shout out to k00kied00kie, wolviegurl and velociraptor4659, and the guests' who review my chapters, just thought i'd acknowledge you guys, and I will in the later chapters, i hope this doesn't disappoint guys, enjoy and thank you to those who are following and favouring, i really appreciate it :)

Both of them hailed a cab which then directed them to IHop, Phoebe still couldn't erase the dull feeling of sadness that washed over her every time she thought of Nick, Punk noticed it too however he too was stewing over the words that were said by the show off. It had been an eventful morning and a terrible start for the both of them but once they had arrived she suddenly felt at ease as the aroma of freshly baked pancakes filled her nostrils.

"What do you call a French man that wears sandals?"

"Phillipe Phillope!"

Punk inwardly groaned as he heard laughter from a nearby table that was already occupied by Mike, Bryan, AJ, John and Matt. "You guys are such turds."

"TURD! TURD! TURD! TURD FERGESON. Hey, has anyone seen Mr Ziggles? I tried calling him and he's not picking up." Bryan chucked as he stuck a strawberry in his mouth. Phoebe and Punk shared an awkward glance before each taking a seat with the rest of them, her gaze landed on his hand, the redness had deepened in colour causing Phoebe's stomach to turn. The words still stung herself and she couldn't even believe to imagine how Punk was feeling.

"Guys this is Phoebe," Punk cleared his throat in attempts to change the subject. "Phoebe this is – "

"Bryan - Matt, AJ and John, I believe we've met, and Mike, the awesome one," Phoebe grinned.

"Phoebe, long time to see, or speak," John smirked, his smile was infectious that made Phoebe's heart melt, "How's working for the creative team working for you? You've done a great job so far."

"It's great, oh my god, thank you. I've got a lot of ideas for storylines that include you but Steph just doesn't have time to hear my pitches and Mark is an incredible writer for you so, maybe in the near future. "

"You were the one that asked for Bryan and me to win the titles at Survivor Series weren't you?" Zack gasped, as if a light bulb had lit up in a 'eurika' moment, Phoebe sent a wink in his direction. Daniel Bryan had taken off so well with the storyline with AJ and the world heavyweight champion, the break up after Wrestlemania when he lost it to Sheamus was being played out perfectly however Phoebe also knew that Zack Ryder was continually being drafted back down to Smackdown. There had been countless amount of times where she mentioned to put him on Raw or even a storyline to keep the Zack Ryder fans happy, but no one was willing to listen, it was deeply infuriating.

"Have you told him yet!? Have you told him yet?!" AJ yelped as she bounced on her seat.

"Wait you two know each other?" Punk raised an eyebrow at AJ and then again at Phoebe.

"I haven't told him or Bryan yet because I haven't even pitched Stephanie the idea yet," Phoebe spoke through gritted teeth.

"What idea?"

"Yeah what idea? Where is the freaking waitress?" Punk barked, a petite woman waddled over with a notepad and pen scribbling down Punk's and Phoebe's orders.

"So?"

"I'm not telling you anything."

"Bitch," Punk smirked, Phoebe stuck her tongue out at him however she still refused to say anything. "Come on Phoebe, just tell us, you're killing us here."

"It involves you, AJ and Bryan."

"So it's a love triangle?"

"Not necessarily a triangle," she winked again in AJ's direction, the guys seemed even more curious yet Phoebe kept her mouth shut. The pancakes had arrived in a tray and as requested she had an extra squirt of cream with the strawberries on the side. Punk had ordered the classic American pancakes with maple syrup and a large steaming cup of espresso. Punk admired the double helping that was on her plate and stuck his finger in the cream, popping it back in his mouth.

"Bastard," Phoebe scowled.

The two were oblivious to the rest of the guys on the table who each exchanged looks of surprise and shock, the first being the fact that Punk was actually friends with Phoebe, Punk never kept the fact that he hated Phoebe a secret so to see the both of them together was totally alien. Two, he invited her out to have brunch with the rest of them and three, the flirtatious banter they both shared was borderline adorable.

"So what's the deal with you two?" AJ beamed at the both of them, batting her eyelashes towards Punk, Phoebe felt jealousy rise inside her until he rolled her eyes at her.

"I don't know if you know this April but I'm still a man getting over a divorce and – "

"Don't play that card, okay? We haven't seen you in months – "

Punk's brows furrowed, Phoebe could see the vein in his forehead pulsating violently, "You saw me last week – "

"Saying 'hey' doesn't count, you need to put yourself out there, you know? Get yourself a nice girl."

"I don't do girlfriends, alright? I don't think I ever will now, you know this. I make a way better friend than a boyfriend."

"So there's nothing going on between you two?" John joined in, Punk sighed deeply as he threw down his knife and fork to glare at him - Phoebe shook her head and so did Punk.

"So do you have a boyfriend? You had a thing with Dolphin didn't you?" Mike questioned her, sending her a toothy grin, Phoebe shook her head giving him a sad smile.

"I sense a romance story, maybe not with Nick, but one before you landed this gig."

"Is that so?"

"I know there is."

