Disclaimer: All publicly recognisable characters are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and the plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 10

"Dean," she whispered, not moving from her spot. He took a few steps towards her but Scarlett let out a small yelp when a flash of brown and blonde hair shot past Dean, arms going about her waist tightly and spinning her around. Seth set her down and looked at her with a goofy smile on his face that made Scarlett's heart melt.

"It is you!" He said and hugged her again. Scarlett laughed, her initial shock wearing off as pure unadulterated joy filled her being, and patted his back.

"See, you were wrong," he said turning his head and glaring. Scarlett followed his gaze and she smiled as her gaze fell on Roman, who stood there with his arms crossed and a smile playing at his lips.

"Wrong?" She asked, turning to Seth. Seth nodded and told her about how they had been arguing about whether or not it was her in the audience that Roman had seen at SmackDown. Scarlett turned her gaze to Dean and met his gaze that was all too knowing.

"Alright alright. I was wrong," Roman said holding up his hand in self-defense before he came and enveloped her in a one armed hug.

"Roman! Seth! Stephanie and Hunter are looking for you," one of the men dressed in black said. The two let out a groan of annoyance and told her they would be back soon, they headed towards where the man had directed them. That left Dean and Scarlett alone. Scarlett looked up at Dean and found him watching her, his oceanic gaze incredibly calming to her. She took a few hesitant steps towards him and when she noticed he didn't move away, she stepped forward more confidently. She stopped when she was standing in front of him and then looked down at her feet, trying to calm her nerves that seemed to have decided they would not settle. She looked up at him and found he had not moved and inch but was watching her, analyzing her just like he'd had that day she had found him working out in her living room six months ago.

"You recognized me," she said, it came out more as a statement than a question and Dean's penetrating gaze confirmed it. Her emotions seemed to have been unleashed and Scarlett felt her body slump as the feelings came to her stronger than ever. Joy, gratitude, and sadness all rolled into one within her and light tears prickled her eyes as these caged emotions became unleashed.

Dean was quick and had his arm around her in a flash before she completely lost balance, holding her up against him as he looked at her brown eyes, peaking from the white scarf that was covering her face. The desire to know what she looked like beneath that scarf was eating at him but Dean refused to act on whim, shutting that part of his brain off and allowing his rational self to just steady her. When she looked up at him, Dean felt something tug at him at seeing her moist eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said, pulling away from him and brushing her gloves hands down her front to brush herself. She gathered herself and looked up at him again, this time her eyes were sparkling and Dean couldn't help but grin at her.

What was it about him that drew her in so much? Why was she so impacted by his presence than the other two? The thoughts galloped through her head and confused her further. They scared her. Her own feelings scared her. She didn't know what this was and Scarlett didn't know if she liked it or not; all she knew was that this man was making her do things that she never would've thought dong prior to meeting him.

"Scar," he said, breaking her inner argument. She shook herself out of it and turned her attention to him as he watched her.

"I can't get you to stop calling me that, can I?" She asked wryly. That finally earned her a chuckle and the tension that she was feeling dissipated ever so slightly.

"No. You can't," he said simply then moved to the side. Understanding he wanted her to fall into step beside him, Scarlett allowed him to lead her towards the "Garage". Their conversation was light, filled with pregnant pauses here and there. He inquired how her business was going and she told him about the off-season in customers. Once they reached the parking, they were met with Seth and Roman as they talked to a sharply dressed couple.

"Good job out there, Dean!" The man called before his gaze fell on Scarlett and a frown marred his face. Dean put his hand on the small of her back and towed her to where the four were.

"Who's this?" The woman asked looking at Scarlett.

"This is Scarlett. We met her when we got snowed in back in December," Dean said, nodding towards her.

"Scar, this is Stephanie and Hunter. They run this place," Dean said.

"Well my Dad runs this place but we hold just enough power," Stephanie said waving Dean off and smiling warmly at Scarlett.

"Nice to meet you," Scarlett said meekly. After five years in isolation, her people skills weren't exactly the best and Scarlett hoped Dean had given her a fair warning of who these people were before presenting her to them.

