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"So I've noticed Kofi doesn't travel with you anymore."
"Yeah, we've not spoken in a while, maybe said hello a couple of times, I don't know. What about you and Dolph? You seem way too buddy-buddy to be "just friends, what's the deal with you two?"
Phoebe smacked her lips after taking a long sip of her coffee. "I don't see how that is any of your business."
"Tit for tat, princess." Punk smirked at her. Sighing Phoebe pushed aside her half eaten blueberry muffin, attempting to formulate an explanation to Punk.
"We're just friends, I mean, yeah I don't know if it was sexual tension but there was something definitely there once. But then you know, he's with Amy now and it's just awkward. They are always together and she just finished her tour in the US and it's just uncomfortable to be around the both of them now. I don't feel anything towards him but I just want my friend back sometimes. It's sad because we used to travel together, bunk and everything, not anymore. He was the only one who properly befriended me here and it's hard to get to know people in this environment, I'm not that sociable so – " There she went again, baring her soul, she cursed herself hoping Punk wouldn't ask any more questions.
"I guess that's partly my fault." Phoebe rolled her eyes, and Punk carried on.
"You're right though, it is hard. It's just like fucking high school, there are cliques and in their own group everyone's fucking gossips. I was the snotty, dirty indie fag, always have been and ever since I got that push from the pipebomb suddenly everyone wants to be my friend? Fuck no. What about in the creative department, I'm sure there … someone?"
"There so friendly, but way ahead of my time, like you said they're all in groups and they all know each other, if I made effort sure, but I guess keeping to myself is just so much easier. Some of the talent say hi but I'm okay. Jake always makes time to see me whenever I'm on the road to see if I'm okay, which I'm grateful for. Sometimes it's just easier alone."
"Alone?"
"Yeah, I mean, you weren't the only one that was mean to me here. A lot of people used to be fucking horrible, you'd think it would be talent but once they saw new meat, they'd flip, it was insane. I love working here, I love the atmosphere but sometimes I really couldn't be arsed with those people and you know, I guess it was like you. Once Stephanie wanted to hire me, they'd all kiss my ass."
"What was Alberto like?"
Phoebe groaned, "Why are you asking me this?"
"You just said people were mean."
"No, the guys on the roster were okay, Alberto was great, maybe not you - oh stop frowning, I'm joking – like stagehands and production assistants, when I was your assistant they just never took me seriously. Like I was some airhead that didn't give a fuck about wrestling. Goddamn it pissed me off, sensing by your facial expression you feel responsible; all the same, I don't give a shit. They never apologised to me but I'm glad you did Punk."
"I'm glad I did to, took me long enough."
The two shared a comfortable silence, grinning occasionally at each other. "So you travel alone now?"
She gave him a small smile, "Yeah. You're so lucky you have that bus, plane schedules are a goddamn nightmare."
"Tell me about it, you know, when you're ever travelling on the road, you don't have to but my bus is always welcome." Punk couldn't help but remember the time Phoebe had handed him the keys to the bus for the first time, he didn't feel too great at that point and was looking at Phoebe for a reaction.
"It isn't necessary, but I will keep that offer in mind, thank you."
"I'm sorry," Punk mumbled "
Phoebe knew exactly what he was talking about, she offered him a smile, squeezing his tattooed hand in the process, "Stop apologizing Punk, it's okay."
"What the fuck is this?" Both of them turned to their side to see Dolph seething at the sight of both of them.
"Nick." Phoebe breathed, noticing how angry he was.
"Hey Ziggles," Punk smirked, sipping some of his coffee. Dolph smacked the cup out of his hand and the 3 of them watched as the contents splattered over the floor. Punk felt his blood reach boiling point and had immediately jumped out of his chair, knocking it back in the process. The two superstars stared down at each other yet Phoebe could only suppress an eye roll.
"Stop with the pissing contest, okay? Everyone's watching us."
"I don't give a fuck. Care to explain what's going on here?" Dolph spoke through gritted teeth, Phoebe tried standing her ground but immediately felt fear rippling through her.
Punk saw the look on her face and shoved the show off away from her, before either of them had a moment to retaliate, Phoebe mumbled," Let's just go outside, okay?"
"But my coffee!" Punk whined.
"Fuck your coffee," she snapped, already half way out the door. Nick and Punk followed behind her trying not to murder each other, once outside, Phoebe shivered at the cold wind.
"Well."
"Well what Nick?"
"What is this? Why were you sat in the coffee shop, drinking coffee with Punk acting like you're some love-sick couple, you do know who he is? You do know what he's done to you, the things he has said!?" Nick yelled, scaring the passers by.
"Don't talk to her like that! Treat her with some respect!"
"Respect, you're going to tell me about respect, wow okay, Phoebe he's telling me to treat you with respect."
"Nick stop it, you're embarrassing yourself. Me and Punk have resolved our differences and he's apologised countless amount of times, and we're civil, we're friends. Its fine, friends who just wanted to go grab some coffee, what is the big deal?"
"What is the big deal?" Dolph scoffed.
