Sheamus woke up early the next morning. He opened his eyes and suppressed a groan when he tried to stretch. His body felt like it had been run over by a truck.

He glanced over to his left, hoping he hadn't disturbed the woman sleeping beside him. He felt a grin cross his lips as he stared down at her. He hadn't. Kimber was curled on her side, head leaning against his shoulder. Her face was smooth and relaxed in sleep.

The Irishman leaned over, pressing a soft kiss against her temple. She murmured something in her sleep, her green eyes slowly opening. She looked over at him and closed her eyes, offering a sleepy smile. It only made his grin grow.

"Morning." she murmured, opening her eyes.

She leaned up on her elbow, studying him carefully, "How do you feel?"

"Like Ah was hit wit' a chair multiple times last night," he added with a cheeky grin, "Then went to bed wit' a beautiful woman. So, Ah feel great."

Kimber shook her head, unable to keep from smiling. She leaned over and gave him a sweet kiss.

"Cute, O'Shaunessy. Very cute." she giggled.

Sheamus shrugged, "Ah try."

They rose, the wrestler a little more slower, and began to get ready to start their day. Kimber picked out her clothes and went to the bathroom, leaving the door opened slightly so that they could talk.

"How did you sleep?" she asked over the sounds of the faucet running.

"Like a babe." he replied honestly, cringing a little as he started to put on his jeans. Oh yeah, definitely felt like getting hit by a seven-foot, 441 lbs truck, "You?"

"Not bad." came her answer.

It wasn't long before she was out , smoothing out the wrinkles of her brown, pencil skirt. A deep golden blouse completed the look.

"So who do you have to spend the week with this week?" Sheamus questioned as he took his turn in the bathroom.

Kimber took a seat on the bed and began to put on her shoes.

She looked up at the ceiling and bemoaned, "I think Mr. McMahon has a sick sense of humor."

"Why do ya say that?" Sheamus' voice called out from open door, his tone one of confusion.

"Making me spend the week with Big Show." Kimber clarified, her eyes darting towards the door, "I mean, how in the world can I spend a whole week with him, trapped on that tour bus of his. Having to hear him go on and on about how he beat you. Not to mention the fact that I'm not exactly his favorite person-"

Whatever else she was going to say quickly died on her lips as the door was thrown open and the Celtic Warrior stormed out of the bathroom, growling. His face was red, his eyes filled with fire.

"The hell you are!" he practically snarled, "Ah don' give a damn what Mr. McMahon wants. Yer not spending the week wit' that. . ."

His voice trailed off as he watched a smirk come to Kimber's lips, the reporter's eyes turning mischievous.

She rose from the bed and grinned, "Just kidding! I'm really spending the week with Josh."

Sheamus looked at her in disbelief. At his stunned expression her mirth quickly faded away.

"I'm sorry, it was only a joke." she quickly apologized.

Suddenly he growled and launched himself at her. Kimber let out a shriek and a laugh and tried to get away. He caught her up easily, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her back against his hard chest. He let out a playful snarl and began to attack her neck with his lips.

Kimber continued to giggle, her head falling back to his shoulder. She turned her head slightly and his lips met hers in a warm kiss.

He eventually set her down and she backed away, smoothing a hand through her hair. His hand joined hers, his fingers playing with the dark brown waves.

"Yer not funny, lass." he muttered, but a smile tugged at his lips.

She leaned into his touch and shrugged, "You're right. It wasn't a funny joke."

He leaned down, again pressing his lips to hers. She eagerly returned the embrace.

"It was a little funny." he admitted as he pulled back, giving her a wink.

She came before him, hands gently running over his chest. Her expression softened as she regarded him tenderly.

"How are you feeling?" she questioned him gently, "And I don't mean just physically. We really didn't get a chance to talk about the match last night. I just. . .I just want to know if you're all right."

His own grin faded and he exhaled, taking her hands in his. He led her over to the bed and the pair sat down.

He looked down at their joined hands, his thumbs rubbing the tops of hers.

