Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with WWE nor own the rights to any of the superstars or workers, including CM Punk. I am making no money off of this in any way, please don't sue me
The aftermath from the Rumble was finally dying off as the show began to promote WWE's Fastlane. The main event was being billed at a triple threat match featuring Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Brock Lesner. It was going to be one of the easiest and, in some people's opinion, dullest of the year's schedule. Most people were looking forward to Wrestlemania and the outcome of the main event of Fastlane wouldn't even have a real effect on it. Nicole stood in front of a bright mirror applying a layer of eyeliner. Her blue dress had a natural shimmer effect and it accentuated her tan skin tone perfectly. Rami stood in the doorway, watching her get ready, a small smile playing on his handsome features as his eyes took in every possible thing he could. In the mirror she could see him watching her and she stood and turned to look at him.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Thinking about how lucky I am to have you." He answered honestly. "Also, about all the things I really want to do to you right now." They were coming up on 6 months and Nicole couldn't have been happier.
"Is that right?" She asked as he moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You know we do have a little while before the show starts."
"Not long enough."
"We could make it a quick one." His eyes were mischievous and a smirk played on his face.
"Stop tempting me." She begged as his lips moved swiftly over hers. "You have to get ready and I have to go over the match list for tonight."
"You're right." He gave in with a big sigh. "However, tonight after the show, want to go out to dinner?"
"Umm, sure." She answered with a shrug. "Have some place in mind?"
"Not really, I figured we could look it up as we go or just drive around until we find a place."
"Want me to invite anyone along?"
"Actually, I was thinking it could just be you and me tonight." He said. "Is that okay?"
"Yeah." She gave him a beaming smile. "I think that would be a lot of fun."
"Good." He seemed relieved. "Don't get me wrong, I like our friends, but I was just kind of hoping for a date night."
"I am all for a date night." She assured him. He gave her a quick peck.
"When I come to the ring should I slap your ass and make all the fans talk."
"Not unless you want Vince to somehow get Kevin to throw me into the ring and smack me around." Rami was in a feud with Kevin Owens that was going to take them into a ladder match at Wrestlemania. There was no word on if Kevin would keep or drop the title.
"Well, I guess we wouldn't want that, would we?"
"Besides, you can grab my ass all you want tonight after dinner."
"Promise?" He asked and she stood on her toes placing a soft kiss on his lips.
"Promise. Now go, I have a lot to do."
"You look beautiful, Nicole." He said as he pulled away and left into the hallway. His heart raced at the prospect of the date. He knew what he wanted to say, but he didn't know how she'd respond. As he walked down the hallway he knew he had to put it out of his mind for now, he had a match.
Kayley had already dressed for the show when a tech told her Vince McMahon wanted to see her in one of the conference rooms. That meant a story-line was coming and something told her she knew what it was about. As she knocked on the door Vince's familiar booming voice told her to come in. She opened the door to find Vince, Phil, and a surprising face.
"Shane?" Kayley's eyes lit up as Shane stood and walked toward her, the two embracing.
"Hey Kayley." His voice was kind and soft, very unlike his father. He was wearing a long sleeve shirt and jeans with his trademark sneakers. Aside from the fact that he had a little more white in his hair then the last time she saw him, he still wore the same smile. They pulled away and looked at each other. "It's been too long."
"That it has." She agreed. "Does this mean the rumors are true? Is Shane-O-Mac coming back to RAW?" He led her to the chair that was next to his and Phil watched them with narrowed eyes.
"It's true. Is it good to see me?"
"Definitely." She answered as his brown eyes shone.
"How are you, Kayley?" Vince asked.
"Doing alright. How about yourself, boss?"
"Good." He answered. "We brought you and Mr. Brooks here to talk about a story-line."
"Vince, I thought we talked about this." Kayley said with a shake of her head. It was no coincidence that Steph wasn't there, and she knew that he was hoping that meant he could control the situation more. Little did he know, Shane was much more likely to back her up than Steph.
"We did, but the writers have come up with something good."
"Dad..." Shane's voice was calm. "If she doesn't want to do it then we shouldn't make her."
"I get that, Shane, but this is a great way to bring Punk back in with fans and give Kayley a little more spotlight."
"What tension are you hoping for?" Phil asked. "AJ isn't here and she isn't coming back."
"I know, but it's been a while since we had a romantic story-line on the show and you two have chemistry, there's no doubt about it." The room was quiet for a bit as everyone considered the possibility.
"Kayley..." Shane laid his hand softly on her knee and Phil's entire body tensed. "You don't have to do this."
"What do you want Shane-O?" Vince asked. "Her in a romantic plot with you?"
"Why not?" Shane asked as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I'll do it." Phil said quickly, his eyes burning into Vince's. The last thing he wanted to see was Kayley kissing another man, even if it was fake.
"Good. Kayley?" Vince asked.
"For now, okay. But, I swear Vince, if this goes in a direction I don't want..."
"Then the story-line will stop." Shane finished for her. Vince crossed his arms over his chest but reluctantly agreed.
"How do we start this?" Kayley asked.
"Back stage segments to start." Vince answered. "Heated then flirting. Then you will interfere in each others matches when the other gets overwhelmed. That sort of thing. We'll take it from there." Kayley nodded. "Great. Shane, can I have a word with you?" Both Phil and Kayley knew that was a not-so-subtle way of telling them to get out. Shane gave Kayley a small wink as she left the room, Phil on her heels.
"What was that?" He asked when the door was closed behind them. His voice was tense.
