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Song choice for the first half of this chapter is "Love You Down" by Ready for the World. The lyrics are perfect for Jasha IMO.

A few weeks later...

Joe lay on the narrow bed with his tattooed arm behind his head, gazing openly at his girlfriend. He could watch her for hours. She wasn't doing anything more than cleaning up her bedroom, but it was the graceful way in which she did it that turned him on. He looked her over from head to toe and felt his lips turn up in a smirk. She walked around barefoot in the 'pajamas' she'd worn especially for him; a sexy satin camisole and matching tiny shorts that hugged her round butt perfectly. Her hair was high up on her head, and he could still see the little love bite on her neck that he'd given her the night before in this very bed, recalling how much she'd enjoyed that moment of him marking her. He couldn't believe it sometimes; that he'd finally found a woman that ticked all the right boxes. He loved how strong their relationship was despite their ups and downs; loved how in sync they were, to the point that both always knew when something was bothering the other person. Like right now. She didn't seem to be focused on what she was doing. She liked to clean and tidy up stuff like a typical mom, liked to ensure everything was neat and organized, so her sad expression seemed out of place. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Slightly startled, she looked at him, laying in her bed in all his bare-chested glory, and gave a small smile. "Hey handsome, you're awake," she greeted, placing a bunch of Mia's folded clothes in her side of the closet. "Want some breakfast?"

"Later," he said, sitting up in the bed, the covers sliding down to his hips. "Something's bothering you. It's written all over your face." He saw her face fall a little, and he patted the small space beside him on the bed. "Come here."

Sighing, she shut the closet and shuffled over, sitting next to him and allowing him to draw her close. "Talk to me, doll. What is it?" he cajoled.

Ducking her head, Sasha pushed a loose tendril of hair out of her face. "My mama died twenty-four years ago today," she whispered. "Been thinking about her."

She'd told him the heartbreaking story before. It was raining when her mother dropped her off at school on her way to work. Some guy smashed into her from the opposite side of the road, killing them both on impact. A mix of assorted narcotics had been found in the other driver's system and was the direct cause of the crash along with the pouring rain – triggering Sasha's lifelong hatred of drugs. Joe couldn't imagine losing a parent, his only parent for that matter, at such a young age and in that manner. He gave her a comforting squeeze. "I'm sorry."

"Thanks." She brushed a tear from her eye. "I miss her so much."

"Of course you do."

"I just wish I had more time with her, ya know? Wish she got to see her grandchildren."

"Maybe she didn't physically, but I'm sure she's been up there watching you ever since." He leaned in and pressed his lips to her cheek. "And I'm sure she's proud of the kids and of you."

She smiled at his comforting words and rested her head against his. She could never thank him enough for his support. "I've been thinking about going back to school, earning a diploma."

"Yeah?"

"Mm hmm," she said, running her index finger up and down his tattooed forearm. "Actually, I've thought about it for a long time but I want to wait till T.K.'s in college first."

Joe's shoulder lifted in a shrug. "If that's what you want then that's great. Maybe you and I could go to college together. I never got to finish after all," he grinned.

"And when will you have time to complete a degree while you're busy wrestling all around the world?" Sasha questioned.

"I'm sure I'll figure something out," he said. "You and I could go to the same classes, study together..."

"Hell no. I ain't never studying with you," she giggled, "All we're gonna be doing is making out."

Joe laughed. "Good point." He yawned and stretched his arms. "By the way, me and the guys are going up to Orlando this weekend. Doing some press at the Performance Center for the new video game. The guys want T.K. to come along."

"He's like y'alls little roadie now, isn't he?" Sasha said. "Y'all make him carry your bags and shit?"

"Course not. I know you'd wring my neck if that ever happened," he laughed.

"He likes following you guys around. Doesn't stop yappin' about what y'all did."

"The guys like having him around," said Joe. "It's his eighteenth birthday next Monday, right? We can take him up to Orlando for the weekend, then when we get back he can have a party on Monday."

"Ty doesn't think I'm cool enough to throw him a good party." Sasha rolled her eyes and sighed. "I guess I'll leave that to you. But I'm sure he'd love to go to Orlando."

