Wednesday 11th September

''This feels super weird.''

''Good weird, or bad weird?''

''Good weird.''

''Good.'' Jon tightened his arm around her. ''Because it's too late to back out now, sweetheart.''

After the Smackdown taping Tuesday night, while the rest of the roster headed straight to the airport, Alexa and Jon had gone back to the hotel, their flight out not booked until Wednesday morning. Adam and Jason had joined them and, after dropping off their gear in their hotel rooms, the quartet had met back up in the hotel bar for a few drinks.

They had arrived in their new home state just after midday, making a beeline for the real estate place and, after signing all the paperwork, they were finally given the keys to their new place. Several hours later found them lounging in the living room, curled up on the brand new sofa that had been delivered a few days earlier; their real estate agent having kindly signed for it and arranged to have it set up inside.

Alexa shifted, resting her head in the crook of his neck as her eyes flicked around the bare room. A content smile curled at her lips, it was all theirs.

A long, comfortable silence passed between the couple before her soft voice broke eventually broke it.

''Would you have really gone with me to see my Mom?''

''Of course.''

If he was surprised by her sudden desire to talk then he didn't show it, he just kept his arms wrapped around her as she slowly launched into the tale of her childhood. She told him all about growing up, how much she loved her father and how close they were. As she went on, eventually getting to the day her father died and then what happened the day her Mother had told her she way sending her away, he found himself falling for her all over again, as corny as that sounded.

Having had a pretty shitty childhood himself, he knew all to well the lasting effect it could have on a person, but add that on top of everything else she had been through in the last couple of years... for her to still be as strong as she was and have such a thirst for life, it was pretty amazing.

''... So yeah, that's me...''

Alexa awkwardly trailed off, feeling more exposed now that her life story was pretty much out in the open, but somehow feeling better for it.

Jon's arms tightened around her and he leaned down to place a kiss on the top of her head before resting his cheek against it. ''I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but you're amazing.''

She snorted. ''Yeah, okay...''

''Hey, look at me.'' He lifted his head and didn't continued until her body had shifted and she was staring up at him, her eyes shining with un-shed tears. ''You are. I mean it. You went through all that shit and came out the other side of it pretty much unscathed.''

She cocked a brow. ''You mean, not counting the trust issues, the abandonment issues or the general detachment from people in general?''

He chuckled, despite himself. ''The first two, yeah, I agree with, but in all honestly, I'd be more worried if you didn't have them after everything. But I don't think you're detached from people at all. I mean, I think you put up walls to stop people getting too close, you know? But even then, that hasn't really worked out, has it?''

''What do you mean?''

''I mean, you've got a shit ton of people that care about you, sweetheart.''

Alexa pondered this for a moment, realizing he was right. Despite her... reluctance to let people in, she had so many amazing friends in her life, she hadn't really appreciated that before. A small smile graced her lips. ''... I'm pretty lucky, huh?''

''You are.'' He murmured, taking a moment to study her face, running a finger down her cheek softly. ''The next time we're in Canada, you should go back, try again... I'll come with you.''

She nodded slowly, knowing that she had to do this. And, if it didn't work out, then she still had her amazing boyfriend and friends around her, nothing would change that. ''Alright.''

''Yeah?''

''Yeah.''

Monday 16th September

''Hey, so I hear they're breaking you guys up tonight.''

Alexa met Nick's eyes with a small smile as he approached, the man having just finished going through his match with Jon for the show that night. ''Yeah, it sucks but, you know, we had a pretty good run...''

''They're definitely be losing the sexiest part of The Shield, that's for sure.''

Laughing, she gave him a playful swat to the arm, her eyes moving towards the ring where Curtis 'Fandango' Hussey and Ron 'R-Trith' Killings were running through their spots. Nick followed her gaze as he took a swig from his bottle of water, eventually returning his eye to her.

''Any idea what they're planning for you after?''

''Uh, kind of... I don't think I'm allowed to say anything yet though.''

''Come on!'' The man threw his hands up with a laugh. ''You can't say that and then not tell me!''

''Well, nothing's set in stone, but if everything goes to plan then they're going to be building up to a Sierra/Stephanie match at 'Mania.''

''No way?!'' He exclaimed, eyes widening. ''That's fucking awesome.''

She grinned. ''I know, right?''

''Oh man, April's going to be beyond jealous...''

Alexa winced, glancing across the ring to the small brunette who was engaged in what looked like a playful debate with Phil and Kofi. ''I know, she's legit going to want to kill me.''