"Ah would be lyin' if Ah said Ah wasn' disappointed in how it ended." he confessed, finally meeting her gaze, "But Ah can' say Ah regret a minute of it. Show and Ah, we beat each other all over the ring."

He shrugged, "Ah can' believe Ah'm saying it, but Ah actually respect the Big Show. It was a hell of a fight."

Kimber blinked, surprised by his answer. She honestly hadn't expected him to be so accepting of his loss. It actually made her feel better.

She regarded him lovingly, stroking her fingers across his temple as she murmured, "I'm just glad you're all right."

He studied her, taking in her expression thoughtfully. It was only then that he seemed to realize just how hard it must have been for her to watch his match. He could just imagine what she must have thought, what she must have felt, standing there and watching him and Big Show go at one another.

"How are you, angel?" he asked her, continuing to search her features.

Kimber noticed his pensive expression and she ducked her head, shrugging, "Fine."

She flashed a slight smile, trying to joke, "Of course, I didn't have the night you had."

He didn't share in her fun, though. He cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Without a word, he leaned over and brushed his lips against hers. Softer than a snowflake he danced across her lips before finally settling in a thorough kiss.

Kimber's mouth slipped open, allowing his tongue access. Hers met his, caressing tenderly. She found herself whimpering, drawing closer to his warm, wonderful mouth. Her hands gripped his biceps as both of his cupped her face and pulled her closer, the Irishman deepening the embrace.

Sheamus groaned against her lips. Desire slowly curling in his gut and began to heat his blood. He wanted her. He wanted to gently undress her, lay her back against the bed and kiss her all over. He wanted to spend the day making love to her, showing her just how much she meant to him. He wanted to so badly that the need to do so actually made him physically hurt.

He had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted the one in his arms. No woman had ever invoked such a reaction, both physically and emotionally, from him.

Kimber felt a shiver race down her spine and she pulled away, a little frightened. She wasn't sure if it was fear of what she was feeling or of going any farther. She just knew the fear was there and she couldn't ignore it.

They opened their eyes and gazed heatedly at one another, their panting breathing filling the otherwise silent room.

Sheamus wanted to pull her back into his arms and kiss her again. But with just one look in her eyes, at the underlined fear that laid there, he forced himself to check his needs. Now wasn't the time.

But soon. Soon their time would come.

He released her, offering her a tender smile, "It couldn' have been easy for you, watchin' my match."

Kimber shrugged, glancing down at his chest, "It was nothing compared to what you endured."

He again took her chin in his large hand and tilted it until she met his gaze, "Don', Kember. Don' close yerself off to me. Tell me what yer feelin'."

She looked up at him and sighed. She wanted to tell him. She really did. But at the same time, she didn't want to make him feel bad. He couldn't go out there and do what he did every night if, in the back of his mind, he was worried about what she might be thinking or feeling.

"Talk to me." he gently prodded her.

She opened her mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again, looking at him in a loss.

"Like the Rock says, it doesn't matter what I think." she offered a hint of a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

He released her chin and turned away, exhaling. He wasn't happy with her answer, she knew.

She let out a sigh of her own and reached out, cupping his cheek. After a few moments he turned to her, but his expression was wary.

"It was hard." her words were low and careful, "Standing there, watching you practically kill yourself to win. Watching Big Show knock you down again and again."

She cringed as she recalled the night before, "And when he hit you with that first chair shot I couldn't breathe."

She shook her head and rose from the bed, giving him her back, "I'm sorry. I can't-this isn't fair to you."

She heard him rise and felt him when he came to stand behind her. Moments later his large arms were wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her back against his hard chest. He leaned down, face pressed into her hair and neck. He breathed in her scent, holding her close. Neither of them spoke for a few moments.

"Ah'm sorry." he murmured against her skin, "Ah'm sorry you had to go through that."

She turned in his arms, looking up at him. She shook her head.

"It's not your fault." she replied, adamant, "Sheamus, you-this. . .Yes, it was hard. Yes, it upset me to see you in pain. But. . .I just. . ."

