Author Note: A special thanks goes to Levesque-Rollins823, Krys Jericho, and takerchick for the wonderful reviews. Another special thanks goes to , LetitReigns525, calwitch, and CayfabeX for becoming followers to this story. I'm thrilled that there has been such a positive response to this. This is going to be the longest chapter so far and I hope you all enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

Chapter 7: Aftershocks

Savannah

I never got a response back from Seth when I asked him to come to Atlanta. I don't know why I thought that I would. It was pretty bold of me to ask such a thing; but it was how I was feeling in that moment and still did even with it being several hours later. Walking into the arena, my mind was completely on him and everything that's happened over the last two days. He made the pain in my heart go away.

Turning the corner, a group of stars surrounded Stephanie. It was the distribution of the live event matches. Sasha motioned for Becky and I to join in. As we approached, Roman eyed me curiously from the other side of the circle. His jade eyes bore into me, causing me to swallow a lump that was lodged.

"Roman, you will be going one on one with Bray Wyatt. Becky, you will be teaming with Sasha to take on Tamina and Naomi. AJ, you will taking on Tyler Breeze." Stephanie announced.

Her voice just trailed off as I clenched my hands at my sides. Not once did she mention my name. Again, I was being left out of a show. Today marks ten months without a match on Raw or Smackdown and two months without one on a live event. The frustration was getting the better of me; so before I said something I'd regret later, I simply walked away.

I could feel dozens of eyes on my back as I walked and it didn't even matter to me. The thoughts of leaving the company was getting more and more intense as the days passed by. It was obvious that no one would miss me either. "Savannah! Hey wait up!" Becky called out after me.

"I know what your going to say and I really don't wanna hear it." I answered turning to face her.

It wasn't just Becky standing there. Sasha stood with her. Their eyes expressed their concern for me. Though I appreciated it, there just was no need for it anymore. No matter what I did, I'm never going to be good enough. I just wished they'd release me and get it over with. To be honest, I'm actually surprised that they haven't yet. "I was just going to ask if you wanted me to say something to Hunter." Sasha stated.

"Hunter isn't the problem. Stephanie is. Not to mention that it's ultimately Vince's decision and if he doesn't like me, which is most likely the case, I'll never get anything. Save your breath, Sasha."

"But..."

"No buts. There is nothing anyone can do and there is just a decision I have to make about it."

Without giving them a chance to respond, I continued on down the hall. Of course, a day wouldn't be complete without Roman's presence. He stood with his arms crossed leaning against the wall next to the woman's locker-room. How he beat me down there, I had no idea. Pushing himself away from the wall, he stood before me with gentle eyes. "Are you alright?" He asked.

"No, now can you please move so I can get inside." I answered.

"Come on Sav, do we really need to fight?"

"No, because I'm not in the mood to."

I shifted to step out around him; but he instantly blocked my path. His persistence was starting to annoy me. What could he possibly tell me that would make this all go away? Nothing. "I'm worried about you." He commented taking another step in my direction before resting his hand on my bare shoulder. His touch warmed my skin slightly; however, it was nowhere near what it used to do when he touched me.

"You're worried? That funny coming from you. You didn't seem to worry when you left me without an explanation."

"Sav, please..."

"Just stop! I can't keep doing this. You act like everything's okay when it's not. You broke my heart, Roman. Can't you understand that?"

My voice was shaky at best and the tears were threatening to spill over. It took everything I had to keep them from falling. He quickly pulled me into his arms, holding onto me tightly. My whole body went ridged, unable to relax in the comfort he was trying to give me. A month ago, I would have swooned over this kind of attention; but now things were so very different. "I didn't want to leave you; but I felt that I had to. You deserved so much more..."

Scrambling out of his arms, I looked him dead in the eyes. It was the first thing he's said to me about our break-up since it happened. Now the question was whether or not he was telling me the truth about it. "What do you mean?" I asked keeping my distance.

"I only did what was best for you."

"You're not answering my question."

"Just trust me in the fact that I did it for the better of you."

I didn't understand anything he was telling me. How could breaking up with someone be for the benefit of the other person? I felt even more confused about the situation than I did when it first happened. He simply stared at me, waiting for me to say or do something; but even I didn't know what to do about what he said. "I don't know what you want me to say." I said aloud.

"Just be careful when it comes to Seth. I'm okay with you moving on; but he isn't the answer."

"I'm a big girl and can make my own decisions."

"Okay..."

I remained silent before attempting to step out around him once again. This time he didn't fight me. He allowed me entrance to the locker-room and when I was behind the closed door, the tears that I had held back for so long finally fell down my cheeks.

Seth

It felt weird to be in an arena. It's been several months since I tore my knee all up and walking down the hall still left me feeling stiff. It wasn't long before people started to notice me. After a few extended words and handshakes, I finally got away to continue my search of Savannah. Stepping around a corner, Hunter was talking to Stephanie about the show. Their eyes caught mine and instantly stopped mid-sentence.

"Seth! What are you doing here?" Stephanie greeted warmly.

"Visiting." I answered honestly.

"How are ya feeling? Any closer to a return?" Hunter asked shaking my hand firmly.