"Yeah, what is the big deal?" Punk sneered, Dolph balled up his fists, tempted to throw at Punk's face, Phoebe shot him a warning look, don't push it, Punk.
"Nick, you're being completely irrational. Punk is my friend, there's nothing more to it."
"You are so naïve Phoebe, god do I have to remind you the things he did to you? He didn't just say them to your face, he used to say things about you to all the guys in the locker room! Why are you acting so childish?"
"Nick, you are the only one here being childish! Where have you been anyway? I haven't seen you in almost 3 weeks, you've just fucked off somewhere, I've texted you so many times and all I have gotten is single word replies. I know you're with Amy now, I get it, but - "
"But what Phoebe? Jealous? Is that what this is?"
Phoebe held back her laughter, she was getting tired off this conversation, "Listen Nick, why don't you give me a call when you decide how completely irrational you are and when you actually decide to give a shit. Goddamn it."
Storming off Phoebe felt tears threatening to fall, what had just happened? She knew Nick was just looking out for her, however he had crossed the line, some arbitrary line that she didn't even think existed until now. Did Nick really think that she would be jealous, of Amy? Phoebe couldn't comprehend whether she was upset because Nick sunk so low or because somehow, she was scared that it was the truth. Nick was charming, sexy, intelligent, he made her heart pound when he smiled at her, and he made her feel special. She had only met him a year ago and felt like they had known each other in the womb, she had a right to be angry. She had been completely blanked by him for weeks, she had a right to be angry and she could feel the venom pouring out of her.
"That was a really dick move," Punk growled.
"Don't give me that bullshit, I'm looking out for her, you're the one that's a dick. What is this anyway? One of your little games, something you like to do, lure innocent women and break their hearts? You fucking broke her Punk, you can't just magically charm her and have her eating out of the palm of your grubby little hand."
"Dude, you're fucking crossing the line, alright? She loves you, okay, she fucking misses you. And you better believe it Dolphin because we are friends, whether you like it or not. She has missed you so much, so what if she's jealous? Doesn't that tell you anything?"
"I don't need relationship advice from someone who got cheated on, okay?"
Dolph bit his tongue. He knew that was cold, definitely uncalled for. From then on, all Punk could see was red. That had pushed the fucking line; he felt like his head was about to explode and didn't hesitate to throw a punch at Dolph, square in the jaw. Both of them screamed in pain, Punk's hand throbbed angrily and tried to shake the pain as he still seethed from his comment. Dolph's lip had been busted open, there was blood across his mouth.
"Punk, I'm sorry – "
"Fuck off, Nick, seriously before I murder you, get the fuck out of here."
Dolph staggered as he entered the hotel, the impact from Punk's punch had left his face searing in pain. He regretted it, the moment the words had left his lips he knew what a jackass he had been. There was blood all over his shirt and it had already dried dark crimson on his chin.
"I'm with the WWE and I've lost my room card key, I was wondering if you could give me another one?" Despite the fact that he had blood smeared across his face, his charming smile did the trick.
"What name please?"
"It isn't under mine, I'm sharing a room with someone else. Phoebe Walker."
The woman at the front desk eyed him suspiciously however regardless she handing him the room key, the number displayed in large block font. "Will that be all, sir? She purred seductively, Dolph could only smirk however he reassured her that he didn't need anything else. He broke out into a sprint and managed to find the room she was staying in. He knocked softly, embarrassed and ashamed. He heard shuffling from inside and waited a couple of seconds until the door opened slightly.
After realising who it was, Phoebe contemplated whether to open the door or not however her eyes skimmed over him, blood marking his face and staining his shirt. Rolling her eyes she edged the door so that he could step inside, during the last hour she had considerably calmed down yet seeing Nick again agitated her a little.
His eyes followed her as she strode into the bathroom with confidence, a couple of moments later she had returned back into the room with a bowl of water and a wash cloth, she opened her fridge and retrieved a can of Pepsi. She motioned Dolph to sit on the bed, she sat beside him and gently dabbed the ice cold wash cloth over the wound, he winced in pain however his eyes were locked on hers.
"I told you not to push him." He blinked, unsure of how to respond. She was wiping the dry blood off of his skin, careful not to hurt him. She noticed a bruise forming around his jaw. Phoebe knew what his punches were like, only weeks ago i was her that had been a victim of one of Punk's throws.
"So what did you say? He doesn't normally throw punches until someone really crosses the line."
"You don't want to know Phoebe." She carried on wiping away, he shivered silently at her delicate touches across his neck, softly pressing her fingers into his skin. She was within kissing distance and his breath hitched, hot over her face. When he didn't answer, she tossed the wash cloth into the bowl of cold water.
"Well?" She responded, irritated.
"He was telling me how you missed me and he was just saying how, it doesn't matter if you're jealous because that should clearly mean something, and I was just so annoyed because a while back you were so clearly in love with him and he never seemed to notice so I just thought he was being a hypocrite – "
"I'm not in love with you Nick, don't flatter yourself I mean, I just thought we were friends. I want my friend back."