"Maybe we could have a party over there," he added, guiding Sasha onto his lap. "Welcome him to the first step towards adulthood the right way. A strip club maybe?" he winked cheekily.

Gasping, Sasha pointed her finger in his face. "Hey, you take my kid to a titty bar and we are over," she said, laughing.

Joe chuckled, taking her finger and opening up the other ones with his. For a moment neither said anything, simply stared at each other. Sasha touched his face, brushing her thumb over his cheek with a small smile. "You're beautiful," she murmured.

Joe's eyes blazed as he raised the back of her hand to his lips. "And you're sad, baby girl. Let me make you feel better," he spoke softly.

His free hand roamed her torso, his touch warm and seductive like always. Sasha exhaled blissfully as his face burrowed between her breasts, rubbing one through the satin material of her camisole. She could already feel him beneath her, hard and erect and poking her inner thigh, and she dug her fingers into his hair and leaned into him. "Kiss me."

With no hesitation, he captured her lips with his in a long, slow, sensual kiss. He then caught the hem of her camisole and pulled it over her head, the action untangling the loose bun on her head and cascading her hair around her face, shoulders and chest. Helping him take off her satin shorts, Sasha wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her mouth hungrily against his he lay her down on the bed. Resting on his elbows, he dipped down to wrap his lips around her nipple. She moaned and tunneled her fingers through his jet-black hair, pulling him back up for another kiss. Locking her legs around him, she lifted her hips in invitation, and they both groaned as he entered her, filling her completely. Sasha massaged the back of his neck as he thrust slowly, leisurely, and reveled in the feel of his naked body on hers. They kissed tenderly, their tongues curling together in a passionate, erotic dance. Her man always made her feel better; there was never any doubt about worked her hips against him, pulling him deeper inside her, causing him to rip his lips from hers and let out a deep moan. His pelvis rotated against hers as he tucked his face in her neck to nibble her skin, determined to mark her once again. They were all alone in the little apartment so they didn't have to worry about disturbing the kids.

As their intimate lovemaking continued, Joe brought Sasha's leg over his shoulder and reached down to grip her ass. He grinded himself sensually into her, going deep, and was rewarded with high-pitched whimpers emanating from her with each press of his hips. He always enjoyed her little noises, the way her hands possessively patrolled his hair and his back and his ass. Sustaining his steady tempo, he moaned lowly in her ear, letting her know without saying a single word, what this was doing to him too, what her body was doing to his own. He loved making love with her and making her feel good, and knew she felt the same way for him.

Sasha grasped his shoulders, gasping as she felt him in her belly, thick and strong, and her brain began to short-circuit as his lips found her nipples again, tugging and licking, building the familiar euphoric sensation within her. Joe groaned again as her walls clenched him hard, dragging him closer to the edge, and he had no choice but to pick up the pace, placing his mouth back over hers to swallow her moans of pleasure. Like the night before, the small bed creaked noisily beneath them but the heat of passion had taken over. Her body arched into his, her toes curled, her gasps short and erratic as the orgasm swept through her. Joe pumped his way towards his own, groaning over and over as his body froze and he burst deep inside his lover. Once he regained his senses, he let her leg down to wind back around his waist. He remained on top of her when it was over, and Sasha held onto him, an amazing, satiated feeling drifting through her body like a cool breeze. She loved these intimate moments they shared together; his heated skin against hers, his breaths warming her skin, the gentle kisses he dispensed after they descended from their collective high. Moments so incredible and perfect that it brought tears to her eyes sometimes.

"Mmm, ku'u nani," the Samoan purred against her throat, chuckling when her body gave a little shiver in response. His lips brushed her skin lazily. "Feeling better, baby?"

"Much." Her fingernails gently scratched his scalp, a gesture that soothed him. When he started to pull out of her, she tightened her arms and legs around him, holding him in place on top of her. He was much bigger and weighed more than she did but that was the beauty of it. She felt safe and protected in the cocoon of his warm weight. "Stay," she whispered.

Joe smiled tiredly and pecked her neck, then rested his head on her chest. "Okay."

With that settled, Sasha kissed his tattooed shoulder and closed her eyes with a sigh as a thought, not for the first time, crossed her mind.

Her mama would have loved Joe.