"I feel pretty good. I'm still a little ways off a return though."

They started talking about ideas and things they could do with me when I got back, which was fine and all; but what I really wanted to do was see Savannah. She was the reason I came in the first place. Thinking about her, reminded me of how they've been treating her for the last several months. It aggravated me that they would waste her talent on others less deserving women. "Have you seen Savannah by chance?" I asked trying to get them to speak of her.

"Uh...last time I saw her she was walking in the direction of the locker-room, why?" Stephanie asked.

"Came to see her. Oh and I've heard about how she's not been used in over nine months. Guys, come on...she's got a lot of talent." I stated taking a single step backwards.

"Why do you say that?" Hunter asked.

"I've known her for years and watched her while in NXT and after. I've worked out with her several times. All she wants is a chance to prove herself."

They looked at me simultaneously. I didn't know if what I said would take effect; but at least I tried, because Savannah did deserve more than what she was getting. Hunter seemed a little more receptive than Stephanie did. As I took several steps away, I looked over my shoulder to tell then one last thing. "She never told me say anything. This came from me and me alone."

I continued on down the hall until I stood outside the woman's locker-room. My heart started to race with the idea of her smiling the second she'd see me. Clenching my hand into a loose fist, I connected it with the metal door. After several seconds, Becky answered the door. Her face told me about a million words and none of them were of the nice variety. "What are you doing here?" She asked in a hushed voice, which meant Savannah was indeed inside.

"I came to see her. She asked me to come."

"She's...well she's a bit upset at the moment."

"Why? What happened?"

She moved the rest of the way outside the room and allowed the door close behind her. Tucking a chunk of her orange-red hair behind her ear, she looked up to meet my concerned gaze. "She wasn't on the show tonight and Roman talked her again."

"He's really starting to piss me off." I said through clenched teeth.

"For once...it's something we agree on."

"Is there something I can do?"

Becky raised an eyebrow at me, questioning me silently. I didn't blame her one bit for it. After what I did, she had every reason to distrust me. With a little time, I hoped that she'd trust me again and warm up to the idea of a rekindled friendship. "Yeah...talk to her...convince her that quitting isn't the answer."

"She wants to quit?"

"She does now..."

She backed up, opening the door slowly before calling out to Savannah. A million thoughts ran through my head in those few seconds it took for her to approach the door. The second my eyes came in contact with her, I drew a blank. Not knowing what to tell her, because the puffiness around her eyes signified that she had indeed been crying for a good lengthy period of time. Those tear tore at me, making me want to hold her in my arms to soothe the ache in her heart away.

Becky stepped back inside the room, leaving her best friend alone with me. A half-smile tugged her lips upward. It was more than enough for me. I hesitantly reached out to wipe away the stray tears lingering on her rose colored cheeks. "I never heard back from you...so I thought you weren't going to come." She said softly.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"I'm sorry that I look so terrible. I've had quite a bad day today."

"You don't look terrible...you're still as beautiful as ever."

Her eyes widened for a moment before shrinking back down to normal size. She lowered her head away from my gaze, hiding the blush that already forming. Brushing the pad of my thumb across the soft skin, she slowly started to look back up. Taking a step closer, she wrapped her arms around my torso. Smiling, I returned the favor. Holding her against me, feeling the rapid beating of her heart against my chest. "Do you want to go for a drive and just talk?" I asked.

"Yeah...I actually do."

She pulled herself away from me and stepped back inside the locker-room. I couldn't help but smile at the fact she actually hugged me. Her body felt perfect against mine, even if it had been only for a minute. When she reemerged from the room, she was pulling her travel bag along with her. There was a slight happiness to her movements than just a few seconds ago. I took great pleasure in knowing that I could very well be the reason for it.

Once we were inside my rental, she began fidgeting with her hands on her lap as if she was nervous being there. I wanted to tell her that there was nothing to be nervous over; but I had no room to talk, because I was just as nervous as she was. The feelings I thought were gone, returned full force the second I saw her at the performance center.

"I want to quit, Seth..." She admitted once we were on the road.

"Why?" I asked hoping she'd tell me the truth.

"They aren't ever going to use me. It's been so long since I've done anything. I just can't take it anymore."

"Are you sure that it doesn't have anything to do with Roman to?"

She clenched her hands together even harder. Something was seriously going on inside her head and I had to figure out what that was before she walked away from everything she loved to do. I wondered what he told her today that's got her distant and cowering inside a shell. "He just puts icing on the cake..." She answered before trailing off to look out the window.

"You'd be letting them win if you quit now. I know things seem worthless right now; but think about the people that do care about you. You'd be leaving them behind."

"They'd get over it..."

I turned the vehicle in the hotel parking lot. The view of the city was amazing, especially with all the lights. Savannah remained silent with her breathing being the only thing that indicated that she was there. I honestly didn't know what to tell her to make the pain go away; but I had to speak from the heart, which was simply something I wasn't used to do at all. "No they won't get over it. Becky and Sasha adore you. That new interviewer loves you to death."

"It's not like I'd never talk to them. I just won't be around to travel with."

