Randy Orton leaned back in his custom luxury chair on his tour bus that had been designed specifically for his comfort. It was another show, another city. For the last few weeks, the Legend Killer had been relatively quiet. The phrase low key and Randy Orton didn't usually go hand in hand but after everything that had happened with Memphis, he had decided it best to keep a low profile. He hadn't had one on one contact with her since that night in the parking lot though he saw her almost every day. She did her best to avoid him and the powers that be had ensured that she was not responsible for officiating any of his matches. But in reality Memphis Kramer was never far from his sight or his thoughts.

There was something about her and it had always been there since day one. Randy couldn't quite put his finger on it. She was beautiful but pretty girls came a dime a dozen in his line of work. Memphis was just different. Her background, the way she carried herself, the way she stood up for herself. They said it was a thin line between love and hate and that had been evidenced by his never ending intrigue for her. He had been just as fixated with her as she had been unimpressed by him. It only fueled his interest, his obsession for her. Their confrontations were legendary and his wrath had been beyond harsh. In the darkest of moments, he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. Now that the torture and hazing was over, he still couldn't get her out of his mind.

"Knock, knock," came a rap at the door.

Randy peered out the window. It was John Cena.

"Come in," he muttered.

John climbed on the bus and took a seat across from his friend. Randy was quiet and sullen, even more so than usual.

"You okay?" John asked, studying his friend's face.

"I'm good," Randy didn't even bother looking up.

"Who are you wrestling tonight?"

"Sheamus."

John nodded.

"You guys work out your spots yet?"

"In a minute," Randy mumbled.

"Dude, what's your problem?"

Randy glanced up giving him that classic, icy Viper stare.

"What are you talking about? You came here bothering me."

John smirked.

"I'd prefer caring instead of bothering. Just making sure you're alright, man."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know," John shrugged. "You just haven't seemed like yourself since that whole thing with Memphis."

They were close but even John had to tread carefully.

"It's no big deal."

"You know, I'm not usually one to put in my two cents…"

"Since when?" Randy raised an eyebrow.

John chuckled.

"…But I will anyway. Look, I know you must be pissed about how everything went down. Vince fined the hell out of your ass and I think he might actually be prepared to make good on those threats of firing you if it comes down to it. You're my friend and a hell of a wrestler. You're a huge part of this company, the biggest part and I'd hate to see you throw all that away. That's why you've got to stop this, Ran…all of it. The women, the drinking, the weed, the bullying, the rebellion…it's getting real old. I know that's not you. There's more to you than that, you just choose not to let people see that side of you. I get that. But this time you went too far. What happened with Memphis…that was low, even for you. It was uncalled for. You were way out of line and you know it. I know it's not in the Viper's nature but this time, you've got to man up and apologize. I'm just saying."

"What if I already have?" Randy looked right at him.

"What?"

"You look surprised."

"You admitting you're wrong? Yeah, that just shocked the shit out of me. You really apologized to her?"

Randy nodded.

"I fucked up. I can't make excuses, Cena. Wrong is wrong."

"I'm glad you realize that but I just don't get it. Why? How did it even start in the first place?"

Randy just shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know."

"Was it because she didn't take your shit? Is it because she does her own thing and doesn't care what other people think about her?"

"I don't know, man, maybe both. It's weird."

"You were a real dick to her, you and DiBiase."

"I know. And it was fun at first. I enjoyed it."

"How do you get off on screwing with people's lives like that?"

"I guess I never saw it like that. I didn't like her. I wanted her to quit. We played some cruel jokes on her and yeah, at the time I liked getting a reaction out of her."

"What changed it?"

"That last night…the look on her face. It, it was pretty bad, man. I can't explain it. It's like something inside of me just snapped. It stopped being fun. I realized how much I had hurt her and for some reason, it really started to bother me. I don't know why. I didn't, I don't want it to bother me but it did. I guess it still does. Anyway, I backed off and not just because of Vince. I did it because it was the right thing to do. So I went up to her and told her I was sorry."

"And?"

"She ain't having it. She blew me off and told me to go to hell."

"Can you blame her?"

"No. But…"

"But what?"

Randy stared off absently into space, his piercing blue eyes reflecting deep thought.

"It's something about her, John."

"Like what?"

"I wish I knew. I just can't stop thinking about her."

John paused for a second before his thought process caught up with him.

"Oh no."

"What?"

"You like her, don't you? You're attracted to her…."

"She's a pretty girl but…"

"But what?"

"I don't know. Never mind. It's not important."

"The hell it's not. What's going on with you?"