T.K. had to refrain from pinching himself. He couldn't believe he was actually in Orlando, actually standing in the WWE Performance Center. He hadn't been to many places but nothing he'd seen compared to this facility. It was filled with people, from the press to the Superstars and WWE officials. Apparently the launch of the new WWE video game was a big deal as a lot of the wrestling greats had also shown up.

"That's Shawn Michaels. HBK," he whispered. "Jim Ross. Holy shit, is that Edge and Christian?" Damn. These were all people he used to watch on TV and on YouTube, absolute legends. Steve and his other friends would totally shit their pants if they were here.

An amused smile crossed Joe's features as he gauged the awe on the teen's face. "I can introduce you if you want," he said, rubbing the top of T.K.'s head affectionately. "But it'll have to be after we're done with the press conference, the tour and media row."

T.K. nodded eagerly. "Sure. I can wait."

They went to find their seats for the start of the conference, with T.K. sitting a few rows behind Joe, Colby and Jon since the roster had to sit at the very front. After some guy in a suit made a small opening speech in one of the regulation WWE rings, he introduced the brains behind the Performance Center, and the familiar sound of Motorhead echoed throughout the cavernous building. T.K.'s eyes widened as Triple H appeared to a round of applause. He was one of his all-time favorite wrestlers. To see him in person was a dream and then some. Holding up his phone as discreetly as he could, his eyes followed the Game as he climbed into the ring to kick off the press conference. T.K. looked on in amazement as he got the first look at the brand new video game and the roster reveal. The graphics were truly impressive; he couldn't wait to play when it came out.

Following the conference there was a tour of the Performance Center. T.K. kept close to the Shield boys as they showed him around the huge facility. Everything a budding Superstar needed to make it in the WWE was here, from the wrestling rings to the promo rooms to the fully equipped training room; it was a sight to behold. T.K. took pictures and videos of everything, sending some to Steve, then his mother and posting on his personal Instagram page, his eyes twinkling the entire time. It was all so exciting. He stood quietly to the side while Joe, Jon and Colby took on a seemingly endless stream of media interviews from TV, radio and the like. He liked how easily they slipped into character for the interviews. Because he knew them personally he was used to calling them by their real names but he had to reprogram his mindset today and address them by their ring names instead. He could tell there were some interviews the guys genuinely enjoyed, and there were others that he knew they'd rather be anywhere else but there. True to his in-ring character – which the teenager had since realized was not far off from the man's real life persona – Jon wasn't very good at hiding his impatience. Joe was the same sometimes, while Colby was always the consummate professional and kept calm. It was always cool to watch them do their thing.

"So Roman, when are you gonna be back in the ring? Any date set?" the latest interviewer, the daughter of a WWE legend, was asking.

Joe shook his head. "There isn't a definite date yet, but I'm still working my butt off so I can get back sooner than later in the best shape possible. I'm itching to get back and rejoin my boys and kick ass once again so yeah, the rest of the locker room better watch out."

T.K. looked around while he waited, his eyes falling upon one of the wrestling rings where some NXT wrestlers were bouncing around in. Kofi Kingston was alone in a padded ring showing off moves off the top rope for a camera crew. T.K. had wrestled on mats loads of times but never in a standard wrestling ring. He longed to get in there, to see what it was like to be a pro wrestler for a couple of minutes.

"Hey T!"

Joe's voice regained his attention. Turning back to him, T.K. went stock-still at the sight of the new figure throwing a huge arm around the Samoan. No way, he thought, his heartbeat racing. This can't be real.

The Rock. Dwayne Johnson. Only a few feet away from him. Smiling at him.

"Come over here, man. Someone wants to meet you," Joe called, grinning from ear to ear at the kid's stunned expression as he approached. "Cuz, this is T.K. He's a fan of yours. T.K., this is Dwayne. Mr. Movie Star got bored layin' around in his big-ass mansion and felt like showing up here."

T.K. barely heard a word Joe had said. He stood there, wide-eyed. "H-h-hi," was all that could come out of his mouth at that moment. He couldn't believe his eyes.

Dwayne smiled at the teenager. "Hey T.K., nice to finally meet you. How are you?"

