Sheamus breathed in deeply as his blue eyes slowly began to open. Automatically he looked to his left and paused, eyes raking over the woman laying next to him in the bed.
Kimber was on her stomach, facing away from him, arms tucked under her pillow. The sheet was riding low on her hips, giving him a tantalizing view of her bare back and the curve of her backside.
He found himself rolling onto his side, propped up on his elbow, chin in hand, as he took in the view. Unconsciously he licked his lips, his eyes fastened on her smooth, flawless tan skin.
He thought back on the night before. Though he still felt an underlined anger, and probably always would, over Bobby holding her captive, he pushed it aside and remembered back on their night together. Remembered that she loved and trusted him. All of him. Even the warrior within.
Just when he didn't think he could love her anymore, she would say or do something to prove him wrong.
His hand twitched and he reached over, fingertips trailing down her spine. Kimber murmured something in her sleep and turned her head to face him. Her eyes were still closed, her breathing still deep. Her features were soft, relaxed in sleep.
She never looked more beautiful to him.
A smirk tugged at his lips as his fingers once again danced over her back.
Kimber sighed, a soft smile coming over her.
"Sheamus." she murmured in her sleep.
The Irishman's smirk turned into a full fledge grin. Unable to stop himself, he leaned over and pressed his lips to her bare back.
She giggled in her sleep, holding her pillow tightly to her.
"Stop. . ." she breathed with a sleepy sigh, "Sheamus will catch us. John, please."
The Celtic Warrior sat up and looked at her in disbelief. His eyes slowly began to narrow.
Suddenly she opened an eye and gave him a smirk, "Gotcha."
Sheamus blinked, stunned. His eyes slowly began to constrict and he let out a low growl before leaning over and attacking her back with his lips.
Kimber let out a deep belly laugh, squealing and trying to get away from him. Nothing doing, as he kept his hold on her.
He soon relented and stretched out above her, his chest to her back, laying halfway on top of her. Kimber let out a deep sigh against the mattress, completely content. She didn't feel held down. Just the opposite. She felt safe and secure beneath him.
"Good morning." she murmured, peeking over her shoulder at him.
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple, "Good mornin', angel."
His hand trailed up and down her back and side and Kimber let out another sigh, "That feels so good."
"Wish we could spent the day here." Sheamus replied regretfully, "But Ah got media in a few hours."
He pressed another kiss to her head and rose with a groan. He let out a yawn and stretched before scratching his chest.
"You should, though." he stated as he walked over to his suitcase and pulled out his clothes for the day, "Maybe take tonight off, too. Ah don' think they'd mind, all things considered."
Silence greeted him. He straightened and looked over, at first thinking she had gone back to sleep. To his surprise she was sitting up, sheet pulled up to cover her breasts and a determined look in her eyes.
"I'm all right." she stated and he wasn't sure who she was saying it to, him and herself, "I don't need any time off."
The Irishman let out a sigh and returned to the bed, sitting down beside her. He reached out and stroked her cheek, giving her a tender look.
"There's no harm in takin' time off for yerself." he murmured gently, "It doesn' make you weak, if that's what yer worried about."
Kimber's chin went up a notch, stubbornness in her eyes, "I'm all right. I'm not made of glass. I'm not going to break."
The Irishman sighed and removed his hand to rake it through his hair.
"All right." he relented as he rose and gave her his back, putting on his clothes.
He heard her rise and make her way around to his side of the bed, but still he continued on with what he was doing. It wasn't until he felt her hand on his back, followed by her lips, that he finally stopped.
"I'm sorry." she breathed against his skin, "And you're right, I suppose. But, Sheamus, I need to do this. I need to show everyone that I'm-"
"Superwoman?" he asked, throwing an arched eyebrow to her over his shoulder.
Kimber pulled back, a hint of vulnerability in her green eyes.
She shook her head, "I need to show everyone that I'm not going to buckle under the pressure. That I'm not fragile or weak. It's important to me."