"Listen…"

"No, you listen. This shit sounds like a recipe for disaster so let me give you a few words of advice. Whatever you're thinking, you've got to stop it…now. You did some pretty fucked up stuff to this girl and you're lucky your ass didn't get fired and that she didn't sue you for sexual harassment. Okay, maybe you're genuinely sorry and if it's for real, then that's good. Apologizing was definitely the right thing to do. She didn't accept and no one can blame her and that's fine. So your best bet is just to leave well enough alone. Don't talk to her, don't go getting in Phil's face and for the love of God, don't try to sleep with her."

"It's not about that.

"Good."

"I'm done. She doesn't want to talk so I won't push it."

"It's for the best. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned for you."

"Whatever," Randy smirked.

"Not to get all gay and sappy on you but you're a good dude. We've been friends for a long time. You don't have anything to prove, man. Everyone respects you for what you can do in that ring, now let them respect you for the kind of man, the kind of human being you are. You don't have to be the bully, the tough guy anymore. Just relax and be yourself."

Randy just shook his head and chuckled. John was a good friend and he knew what he was trying to do. He appreciated it even. But he was still Randy Orton. And his pride was bigger than his hulking frame.

"Save the speeches for the after school specials."

"You're my brother from another mother. Just looking out," John slapped Randy's hand.

"And you're a tool now get the fuck off my bus," he grinned, slapping it back. "Come on. We've got matches to go get ready for."

The two men exited the bus and entered the arena where everyone was in the mix of the usual pre show chaotic scene. Bags in hand, Randy and John headed to the locker room area. On the way, they ran into a few of the referees. They were huddled up talking, agitated and angry.

"What's going on, guys?" John nodded in acknowledgment.

"Nothing much," Mike Chioda shook his head. "We just got a heads up on the pay per view."

Survivor Series was fast approaching.

"Anything noteworthy?"

"Big news for you two, not so much for us," Mike motioned to the other guys.

"What's going on?"

"A triple threat…you two and Wade Barrett, no holds barred for the title. It's gonna be epic."

"Sounds like it," Randy nodded. "About time Creative got their heads out of their asses."

"Yeah but that's not the worst part. You'll never guess who Vince assigned to ref the match. Or maybe you can, his little pet."

The other referees smirked and shook their head in disdain as John and Randy exchanged glances. And just then, as if on cue, Memphis and Phil walked by. Randy just stared at her. She was wearing workout clothes and he couldn't help but wonder if she'd just finished actually training or banging that Straight Edge loser again in the middle of some gym. Randy quickly shook it off but he was still impressed by how toned her arms were, her defined her thighs and calfs were and how nice her ass looked in those shorts.

"Hey guys," Memphis nodded.

She always spoke although no one ever spoke back. This time, John decided to be the bigger person.

"Memphis, Phil, how's it going?"

"Fine, man," Phil looked right at him.

"Good, John. How are you?" Memphis asked.

"Good. We, um, we were just talking about Survivor Series. I heard you got our match, the main event."

A real smile came to her face.

"Yeah. It, it was a real surprise but I'm thrilled. I'm looking forward to working with you."

She smiled a real smile at John but a hardened frown quickly overcame her the minute she glanced in Randy's direction.

"Well congratulations," John said sincerely.

"Thanks," she answered before Phil put a protective arm around her slim waist and they began walking towards the back.

The other referees were quiet but seething. Randy just watched. A few feet away he saw Phil whisper something to Memphis as they stopped and he walked away. She stood waiting and within earshot, they saw Mike "The Miz" Mizanin approach the pretty referee.

"Memphis, right?" he stood in front of her.

Memphis shot him a skeptical look.

"Yeah…"

He extended his hand.

"My name is Mike and I should have done this a long time ago. Look, I know you've had a rough time since you got here. Everybody has to work to fit in but sometimes it's tougher for some people. I've been where you've been. Nobody respected me or took me seriously when I came to this company. I've had to work extra hard and so have you. I'm sorry everyone gave you such a hard time and I'm even more sorry that I didn't reach out. I hope it's not too late."

His voice was quiet and sincere.

"Thank you," she mouthed shaking his hand.

He walked away and slowly, one by one, various Superstars and Divas followed suit, walking up to a woman they had either ignored or tormented. Now they were attempting to make amends.

"See?" John slapped his friend on the back as they watched. "That's not so bad, is it?"

Randy shrugged.

"It is what it is. She's held her own in that ring just like the men have. She deserves to be here."

He watched her intently. The relief practically poured off of her. Like any human being, all she had wanted was acceptance, respect. And now she was getting it. Everything she was feeling could be seen in her eyes and for some odd reason, that warmed Randy to his core. His ice heart had been melted and for the life of him, he still could not figure out why.