"What?" Kayley asked.
"Don't play that. You and Shane, what was it?" She could tell her interactions with the eldest of Vince's kids had gotten under Phil's skin. "He was your date last year to the Hall of Fame ceremony, what was that about?"
"Shane and I are friends, Phil."
"Since when?"
"There has been a two year gap in you knowing me, Phil." She answered as she continued to walk and he kept up with her. "I actually know more people than you think." She could tell he was dying to asked more and there was definitely more to tell, but as far as she was concerned those two years were none of his business.
"About Deadpool..." Kayley started and Phil's demeanor changed entirely as he almost held his breath waiting for an answer. "Let's go."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." She answered with a small smile before leaving him staring after her.
Rami held the door open for Nicole as they entered the wine bar.
"I love these places." Nicole commented. It was beautiful. The bar was obviously going for a classic Italian look as the paneling was real wood. The lights gave off a warm glow and the walls were covered in various paintings of Italian scenery and famous paintings by Italian artists.
"How many?" The hostess asked.
"Just two." Rami answered as his hand entwined with Nicole's. The hostess led them toward a small table near a bay window.
"Thank you." Nicole said as she was seated. Rami sat across from her and immediately look off his hat. It was easy to see how nervous he was as he ran a hand through his short hair. "Any idea what kind of wine you would like?" She was trying to lighten the mood as he just shook his head. "Rami?"
"Umm, I don't really know wines as much."
"Do you like sweet or dry?"
"Middle of the road, I think." His eyes scanned the wine list and he felt a little embarrassed since he couldn't tell what any of them were. "The specials board said they were doing a spaghetti for two. Is that okay?"
"Sure." She answered as her eyes were studying him. He pulled at his white button up shirt to try to get some air. Nicole couldn't remember ever seeing him this nervous and it was starting to get to her.
"Umm, why don't we get your favorite kind of wine. You have good taste." It was then that she realized he wasn't really looking at her.
"Rami?"
"Hmm?" His eyes were still on the list.
"Could you look at me, please?" As his brown eyes met hers she gave him a reassuring smile and he seemed to let out a long held breath. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah... It's just..."
"Hello, my name is Andrew and I'll be your server this evening." The waiter said with a bright smile. "Could I start you off with a some wine?"
"Can we get the Syrah, please?" Nicole asked.
"Certainly. Would you like to hear our food specials this evening?" The waiter asked as he wrote down the wine order.
"Can we get the spaghetti for two and some bread for the table, please." Rami ordered.
"Sure thing. What kind of dressing would you like for your salad?"
"Italian." Rami answered.
"Can I just get some olive oil and balsamic vinegar?"
"Sure. I'll be right back with your wine." The waiter took the menus and sped off.
"I'm alright." Rami assured her, as he could see her own anxiety building. "I really am. I'm just being a dork I guess."
"Hey, I like you even if you're a dork." A lopsided smile crossed his face as he admired her. She was still in the blue dress from RAW, but her hair was now down and hanging almost to her shoulders. It was only a minute before the waiter was back with two glasses of wine. Nicole sipped first and let out a content sigh. Rami tentatively took a drink.
"This is really good." He said and Nicole nodded. "See, I knew you had good taste." As normal as he was trying to be she could still tell that he was almost shaking.
"Okay." Setting down her wine, Nicole reached out to touch her boyfriend's hand. "What's going on, Rami?" He took a few deep breaths and another sip of wine. "Is something wrong?"
"No." He answered quickly, a look of horror covering his features. He didn't want her to think it was anything bad.
"Then what's going on?"
"I love you." It was out of his mouth before he could stop himself and Nicole felt her heart skip a beat. "I love you, Nicole."
"I love you, too." Rami jumped out of his seat and pulled her up to hug and kiss her.
Kayley was laying in her hotel room watching an old re-run of Modern Family when she heard a knock on the door. For a moment she didn't want to get up. Charlotte's hits had been stiff and she was sore, but with the second knock she stood up and opened the door. Phil was standing in front of her wearing an old T-shirt she remembered and jeans.
"Hey." She smiled. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to show you something." He answered. "Can I come in?" She moved out of the way and let him pass. Closing the door behind him she made her way back to the bed and he sat next to her being careful to hide something behind his back.
"So, what do you have to show me?" He pulled a comic book from behind him. A new edition in the Drax series that was getting popular thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy. She studied the well drawn cover and then she saw the importance. The author's name was printed on the bottom: Phil Brooks.
"Oh my god." She almost jumped when she saw it. "Phil this is awesome."
"It's coming out soon. I got an advanced copy for you. I didn't know if you were into this series."
"I am now." She answered as she began flipping through it. Turning to look at him his eyes were bright like they used to be. "This is incredible, I am so proud of you. Thank you for this, Phil."
"You're welcome." He rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous habit. "Are you excited for Deadpool."
"My god, so much." She answered and he chuckled. "You know he's my favorite Marvel character."
"I remember." Phil responded with a smile.
"I'm glad I'm seeing it with you." She added and he looked a little surprised.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I know you'll appreciate it just as much as me. I've missed being nerdy with you."
"Me too." He answered. "Still watch Walking Dead?"
"No..." She admitted. "I haven't for a while."
"I should catch you up." Kayley nodded. He caught her off guard when he kissed her. As if on instinct she responded, kissing him back. It was something she couldn't deny anymore. He pulled away and rested his forehead on hers.
"I've missed you." She said, her voice barely above a whispered.
"I've missed you too."