He turned around, slipping his arms around her waist to pull her close.
"You," he stated with sincerity and conviction, "Are the strongest woman Ah know. And that will never change."
"I love you." the reporter leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips.
Sheamus lifted her higher in his arms as he deepened the embrace. He heard her moan against his mouth and it was all he could do not to take her back to bed.
The kiss ended sooner than both of them would have liked and they reluctantly pulled away from one another.
"So Ah guess Ah'll see you tonight?" he grinned down at her.
"I think that can be arranged." Kimber offered him a bright smile.
He pulled her in close for another kiss before they got dressed and started their day.
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Sheamus leaned back in his chair and laughed at the two men across from him.
One of the DJs, short and round with spiky black hair and glasses who went by the name of Marc, taped his pen against the desk and asked, "So, Sheamus, what's next for you, buddy?"
The Celtic Warrior came forward in his chair, elbows propped up on the desk and face serious, "Right now Ah'm all about gettin' me title back from the Big Show."
"Right." the other DJ, tall and lanky with short blonde hair by the name of Tom, interjected, "So you guys are fighting at the Royal Rumble, right?"
"That's the plan." Sheamus nodded, "Ah won' rest until Ah get the World title back around me waist."
"Sheamus, let's talk seriously here for a minute." Marc spoke up, "You've faced the Big Show a total of two times. And you've lost both times. What makes you think this time will be any different?"
"I have to agree with my partner here." Tom added, "I mean, you faced him in an incredible match at Hell in a Cell. Hell, you two even went at it at TLC with chairs. But you still weren't able to put the big guy down. What makes this time so different?"
"Ya know what they say, third time's the charm." Sheamus couldn't help but quip.
The DJs chuckled, the Irishman right along with them. But he soon grew serious.
"Listen, Ah hear what yer sayin'." he stated as he looked between the two men, "And Ah'll be the first to admit that the odds aren' in my favor.
"It reminds me of a story," he replied, "About a man by the name of Brian Boru. Now Brian, he wanted to take control of all of Ireland. The only one standin' in his way was the High King, Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill.
"Brian challenged the High King to a battle at the Hill of Tara." the Irishman went on, "And wouldn't you know it, Máel Sechnaill ended up surrendering to Boru, who became the new High King."
A dark light came to the man's eyes as he finished, "Just like the Big Show is goin' to surrender his World Heavyweight championship to me."
"You seem pretty confident." Tom observed.
"Ah'm just statin' a fact." Sheamus nodded.
"Well, Sheamus," Marc and Tom looked at one another before the former turned back to the wrestler with a grin, "We have sort of a surprise for you."
The door to the booth opened and Big Show entered. He regarded the redheaded man coldly, eyes narrowed slightly.
At the sight of him Sheamus' jaw began to tighten, his own eyes constricting.
He began to smile coldly, "Ah guess you fellas did surprise me, after all."
Show took a seat across from the other man, his eyes locked with the Celtic Warrior's.
"So you think I'm going to surrender my title to you?" the World's Largest Athlete began to smirk, "You think you're going to beat me."
"Ah do." Sheamus said evenly.
Big Show began to laugh, "It's not going to happen, Sheamus. You've never beaten me. You can't beat me. You might as well just give up."
"That's not goin' to happen." the Irishman looked so sure.
Tension rose up within the small booth, the atmosphere tight with it. So tight that it was stifling. The DJs looked at one another, finally beginning to realize that maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
Show rose and instantly the Celtic Warrior was also on his feet. He glared across the room at the other man, silently telling him to come on. He had no qualms about not waiting till the Royal Rumble to square off with the arrogant man.
"Now, guys," Marc also stood up, hands up in an attempt to hold them back, "Let's save this until the Royal Rumble, okay?"
"Yeah." Tom piped up, also nervous, "It's no fun without millions of people watching, right?"
That seemed to break through to the Big Show. He began to grin and nodded, "You're right. I want everyone watching when I kick this ginger's arse."
