A/N: A update a lot quicker then previously. HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2017 be MUCH better then 2016!
Chapter Nine: Punishment
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Jon looked up in surprise as Joe and Colby walked into the hotel lobby. He stood up from where he sat and Joe instantly gave him a hug.
"What are you both doing here?" demanded Jon.
"We heard what happened man. Word travels fast," said Colby, "What's your punishment?"
"Man, I don't know. I'm waiting to hear but I've probably fucked Quinn's second chance now. I was just… so fucking angry! The fucking asshole was trying to get her alone! Again! When I recognised his voice… I lost it. We drank at the bar he worked at! We all chatted with him like he was a friend! He was the reason she drank and drove… and and-"
"Left you," finished Joe softly.
Jon rubbed his face tiredly, "I haven't spoken to Renee but I just know it's done between us. She doesn't deserve to be treated like this… and I don't deserve her."
Colby and Joe looked at each other silently. They had been called by Renee about Jon and the situation. Joe had promptly called Saraya, who was on her way.
"So," said Joe finally, "You need to do something. You need to either go talk to Renee or contact Shane to find out what's happening."
Jon groaned and glared at Joe, "You always have to be the practical one."
"Make a decision or I make it for you."
"Fuck you," muttered Jon before letting out another groan.
Quinn nodded as the police officer finished talking and taking her statement and left. She slumped back against the hospital pillows and wiped a shaky hand over her face and sighed. She had been in hospital for nearly five hours and had spoken in detail to police officers, people from WWE and Doctors.
She was exhausted, stressed and incredibly hungry. As she went to push the button for a nurse the door to her private hospital room opened revealing Saraya.
"W-what are you doing here?" asked Quinn in surprise.
"Word travels fast between us WWE folk. I jumped on the first flight here – I also picked us up some kebabs because I figured they wouldn't have fed you yet."
Quinn smiled appreciatively at Saraya and took the delicious, warm chicken kebab. They ate in silence for a few minutes before Saraya lowered her kebab and looked at Quinn curiously.
"So… do I get to know what happened? I mean I saw what happened on Smackdown but there are police here and WWE officials. That isn't normal."
Quinn sighed before explaining everything that had happened back at the stadium. Saraya listened with wide eyes, gripping onto Quinn's hand when she finally revealed to Saraya the one detail she never gave originally – who had raped her.
"Nigel? The cook Nigel?"
Quinn nodded, "I finally told the police and well… when they brought me into the hospital after the car crash they did a rape kit test on me. I guess something about the situation was off for the police. They knew something happened but I wouldn't tell them. Now my case will be reopened and N-Nigel will get his karma."
"Pretty sure Jon dished that out to him first."
Quinn looked away from Saraya and nodded, "Pretty sure Jon's in trouble with the WWE officials because of me… I need to talk to them."
Saraya jumped up as Quinn kicked her blankets back and swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up.
"You shouldn't be up!" cried Saraya grabbing Quinn by the arm.
"I need to stop them from firing or punishing Jon," said Quinn determinedly.
Quinn shook off Saraya's hold and walked over to the door, grabbing a dressing gown by the door as she walked. She tied it up and opened the door and walked into the corridor with Saraya hurrying out behind her looking alarmed.
"Miss Gallagher!" cried a woman wearing a pencil skirt and white blouse with the WWE emblem printed in small letting above her left breast, "You need to rest!"
"Please… please I need to talk to you all because I know this whole situation is a massive mess," said Quinn desperately, "I beg you to not punish Jonathon Good – Dean Ambrose. Jon and I have romantic history and my being raped and my decisions thereafter broke us apart… Jon only learnt the truth recently and who… who attacked me tonight. He wasn't thinking clearly when he reacted and it is my fault for not being honest. Whatever punishment you wish to direct at Jon please… please just... I will take his punishment. He is one of your biggest superstars and a true draw card. I'm new. The WWE fan base won't miss my absence."
"Miss Gallagher… I had my reservations about you," came a voice from behind the two people in front of Quinn.
Quinn gasped as Vince McMahon himself pushed past them, "Mr McMahon.
"Shhiitt," whispered Saraya in a low voice beside Quinn.
"You originally left us with no explanation other than you drank, drove and crashed. Tonight, the truth behind it came out and it certainly has caused a domino effect," said Vince, his hands in his pockets as he looked at Quinn, "You have proven me wrong since I gave you that second chance, Miss Gallagher. You have worked hard and your in-ring performance certainly is stellar. The fans love you. We have demand for more Harley gear and many conventions are wanting you on the list of appearances. You were a big risk and one I do not regret taking."