She was at a loss. She didn't know how to convey to him what she was thinking and feeling.

"What?" he tenderly asked her, searching her green eyes.

She sighed, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him close.

"I just don't want you to hold back when you're in the ring." she mumbled against his chest, "I just don't want you going into your fights, worried that I'm worried."

He held her tightly against him, his heart clenching. Just when he didn't think he could love her anymore than he did she would turn around and surprise him.

Realization hit him, practically knocking him over.

He loved her. All this time, that unknown emotion that he had been feeling had been love.

Why hadn't he realized it until now? How could he have not known it when it was staring him right in the face?

With Natalya it had been different. There were many things he had felt for her: Lust. Affection. Anger. But it had never ran deeper. Certainly not with the intensity of love. And the women before her, they hadn't even managed to scratch the surface.

Not like the woman in front of him.

He needed to tell her. He needed for her to know how he felt. But not now. No, it had to be special. It had to be perfect.

Because it was what she deserved.

He pulled back, regarding her lovingly.

"I hate to say it," Kimber replied regretfully, "But I need to leave. I need to go meet Josh and we have to start filming."

"I understand." Sheamus murmured, also disappointed.

They continued to look at one another for a few moments more. Sheamus leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, silently telling her how much he loved her.

As they pulled back Kimber gave him a sweet smile and picked up her bag. She gave him one last kiss before disappearing out the door.

Sheamus watched after her until she turned a corner. Only then did he shut the door and walk back into his room, getting his things together and preparing to leave.

There was a lot he needed to do. Plans had to be made. He was already getting an idea of what kind of evening he had planned for Kimber and a grin began to cross his lips. He couldn't wait.

His smile slowly began to fade, though. There was something else he needed to do. Something he wasn't exactly looking forward to. . .

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Raw kicked off into high gear that night. Not only was it one day removed from TLC, but the Slammys were also going on. It seemed to ramp everything up another notch, the energy levels going through the roof.

Sheamus stood in the back, watching as Big Show came down to ringside. His eyes locked onto the title belt sitting on the massive wrestler's shoulder and he felt a pain go through his gut. He had been so close. So close and that would have been his yet again.

His eyes landed on the massive chair the other man carried and he couldn't help but shake his head and smirk. He had to admit, Show had gotten him. And gotten him good.

He listened on as the World Heavyweight champion went on about how he had beaten him and retained his championship.

Sheamus let out a deep breath, knowing what he had to do.

His music hit and the crowd began to cheer as he stepped out onto the stage. His eyes locked with Big Show's, noticing how the other man tensed and his eyes began to narrow.

The Irishman regarded him silently as he made his way down to ringside and climbed into the ring. He walked past the ever tensing giant and collected a spare microphone from Justin Roberts. He returned to the opposite side of the ring and looked up at the champion as his theme music died out.

He regarded the other man openly as he stated, "Ah'm here to tell ya that Ah have no regrets about our match last night."

The fans began to cheer in appreciation. It was a hell of a match, they knew.

"Ah'll be honest," Sheamus went on, eyes on the canvas, "It was one hell of a fight."

He turned his attention back to the Big Show, taking note of the other man's perplexed expression. Obviously Show didn't know if he should believe his words or not.

The Irishman went on, undeterred, "Ah mean, we beat the crap out of each other with fists and chairs all over that arena. And it was probably one of the most physical, and painful, matches of my career. Ah can still feel each chair shot that you hit me with last night."

That got a reaction of the champion, the larger man grinning and chuckling over the memory. Not that Sheamus blamed him. His own shots against the largest athlete brought a smile to his face, too.

"But here's the thing," the Celtic Warrior went on, needing to say this, "Last night you were the better man."

He looked out over the crowd. It was hard for him to admit those words, but they were words that needed to be said.

Show leaned in closer to him and taunted, "Oh, excuse me, what did you say? What?"

"What?" some of the fans chanted back.

"What did you say?" the champion couldn't help but prompt again.

Sheamus turned back to him and admitted freely, "Ya heard me, fella. Ah'm not ashamed to say that you were the better man."