"Right that's enough. Can we stop with the fucking 20 questions, why do you guys have to be so goddamn nosey? I asked her to come with me so that she could make new friends now get interrogated by you fucktards."

"Punk it's fine seriously. You guys can ask whatever you want, I hold no secrets," Phoebe played around with the pancakes on her plate, she was way too full yet she couldn't help but finish the entire thing.

"I'm sorry, we don't mean to intrude but you have to know how this looks," Mike mumbled apologetically.

"Since you hold no secrets, care to tell us about the storyline you have planned?" Bryan grinned as he scratched his beard.

"You'll find out soon don't worry, I'm sure you've gotten the memo for tonight's meeting."

Although she had met all of them at some point at her time in the WWE, she was still grateful that Punk invited her to IHop, she had exchanged numbers with all of them and after they left the pancake house they managed to squeeze in a film before deciding to grab a quick work out at the gym and then prepare for their segments for Monday Night Raw. Backstage was busy as usual, all the staff meetings with creative were nearing, emails had been sent and the memos had been faxed to all of the talent and production assistants. The crew had just finished setting up the ring and Phoebe was sat in the VIP box along with AJ, the two had clicked immediately and AJ was glad that there was someone in the creative department that wanted a diva storyline other than one that involved the diva's champion. Phoebe knew of AJ's remarkable talent back from NXT, she was assisting Punk at the time and made a mental note to pitch her storyline idea. She knew that Punk and AJ had a lot in common however in terms of personality they were complete opposites, tastes in comics, movies, there passion to wrestle matched perfectly, she would be stupid not to put both of them in some sort of relationship on television.

"You alright?" AJ blew, a strand of hair out of her face.

"Yeah, just need to finalise the notes for the meeting tonight, I know Steph is my friend but she's still pretty intimidating. When she turns down ideas she really murders them. I just hope she agrees to this one, you deserve this push."

"You've come so far, the word is you're her favourite writer."

Phoebe scoffed. "I can't wait to work with Punk, I'm not going to lie, he is phenomenal in the ring. He's just awe inspiring."

"Sounds like someone's got a crush," she muttered, not realising the bitterness in her tone.

"He's charming and hot, he really has that bad boy thing going on and you know, he didn't judge me. I guess because we're into similar things but he just makes me smile, you know?"

Phoebe did know but didn't want to admit it, she couldn't comprehend why this had annoyed her however she pushed aside any feelings, she knew she was being completely irrational and plus she was in no position to say she had a thing for Punk, because she didn't.

"Hopefully I'll get to have an on-screen kiss with him."

"Hopefully."

"You're not into him are you?"

"No! I mean no, yeah I've pushed aside my differences and forgiven him but you can't just forget, some of the stuff he said … really stuck, really hurt me. He knows and he apologises which I'm totally grateful for but I'm good."

"You sure? I mean I get it – "

"Drop it April, come on let's go see Steph."

"Congratulations on Punk's win at Extreme Rules," Phoebe started, Punk smirked nodding at her, "Tonight when Daniel finishes his match with Regal, Punk's music will hit. Initially this is where we start the feud between as Bryan is then number one contender for the WWE championship. Punk won't be wrestling tonight but he'll come out and raise his belt into the air, however this is where AJ comes in. Next week's Smackdown AJ and Kaitlyn's friendship break which then result in a match, Kaitlyn will pick up the win, Bryan will come out and publically humiliate her and officially break up with her. Punk and Bryan's feud is growing stronger and then AJ will become infatuated with Punk thus creating a love triangle."

"I thought you said this wasn't a triangle?" Bryan piped up.

"Right, that's where Kane comes in."

"Kane!?" The entire room gasped, "Why Kane?" Stephanie asked, intrigued.

"AJ here is our femme fatal, we're developing her character, crazy, unstable and someone that can wrap any man around her little finger, including the red monster. The story will play out and that's another pitch for another time which I will discuss with Bryan and Kane some other time but, yes AJ/Punk/Bryan will be our main focus."

"The Poison Ivy to my Batman," Punk winked at AJ who blushed furiously, sending him a cheeky grin. Phoebe swallowed any awkward notions that ran through her body.

"I like it, I like it, Phoebe I want to see a developed piece on my desk by tomorrow and I want them sent to each of the superstars. I really want to see where this goes so well done, right people let's get this show on the road. Half an hour, people," Stephanie called the meeting to an end, each creative writer going through their chosen superstar. She had spoken to Bryan's and Kane's prior and had developed the storyline from then on.

"Sounds like everybody's getting that push, huh?" Mike mumbled in Phoebe's ear, she turned to face him horrified, "Relax! I'm just yanking your chain, besides I've got filming in less than 2 weeks for Marine 3."

"Don't worry Mike, if you want I can talk to Steph if you like?"

"You'd do that?"

"Sure I would, I mean, I am a creative writer but I'm still a huge fan. Don't tell anyone this but, " she leaned close into his ear, and whispered," you're my favourite."

"Favouritism huh?"

