them. Lightening striking in a way.
"Don't know how this happened. I can't say for sure." the singer went on, "But suddenly I'm incomplete. Sustaining on the hope."
He released the hand that was holding her own. Both of his arms came around her waist and he lifted her high into his arms. They tightened around her waist as hers did the same around his neck. Her fingers gently trailed through his hair. Their faces were inches apart, the pair never breaking eye contact.
"If you meet me face to face, you can hear my heart. You might feel this terrifying something rising up and you've fallen, fallen." the singer went on, "You've fallen in love. And you can't make sense of it. And you've fallen in love. And you can't make sense of it."
As the final, soft piano chords played out over the club Sheamus leaned over, pressing his lips to Kimber's. She returned the embrace, putting her whole heart into that kiss.
Layla and Kaitlyn looked over at them and began to gush.
"Oh, how sweet!" Layla cooed.
"Oh yeah, they're definitely in love." Kaitlyn grinned.
The song ended, but the pair remained on the dance floor, enjoying one another. Eventually John approached them, tapping Sheamus on the shoulder. The Irishman growled and pulled back, looking over his shoulder in annoyance.
John grinned, undeterred, "Break it up, you two, before you get a public indecency charge."
Kimber began to giggle, holding Sheamus close. He started to chuckle and slowly sat the young woman on her feet.
"Yer lucky Ah like you, Cena." he told the other man, "And that Ah'm thirsty."
He turned to Kimber, staring down at her tenderly, "Do ya want somethin' to drink, angel?"
"Ginger ale, please." Kimber told him, "I'm not in the mood for anything stronger."
"One ginger ale from the ginger comin' up." Sheamus gave her a wink and headed to the bar.
"You know he's got it bad, don't ya?" John told her.
Kimber looked up at him and shrugged, smiling with embarrassment, "Maybe. I think it's a little too soon for that, though, don't you?"
"No." John chuckled down at her, "And neither do you. I know you're in love with the big lug. And to anyone with eyes, it's obvious that he's crazy about you, too."
Kimber glanced down at the floor and smiled softly.
Sheamus made his way to the bar, passing by Josh who was at the bar and chatting with a pretty red head.
"I have to admit," the girl told him as she leaned in closer, reaching out to touch his hand, "I've had the biggest crush on you for years."
"Oh yeah?" Josh arched an eyebrow.
"Yep." the girl giggled, admitting, "Since Tough Enough, actually. I think you're so cute."
"I think you're so cute." Josh leaned in closer.
Sheamus looked over at them and snickered before turning his attention back to the bartender.
"A Guinness," the Irishman told him, "And a ginger ale, fella."
"Coming right up." the bartender tapped the surface of the bar and turned around to fill the order.
Sheamus leaned an elbow on the counter and turned, looking out over the club. He spotted Kimber once again seated at the table, this time joined by John, AJ, Layla and Kaitlyn, and he felt his smile grow.
All of a sudden a large hand grabbed him by his arm and yanked him around. He had no time to react as Big Show's meaty fist planted itself against his jaw.
Sheamus went flying across the room, crashing into a table. Both it and the Irishman hit the ground with thunderous force.
Big Show, eyes flashing with something dark, advanced on him. He grabbed a hold of the overturned table and slammed it down on the Celtic Warrior's chest, earning a shout of pain from the other man. He followed it up with a few punches and kicks.
Kimber jumped to her feet and ran towards the chaos with the others. She pushed her way through the crowd and came to a screeching halt, crying out in alarm.
She started to go to Sheamus' aid when John grabbed a hold of her, holding her back. He passed her off to AJ and Layla and went to help fallen man.
Josh came to her side, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Big Show saw Cena coming and backed away, laughing over having gotten the best of the Irishman.
Sheamus let out a groan and tried to sit up, a cut on his cheek and blood dripping onto his collar. His head kept screaming at him to get up and go after the other man but his body didn't want to see to cooperate.
John reached his side and knelt down, placing a hand under his arm to help steady him as he began to raise shakily to his feet.
As Show passed Kimber pulled free of the women and started to go to Sheamus' side. The massive wrestler noticed her and suddenly reached out, shoving her away.
Kimber let out a cry, more from surprise than pain, as she fell onto her side on the floor.
Sheamus watched the scene happen and when he turned his attention back to the Big Show there was murder in his eyes.
He tired to go after him but John held him back.
"No! No!" Cena tightened his hold, "Not now, man. Let it go. You'll get him later."
Sheamus yanked free of John's hold and instead made his way over to Kimber. The women were helping her to her feet, Kaitlyn brushing off her dress for her.
The reporter turned to him, blinking back tears. She was more worried for him than she was hurt. She walked over to him, reaching out to touch his injured cheek.
"Are you all right?" she asked, voice shaking.
"Don' worry about me." he tried to assure her, looking her over, "Did he hurt you?"
"I'm okay." she told him.
Suddenly a hand appeared, holding a napkin. The pair turned to see Josh standing there.
"Here." he handed it over to Kimber.
"Thank you." she replied.
"Thanks, fella." Sheamus nodded to him.
"No problem." Josh turned around to talk to the girl he had been flirting with.
But to his immense disappointment she was no where to be found. The announcer let out a huff and sighed.
Kimber gently wiped at his cut. To his credit, Sheamus stood still and allowed her to do it.
After she was finished she balled the napkin up and tossed it away.