"Ah'm right here, fella." Sheamus tried to bait the other man, "Why don' you try kickin' it right here, right now!"
Instead, Big Show began to walk backwards towards the door, still grinning, "And get this five thousand dollar suit ruined? Not on your life. I'll see you later, you pasty skinned, ginger snap."
And with that he was out the door and gone from sight. That didn't cause the tension running through Sheamus' body to diminish. The Irishman continued to glare at the closed door, chest heaving, face red and body filled with tightly leashed rage.
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He once again found himself sitting across from Big Show at a legal table in the middle of the ring at the special live addition of SmackDown.
As he glared across the table at the other man he made sure to keep himself on guard. There wasn't going to be any overturned tables this night. If Show thought he was going to get the upper hand and humiliate him, he was in for a rude awakening.
Not to mention he was still on edge over the incident that afternoon at the radio station.
Booker T wearily looked back and forth between the two men. He knew that whenever they were in the same vicinity of one another trouble was sure to follow. He just hoped they kept it civil. At least for tonight.
Raising his microphone, he announced, "Sheamus, Big Show, you two have been to hell and back in Hell in a Cell. You've beat each other with chairs at TLC. Honestly, I'm surprised you two have anything left inside of you."
Sheamus stared intently at the champion across from him. The GM had no idea how much was left inside of him.
"But this has got to come to some sort of resolution." Booker went on, "I can't have you two killing each other. So here it is."
He lifted the contract, showing it to the fans before slapping it onto the table.
"This contract states that you two will fight one last time at the Royal Rumble." he announced, "In an I Quit match."
Sheamus at last turned his eyes to the General Manager. Booker had to admit that he was more than a little unnerved to see the malicious glee residing in them. It would appear that the Irishman had no problems at all going into an I Quit match.
The GM then looked to the Big Show. The champion was thoughtful, the wheels in his mind turning.
"And one more thing." Booker went on, looking back and forth between the pair, "Sheamus, if the Big Show wins you do not get a rematch."
Big Show began to snicker at that.
Sheamus turned back to the larger man, expression somber. He let the GM's words sink in, milling them over. Surprisingly he didn't feel any anger at the announcement. No driving need to protest.
All things considered it made sense. He had had his shot. Two now. If he couldn't get the job done then, then he possibly never would. He had to take a step back. Relent.
It went against everything in his nature, but he knew it had to be done.
"And, Show, I don't know why you're sitting there looking so happy." Booker went on, "Because if Sheamus wins, you don't get a rematch, either."
The smirk quickly vanished from the champion's face. Anger came over him, making his face turn red. Surprisingly, though, he held his tongue. But it was clear that he wanted to say something. Yell, protest, anything.
"So there is it." Booker shoved the contract over to Sheamus, along with a pen, "If you're willing to agree to these terms then sign the contract."
The Celtic Warrior picked up the pen, turning it slowly in his hand. His eyes traveled to the contract and he regarded it thoughtfully.
Now or never. One more time and then never again. If he was willing. . .
Without another thought, without hesitation, he flipped to the appropriate page and scrawled his name. He then sat the pen on the contract and slid them back to Booker, his eyes going to the champion.
Big Show studied him for a few long moments, his eyes unreadable. He continued to stare at him for long moments even after Booker slid the contract over to him.
Then, at last, he picked up the pen and signed his name.
Sheamus rose, causing the champion to instantly tense up. But the challenger didn't go for him. Instead, he simply turned and climbed out of the ring. Stone faced, he made his way up the ramp and towards the back. His business was finished out there. There was no reason to stay.
Besides, he didn't know what he would do to Big Show if he had hung around.
As he stepped backstage he noticed Kimber standing up the hall a few feet away. She was talking to Joel about something. Probably lining up her next interview, he surmised.
He waited until she was finished before approaching her.
Kimber turned and noticed him, her features filled with an interesting mix of concern and a deep seeded happiness at seeing him.