"Until now," said Quinn forlornly.
"What do you mean?"
"Everything is a big mess now. It's all my fault."
"Let me be rather frank here," said Vince in a stern tone, "You did not ask to be raped, Miss Gallagher. You did nothing wrong in this situation. You simply reacted in a way you thought appropriate. You were protecting those you love from the turmoil your life had become. Were they the correct actions? In hindsight, probably not. But the reality is your decisions helped lead your friends to where their careers are at. Your actions were both selfish and selfless, but the fact remains you did not ask for that person to hurt you the way they did. You are innocent in all of this mess. The mess, the physical and emotional damage done lays on the shoulders of that… person."
Quinn hastily wiped the tears from her eyes with Saraya placing an arm around her and resting her head on Quinn's shoulder.
"So… so what now?" asked Quinn.
Jon walked into the hotel room he shared with Renee and saw her staring blankly at the television, a cold coffee held between her hands.
"Renee?" said Jon softly causing the woman to jump in surprise.
Renee lowered her cup to the side table next to the lounge and shifted in her seat to look at Jon, "Have you heard anything… about anyone or you?"
Jon shook his head and moved to sit on the armrest of the single seater. He clasped his hands together on his lap, twiddling his thumbs.
"You love her, don't you?" asked Renee, not looking at Jon as she spoke.
Jon sighed, "Maybe… I mean… I love the person she was four years ago. That's the Quinn I know… I guess seeing her just makes me miss those times, you know? But Renee you need to know I love you as well."
Renee nodded tearfully, drawing her legs up to her body, "I don't know if it's enough, Jon. I can't hate you and I can't hate Quinn. You share a history and the relationship you shared didn't end mutually. It was taken from you both."
"Renee-" started Jon but Renee cut him off.
"I organised a room for you. I need space right now. I need to figure out what I want and prepared to do. Your key is on the bench with the room number. I'll contact you when I am ready to talk face to face."
Jon watched as Renee turned away from him. He walked over to the bench, only now noticing his luggage by the bench also. With a sigh and heavy heart if picked his gear up and room key and left.
Quinn sat back in her hospital bed, unsure how to think or feel. She bit at her lower lip causing Saraya to lightly smack her on the arm. Quinn looked at Saraya in surprise, to see Saraya shaking her head.
"You'll end up with a bruised lip," said Saraya.
Quinn sighed, "I-I just can't believe what happened. Did that really happen?"
Saraya nodded, "It did. You shouldn't overthink it, Quinn. You need to rest. Sleep. I am here and there are guards in the corridor so nothing is going to happen."
Quinn nodded, smiling softly when Saraya took hold of Quinn's hand, "Raya?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm glad to have you back in my life. I missed you so much."
"Missed you too, chick."
Jon woke with a start and quickly realised the cause was his mobile buzzing on his bedside table. He grabbed it and sucked in a sharp breath at the name flashing on the screen.
"Hello," said Jon after accepting the call.
"Jon," came the gruff voice of Vince McMahon, "Can you come join us in presentation room twelve in fifteen minutes?"
"Err sure… sure, no problem."
The call ended and Jon jumped up and raced to the shower. He gave himself a quick wash and dressed in fresh jeans, pulling on a plain white t-shirt along with his black boots. He grabbed his phone, wallet and keys and quickly left the room, racing for the elevator. Thankfully the elevators had a map of the hotel so he could select the correct floor.
He couldn't lie about being nervous. His whole career could be over at the conclusion of this meeting, but he couldn't put the blame on Quinn. He chose to act as he did in the situation, Quinn had tried to stop him by putting herself between him and the asshole.
Jon exited the elevator and spotted the room a bit down the hall. He walked to the door and knocked twice before entering. In the room was Vince, Shane and a few other head people from the WWE headquarters.
"Thank you for coming so quickly," said Vince before gesturing to the seat at the table, "Please sit down."
Jon walked over and quickly sat down and looked at the people around the room.
"Obviously you know why you are here," said Vince, "Last night was quite eventful for… well a lot of people."
"Look," said Jon leaning forward in his seat, "I know I fucked up big time. I-I wasn't thinking clearly and just reacted – I know I did wrong. I take full responsibility for my actions. I just ask that you please don't punish Quinn. I know taking a second chance on her was a big risk – a risk I thank you for taking. Quinn has proven herself. She is always on time for shows, she gives it her all every damn time she steps into that ring and the fans love her already. Quinn doesn't deserve to be punished or have her contract ended. Whatever punishment you want to send her way, please just let me take it for her."