Big Show leaned back, lips pursed. He actually looked a little surprised by that.

"You beat me far and square." the redheaded man stated, "Even if you did use that giant chair. But as for right now, you deserve to be the World Heavyweight champion.

"So Ah've come out here to be the bigger man and congratulate you and shake your hand."

And at that he extended his hand to the other man. The fans began to cheer, though a couple of jokers started to boo.

Show looked down at his hand questioningly before looking into the Irishman's eyes.

"Ah'm serious." Sheamus nodded, his hand still extended.

Show once again studied his hand before slowly reaching out his own. He at last clasped the other man's hand and shook. The fans' reaction was still mixed. While some appreciated the sentiment, a few clearly weren't buying it.

"Good match." Sheamus told Big Show, meaning it.

Show nodded and the pair eventually pulled back.

Sheamus took a step back and sighed. He knew it had to be done, though it had been hard for him to swallow his pride admit that Big Show had been the better man last night.

Don' worry about it, fella, he tried to tell himself, It builds character.

Though if he were to be honest, having that title on his shoulder right now would have done more good for his character than the confession he had just given.

He gave one last, fleeting glance to the title and turned, beginning to make his way over to the ring ropes.

He was just about to reach them when he heard Big Show, his voice commanding and sharp, "Now get to the back of the line, you potato eating Irishman."

Sheamus looked at the floor outside the ring, completely still. Had he seriously just heard what he thought he had just heard?

"Whatever made you think that your ginger snap, pasty white self could ever defeat me-"

Sheamus saw red. If Show had said anymore, he couldn't hear it over the roaring in his ears.

Enraged, he suddenly spun around and took off back across the ring. He tackled the larger man, knocking him to the mat. Instantly he was on top of him, hammering him with blow after blow.

The crowd were on their feet, cheering him on. A few of them even began to chant his name.

But he was oblivious to it all as he continued to drive his fists into the larger man's head.

Somehow Big show mannered to throw the other man off. Big mistake because as Sheamus came to his feet his eyes locked in on that massive steel chair.

He grabbed a hold of it and came around the side of the other man. With a bellow of rage, he sent it crashing down onto Show's back with brutal force.

Big Show cried out in pain, falling onto his back. Sheamus was without mercy, though, as he came around the other side of him and, yelling, hit him again as he rose to his knees.

The massive wrestler once again hit the canvas, withering and flopping around in pain. Sheamus raised the chair a third time and sent it crashing down onto his gut.

Show somehow managed to get to his feet, desperate to get away. But it did no good as the Celtic Warrior continued to go after him, slamming him again and again with the chair.

The redheaded man hurled the steel chair to the canvas, making his way to a corner. His rage was all consuming, his anger well past boiling.

He turned around, noticing as the other man got to his feet and staggered out of the other corner. Without a thought, the Irishman took off and planted his boot against the side of Show's head, knocking him out.

Breathing heavily, the Celtic Warrior glared down at the fallen man in disgust. He eventually turned and left the ring, making his way back up the ramp.

As he slipped to the back he watched Kimber approach him, the reporter concerned.

Kimber had seen what had happened and her first thought had been to go to Sheamus' side.

She had been so proud of him, at how he had done the mature thing and conceded to the Big Show. And she couldn't believe how the champion had used that opportunity to insult the Irishman.

As she approached him she drew to a stop and blinked, taking in his expression. Though there was still a hint of anger in his eyes, he actually had a grin on his lips.

"Ah don' know about you," he stated with a wink, exhaling, "But Ah feel better."

Kimber couldn't help herself. She began to giggle at his words. The pair soon started laughing as he reached over and took a hold of her, picking her up in hug.

"You just had to get it out of your system, is all." she murmured against his ear.

Sheamus couldn't help but chuckle at that.

The night continued on, Sheamus in much better spirits. Soon he found himself with Kimber, Josh, John and AJ as the five milled around the back, talking and taking in the show.

They watched on as Vickie made her way out onto the stage, accompanied by the crowds' boos.