She met him halfway, reaching out to take his hand in both of hers. He gave them a squeeze as way of reassurance.
"So Ah take it you were watchin'." he deduced.
The reporter nodded, her eyes going to their joined hands. She didn't say anything, but then she didn't need to. He had an idea about what she was feeling.
"Wanna talk about it, lass?" he asked her gently.
She looked up at him and nodded again, letting him lead her into a secluded corridor so that they could have some privacy.
"What do you think of all of this?" she asked, studying him.
Sheamus looked out over the hallway, eyes thoughtful.
When he turned back to her his expression was set, "Ah'm willin' to do whatever it takes to get Big Show to say 'Ah quit.' And it doesn' matter it he's prepared to do the same, because Ah won' say it."
Kimber nodded grimly. She knew as much. It just wasn't in his nature to quit. It was one of the things she respected most about him.
But right now it was also one of the things she feared most about him. She didn't want him to hurt himself in his bid to once again be World Champion.
"What about you?" he asked, giving her hands a small swing.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried." she began, eyes once again going to their hands.
"Ah would be worried if you weren'." the Irishman admitted with a grin.
Kimber looked up at him and a small smile graced her lips for a moment before a seriousness came over her, "I'm frightened for you. I'm frightened for what Big Show might do to you."
He sighed and pulled her in close, wrapping his arms tightly around her. Kimber leaned against his chest, holding him.
He wished he could give her guarantees: That he would be all right. That the Big Show wouldn't hurt him. But he couldn't do that. He knew that things were going to get bad. He knew he was going to get hurt.
But he also knew that he wasn't going to quit. Couldn't quit. Not to the likes of the arrogant champion. Not to anyone.
They stayed like that for several long moments before Kimber eventually pulled back. She looked up at him, offering a loving smile. She reached out and brought her hand to his cheek. His larger hand instantly covered hers, holding it close to him.
"I'm so proud of you." she told him sincerely, "And that will never change."
Her words brought a warm smile to his lips. He knew he had her support, no matter what, and that meant more to him than he could say.
"Come on." he took her hand and led her back out to the main hall, "Let's go see what the lads are up to."
Slipping his arm around her shoulders, he walked them over to a monitor. They watched on as Kofi Kingston faced off with Tensai.
The match was a nail bitter. Back and forth. Back and forth. It looked like either man could win it.
At one point Tensai was on the outside and Kofi was on the apron. He measured the man carefully before suddenly taking off, intent to hit him with an airborne drop kick.
But at the last second Tensai caught the smaller man. Letting out a vicious yell, he turned and threw him into the announce table.
"Oh no!" Kimber cried out in alarm, hands going to her mouth.
While John Bradshaw Layfield was able to move out of the way in time Josh wasn't so lucky. The wrestler had slammed into him with vicious force and both men had fallen behind the table.
She and Sheamus were instantly taking off for the front, intent on checking on the injured men. By the time they got out there the match had been stopped and the trainers were looking over Kofi and Josh.
The second the fans saw Sheamus they erupted into cheers and chants. But he paid them no heed, his hand firmly in Kimber's as the pair continued to make their way to ringside.
They stood off to the side, watching on in concern but also allowing the guys room to work. It wasn't long before Kofi was up on his feet. Two of the trainers, one on each side of him, helped him as he limped to the back.
Kimber took another step closer, her eyes still locked on Josh. Sheamus came to stand behind her, hands on her shoulders as way of support.
They watched on sadly as the young announcer was brought to a sitting position. His eyes were glassy and it was clear that he was still out of it. One of the trainers checked his vision before nodding to his partners. They carefully helped the young man up and towards the back with the sounds of the fans cheering him on.
Sheamus led the reporter a few feet away from the scene. Hands braced on her shoulders, he leaned down and stared intently into her eyes.
"This is yer chance, angel." he stated.
Kimber blinked, confused, "What do you mean?"
"Here. Now." he expressed, "You've always wanted to be an announcer. Since you were a little'un. Now's yer chance. SmackDown needs another commentator. Jump in there and take Josh's chair."