''Pretty much.'' Nick laughed, nodding. ''But it'll be cool, she'll get over it.''

''Yeah, sh-''

''Lex!''

She spun around, finding that the guys had finished in the ring; Jon, Joe, Colby, Stephanie, Virgil 'Dust Rhodes' Runnels, Paul 'Big Show' Wight had replaced them meaning it was time for her to get in there and go through her spots for the night.

''Catch you later, Nicky.''

RAW

''Where the hell were you?''

Sierra glanced up from the paperwork she was reading, meeting the irate gaze of Dean Ambrose as the other two members of The Shield hovered behind him.

''What?''

''My match against Ziggler, where were you?!'' The United States Champion fumed, running his hand through his hair in agitation.

Sierra scowled indignantly, her brow furrowing. ''I seem to recall you telling me you didn't need me out there, that you could handle Ziggler by yourself, just like you did last night.''

''I don't care what I said, you should have been out there! Now he's got a pinfall victory over me, how does that make me look, huh?''

The woman met his eyes with a defiant look. ''It makes you look like an idiot whose arrogance cost him a match tonight. Maybe next time you won't take an opponent so lightly.''

He took a step towards her, his eyes burning in anger. ''Yeah, well maybe if you did your goddamn job as our manager, we wouldn't have this problem!''

''Excuse me?'' She hissed, taking a step forward herself so they were almost toe-to-toe. ''Let's get one thing clear right now... I am NOT your manager.''

''Then what exactly are you? Huh? What good are you to us, because-''

''Hey! Hey! Hey!'' Seth finally interjected, pulling Dean back and stepping between them. ''Enough of this, alright? Go cool off, we've got a meeting with the boss soon. Ro, go with him.''

Sierra's eyes followed Dean as he stomped down the hallway, the Samoan powerhouse trudging along silently behind him to make sure he didn't get himself into any trouble. When they were out of sight, her gaze finally returned to the man in front of her.

''I want you to be honest with me.'' He began, tilting his head to the side and studying her calculatingly. ''Are you still with us?''

''I'm here, aren't I?''

''Ever since we started working for The Authority, you don't seem as invested-''

''It's not that I'm not invested, it's that I don't...'' She sighed. ''Some of the things we've been doing recently, they're not right...''

''It's what's best for business.''

''It isn't. What it is, is that Triple H has thrown out his sledge hammer and found himself a brand new set of tools.''

Seth's frown deepened. ''You're really not going to change your mind on this, are you?''

''No.''

He took a step back, standing at his full height as he met her eyes. ''Look, just... just come with us for this meeting or whatever it is, and then after we call all sit down and try to figure this out, alright?''

Style and grace, I'm never gonna be done, lean on in.

Now, welcome to the Queendom.

A stoic-faced Sierra trailed along behind Stephanie McMahon as she made her entrance; the latter clapping at the impassioned speech Dusty Rhodes had just made on the behalf of his son. The crowd weren't shy in showing their distaste, jeering heavily as they made their way down to join the Hall of Famer in the ring.

Stephanie shook the older man's hand with a smile as Sierra leaned against the corner, crossing her arms over her chest and watching on as her boss proceeded to try and make the legend choose between his two sons. Her thinly veiled interest quickly turned into sympathy for the man, who was clearly feeling every word Stephanie said about his family.

Dusty finally reached his limit and refused to listen to any more of the manipulative words and got right in her face, bellowing; ''Stephanie, you can go straight to HELL!'' before stalking past her and intending to exit the ring.

The crowd let out a huge roar of approval and even Sierra couldn't help but let a small smile curl at her lips.

Stephanie just rolled her eyes and lifted the microphone. ''Well, I'm sorry you feel that way.''

SIERRA. HOTEL. INDIA. LIMA. DELTA. SHIELD.

Boos filled the arena as Dusty spun around in a panic, his accusatory gaze landing on Sierra who just shook her head at him, her own eyes wide with shock.

''Oh no.'' Michael Cole muttered from ringside.

''Get out of there, Dusty.'' JBL echoed, watching as the three men surrounded the ring. ''This isn't right at all.''

Seth, Roman and Dean each hopped up onto different sides of the ring apron, eyeing Dusty like a predator would their prey. Sierra moved to stand beside the other woman, her mouth moving rapidly. Stephanie just shoved her away, moving towards Dusty and holding her hand up to halt the three men from entering.