Silence filled the room as the officials all looked at each other with interest.
"Interesting," said Vince shifting in his seat, "Do you want to know why?"
"Sure," nodded Jon.
"Quinn said the exact same thing to me last night. She doesn't want you to be punished – she said she would take any punishment. Her reasoning was because you are one of our top billing superstars and a big draw card, that the fans love you whereas they wouldn't miss her due to her being so new to the roster."
Jon sat back in his seat, stunned. He looked at Vince silently for a few moments before speaking, "She did?"
Vince nodded, "I'm going to tell you what I told Quinn. The only person at fault is the person who assaulted Quinn. Their actions led to the situation on our hands today. It was a situation emotionally fuelled and quite honestly were I in your situation I would have reacted the same. In fact, I doubt there is a person in this room who could claim they would have reacted any differently to the way you did."
Jon wasn't game to nod or speak. He remained silent waiting for Vince or someone else to speak.
"With that said there will be no punishment of any kind. This situation is a unique one. We all understand your actions and the depth of the emotional and physical damage done."
Jon looked at Vince silently. He wasn't entirely sure he had heard correctly, "No punishment? W-what about Quinn?"
"She will be resting until Survivor Series. Her head came back clear of concussion amazingly and her ribs are bruised."
"But no punishment?"
"No punishment."
Present – Tampa, FL
"I'm fine, Han. Honestly, all I am doing is starting to pack some boxes so I can move back to Dayton," said Quinn with her phone propped between her shoulder and face, "And before you start yelling at me, you hormonal woman, I am packing slowly and not overdoing it just like my doctor said. Okay?"
Hanna sighed, "Well fine. Not much I can do but yell at you over the phone. I wish Saraya was there to keep you in line."
"She's with Alberto and his kids. I can't keep her with me twenty-four seven. Have you told Mum and Dad about the pregnancy and divorce yet?"
"No. I think they know somethings up but they are icing me out because I keep supporting you."
"Han… they are our parents. I don't want you to lose them because of me. You've done so much for me as it is. I can't let you lose Mum and Dad as well."
"Quinnie, you are my baby sister. You have been my rock as well – especially lately with Freddie and this pregnancy. I will always pick you over our parents. They need to eject their heads from their asshole's and step up and be the parents they signed on to be when we were both born."
"Listen to the Mumma bear coming out in you."
Hanna laughed, "You better watch yourself, missy!"
Quinn laughed with Hanna, "I better go. I'll chat with you later, okay?"
"Of course. Miss you, Qunnie."
"Miss you too, Han."
Quinn ended the call and slipped her phone into her pocket. She placed the boxes down by her front door and fished her keys from her jacket pocket so she could unlock her door. Quinn slid the key in and unlocked the screen door, propped it open and unlocked her wooden door. She pushed it open and turned to grab her boxes only they were being held up by Jon.
"Hi," he said softly.
"Err… hi. I can take those," said Quinn reaching out for them.
Jon stepped back and shook his head, "You should be resting."
Quinn sighed and stepped back, holding the screen door open so Jon could carry the boxes into her small unit. He placed them leaning against the back of her couch and turned to face Quinn as she shut the screen door and dropped her keys on the side table.
"So… I just wanted to say that I heard what you said to Vince," said Jon calmly, "And I just want to say thank you."
Quinn nodded, "It was only the truth. You shouldn't be punished because of my actions."
"Your actions? Quinn, you did the best you could do at the time. I understand everything now… it all makes perfect sense."
Quinn didn't respond and instead rifled through a plastic bag on the lounge against the wall and pulled out rolls of tape. She grabbed a box and set about getting it ready to begin packing her items.
"Quinn… ignoring me won't make me leave."
"You could have just called me. You really should be home in Vegas with Renee – your girlfriend," replied Quinn as she smoothed the tape over the bottom of the box and flipped it up the right way.
"I don't even know what Renee and I are… on break I guess?" sighed Jon, "She doesn't want to be around me until she knows what she wants to do."
Quinn said nothing and moved to her DVD shelf and began packing them into the box, five at a time.
"Why did you say you would take any punishment for me?" asked Jon curiously.
Quinn spoke as she continued packing, "Because it was the right thing to do."
"Is that all?"
Quinn hesitated before answering, "Yes."
Jon frowned, picking up on the hesitation. He knew it was a dangerous game but he wanted the full truth from Quinn so he decided to press her for more, "Really?"
Quinn nodded, kneeling to get the lower DVDs, stacking them into a pile so she should gather them up in one go.
"I don't believe you."
"That's your choice."
"You hesitated."
"And?"
"That means you are hiding something."