"You could've told me instead of running to Punk." Dolph muttered, hurt.
"Don't change the subject Nick, what happened?"
"I might have, mentioned Amy."
"Amy?" Phoebe recoiled from Nick's touch as she stood up from the bed and backed away from him, "What did you say, Nick!?"
Dolph winced at her harsh tone; he really had no intention of telling her yet her eyes grew wide in fury urging him to answer her question.
"I told him that I didn't need relationship advice from someone who got cheated on," his voice was almost inaudible.
"You said - WHAT?! Nick, how could you?" She sank to the floor, running her shaking hands through her hair.
"I wasn't thinking, I didn't mean to. It just came out, he was really annoying me – "
"You had absolutely no right in doing that! I cannot believe you!" Phoebe couldn't even look at him, she didn't even know who he was anymore. She couldn't fathom why Nick was acting like this, or saying the things he was. This wasn't the guy she had come to know and love. The sentence repeated itself over and over in her mind and then turned to look at the swollen bruise on his face, she wondered what Punk was really capable of. She knew if she had the ability she would've done way worse.
"Phoebe – "
"Get out, Nick. Seriously."
"Don't do this, you know I didn't mean it."
"I don't know anything anymore, whether you like it or not Punk is my friend now and what you said was fucking unacceptable, I can't even look at you right now." Nick got the message loud and clear, he knew Phoebe and he knew that she was true to her morals. If anyone had hurt one of her friends she was the first to back them up and support them. In the back of his mind, he understood that this so called friendship was really down to Phoebe having a soft spot for Punk. He could only give her space, however he felt his heart ache as he saw how upset she was, wondering what he could do to make it up to her. He thanked Phoebe for taking care of his wound and left silently before mumbling a goodbye.
Once she heard the door click shut she scavenged for her phone, quickly she dialled Punk's number – it continued to ring for over 3 minutes and realised that Punk was going to pick up. Instead she resorted to text:
Punk, I apologise on Nick's behalf, I know you probably don't want to talk to anyone but I just have to know if you're alright. It was totally uncalled for, I'm so angry, I don't know what's come over him, Punk I'm worried – Phoebe
Phoebe read over the text noticing how pathetic and needed she sounded, she erased "Punk I'm worried" and hit sent. Her reply was almost instant.
No I'm not alright, how do you know anyway? - Punk
He came to my hotel room, you really hurt him Punk, his entire face was full of blood – Phoebe
Good, he fucking deserved it – Punk
She smiled, replying as fast as she could, before she managed to type a sentence, he had replied again.
So what, did you play nurse to him or something? – Punk
I cleaned him up, yes but I told him to get out when he told me – Phoebe
You didn't have to – Punk
It was completely uncalled for, he had no right, I'm still infuriated – Phoebe
How do you think I feel? – Punk
Thank you, for you know opening his eyes a little. I mean I don't think I can speak to him for a while but he needed to know that I was really missing him, I know he's really sorry though Punk – Phoebe
He's a dick Phoebe, you deserve a better friend – Punk
This isn't about me, it's about you. I just hope you'll be okay – Phoebe
Well you're talking to me so I'm great – Punk
Where are you? What are you doing? – Phoebe
She was lying flat on her back, staring at her phone waiting for a reply, after a couple of minutes she heard a soft knock on her door. She strode towards the door, opening it and not in the least bit surprised to see Punk standing there. A genuine smile spread across her face until she noticed his eyes red, bloodshot and slightly puffy.
"You've been crying." Phoebe's face fell while Punk offered her a small smile, she swallowed and noticed his knuckles bruised a splintered. Punk followed her eye line and saw that she noticed his hand, as he tried to hide it she was fasted and took hold of it, studying the deep "Free "and the rest of the lettering for his "romance "tattoo and then then the deep reddish tinge that now adorned his hand. Her fingers skimmed the area and felt the warmth radiating from it, he let out a hiss and she immediately stopped.
"Sorry," she breathed, reaching for the fridge for the second time she handed him a second can of Pepsi, pressing gently he hissed again, this time he took hold of the ice cold can.
"Thank you," he whispered, she looked up and he offered her a smile, one that didn't reach his eyes, Phoebe felt all the oxygen from her lungs leave as she took in his sorrowful hazel eyes. Her heart broke for him and wondered what was going in his brain of his.
"Does it hurt?"
"No, it feels fucking great." She lightly smacked his arm, giggling when he mockingly backed away. "I stopped by since I hadn't gotten by daily dose of caffeine, Bryan and some of us were thinking of getting brunch. I wondered if you wanted to come with."
"Brunch?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, holding back laughter.
"Yes, brunch."
"Are you sure you're okay, I mean I know you're not in the mood but – "
"I'm not really I was going to turn down the offer but then you texted me and I figured it would be a really good way for you to get to know some new people and make some friends," her heart soared as she realised Punk's considerate offer, she felt her lips curl into a heart-warming smile and nodded. Realising she was hungry yet again she grabbed her purse and shut the door behind her. "Plus I could really do with some coffee."