At the sight of her AJ's eyes began to constrict. John, taking notice of it, placed a reassuring hand on her arm.

"Don't let her get to you." he tried to tell her.

AJ closed her eyes and mentally counted to ten. After a few tense moments she finally opened them and nodded, some of the anger fading from the brown depths.

"EXCUSE ME!" Vickie shrieked to the crowd and Kimber flinched at the unnerving sound.

"I wish she'd lose her voice." the reporter muttered, "Just for one day."

"I'll happily punch her in the throat to make that happen." AJ sent her sweet smile.

"I might take you up on that." Kimber couldn't help but quip.

"It's my job to give out the Slammy for Kiss of the Year!" the Managing Supervisor of Raw loudly proclaimed, "And the nominees are. . ."

Suddenly the Titan Tron flashed clips of AJ and Daniel Bryan. AJ ducked her head and began to frown as she heard herself talking about Daniel's supposed good qualities. The screen suddenly filled with various clips of her kissing him.

The screen then cut to clips of AJ and Kane. AJ talked about how the Big Red Monster actually had a heart deep down inside followed by clips of the pair kissing.

Next was various clips of AJ and Punk talking before sharing a passionate kiss.

Kimber peeked over at the other woman, noting how embarrassed she looked. John was standing behind her, appearing equally uncomfortable. He removed his hat and rubbed the back of his head, his eyes going everywhere but the monitor.

"I feel so stupid." AJ shook her head and sighed, "I can't believe how dumb I was, actually thinking any of them cared about me."

"You know what they say," Kimber spoke up, trying to make her feel better, "People come in and out of your life for a reason. To try and teach you something. Obviously you had to learn something from them."

Suddenly all eyes turned to the screen as clips of AJ and John appeared. It led to video of them kissing.

AJ began to smile shyly and she carefully glanced over at John, who couldn't help but grin as he watched themselves kiss.

Suddenly the pair began to cheer and even Sheamus started to grin. Kimber followed their gazes and gasped, startled.

There were clips of her and Sheamus playing out. From when he had defended her against the Big Show. From their tag match, when he had won for them and she had launched herself into his arms for a hug.

Unexpectedly the video from last night's TLC began to play:

"Ya know, Kember," the Irishman was saying with bright grin, "Ah'm just about ready to go out there and take on the Big Show. But Ah realize there's somethin' missin'. Somethin' Ah need you to help me out wit'."

"What's that?" the reporter asked with a confused smile.

"A good luck kiss from me girl." the wrestler told her, eyes twinkling with mischief, "What do ya say, angel?"

Kimber looked up at the Celtic Warrior and she slowly began to grin.

"Come on, angel." Sheamus stepped up to her and placed a hand on her waist, "Don' send me out there wit'out a kiss for good luck."

Kimber put down her microphone and turned back to him, allowing him to draw her near. His hand grasped her waist for a moment before his arms slid around her and the Irishman raised her up off the ground. The reporter's arms came around his neck as she regarded him lovingly.

"Good luck." she murmured seconds before her lips met his in a passionate embrace.

Kimber looked down at her hands, which were knotted in front of her. She glanced over and noticed that Sheamus was watching her with a grin. He gave her a wink and she couldn't help but smile up at him.

The show cut to commercial, so that the fans would have time to vote.

"Okay, now I feel awkward." Josh sighed regretfully, "Everyone here has kissed but me."

AJ suddenly leapt forward, grabbing the back of Josh's head and yanking him to her. She pressed her lips to his in a fiery kiss as Josh's arms flailed about helplessly.

Sheamus couldn't help but smirk as John watched on with a frown. The Celtic Warrior began to chuckle over the other man's reaction until Kimber gently whacked him across the chest in a bid to get him to stop.

AJ suddenly pulled back and grinned, running her fingers across her bottom lip.

"Uh, that's real nice of you, sweetheart." John took hold of her arm and gently led her back to his side as he quipped dryly, "I'm sure Josh feels a lot less awkward now."