"Or I was pausing to take a breath. People do that you know."
Jon sighed, "Quinn."
"Jon," retorted Quinn as she slipped the stack of DVD's into the box, "Wow, we know each other's names. Geniuses in the house."
"You're being evasive, Quinn. That only deepens my suspicion you are hiding something from me," said Jon as he walked around the lounge, closer to where Quinn was, "And makes me more determined to find out the truth."
Quinn turned to look at Jon, stepping back with a start when she saw he was right beside her. Quinn stepped back slightly and nervously licked her lips before looking back at the box. It was nearly full of just her DVD collection – something she was rather proud of.
"Well?"
"I've told you the truth," said Quinn as she put the last DVD's in and closed the lid, taping it down.
Jon held back a sigh as Quinn moved past him to grab a black marker to write the contents on the box with the room it goes in – DVD's Living Room.
"Well I am going to guess and you can tell me if I am wrong or right. How does that sound?"
Quinn sighed as she moved the box to the side of the room and set up another box, "Fine. Whatever tickles your fancy. But while you're guessing, make yourself helpful and get the other boxes set up please."
Jon smirked when Quinn wasn't looking and did as she asked, "So… my first guess is you offered to take the punishment because you still have feelings for me."
Quinn said nothing as she moved on to packing her books into the box.
"Hmm… no response makes me think I am on the right track," said Jon, "You… you were terrified at the thought of my dream being brought down and that thought scared you."
Again Quinn said nothing as more books were put into her box.
"You were scared because you don't just have feelings for me… you miss me… you miss the feel of my hands on your skin… my lips against yours… you miss what we had… you're silent right now because everything I am saying," said Jon as he stood behind Quinn who was standing by the bookcase, one hand gripping the shelf tightly as she bit her lower lip, "Because as much as you deny it to yourself and to me… you still love me, just like I still love you."
Quinn slowly turned around, letting go of the bookshelf as she did. She looked at Jon silently as he stepped closer, one hand moving to rest on her hip and the other cupping the side of her face.
"What about Renee?" whispered Quinn, almost cursing herself for speaking.
Jon shook his head, his thumb running across Quinn's bottom lip, "For once just… just feel and don't overthink everything."
Quinn looked at Jon for another moment before she gave into her desires and pulled him closer, their lips connecting in a kiss full of fiery passion. Jon pushed Quinn up against the bookcase, his hands sliding beneath her tank top. A gasp escaped Quinn at the feel of his hands on her skin only this time she didn't let reality pull her back, instead she gripped at Jon's shoulders, letting his tongue dance with her own.
"I've missed this feeling," said Jon pulling back to look at Quinn, "No one makes me feel like this… the way you do when you kiss me or touch me, Quinn."
Quinn threaded her fingers into the hair at the nape of Jon's neck and smiled at him, the beautiful, heart-warming smile she would only ever give him all those years ago. Jon simply leaned in and kissed her again, reigniting the burning passion between them. He lifted Quinn up, with her lifting her legs up. Jon moved them from the bookcase to against the nearest wall, his hands sliding Quinn's shirt up, pulling it off quickly. Quinn yanked at Jon's top, wanting to feel his warm skin on hers. Jon chuckled at her impatience and helped with the removal of his shirt. Quinn grinned, sliding her hands over his chest and stomach, before a moan slipped from her when Jon leaned in, pressing his body against hers as he trailed his lips down her neckline…
Quinn woke to a warm body pressed against hers, their arm across her waist and their hand tangled with hers. Quinn let out a content sigh. It felt so right, so completely natural to wake up like this, like nothing had happened between them in the last four years. It was like reuniting with a part of her that had been missing for so long.
Quinn carefully removed her hand from Jon's and rolled over to face him. She traced her finger along the side of his face. She couldn't deny how much she had missed him, longed for him until he said it to her himself. There had been no one since Jon – she couldn't bring herself to trust anyone other than Jon.
"Hmm… you're the only one I let do that, you know?" murmured Jon as he pulled Quinn's body closer against his.
"So I should consider myself lucky," chuckled Quinn.
Jon opened his eyes with a grin, "Definitely."
Quinn smiled and pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips, "I need to use the bathroom and eat. I am starving."
Jon groaned as Quinn pulled herself from his hold and climbed out of the bed, pulling on a long shirt and her panties. Jon rolled onto his back as Quinn left the room and sighed. He slowly sat up and reached for his clothes, pulling his phone from his pocket to see the screen light up with missed calls. All of them from Renee.
A/N: And there you go... ssssoooo... what happens next? Review and I'll update quicker!