The reporter's eyes widened in surprise, "What? Sheamus, I can't just-"
"Yes, you can." he was determined, "Kember, you can do this."
The young woman appeared unsure. For a second it looked like she was going to consider it. But she promptly shook her head, refusing to even think about it.
"I can't." she objected with a sad shake of her head, "Thank you for thinking I can-"
"Ah know you can." the Celtic Warrior was relentless, "Kember, you've got to learn to grab yer chances when they come. Ah've been doin' it me entire life. Comin' here to the WWE. Goin' after both the WWE and World titles."
His expression great more tender, more poignant, as he added, "Goin' after the most beautiful, the most passionate, woman Ah've ever had the good fortune to lay eyes on."
His words hit her right in her heart. She found she could only look up at him thoughtfully, taking in everything he had said.
"This is it." he told her, serious, "This is yer chance. Ya might only get the one. Are you gonna grab it, lass?"
Kimber's eyes slowly traveled to the announcers desk. JBL was sitting, alone, behind it. He was shuffling papers and smiling a little, clearly elated over what had happened to his broadcast partner.
At the sight of him something began to burn in the pit of the reporter's stomach. Josh was a friend of hers. One of her best friends. What had happened to him was horrific. And here that arrogant, conceited blowhard was sitting there and enjoying it.
She turned back to her boyfriend, chin held high.
"All right." she proclaimed, "I'll do it."
The Irishman began to grin. He pulled her in for a heated kiss, thrilled at her announcement. He was so proud of her.
"You'll be great." he replied as he pulled back, "Ah'm only sad Ah won' be able to hear you."
Realization hit her then. His match against Damien Sandow was next. Her first time announcing and it would be for him.
He saw the awareness come over her and his smile grew. It was a special moment indeed. For both of them.
"You'll be great." he told her before giving her shoulder a pat and heading into the ring.
Kimber looked back to the announce table and swallowed nervously. Was she really going to do this?
She caught Lillian Garcia's eye. The other woman gave her a confused look, shrugging her shoulders in silent question. Kimber gave her a small smile before turning her attention back to the table.
She took a deep breath, mentally built up her courage, and made her way over.
John noticed her approached and demanded, "What? What do you want?"
"I'm joining you." Kimber stated as she slipped into Josh's chair and put in his ear bud with trembling hands.
"What?" Bradshaw was stunned.
"Hello, everybody." the reporter's voice sounded a bit shaky and timid to her ears and she willed it to level out, "This is Kimberlynn Gentry and I'll be filling in for the injured Josh Mathews."
"This is just great!" JBL muttered, "I got rid of that idiot and now I'm saddled with Sheamus' little girlfriend. Perfect! Hey, sweetheart, here's an idea. Why don't you go backstage, where you belong, and find somebody to interview."
Kimber turned to him with narrowed eyes but she couldn't think of a proper retort. Alarm began to well up inside of her as she discovered that her mind was going blank.
JBL seemed to sense her distress and he began to smirk, "Oh this is going to be just perfect."
"Kimber, I hope you know what you're doing." the director in the production truck, Roger's, voice called into her ear.
So did she, she thought miserably, worried that this might be a mistake.
Suddenly Damien Sandow's music erupted over the arena. Kimber gave a small sigh of relief at the sounds of it. She watched on as the self proclaimed Intellectual of the WWE made his way down to ringside.
"So Damien Sandow is set to go one-on-one with Sheamus." Kimber began, trying desperately to find her footing.
"No kidding." Bradshaw snorted, "How did you figure that one out, sweetheart?"
Kimber, again, sent him a narrowed look but was still unable to find a proper retort. She hated the fact that he was getting to her.
"Look at the determination on Sheamus' face. He's ready for a fight." John piped up, "That man is a gladiator."
The man in question was loosened up in the corner. He glanced over to the announce table and gave her a wink, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
At his silent nod of encouragement Kimber felt herself relax slightly. She could do this.