''Hang on a second, hang on a second... this hardly seems fair. I've got somebody who's been waiting in the back who can maybe even things out... oh, Big Show, would you mind coming out here please?''

The man's music hit and Sierra narrowed her eyes at the other woman, knowing she was planning something, before walking over to where Seth was standing.

''What do you think they're talking about?'' King wondered as the giant made his way down to the ring.

''It looks like she's trying to talk some sense into him.'' Michael replied, his eyes on the two members of The Shield who appeared to be having a heated discussion.

''Don't be ridiculous, they're probably just talking strategy.'' JBL corrected.

''Allow me to shed a little light on this situation right here.'' Stephanie began, looking over at a confused Big Show before back towards Dusty. ''Since you couldn't make a decision about which one of your sons would get a job here... then you're going to have another choice. Would you prefer to be dismembered by The Shield? Or knocked out, by the Big Show? Your choice.''

Big Show pleaded with Stephanie not to do this as Sierra glared at her, disgust for the other woman clear in her eyes.

''I thought she got the Big Show out here to help the Dream.'' King said. ''Not... not for this!''

Dusty just shook his head at her.

''Oh, you're not going to make a choice, again. You're just, you're indecisive. Well, I'll tell you what, I'll make it for you... Big Show, knock him out!''

The giant shook his head, refusing to comply as a roaring NO chant started to echo through the arena.

''Fine.'' Stephanie spat. ''Shield, get him!''

Big Show stepped forward, intercepting Seth and Dean as they entered. ''DON'T TOUCH HIM!''

Movement on the other side of the ring caught Sierra's eye and she glanced over to find Roman heading into the timekeeper's area to grab some steel chairs. Before anyone could react, she darted forward, grabbing the first chair that he slid underneath the ropes and kicking the other one away before Seth could reach it.

The crowd cheered excitedly as she spun around, swinging the chair threateningly towards Dean. He managed to duck through the ropes before she could connect, leaving Seth to fend for himself. She turned just as he made a move to grab her from behind and jabbed the chair into his ribs, sending him sprawling to the mat in agony.

''Oh my God!'' King shrieked. ''Sierra's turned on them, finally!''

''This has been brewing for weeks!''

JBL shook his head. ''I think this is a decision she'll live to regret...''

''What the HELL do you think you're doing?!'' Stephanie screamed, her eyes bulging with anger.

Sierra threw the chair to the mat beside Seth before moving up to Dusty and holding out her hand for the microphone. He passed it over with a small smile of gratitude and she turned towards Stephanie with a sneer.

''Me? What am I doing? You should be standing in front of a mirror and asking yourself that question, Stephanie!'' She jerked her thumb towards Dusty angrily. ''How dare you even think about doing something so heinous, he's almost seventy years old! What is wrong with YOU?''

''Who the hell do you think you are?!'' Stephanie darted forward, getting right in the younger woman's face. ''Huh?''

Sierra didn't waver as she stared into the steely blue eyes of the Billon Dollar Princess. ''I'm done sitting back and watching you assholes do what 'is best for business'. You want to act like a bitch, Steph, then you better get ready for me to make you mine.''

Stephanie's face twisted in fury and her arm shot out but Sierra, expecting this, easily managed to catch it before her palm made contact with her face.

She scoffed. ''So predictable. I guess it's true, you can't teach an old dog new tricks.''

Sierra dropped the microphone and made to lunge toward Stephanie but a strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist, hauling her away. She screamed as she felt herself lifted, tilting her head to find Roman had been the one to pull her away.

''Dusty, Show... I suggest you get out of my ring and leave before I change my mind.''

The two men looked over at the woman being restrained by the Samoan, before sharing a glance.

''Now!''

Big Show helped Dusty out of the ring before turning around and taking a hesitant step forward, his eyes finding Sierra's. The woman shook her head at him, silently warning him not to get involved and he nodded, shooting her one final apologetic look before slowly exiting the ring.

Roman kept Sierra restrained as Stephanie approached her, spitting into the microphone. ''You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this... I knew you were going to be trouble from the get go, but my husband insisted we had to give you a chance... The only reason we kept you around for so long was because The Shield was a unit. A team. Well, not anymore... I was wrong in thinking that the lesson we taught you a few weeks ago would be enough to keep you in line but it doesn't matter anymore. Seth, Roman and Dean have finally come to the realization that they are much better off without you.''

Her bold statement was punctuated as an irate Seth and a smug looking Dean flanked her side; the former wincing as he clutched his ribs.