Josh could only look at the Diva with wide eyes, lips still pursed.

"Oh, hey, we're back!" Sheamus suddenly called out, breaking the tension with a nervous laugh.

The five turned their attention back to the screen and watched as Vickie's scowl filled the monitor.

"And the winner is. . ." she scoffed as she looked at the results.

Suddenly her eyes widened in surprise before she rolled them.

"Sheamus and Kimberlynn Gentry!" she announced with a false smile.

Sheamus and Kimber looked at one another, him with a grin and her with surprise.

"After you, angel." he motioned for her to lead the way.

Kimber felt a blush warm her cheeks and she turned and made her way towards the stage. The Irishman fell into step behind her, his large hand on the small of her back.

As soon as they stepped out the fans began to cheer them. Sheamus grinned at them and threw his arms out to the sides, bellowing, "Fella!"

Kimber looked over at him and couldn't help but snicker. He was unabashedly proud of himself, all right.

They stepped up the podium, the reporter suddenly feeling very shy.

"Um, thank you." she told the WWE Universe with a nervous laugh, "Thank you for thinking we had the Kiss of the Year."

She glanced over at the Irishman and motioned for him to say something.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, he approached the podium and chuckled, "Thank you to the WWE Universe. And thank you to this beautiful woman on my left, Kember, for givin' me the best kiss of me life. Ah may not have won the World Heavyweight Championship but Ah got one hell of a consolation prize."

Kimber shook her head and rolled her eyes good-naturedly. She started to walk off when Sheamus reached out and took hold of her hand, drawing her back to his side.

She turned and looked up at him, noticing that he was staring down at her tenderly.

"Ah don' know about you, but Ah think we owe the fans an encore." he stated, earning wild cheers from the fans, "What do ya say, Kember?"

Kimber stared up at him with wide eyes. He wasn't serious. . .

But by the bright grin on his lips, it was clear that he was.

"Come on, Kember." he murmured as he stepped closer to her, hands slipping to her waist, "How about one more. For luck."

Kimber glanced down at his chest, unable to keep from smiling. The fans started to chant, 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' and she started to grin.

She looked up at him and nodded, her hands sliding up his chest. Sheamus' grin faded away as his arms locked around her waist and he lifted her high against his chest. As the fans' cheering grew he leaned down and their lips met in a passionate embrace.

When it was over they were both breathless. He gently sat her back on her feet and took her hand, leading her off the stage.

As they walked backstage they took no notice of Natalya, who stepped out of the shadows and watched the retreating pair with a constricted gaze.

Sheamus drew to a stop, turning Kimber around to face him. He raised her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles.

"How about we go out after the show tonight?" he suggested with a wink.

Kimber's smile turned bittersweet and she shook her head, "I'd love to, but unfortunately I have other plans. I need to film a couple of scenes with Josh for One Week With. . ."

Sheamus, too, grew regretful. He ran his thumb over the top of her hand and nodded, "Ah understand. Let me know when you get some free time, okay?"

"For you, always." Kimber murmured.

She leaned up and placed another kiss against his cheek before he reluctantly released her and she walked off.

He watched after her with a sigh, his hand scrubbing over his chin.

So his plans for telling her how he felt would have to wait. For now. But their time was coming. He'd make sure of it.

John came up at that moment, clapping him on the back, "Hey, Lover Boy, how about you come out with us tonight. Take your mind off your girlfriend."

Sheamus was thoughtful at that. While he was going to spend the night back in the hotel room, he thought maybe it was better to go out. And it would take his mind off of missing Kimber.

Well only a little bit.

"All right." he nodded, beginning to grin, "Sure. Ah'll meet up wit' ya after the show, fella."

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Sheamus sat in a booth at the back of the club. As he took a pull off of his Guinness his blue eyes searched out the room. He took it all in: couples dancing and swaying to the pulsing music. People talking and laughing. Others drinking.

The truth was, he wasn't feeling any of it. Something was missing.

No, not something. Someone.