"Pleasure's all mine," Stephanie replied holding out her hand. Scarlett took it and shook it briefly before repeating the gesture with Hunter.

"Thank you for not kidnapping these three when they stayed at your place," Hunter said. This brought out an alarmed laugh from her as well as some chuckles from the boys before she looked at Dean. His hand on her back pressed in ever so slightly in reassurance and her tension flaked away.

"You guys head on. We'll see you tomorrow. Will you be attending RAW tomorrow, Scarlett?" Hunter asked. Scarlett shook her head in negative and informed them she would be heading back home. He nodded in understanding and the two bid them adieu, Hunter hanging back for a few seconds to tell them strictly no drinking or partying before he followed his wife.

"You won't be at RAW tomorrow?" Seth asked turning to her.

"I only bought tickets for SmackDown and tonight. I do have a business to run you know," Scarlett said.

"But can't you just take one more day off tomorrow and come with us?" Seth asked. Scarlett glanced at Dean who was deep in thought, before shaking her head.

"I can't," she told him apologetically. Seth opened his mouth to argue but one look from Roman shut him up.

"Come on. We're heading to the hotel. We'll drop you off on the way. Where are you staying?" Roman asked. Scarlett felt consciousness kick in as she looked at the three of them while they awaited her to answer.

"You don't have to drop me off. I'll just take the cab," she said, taking a step back from them, forgetting Dean's hand was still resting at the small of her back. She felt his hand press into her and she turned her gaze to him to find him frowning.

"It's almost midnight. We'll drop you off," Dean said.

"There's no need for the trouble really, I'll get home just fine," Scarlett said, shaking her head.

"Scar," Dean said, his voice had a sharper edge to it and Scarlett looked at him, her mouth shutting.

"We'll drop you. It's fine," Roman said. Realizing that they would not relent, Scarlett let out a sigh and told them the location of the motel she was staying at. With this knowledge, the three of them lead her to where their cars were parked.

Throughout this time, Dean observed Scarlett as she conversed with Seth and Roman. Her eyes would light up when they would talk about their matches and the travelling that they did while she would chuckle at the small jokes that the two made. He hadn't removed his hand from her back and he definitely hadn't received any indications that she didn't want him touching her. Nor was he too keen on removing it just yet. He stopped walking when she halted in her tracks and followed her gaze to find Randy leaning against the car him and Seth would be carpooling in. The other man was on his phone and looked up when Seth and Roman approached, offering them a small smile.

"He's so…big," Scarlett said quietly. Dean snorted a laugh and she looked at him in alarm. Clearly he wasn't meant to hear that.

"Nice job out there," Dean said, nodding at Randy curtly. Randy watched him before he sighed and gave an answering nod.

"You too," he replied. He turned but stopped when his gaze fell on Scarlett, then returned to Dean.

"Not trying to smuggle someone out are you, Deano?" Randy asked, letting out a humorous laugh. He strode forward and held his hand out to Scarlett, who took it, slightly shaking.

"Randy," he said.

"Scarlett," she said softly.

"Mind if I call you Scar?" Randy asked.

"Yes!" Dean snapped.

"Forgive Dean, apparently he has the nickname copyrighted," Seth called from where he was putting his stuff into the boot. Randy chuckled and threw Dean a look that had Dean narrowing his eyes at him.

"You were great out there!" Scarlett called when Randy turned to get into the passenger seat. She looked down at her feet when Randy turned to look at her, causing him to chuckle before he thanked her and got into the car. Seth came around the car and gave her a quick hug before he waved a bye and clambered into the driver's seat. Scarlett watched the car drive off then turned to Dean who was still glaring at the spot where Randy had been standing. She frowned and snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"You okay?" She inquired.

"He's fine. It's when he's not glaring that you should worry," Roman said opening the door of the car for her. She let out a chuckle while Dean's gaze softened and he rolled his eyes at Roman, the corners of his mouth quirking ever so slightly. Scarlett slid into the backseat and soon they were on the road, heading towards her motel. Dean was quiet as he drove, opting to chime in here and there, while Roman kept the conversation flowing. She was shocked to hear about him being related to The Rock and a laughing Roman assured her she could meet him whenever she wanted, causing her to blush furiously. The conversation was light and Scarlett couldn't help the smile that seemed to be permanently plastered onto her face underneath her scarf as she spent time with the two.