"If there's one thing he loves, it's a good fight." she agreed, "And I think Damien Sandow will definitely give him one tonight."
The bell rang and the match soon began. It started out rather one-sided as Damien instantly went to work delivering hits and kicks to the Celtic Warrior.
Kimber flinched and watched on with worry as her boyfriend was driven back into the corner.
John noticed her look and snickered, "You're not going to start crying, are you?"
"No." the reporter muttered, keeping her eyes locked on her monitor.
She felt a sigh of relief escape her when Sandow went for another kick but the Irishman quickly grabbed his leg. He managed to knock him off his feet before hauling him up and into the corner. He issues a few hooks into his sides, causing the other man to stagger back.
"I still don't see why you have to be out here." JBL continued to grumble, "I don't need some inexperienced little cheerleader, who'll spend the whole time gushing about her big, strong boyfriend, sitting out here. It's bad enough I have to deal with that twerp every Friday night."
Kimber's eyes flew to his face. She couldn't believe he was acting so boorish. What in the world was his problem anyway?
"So call the match!" he ordered, waving a hand towards her, "That's what you're out here to do, right? Quit looking at me and call the action, sweetheart."
She turned back to the monitor and took a deep breath. She could once again feel herself begin to freeze under the pressure.
Don't do this, she told herself, Don't you dare let him get to you. You can do this. Call the match like the man said. Prove to him-prove to all of them-that you can do this.
She took a few deep breaths and willed herself to get control.
In the ring she watched as Sheamus performed a beautiful hip toss on Sandow.
"And a beautiful take down from the Celtic Warrior." she spoke up, eyes bright with excitement.
"So what are you gonna do?" JBL sneered, "Spend the whole match mooning over your boyfriend? God, you're worse than Mathews when he moons all over the Divas."
"Hey, John, why don't you stop trying to intimidate me and talk about the match." Kimber finally snapped, having had enough of the arrogant man and his mouth.
Before he could say anything else she turned her eyes back to the monitor and added, "And there goes Sandow with a devastating kick to the back of the Celtic Warrior. Sheamus is going to need to get on his feet or Sandow will have this thing over in minutes."
As if he heard her, the Irishman struggled to his feet. Unfortunately Damien was right back on him, herding him into a nearby corner with several shots and a head butt.
"Sheamus has a lot in store for him come the Royal Rumble." Bradshaw interjected, "And now with the knowledge that he and Big Show will face one another in an I Quit match, that has to be weighing heavily on his mind."
"Agreed." Kimber forced herself to put aside her concern for her boyfriend and be the professional she knew she had to be, "But he needs to put those feelings aside and concentrate on Sandow, who is a formidable competitor in his own right."
She watched on as the so-called intellectual was plowed with blows to his back. Sheamus continued his assault, getting the man into the center of the ring. Regrettably, Damien was able to come back with a Russian legsweep.
"And a Russian legsweep from the self-proclaimed intellectual of the WWE." Kimber called the move, her eyes still intently burned on her monitor.
"Well I'll say this for you." John muttered, "At least you know the difference between a legsweep and a neck-breaker. You're one up on Mathews."
"You'd be surprised what I know, sweetheart." Kimber couldn't help but retort and she heard a snicker from the earpiece in her ear.
The match went on and the reporter seemed to find more ease with calling it. Bradshaw continued to try and bait her or trip her up, but she managed to sidestep him and even undercut him a couple of times.
Though it was hard, she also managed to put aside her concern for Sheamus. She didn't know how she did it, but she managed to call the match despite the worry that would flare up within her every time the Irishman was knocked back or knocked down.
She felt her excitement begin to build, though, when he set Sandow up for White Noise. And as he put himself in the corner and began to beat his chest, calling for the Brogue Kick, it was all she could do to stay in her seat.
She had to suppress a squeal of joy when the kick landed and her boyfriend got the win.
"And that's what we do." John cheered into his mic, "We fight on Friday nights!"