His eyes locked in on a couple directly in front of him. The man was holding the woman tightly in his arms, their bodies close together. She was looking up at him, eyes dark with passion.

At the sight of them Sheamus' mind began to wander to another time and another club.

"The red light of the sun, slowly descending." the singer's sultry voice floated all around, "The sky is all I see, it's never ending."

Sheamus placed his hand on Kimber's hip, his other clasping her hand to his chest. He looked down at her pensively. Kimber held his gaze, transfixed.

"We could fly, you and I. On a cloud, kissing, kissing."

They moved together in an almost perfect rhythm, their bodies gliding effortlessly to the sounds of the music.

"The wind plays with the leaves, the weather turns colder." the singer went on, "But as long as we believe, love doesn't get older."

His hand slipped along her hip and came to her back, the Irishman gently drawing the reporter closer. She looked up at him with wide eyes filled with equal parts fear and longing.

After waging an internal battle with herself she closed her eyes and laid her head against his chest. He could hear a shaky sigh escape her and his arms tightened around her.

"We could fly, you and I. On a cloud, kissing, kissing."

Kimber leaned back and looked up at Sheamus, their gazes locking. They continued to move in perfect time, their bodies pressing closer together as the velvety tune washed over them.

"On a journey of the heart, there's so much to see." the singer seemed to be singing right to them, "And when the sky is dark, you'll be right here, right here with me. Right here with me. Kissing. Kissing, kissing, A journey of the heart. . ."

Sheamus blinked, coming out of his thoughts. He was supposed to be here, enjoying himself, but he couldn't keep his mind off of Kimber. He wondered what she was doing. How she was. Though he had only seen her about an hour and a half ago, it felt like longer.

He leaned back in his chair and sighed, shaking his head with a grin.

Face it, fella, he told himself good-naturedly, Yer definitely in love wit' the lass.

He finished his beer and rose, going to the bar to get another.

As he waited for the bartender to make his way over he felt someone place their hand on his arm. He glanced over his shoulder and began to frown, eyes narrowing slightly.

He removed his arm from Natalya's grasp and turned away from her slightly as he muttered, "Ah'm not interested in whatever it is ya want, Natalya."

The blonde blinked and momentarily scowled. She recovered, though, and began to smile coyly, returning to his side.

"Come on, Sheamus." she leaned forward, her breasts brushing against his forearm, and the blonde purred, "You remember how much fun we used to have. Especially in clubs. Don't you remember that one time, in that club in New York. How we christened the VIP lounge. I think this place has one, too. Why don't we go find it and make some new memories."

Sheamus looked down at her and scoffed, grinning, "Do ya really think Ah interested in making anythin' wit' you, lass?"

He looked out over the bar and added, "Why don' you find some other poor lad to make memories wit'."

Natalya glared up at him, her temper finally coming forth. She grabbed a hold of his arm, yanking him back around to face her. He regarded her evenly, silently warning her to back off but she paid him no heed.

"How can you even think of replacing me with that. . .that woman!" she snarled.

"This isn' about replacin' ya." Sheamus glared down at her, "In fact, what Kember and Ah have has nothin' to do wit' you, Natalya."

"The hell it doesn't!" the blonde would not relent, "Sheamus, I am so much better for you than that mousy reporter. Nobody understands you the way I do."

She leaned in closer, running her hand over his chest as she added with a sultry voice, "Nobody can make you feel the way I do. You've never had better than me and you never will. You'll never feel that kind of fire again. Especially not with that ugly, weak willed little girl whose knees are permanently sewn together! Her little virginal act-"

Whatever else she was going to say promptly died on her lips as the Irishman launched himself off of the bar and came to stand chest-to-chest with her. His face was beat red, his eyes blazing. The Diva sensed the unleashed rage within the wrestler and she tried to take a step back only to find herself up against the bar.

"Those are gonna be the last words you ever say about her," the Celtic Warrior warned, his voice dangerously soft, "Kember is the most honest woman Ah've ever known. Ah know Ah can trust her. Somethin' Ah never had wit' you. She's also got more class in her little finger than you got in yer entire body."