"What about me?"

Savannah

His question stunned me. I trembled at the thought of that. Could I really just leave it all behind now that he was willing to make the past up to me? Turning away from the window, I caught his gaze with those chocolate eyes embracing me in their warmth. Just a simple stare got my heart racing to pound against my chest. "Things just aren't easy for me right now." I explained.

"I told you that I wasn't asking for things to return how they were before. I just wanted a chance to make it up to you."

"I'm not talking about you. I'm talking about Roman...he said that he broke up with me to better me. Does that make any sense to you?"

I blinked, severing the connection to look out at the lights of the city. They were beautiful and I wished that I could just stay right where I was forever. Just as I thought it, I could feel a warm hand take hold of mine. Seth slid his fingers right through mine. There was something about the gesture that was more than strictly comforting. Maybe Roman had been right at the party and Seth really did care about me more than just a friend. I knew that I could never ask him that outright...at least not yet anyway.

"Savannah, nothing he does makes sense to me and you just don't need him to make you feel happy."

"It's not as simple as all that."

"It is actually. Let me prove it."

Looking up from our twined fingers, I could see the shimmer in his eyes from the outside lights. Everything about this situation was confusing me. On one hand, I felt content and could actually smile when he was around; but on the other hand, my break-up was still fresh. The pain was still nagging at my heart at the worst times, like right now. I wanted to enjoy my time with Seth and here I was depressed about things Roman said earlier.

"How are you going to prove it?" I asked.

"Let me take you out tomorrow. This is not a date...I just want to show you that there are things out there to make you happy and people that can help with the pain your going through."

Dozens of different scenarios played a run through my mind. If I went and allowed him to do what he wanted, then I had that chance Roman was right in the fact he had feelings for me. If I didn't go, then I would probably regret it. Being this close to him now, I didn't want that to go away. The joy I got from every single text message he sent me just proved that there was something here, whether or not it was friendship or something more I didn't know. All I knew was that he had dug himself in and wasn't going anywhere.

"If your not happy by the end of the day tomorrow, then I won't stop you from quitting."

"I guess you got yourself a deal."

I could tell he was happy with my response, because he tightened his hold on my hand slightly. Pulling my hand away, I could feel the cold come rushing back and immediately, I started to miss his warmth. My fingers pulled open the door and the warm humid air caressed my face. Standing up outside, I reached for my travel bag.

Seth stepped out of the car and walked around to my side. Was he going to walk me inside? Was he going to hug me? Was he going to kiss me? There were about a million ways this night could play out. In some ways, I wished he'd kiss me so that fantasy could become a reality. It just seemed so wrong to want something like that so soon after my four year relationship ended with Roman.

"So I will meet you in the lobby at eleven, is that okay?" He asked.

"It's fine with me. Where you are staying tonight?" I asked just now realizing that he hadn't planned on being in Atlanta. It had been me that asked him to come.

"I got a room at the other hotel across the street."

I nodded my head, acknowledging that he did in fact find a place to stay. If I was honest with myself, I was kind of disappointed. I kind of wanted him to stay with me, if only for the company. Lowering my head, shifting my eyes to look at the ground, he reached out and lifted his head back up with a finger. "Hey, you will get through this. I promise." He encouraged.

Smiling, I stepped closer to him. Without even thinking about it, I placed my lips against his cheek. The heat in my own cheeks burned. He gave my hand a squeeze before wrapping his arms around me. How could I have forgotten just how safe he made me feel? "I'll see you tomorrow, okay." He said releasing me.

"Okay."

He walked around the car and got back inside. I stood firm, waiting and watching for him to leave. My heart was pounding so fast that I almost thought it would explode. Once he drove away, I let out a sigh before continuing on towards the hotel main entrance doors. It didn't take long for me to get up to my room and when I walked in, I sat my bag against the wall by the door.

I decided to sleep in the tank top currently on my body, because his scent was on it. I found it to be comforting. Pulling the blankets down, I crawled into the welcoming mattress. Seconds after shutting the light off, my phone vibrated against the wood of the nightstand.

Reached over for the device, I wondered who would be texting me right now. Of course, there were about three people I could think of right off the top of my head; but there was only one that I wanted it to be. Swiping my finger over the screen to reveal the name of the culprit. With a smile, I opened the message waiting for me. "Got to my room, just wanted to say goodnight and I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow."

"That's good. Goodnight, I'll see you soon."

Rolling back over onto my side, I couldn't help but smile even wider than before. Tomorrow was going to be a real test for me. My old feelings for him that were hidden under all the love I had for Roman seems to have started to creep back up. I don't him want to think that I'm just on the rebound if things somehow progress in a romantic direction. "Help! I need you in the morning!" I quickly typed and sent to Becky, Sasha and Krys.

"Why?" Becky asked.

"What's wrong?" Krys asked.

"Something wrong?" Sasha asked.

It wasn't that there was something wrong. I just didn't know what to do and I didn't want to go into too much detail via message. It would be long and I just didn't have the patience for that kind of thing; so I opted for something a little shorter before my eyes shut for the night. "Just come to my room around 9ish. Please...love you."