While Scarlett was enjoying her time chatting with Roman, Dean was observing her in the rearview mirror whenever the opportunity arose. There was a difference in the girl he'd met at the B&B and the girl he was seeing now. Her tone was lighter and her eyes seemed to have a permanent shine to them. She was happy. Dean had been watching Payback from the TV Room and had leapt onto his feet when the camera had captured the row she was sitting in. Seth and Roman had looked at him as if he'd truly gone insane but when he'd told them what he'd seen, Seth had been the first one to whoop in joy while Roman's skepticism reared its head. But Dean was adamant. Her eyes, he would know them anywhere in the world. He didn't need to see her face to know what she was feeling, the momentary panic in her eyes when Roman had inquired her habitations, the look of awe when her gaze had fallen on Randy, her eyes unknowingly conveyed the message with ease.

Dean returned his gaze to the road and took their exit before his eyes spied a McDonald's. He grinned to himself and as Roman and her continued to chat, he turned into the drive thru. He was hungry and he was willing to bet anything that Roman was too. They had an early morning tomorrow and it was about time that they ate something filling.

"What do you guys want?" He asked, cutting across Roman. Scarlett looked at him then looked around, he noticed her coming to grasp with their location and her gaze snapped to his.

"McDonald's?" Scarlett asked incredulously.

"Don't tell me you're not hungry," he replied. Without waiting for an answer, he placed the order for the three of them, knowing Roman's usual and taking a wild guess for Scarlett. When she didn't refute, he smiled in satisfaction and drove up to the window.

"Here you are," the boy said handing over their food. Dean passed the bag to Roman, who immediately began to shuffle through it, and paid for the food.

"You owe me," he said to Scarlett when she protested for the payment. She looked down at the wrap that Roman had passed along to her and Dean immediately noticed a shift in her demeanor.

"We're almost to your place so it's probably better to eat in the comfort of your room than a moving car," Dean supplied immediately. Her eyes snapped up to him in the mirror and he looked at her pointedly. Gratitude filled her eyes and she nodded a silent thank you to him, one that he acknowledged with a sly grin. The conversation died down as Roman indulged in his food while Dean reverted his gaze to the road, occasionally glancing at Scarlett ever so often to find her staring out the window. As he'd said, her motel came into view soon and Dean turned into the parking, pulling up closer to her room. She got down from the car and Dean and Roman followed suit.

"You did very well tonight," she said looking at Dean. "All three of you."

She added the last part when her gaze turned to Roman and he smiled at her in thanks. Scarlett fixed Seth's shirt that she had tied around her waist and it was only then did he really see the shirt she was wearing.

"Nice shirt," Roman commented before he sniggered. She looked down at herself and her head snapped up to look at Dean. He was smirking at her and had crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Shut up," she said, cutting off the retort that was building on his lips. Roman broke into a laugh while Dean raised an eyebrow in challenge at her, but her eyes were downcast in embarrassment.

"Let me know if you ever want your heart back," he said winking at her. She mumbled under her breath incoherently before Roman gave her a quick hug and bade farewell, then climbed into the passenger seat. Dean hung about, not wanting to leave her just yet.

"I meant it. You really are great in the ring. You were magnificent," she said simply. Her every word was laced with honesty and Dean bowed his head in thanks before he sidled up beside her as she began to walk.

"Dean, what are you doing?" She asked, stopping after a few seconds to turn to him.

"Walking you to your room," he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She stared at him with a blank look and shook her head, reaching a gloved hand towards him. He noticed how she hesitated before she gently shoved his shoulder back.

"There's no need. Go on. You have a long day tomorrow and it's well into the night," she told him. And there was the girl that he had met at the B&B. She was retracting into her shell slowly and Dean didn't understand why that rattled him so much. Every time she conversed with Seth and Roman, he saw a different side of her. But with him, she seemed to be more distant. This irked him beyond anything and Dean felt his anger flare, he calmed himself down before he truly did something he regretted then gave her a curt nod.