''Not so high and mighty now, are you?'' A look of pure venom appeared on Stephanie's face as she roughly grabbed the other woman's chin. ''Pathet-''

The crowd cheered as Sierra threw her head forward, hitting her boss in the face and effectively cutting her off. The woman ungracefully dropped to the mat, clutching at her nose in shock as Sierra thrashed around in her captors arms. The two men quickly helped their boss up as Roman managed to gain control of Sierra; the microphone falling from Stephanie's hand as she pulled back and slapped the other woman across the face with all of her might.

The 'smack' as her hand hit Sierra's cheek seemed to echo through the arena, her head snapping sharply to the side as the crowd let out an 'ooh' of sympathy. But Stephanie wasn't finished; she brought her hand back to nail the other side of her face with a backhand slap just as powerful as the first.

Stephanie's expression of sheer hatred morphed into a self-satisfied smile before she started barking out orders to the three men inside the ring.

''Oh my...'' King muttered, his wince of pain somehow being convayed through his words. ''I would not like to be Sierra right now.''

Inside the ring, Sierra had no time to dwell on the stinging in her cheek as Roman handed her off to Seth, the man's strong arm encircled her waist. The Samoan moved around in front of her and the crowd let out a simultanious gasp, sensing what was coming.

Even Michael Cole seemed to understand what was about to take place. ''They're not going to do this... Are they?''

As the boos rose, louder than before, Sierra lashed out with her foot and managed to catch Roman right in the gut, sending him stumbling back slightly. Stephanie screeched and Dean stepped forward to help Seth keep her under control, the man leering at his former partner, seemingly revelling in the chaos.

''DO IT! NOW!''

The microphone caught the bosses order and Roman slowly stepped forward, his boss watching on with glee as Dean and Seth both wrapped an arm around the woman's waist. The pair were more than strong enough to comensate for her struggling, easily hoisting her up onto the big man's shoulders.

Suddenly finding herself six feet in the air, Sierra's eyes widened in fear. Roman's fingers were digging sharply into her thighs as she was lifted higher; Seth and Dean each helping by taking some of her weight either side of him. Before she could even hope to do anything, she was brought down to the mat with a hard power-bomb.

A stunned silence fell over the crowd.

''Oh my God.'' King muttered softly.

JBL let out a sharp exhale. ''I can't believe they actually...''

The Shield stared down at her motionless form for several moments before they parted, allowing Stephanie to take their place and admire their handiwork. She crouched down, looming over the unconscious woman with a sick smile on her lips.

''Think she's alright?''

''Dude, she's fine.''

Joe frowned, looking anxiously back towards the moniter which had just shown a replay of what had just taken place, the image quickly being replaced by 'Sierra' getting medical attention out in the ring. ''I don't know, watching it back, it looked kind of rough...''

Colby and Jon shared a look before the latter gave him a firm pat on the back. ''Lex is fine.''

''Yeah.'' The Iowan piped up. ''She's just super great at selling, that's all.''

Alexa had to suffer through almost fifteen minutes of playing dead for the crowd while the 'doctors' tended to her, putting on a neck brace and strapping her to a back board before she finally made it backstage.

Almost as soon as she was brought through the curtain, Joe appeared at her side and she was slightly taken aback by the level of concern in his eyes.

''You okay?''

Shooting him a reassuring smile, she nodded. ''I'm fine, Fabio. It was actually kind of fun.''

The men who had wheeled her to the back quickly began undoing all the straps and as soon as her arms were loose, she reached up to yank the brace from her neck. It wasn't a surprise that she wasn't overly fond of the things, given her history with them. As soon as she was completely free from the confines, she sat up and accepted Joe's hand as she hopped off the gurney.

''What's wrong?'' Joe asked, not missing the slight wince as she landed on her feet.

''Nothing, I'm fine, just a bit sore.'' She started to walk over to Colby and Jon, rolling her eyes at the look on Joe's face. ''Seriously, stop worrying.''

Colby caught what she said and laughed. ''He's like an old woman, right?''

''Shut up.''

Jon moved over to her, gently wrapping an arm around her waist as the other two playfully bickered in front of them. ''Sure you're okay?''

Alexa opened her mouth to reply but was distracted by another replay up on the screen; her attention focused on that for a few moments before admitting softly. ''My back's a bit sore. But totally worth it, it looked freaking awesome.''

A/N - Well, I'm back! Sorry for the long wait, but better late than never, right. Let me know what you all think!