"No, I just want everyone to have a fair chance. Besides, we're friends right? It annoys me so much that almost half the roster hardly ever get TV time, honestly Mike if it was up to me - "

"I know." Mike offered her a small smile, "But I have a match tonight, I am ready to get knocked out by the Big Show, so, I'll get you later, doll."

"Good job," she felt someone whisper softly in her ear, startled she turned around to see Nick standing in front of her, he had a match that night and was already in his gear and shirt, his bleached blonde hair dripping wet down his neck. He wasn't smiling like he usually was, Phoebe had simmered down from this morning and looked at his face sympathetically.

"Thanks," Phoebe breathed, watching the other superstars walk past her, including Punk who glared at Nick. "What did they say your face?" Phoebe's stomach turned as observed his bruises closer, yellow, blue, purple bruises had formed on his radiant flawless tan and swollen lips that still looked like they were about to bleed any minute.

"They're not too happy, and I'm not wrestling tonight. Just escorting Jack and Vickie, I still have to put shit loads of make-up but, anymore hits to my face and it's probably gonna fall off my head."

"Nick, I'm really disappointed in you, he's still emotionally scarred. You don't know what it's like."

"And you do?"

"That's beside the point Nick, Punk has too much pride to let this affect him in his work environment but you've really hurt him."

"He's always been a moody ass who doesn't give a shit about anybody and never will. Yeah I was an asshole but you shouldn't put so much faith in him."

"People change, Nick. You underestimate him. He's experienced something that I hope no one ever has to go through."

"He's not changed because of what happened with Amy it's because he felt pity and guilt and then you two decide to play best friends and go for fucking cups of coffee together."

"Seriously Nick. God, will you just drop it, what is it with you? What is going on? This is so unlike you!" Phoebe could feel her patience wearing thin and could see the exasperation in Nick's eyes.

"Amy broke up with me, okay? And you're off being buddy-buddy with that bastard and I just found out that after John's divorce, Nikki has been dating him. Alright? Phoebe, I've not had a great relationship record and I can see one ending terribly in a mile off. He plays people Phoebe and you're just being so stubborn. He feels bad for treating you like shit before, he doesn't want to be your friend, he's just compensating for the way he was with you."

"You're jealous," Phoebe's eyes widened as she struck her epiphany,"and I thought it was me that was jealous of Amy, but it's you. You're the one that doesn't want Punk to be my friend because you think I've replaced you with him." Phoebe stated, more to herself than to Nick.

"Don't be ridiculous Phoebe."

"I'm right, aren't I?"

"Shut - up."

"Nikki's dating John and Amy dumped you which means that you're alone and you miss me but you're pissed that I'm friends with Punk."

"You have no idea what you're talking about." Nick's tone icy and full of sorrow.

"Talk to me Nick," Phoebe cooed, she saw the sorrow in his eyes as she taunted him and knew she was going about this in a completely wrong way.

"There's nothing to talk about, I'm going go. Maybe we can talk civil later," Nick walked away however Phoebe stood in his way, Nick stepping right and Phoebe followed his movements.

"Move – Phoebe – stop this – this is really childish now …" Nick eventually felt his mind snap, he placed a firm grip on each side of Phoebe's face and without warning or hesitation dipped his head planted a searing kiss on her lips, she heard Nick hiss and knew that it was because of the swelling however regardless he still kissed her with passion and want. He let go and looked intently in her eyes, both of their lips still tingling with excitement. Phoebe was lost for words and Nick's grip loosened, releasing her from his grasp. He stumbled away still confused at his actions, he walked away before getting a second glance at her one last time, still flustered and hot – he turned back around and left silently, desire and lust still laced in the air.

Phoebe ran a shaken hand through her hair, unable to comprehend what just happened and why, here she was still confused about her feelings for Nick and somewhere in the back of her mind, Punk kept coming back. However tonight Nick confirmed his feelings for her, and he got the answers to his questions without even asking her, actions speak louder than words. Punk had already stated that he wasn't looking for anything, not wanting to get involved with the drama of having a girlfriend. Phoebe didn't know where her head was at, however she knew that she wouldn't mind Nick kissing her again, and again and again...

Punk stared aimlessly from the back as he witnessed the heated discussion between the two friends, he had known there was tension between them both but never did he think it was sexual. He saw the lust and urgency in both of their faces. The way Nick grabbed her with demand like he fucking owned her or something. The bastard saw a perfect opportunity and saw what was his because he was jealous. What was his? What am I talking about? Punk thought to himself, his brow knitted together even more. Phoebe wasn't even his and they hadn't even been friends for less than 2 weeks. He couldn't fathom an explanation as to what he was feeling, anger or resentment. Phoebe knew that Nick had been an asshole to him and still Phoebe had feelings for him, she was aloud to have feelings for whoever she wanted, her life, her choices. Punk watched Phoebe's face light up, her fingers tracing her lips, a smile beamed on her face. It was a smile that he had never seen before, a smile that made the little creases next to her eyes, she was stunning and radiant. She had really fallen for Nick, and the realisation had it hit Punk like a ton of bricks.