"Fine," he said gruffly before he turned on his heel and stormed to his car. He slammed the door shut and revved up the engine. He could feel Roman's curiosity building but most of all, he saw Scarlett's hand fall limply to her side as she grew smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror.

"Don't," he snapped at Roman when the Samoan opened his mouth, effectively silencing him.

~oOo~

To say Dean's reaction shocked her would be an understatement. Scarlett watched the car disappear off into the night and then looked down at her shoes. What was so wrong in wanting him to get some rest? Compared to the last time she'd seen him, he looked worn out but hid it well. Scarlett had been talking to Roman the entire time in the car but he was always in her peripheral. The drumming of his fingers on the steering wheel, the rubbing of the eyes in a pretense to push his hair back, she had noticed the signs of fatigue shortly after meeting him backstage. Then what did she say that made him so upset with her? Her mind was baffled as she tried to make sense of her interaction with Dean, trying to figure out her err.

As she entered the room, she heard Vitani clawing at the cage and immediately let her out after setting her food down on the table. Vitani had sensed her mistress' sullen mood and had leapt into Scarlett's arms, bopping her on the nose. Scarlett hugged her close and sat down on the bed, running her fingers down the cats' back as her mind was occupied with Dean's behavior.

"I don't know why him being so upset is making me feel so…so…" Scarlett tried as hard as she could but she couldn't place the feeling. Her emotions had been all over the place tonight and seeing the three of them had felt wonderful. Their response to meeting her had been equally wonderful for it made Scarlett feel like she was worth something in this perfidious world. Just like she had when they had stayed at her B&B. It was a feeling like no other to be appreciated and to be liked by people, as she had spent most of her life being abhorred. She had once again witnessed their camaraderie firsthand, both in the ring and outside of the ring. Somehow they all worked well together for each was their own different person and brought something else to the team. Whether they remained brothers on camera, backstage their brotherhood was stronger than ever.

Scarlett let Vitani go as she headed to the bathroom to change, her thoughts shifting to Dean Ambrose once more. Talking with Seth or Roman came easier than talking to Dean Ambrose. It wasn't him that made her walls automatically build themselves up, but what he made her feel that made her close herself off to the world once more. He was the mystery of the trio. She wanted to know him, more than she wanted to know anyone else, but she feared baring herself to him in the process. Although her made her rebuild her walls, it was also him whose attention she craved. It was odd.

She reemerged from the bathroom and folded up her clothes, tucking the shirt she'd bought (and the one that she had "caught") into her duffel bag. Sliding into bed, Scarlett shut off the light and stared up at the ceiling, her replaying the events of the night over and over again until they all seemed like a blur. Ever so slowly, her eyes fell shut and Scarlett rolled over onto her side, the burnt side of her face cradled by her hand, as sleep stretched its blanket over her and encompassed her in its feeble safety.

That Dean Ambrose though. ;)

Review! Review! Review!

- K.

To Marina - Haha, it's okay. I understand. Life comes first, stories will be here when you get back...unless I delete it (which I doubt I will, lol). Initially it was supposed to go on, but chapter 9 was getting way too long so I cut it short. That seemed like the best place to cut it so, ta da! Hope this lived up to your expectations, if it didn't then well..I'm sorry. Thanks for the love and support! x

To Kaidence - That's a gorgeous name! And thank you! I'm glad you're liking it! :)

To Seth Rollins Babe - LOLOL! Keep on reading and thanks for the support! xx

To Dawnie-7 (for both reviews) - Lol, it's okay. It would've been to weird if they had all three known it was her (how even?!). Had to make it a bit more rational, specially with Roman around. Haha, Roman's the skeptical one that Seth would like to call "party pooper" but that's what makes him so amazing. Ahh, now how many times they've thought about her..well that, my dear, is something I have been asking too. Guess we'll just have to wait and see! And don't worry about the length of the review, just knowing you've read and liked it means the world to me! Thanks for all the love and support! x :)