He leaned down till they were nose-to-nose, "Yer gonna leave us the hell alone. Ya stay away from her. And ya stay away from me. Now."

He straightened and allowed the blonde to stumble away from him. Blinking back tears, Natalya pushed her way past the people who were loitering at the bar. She went around to the side and leaned against it with a huff, watching as Sheamus turned and spoke to the bartender.

The man turned around and made himself busy, getting another beer for the Irishman. She continued to stare as he turned back around, handing the bottle over. Her eyes followed it, locking in on it, as the wrestler took hold of it with a nod before tilting it back and taking a long, healthy pull from it.

As he lowered it to the surface of the bar she found herself smirking. She looked up the bar, catching the eye of the bartender. He gave her a slight nod and her smirk turned into a full fledged grin.

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Kimber opened her eyes and let out a sigh, stretching in her plush hotel bed. She glanced over to her left and began to smirk.

Josh was sacked out in the other hotel bed, flopped onto his stomach and snoring softly.

She started to giggle, shaking her head. Despite the snoring, she was happy to be sharing a room with her other best friend. Because she saw him more like a brother, she had no qualms about doing it. In fact, she was thrilled at the prospect. She felt like she didn't get to see him as much as she used to and this gave them a chance to catch up.

Her eyes traveled to the window and she took in the morning light. Her mind instantly went to Sheamus, as it always did. She wondered if he was awake yet, or was he still sleeping.

She could just picture him. Body relaxed and warm, features smooth in sleep. At the thought of him the need to see him grew. She had to see him. Right now.

She rose from the bed and began to quietly gather her things to get ready. She peeked over at Josh, grateful that she hadn't woken him, and hurried into the bathroom to get changed.

She emerged a short time later, adjusting her necklace and smoothing out any possible wrinkles in her sleeveless blouse. She quickly slipped on her dark brown mules and grabbed her card key, heading out into the hall.

She made her way towards the stairs, taking one flight down where she knew his room was located. As she walked she felt her heartbeat speed up.

She couldn't wait to see him. She wished she could have stayed with him the night before, the reporter missing sleeping next to his big, strong body. He made her feel so safe, so secure.

Kimber felt a smile grace her lips, her footsteps lighter. She couldn't believe how much she loved him.

She slipped out of the stairwell, finding herself on his floor. As she walked down the hallway towards his room her smile slowly faded away.

She only wished she knew how he felt about her. Oh, she knew he cared. He wouldn't have gone through so much, stuck by her after everything she had told him, if he didn't. She only hoped that he could love her, too.

Kimber drew to a stop as she came to stand before his door. Resolve came over her. This was it. She was going to tell him how she felt. Today. Right now.

Please let him feel the same, she silently prayed.

She knocked on the door and took a step back, her smile once again falling into place. She couldn't help it. Just knowing that he was right there, on the other side of the door, make her heart light.

She heard the sounds of movement coming from within and her heart felt like it was about to come flying from her chest. She could feel the words on her lips. The need to say them was so great. She could feel her love for him bursting inside of her.

The door slowly opened and instantly the words died on her lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked before her in complete and utter shock.

Natalya grinned at her, opening the door wider. She ran a hand through her mused blonde hair and smirked, clutching at the bed sheet that hid her obviously naked body.

Kimber slowly looked past her, into the room. She could see the bed laying just beyond and she instantly felt the air being knocked from her lungs.

There was Sheamus laying in the center of the bed, head turned slightly and eyes closed in sleep. One hand was buried under the pillow beneath his head, the other laying softly against his abs. The blankets were riding low on his hips and she knew in an instant that he had nothing on underneath them.

Tears began to form in her eyes and in that instant she felt her heart break.

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"To the pain." ~ Westley, The Princess Bride

Yes, I am ending this part here. And, nope, I have no idea when the next part is coming. And, yes, I am quite evil and utterly, shamelessly proud of it. Mwahaha. ;)

Other that that, stay tuned, y'all. We're in for a bumpy ride. :P