Disclaimer, etc., in part 1. Thanks to everyone that has reviewed/favorited/followed this one.

Part Thirteen

"We're all going to walk out together. To the Shield's music," Dean Ambrose said, shooting a look at Eve as he spoke, as if he somehow expected her to object... But she didn't. The truth was, she had no say in her music, much like the rest of the women in the company, and she wasn't exactly a huge fan of her own entrance theme. She had always wanted to be more than someone that just 'looked good' to someone else. She had a brain to go with the looks... Not that everyone realized that.

Seeing that she wasn't going to argue, Ambrose continued, the man moving to stand in front of her as he spoke. "We go through the crowd. That means that, as our manager, you come with us," he said, then frowned slightly. "On nights when you don't have a match, you may want to rethink those little skirts you sometimes wear. Make it easier to get over the barricade if you aren't worried about flashing everyone."

"Makes sense," Eve muttered, figuring that the man was expecting some sort of a response from her... Truth was, she was looking for a way to express her concern about going through the crowd without pissing him - or the rest of the Shield - off. It was all well and good for them to go through the crowd... Yeah, people reached out and patted them on the back or whatever, but she didn't really trust the drunk men or just general assholes that sometimes resided in the crowds of a WWE event. Guys that thought the fact that she was a female wrestler was like an invitation to try and grope her or something.

Ambrose tilted his head to the side slightly, the man studying her intently for a moment before stepping back, hooking his thumbs in the pockets of the black pants he wore. "Usually, we split up. Me and Seth on one side, Roman on the other. That's not the way it's going to be with you. All four of us will come down as a group. Roman will be behind you, and God help anyone that tries to touch you," he said, smirking slightly, and Eve blinked in surprise at the realization that he'd already considered her possible concerns.

"Are you psychic or something?" she muttered, unable to hold back the words, and he smiled slightly.

"Not psychic. But I've been thinking about this, and I'm not stupid. I know some drunk asshole might think it's funny to try and grab you or something. We aren't letting it happen. You stay close to me and Seth, and Roman will be right behind you. No one's touching you. Not unless they want to lose a hand. Or maybe an entire arm," the man said, then took a step back. "It's probably about time we head out."

Eve nodded at that, then jerked slightly when she felt the heavy weight of her title being draped over her shoulder. Turning her head, she saw that Seth Rollins was the one that had done it. His look was slightly apologetic as she met his gaze.

"Didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay," she told him, managing a slight smile, then turning to face forward as Ambrose headed for the door... Eve trailing after him, very aware that Rollins and Reigns were right there with them. In fact, as they made their way down the hall, Seth Rollins came up to walk beside her, though Reigns stayed a few steps behind... Possibly keeping an eye out for anyone that might try to come after them. After all, the Shield wasn't exactly well-liked as a group.

Eve stuck close to the men as they made their way through the halls, the diva glad that they didn't come upon Teddy Long... As much as she wanted to see the surprise on his face when he realized that the Shield wasn't going along with his little plan, she also thought it would be better if he didn't know it until the last possible moment.

After a few twists and turns, as well as a quick elevator ride to another level, they were suddenly on the concourse, the men of the Shield moving closer to her as they continued to walk, no longer backstage, but instead among the fans. As they headed toward an entrance to the stands, Eve spotted some security nearby, and she figured that if anyone tried anything, they would likely step in... She hoped. But apparently the glares on the faces of the men she was with were enough, because no one tried to approach them.

"And here... we... go," Ambrose said in a low voice, and Eve straightened up a little as she heard the sound of the Shield's music come pounding out of the sound system, replacing that of Dolph Ziggler, who was already standing in the ring with his partner AJ... Their running buddy Big E in the ring as well.

"I'll be right behind you," Reigns stated quietly, his hulking presence very close to her, but Eve understood that he wasn't really trying to violate her personal space... He was just making sure that no one else was going to do so.

Taking a deep breath, Eve began to make her way down the steps, the woman careful to stay close to Seth Rollins, who was in front of her. She could feel Roman Reigns right behind her... The man making sure that he was closer to the aisle than she was, his arm coming out to ward off anyone that might think it was okay to make a grab at her. She had a feeling that the look on his face wasn't exactly friendly, either. Once they made it to the barricade, Ambrose and Rollins hopped over quickly... Eve made a move to follow, then blinked in surprise when Ambrose turned around and helped her over, making sure she didn't lose her title belt in the process of hopping the barricade. She swallowed hard as she looked up at him, very aware of their close proximity, and Ambrose met her gaze for a moment before casually stepping back, his eyes still on hers.

Shaking her head a little, Eve headed toward the ring, pulling herself up onto the ring apron, then ducking down under the second rope and stepping into the ring, the Shield quickly joining her there... Dolph and AJ looking more than a little surprised by the fact that the Shield had actually come out there with her. Clearly, Teddy Long had convinced them that she wouldn't be able to talk any members of the Shield into teaming up with her.

"I'll take care of your title," Roman Reigns told her, the man holding his hand out for it, and Eve nodded, lifting it from her shoulder and handing it to him, a little amused by the sight of the big man holding the pink and silver belt... The slight smile slipping from her lips as she realized that he wasn't the only one leaving the ring... Ambrose, the Shield member that was supposed to be her partner, had left the ring as well.

"He thought you'd be more comfortable teaming up with me," a low voice said next to her, and Eve turned her head, finding that Seth Rollins was still in the ring with her. His mixture of dark and blonde hair was now loose, the tie he'd used to hold it back now secured around his wrist.

"But..."

"He respects you for choosing him, but he knows he intimidates you. Don't worry about it now. Worry about it later. Because right now? We've got a match to win."