Finally meet me? Oh my god. "Good." Forcing himself to calm down, he pushed on, refusing to look like a complete idiot. "Mr. Johnson sir, I am a huge fan. I-I've watched you for the longest time and you are like, the coolest cat ever."

"Call me Dwayne. And thanks, I appreciate that." Dwayne smiled graciously. "I've been hearing very nice things about you and your mom from my boy over here," he said, pointing at Joe, who had left them alone to talk.

"Yeah, him and my mom have been dating for a while," T.K. said, noting how Dwayne was dressed simply but still looked every inch like the movie star that he was. "He's a'ight. My mom's happy which is what matters most to me."

"Good to hear, my man. You got my permission to whip his ass if he steps out of line though," Dwayne joked.

"Oh, he knows," T.K. said, laughing. This was so surreal. He was having a conversation with the Rock, of all people. "So what do you think of the Performance Center?" he asked his idol. "Did you have anything like this back in the day?"

Dwayne shook his head. "Boy, do I wish. Nothing I ever trained in looked remotely as good as this. Them new kids got it good."

"So I've heard," said T.K. "I'm on the varsity wrestling team in high school and we don't train anywhere as cool as this."

Dwayne raised his eyebrows. "Varsity, huh?"

"Yeah. And I'm on the basketball team too, since my sophomore year," T.K. bragged. "Placed second in the wrestling regional championships last year."

The WWE legend nodded approvingly. "Nice, nice. You're obviously an athletic guy, hittin' the weights and eating right. What do you like to do in the gym?"

Standing to the side with a smile on his face, Joe took a picture and sent it to Sasha, knowing very well she would get a kick out of it. Minutes later he got a reply and burst out laughing when he read it.

Omg is that the Rock?! How is Ty not a weeping mess on the floor right now. He loves him :O

T.K. talked with Dwayne for about ten minutes before Dwayne had to leave. It turned out that the action star had come to the Performance Center specifically for T.K. at Joe's request. He wished him a happy birthday in advance before he left. T.K.'s life was complete now. Like, nothing could top what had just transpired.

Joe and T.K. wandered over to the padded rings where Colby had joined Kofi Kingston, with Jon, Cesaro and a few others watching from the apron. "Wanna try out the ring?" asked Joe, noticing the look of longing in the teen's eyes.

T.K. hesitated. "Can I?"

"I don't think it'll be a problem. The ring Colb's in is padded so it's safer. Just be careful."

Colby smiled when T.K. came closer. "Hey, look who decided to join us. Come on in."

T.K. climbed in, and Kofi and Colby showed him how to ascend the top rope and jump off safely. It took a few awkward attempts before the teen got the hang of it, and it wasn't long before he was showing off some acrobatic moves. They were nowhere as flashy as what the pros were doing, but he was hanging with them which was the important part.

"You learn fast. Got the hang of it already," Joe said to T.K.

Buoyed by the praise, T.K. grinned. "Thanks. If Mom was here she'd be biting her nails worrying cuz she thinks I'm gonna fall. Like she didn't do stuff like this when she was younger or like her daughter isn't a gymnast."

Joe laughed. "She's just being a mom. It's their job to worry."

"Wanna make her worry some more?" said Colby. "How about a little sparring contest?"

T.K. raised an eyebrow. "Dude, I'm wearing jeans."

"Dude, I wrestle in a bulletproof vest and combat boots every day," Colby countered smoothly. "But it's alright. I understand if you're too scared," he taunted. "I was gonna take it easy on you but if you don't want none of this..."

T.K. narrowed his eyes. He'd become familiar with Colby's attitude when it came to working out. It was one of the few times his laid-back persona melted away into the aggressive hard-hitting machine fans saw in the ring. The very few occasions when they'd worked out together Colby had pushed him to his proverbial limits both verbally and physically. Today, he would match him, or at least try to. He made a show of dusting off his shoulders. "I'ma have fun runnin' circles around your old ass, Rollins," he said, determined to show that he could talk trash with the best of them.

Jon, Kofi and Claudio all went "ohhhh" at the little jab, glancing to Colby for his reaction. The man known as Seth Rollins merely chuckled, slowly circling T.K. in the middle of the ring. "Got a mouth on you, huh Morgan," he said, "Won't be able to talk shit with your face buried in the mat."