"Let's get out of here." Sheamus muttered.
Kimber wrapped an arm around his waist, his going around her shoulders, and they left the club.
It didn't take long for the pair to get to the hotel. By the time they entered Sheamus' room his temper had cooled somewhat.
He closed the door and sighed, watching as Kimber took a seat on his bed. He walked over and joined her, reaching out to cup her cheek.
"Are you all right?" he asked, looking her over.
He could still picture Big Show shoving her aside and he felt his temper come back full force.
She took his hand and gave him a gentle smile, "I'm fine."
She leaned in and began to examine the cut on his cheek, "What about you? Are you okay? Do you want some ice for your cheek?"
He pulled away, looking at her tenderly, "Ah'm fine, angel. Lucky for me Ah have a hard head."
She continued to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. The fact remained, she was still a little on edge.
Kimber suddenly wrapped her arms around him and leaned against him, her head against his chest. She closed her eyes when she felt his arms come around her and pulled her closer.
"Some night, huh?" he asked against her forehead.
"Mmm-hmm." she snickered, "You really know how to show a girl an exciting time, O'Shaunessy."
Sheamus began to chuckle, "Yeah, well Ah do what Ah can."
Kimber giggled.
The pair soon grew quiet, just enjoying the silence and each other.
Something came over the Irishman and he glanced down at her, unsure. He wanted to ask her something, but he didn't know how she would take it. He was concerned she would think he was expecting more than he actually was.
"Kember," he replied quietly, cautiously, "Would ya stay the night wit' me? Just sleepin', nothin' more."
Kimber's eye popped open and she looked up at him with hesitation. He met her gaze full on. He appeared nervous and unsure but also sincere.
She looked down at her lap, milling over his question. Could she do it? Granted, it wouldn't be the first time she had spent the night with him. But now, after everything had changed. . .after she had realized her feelings for him. . .
She peeked up at him and slowly nodded.
Sheamus closed his eyes and allowed himself a sigh of relief.
"You sure?" he questioned as he studied her. He didn't want her to think she had to.
She reached out and cupped his face, offering him a sweet smile.
"I want to." she declared.
He turned his head, pressing a kiss into one of her palms. He then turned and did it to the other one.
Kimber reluctantly released him and stood up, heading for the door, "I just need to get my things."
"If ya need clothes," he stated with a grin as he, too, rose, "Ah have some you can borrow."
Kimber turned to see him walk over to his bag. He pulled out one of his Brogue Kick Hooligan t-shirts and handed it over. She took it with a smile before lifting it to her nose and inhaling.
"Oi, it's clean." Sheamus huffed but then gave a boisterous laugh.
Kimber found herself giggling, "No, silly. I just wanted. . ."
Her laughter died down, a blush coming to her cheeks as she admitted quietly, "I just wanted to smell you on it."
Sheamus' own chuckling faded away. Oh this woman. . .She did wonders for his heart.
"I'll just go change." she stated as she took the shirt and went into the bathroom.
The second she left the Irishman quickly turned down the bed and began to strip out of his clothes. He was able to fold them neatly, despite his need to hurry, and slipped them into his bag. He then pulled out a pair of green, plaid pajama bottoms and put them on.
He had just gotten into bed and settled back against the headboard when the bathroom door opened and she emerged.
He turned to her and paused, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
She stood there in his t-shirt, eyes to the floor and fingers knotted. The shirt really was impossibly long her, falling just to her knees. Her face was freshly washed, making her appear even younger than her years.
She looked up at him and began to grin as she noticed his bottoms.
"I like your pajamas." she announced as she slowly walked towards the bed.
"Ah like yers, too." he grinned before reaching over to turn out the light, "Come to bed, angel."
Kimber cautiously slipped into the bed, pulling the blankets up around her waist. They stared at each other for several moments, not sure what to do. Suddenly she began to giggle and he started to laugh. The mood instantly lightened and the reporter felt a lot better.
She laid down and turned on her side, her back to him. She tensed slightly as she felt him lay at her back.
"This okay?" he asked her gently, "If not-"
"This is fine." she assured him.
He eased back down onto his side, his arm slipping under her head. Kimber found herself giggling.
"Well I don't need a pillow." she joked, earning a laugh from the Irishman.
His arm continued to come around, folding over her shoulders and he gently pulled her back against his strong body. His other arm came around her waist and Kimber felt her breathing quicken slightly.
The thing was, she didn't know if it were from fear or lust.
"This okay?" his breath was warm against her ear.
She swallowed, still nervous. She had to close her eyes and concentrate, her senses locking in on his body pressed against hers.
Sheamus, she reminded herself and the tension in her body began to melt away.
"I'm all right." she whispered, meaning it.
He felt her relax in his arms and he, himself, began to loosen up.
"So aside from the note and Big Show getting a pop at me," he found himself grinning in the darkness, "It was a pretty good night."
He heard her chuckle and his grin grew.
"It wasn't all bad." Kimber murmured as her eyes slowly began to close.
It felt nice, laying with him like that. She felt warm and safe and completely relaxed.
Sheamus laid beside her, listening as her breathing slowly grew deep and even. She was asleep in no time.
He leaned forward, pressing a kiss against her curls. He wanted this. He wanted to spend every night with her in his bed.
And it was going to happen soon. He knew their time was coming.
Soon he thought of nothing more as he joined in her sleep.