Chapter Nine: WWE Raw 8/26/24
Providence, RI
Damian pulled on a Rhea Bloody Ripley tee with the ripped-off sleeves. He watched LWO vs Judgment Day on the locker room monitor, knowing he was coming out if his former faction caused any shit… which, of course, they would. And they did. Damian stormed through the backstage maze and stepped onto the stage.
THIS IS MY BRUTALITY!
He furrowed his brow, convinced that the roadies botched his intro. But sure enough, Rhea was there. The Terror Twins were in lock-step, pulling off their vests at the same time and racing for the ring. He went to the right, punching Carlito in the face. Finn tried to clock him, and Damian hooked him too. That left Dom standing on the top rope, gawking awkwardly at him.
Damian couldn't help but smile. He ascended the steps. Dom hopped off the rope and staggered into Rhea. He immediately backed up with hands up in surrender. Damian stood on the apron on the other side of the ropes. Rhea had this. He knew she did. And the more he left her to do her thing without getting involved, the better it would be for her.
Then Liv came flying into the ring, jumping onto Rhea's back. Shit! Nothing he could really do about that… except climb through the ropes and clock Dom. The others clambered into the ring. JD came at him first. Damian grabbed hold and pounded JD into the corner. Carlito tried to break it up but to no avail. He clotheslined Carlito, at pretty much the same time Rhea clotheslined JD.
They walked to the edge of the ring, staring down Dom, Finn, and Liv as the crow cheered. He yelled at Judgment Day, more focused on his hand touching the small of Rhea's back. She gazed into his eyes.
Gesturing toward JD and Carlito, Damian breathed, "Let's finish this." Rhea nodded.
Damian grabbed Carlito by the throat while Rhea manhandled JD. They paused, their eyes locking again before slamming their victims to the mat in twin chokeholds. They turned back to the edge of the ring to face the other three. Rhea didn't look at him this time, instead slipping under the ropes to taunt Judgment Day. He gave her that space. But when she came back, he slung an arm around her. He felt her heavy breath.
He only ever felt redeemable and whole when he was with her. Like an angel fallen for a mortal being, she had the courage and drive to stand before God and plea for his salvation and entrance into heaven - and have her prayers answered.
Rhea didn't say a word as they headed backstage. Something was seriously wrong.
Damian reached out and touched Rhea's shoulder. "Are you all right?"
Breath escaped out her nose, and her inhale hitched. She broke out in tears and shook her head.
That was all it took for Damian to steal another moment with her, scooping her into his arms. Her breath slowed and evened as he rubbed her back and drew her to him. There was no denying the sanctuary they both had in one another's arms…
Until she had to go. Then Damian told himself again that this had to stop. But how could it when they had a mixed tag team match in just a few days?