"Goodnight, everybody!" Kimber announced, her eyes locked on Sheamus as he celebrated in the middle of the ring.
Roger let them know they were out and the two began to collect their things. Kimber would have loved to run over to Sheamus and give him a hug and kiss, excited for not only his win but her first announcing gig, but she refrained. This was his time to celebrate with the fans and she didn't want to take that away from him.
She collected her things from the table and started to walk backstage when Bradshaw reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked up at him, steeling herself for another one of his comments.
Instead, he gave her a slight smile, respect and mirth dancing in his eyes.
"Not bad, sweetheart." he couldn't help but joke, giving her a wink, "It was certainly a lot better mixing it up with you than with whatshisface."
"Josh." the reporter corrected with a hint of a smile, "And thanks, John. I'd like to do it again sometime."
"Anytime you want to give me a run for my money, step right up." he said in parting, "Sweetheart."
Kimber threw back her head and laughed. She followed after the announcer with her eyes, shaking her head. Maybe he wasn't all bad. Maybe.
As she made her way up the ramp and to the backstage area a few of the Superstars, Divas and crewmembers greeted her. They grinned and began to applaud her, causing the reporter to bow her head and blush.
"Thank you." she told them with a warm smile, "Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. Thank you."
Something caught the corner of her eye and she turned, watching on with a bright smile as Sheamus slipped backstage. His hair was laying across his forehead, body glistening with sweat and he had a huge grin on his lips.
Kimber practically squealed with joy as she ran towards him. Laughing, he caught her up in his arms, holding her tightly.
"You sure you want to be huggin' me right now?" he teasingly asked as he pulled back a little to look at her, "Ah'm sweatin' worse than Ryback at an all-you-can-eat buffet."
"Definitely!" his girlfriend pulled him closer, her arms tightening deliciously tight around his neck.
He could feel her shaking with excitement and it only made his grin grow.
"The only thing Ah regret about the whole thing is that Ah didn' get to hear you live." he stated as he set her on her feet, "But Ah can' wait to hear it back later."
"I don't even remember what I said out there." Kimber admitted with a wistful laugh, "It all went by so fast."
"Ah'm sure you were great." he reached out and cupped her cheek, the reporter instantly leaning into his touch, "Just let me go get showered and changed and we can be off. Ah think we both have a lot of celebratin' to do."
"Yeah." Kimber grinned as she reluctantly pulled away from her boyfriend.
He gave her a wink and another heart melting smile before turning and heading off to his locker room. While he did that the reporter decided to grab her things and go meet him back at his locker room.
She was just beginning to collect her bags when Joel came running up, "Hey, Kim, Trips wants to see you in his office."
The reporter nodded and swallowed nervously. She thought as much might happen.
"Thanks." she said absently as she began to make the long walk to the back offices.
With each step she took her nerves began to grow. She could just imagine what was waiting for her.
What if Triple H suspended her? Or worse yet, fired her?
The thought sent an icy finger of fear running down her spine.
She closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to get control on her emotions. She didn't know what was going to happen. There was no need to jump to the worst case scenario until she actually heard what he was going to say.
The reporter finally reached the office door. She paused for a moment, mentally building up her courage, before knocking tentatively.
"Come in!" came the crisp voice of the Executive Officer.
Kimber swallowed and slowly opened the door.
"You wanted to see me?" she asked hesitantly as she slipped inside, closing the door quietly behind her.
Triple H looked up from the papers be had organized on his desk. He regarded her thoughtfully for a few moments, face unreadable.
Though he didn't appear angry it did little to ease her nerves. The words 'calm before the storm' kept flashing in the young woman's mind.
He stood up and walked around to the front of his desk. Leaning against it, he crossed his arms over his expansive chest, ankles also crossing. He continued to study her, as though he were thinking of just the right words to say.
Kimber felt herself beginning to fidget, fingers locking and unlocking in front of her. She willed herself to stop it, slipping her hands behind her back. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute, so loud that she was just sure he could hear it, as well.