T.K. smirked and beckoned challengingly. "Come on old man, let's go."

In the corner, Joe fired up the video recorder on his iPhone. This was going to be good. Probably not so much for T.K. though.

The two engaged in a lengthy rally of chain-wrestling, with Kofi being the makeshift referee. T.K. was no match for the much bigger, far more experienced Colby, who pinned him every time with ease. The annoying part was it didn't seem like he was trying. T.K.'s competitive streak was out in full force, and he put in more effort, busting out hold after stretch after hold to try to pin Colby or get him to submit. A small crowd was gathering around the ring but neither man noticed in the heat of competition. At last, T.K. had the upper hand, wrestling Colby down to the mat. Suddenly, pinning the older man was not enough. In a burst of inspiration, he took to the top rope, wobbling a little as he tried to balance himself. The canvas was padded so the chances of his tailbone breaking into pieces were slim. He launched himself off the top rope and landed squarely on top of Colby. It was an adrenaline rush like no other. He was starting to revel in the sweetness of the moment when all of a sudden the older man fluidly rolled them both over, pinning his shoulders squarely to the padded canvas. Kofi counted to three one last time, and there was a triumphant smirk on Colby's face that made T.K. want to cry. He'd been schooled soundly in front of everyone and though there was no shame in getting beat by one of the best in the business, it didn't stop him from wanting the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

"Not bad."

T.K. turned his head, and his jaw dropped. Triple H was on the apron, looking right at him. Rising gingerly to his feet – the adrenaline had subsided and now his body ached like crazy – T.K. looked around; a number of people had surrounded them, most of them smiling, actually looking impressed. Hunter stepped through the ropes and into the ring and walked up to the teenager, sizing him up.

"What's your name, kid?" he asked in his trademark gruff voice.

"Tyson, sir," he answered, swallowing hard. Even in a suit, the Game looked just as intimidating in real life as he did on TV. "Tyson Morgan. But you can call me T.K."

"T.K.," Hunter repeated, testing out the name. His gaze was scrutinizing, almost unnerving the teen. "Usually we don't let guests get into the ring but I'm willing to let it slide because I enjoyed what I just saw."

T.K.'s eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yeah. You're obviously green as grass but the talent and passion's there. You wanna become a wrestler, then? Wanna work for the WWE?"

This wasn't the first time he'd been asked this question, and his answer never changed. "I would love to, sir," he replied. "I've watched the WWE for as long as I can remember. It inspired me to wrestle for my high school. It would be a dream come true to wrestle here, sir."

Hunter nodded his head, then placed a huge hand on T.K.'s shoulder. "Quick word of advice? Think very long and hard about it. The business is not as glamorous as this place looks. Pro wrestling is not an easy profession by any stretch. It's a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice. I've met many people just like you who want this too, probably more than you do, but end up falling by the wayside because they can't handle the pressure. Take a look at other career options. If in the end you decide this is what you really want...then go for it. Maybe someday you'll find yourself back here. You got potential, kid, and trust me when I tell you I don't say that to a lot of people."

The teen smiled, having absorbed every word. "That means a lot to me, sir. Thank you."

"No problem, man." With a quick nod, Hunter patted his shoulder one more time, then walked off as a stagehand came to get him. T.K. stared after him, his awestruck gaze broken when Joe thrust his iPhone in his face.

"Here, kid," he said. "Consider that to be your first audition tape. You're welcome." He winked at him, then sidled to the side for another Shield interview.

T.K. watched the video of his bout with Colby in the padded ring, and realized he didn't look as bad as he first thought. It was an unbelievable day already. He got to see the new video game, rubbed shoulders with legends, got to tour the Performance Center, and the great Triple H saw potential in him. The Rock came all the way down to say hi to him personally. They didn't have to do any of it, so it meant so much to T.K. Today's experience was easily one he would remember for the rest of his life.

Lied about toning down the smut. Sorry. (Not sorry).

Hope you enjoyed the update. Kindly review. :D

Good luck to the (ex) Shield boys tomorrow! The Royal Rumble is my favorite PPV and this year's gonna be sick!