"So what happened out there?" he asked, tone even.
Kimber took a breath, once again fighting to calm herself.
"Josh was hurt." she began slowly, "And there was no possible way he could continue on commentary. That would leave JBL out there all alone. And, while he's a great commentator in his own right, I knew the fans wouldn't want to listen to just him."
Triple H smirked at that for a moment before the smile faded away, leaving his expression once again thoughtful.
Kimber took another breath and went on, "The truth is, I saw a chance to do something I've wanted to do since I was a little girl and I took it. I might not be the best commentator out there, but I think I held my own. Especially against John, which, as you know, isn't an easy feat."
Triple H nodded, taking in her words. His head was bowed, the Executive Officer deep in thought.
Kimber regarded him silently, more than a little afraid. She found she could do nothing but await her fate.
At last he looked up at her, serious, "You should have gotten my okay first."
"You're right." the reporter was quick to agree, "You're absolutely right and I apologize for that. The truth is, I didn't think of it. And I'm sorry for that."
Suddenly a smile broke out over his features and he gave her a wink, "You did a good job out there. A little green at first, but by the end of it I think you held your own."
Kimber released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Thank you." was the only thing she could think to say.
"Not that this is going to be an everyday thing-"
"I completely understand." Kimber replied earnestly, relieved that he wasn't angry.
"But if we ever need someone to pitch hit again, I definitely want you to do it." he nodded.
Kimber was both surprised and excited. She couldn't believe it. She had taken a chance and it had paid off.
She was just about to bid Hunter goodnight and leave when his phone began to ring. He raised a finger to her, signaling for her to hold on, while he answered it.
He barely got out a 'hello' before Kimber heard a furious voice on the other end. It was so loud that Triple H had to momentarily hold the phone away from his ear.
Kimber blinked in surprise before beginning to frown. That sounded like Mr. McMahon's voice.
"Pop-" Triple H tried to get a word in but was promptly cut off.
He cast sad eyes to Kimber as he pulled the cell phone away and put it on speaker.
"Okay," he sighed, clearly not pleased, "Go ahead, Vince. You're on speaker."
"Kimberlynn?" the owner of the company's booming voice, tinted with unleashed rage, filled the room.
"Yes, sir." Kimber swallowed, her nerves returning at full force.
"Just what the hell were you thinking, jumping on commentary like that?!" Vince demanded.
"I knew that JBL would be on commentary alone." Kimber willed her voice to stay level as she explained, "And I didn't think the WWE Universe would want to hear only him."
"So you figured you might as well join in." Vince's voice dripped sarcasm.
"I did." Kimber cast anxious eyes to Triple H as she went on, "I knew I could handle myself. So I took a chance."
"'You took a chance'." Vince repeated and he began to chuckle.
Triple H cringed at the sound and the reporter swallowed hard. From anyone else that sound might have put them at ease. But coming from the WWE owner it gave the opposite effect. It was actually quite chilling.
"Yes, sir, I did-" Kimber started to go on but Vince cut her off.
"Shut up!" he snarled and the reporter flinched.
Triple H started to speak up but the WWE owner went on, "Who the hell do you think you are? I'm Vince McMahon, dammit! SmackDown is my show! I decide who does what on it! Do you hear me?!"
"I apologize for overstepping my bounds." Kimber tried to apologize, "Sir, please believe me when I say I didn't mean to infringe-"
"Enough!" Vince growled, "Kimberlynn, I never thought I'd say this to you. In fact, I think you're the last person I ever thought I'd have to say this to. But you left me no choice."
The reporter clasped her hands tightly in front of her, hoping against hope that he wouldn't say the words she was dreading.
"Kimberlynn Gentry," Vince announced, voice reverberating over the otherwise silent office, "You're fired!"
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*SIGH* Ugh. Sorry, guys, this isn't my best chapter, I know. I just. . .I don't know. I'm not really feeling it. I think I could have done it better somehow.