a/n: Hi all! It's been a while since I've started a new story and wanted to try getting something out and get back into writing again. I've been rewatching One Tree Hill and was inspired to write something loosely based on Nathan, Haley and Lucas from Season 1. I felt like the current feud between Punk and Seth would fit this dynamic. Seth is loosely based on Lucas, Punk is loosely based on Nathan and the OC in this story, Audrey is loosely based on Haley. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 1: Shadow

Audrey James' sneakers made a soft thud against the gymnasium floor as she stepped inside, her eyes scanning the rows of wrestling mats and the familiar hum of conversations bouncing off the walls. It was another independent wrestling event in Chicago—not the biggest stage, but one filled with opportunities. She adjusted her jacket, clutching a water bottle in one hand and her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. It was a small, bustling scene, and yet, it felt like home.

Audrey was no stranger to this life. She'd been part of it for years, finding her way through the chaos with determination and grit. Growing up without her parents had forced her to grow up fast, but she had been lucky—she'd found a new home and second family with the Rollins'. Seth Rollins had been her constant, her rock, ever since his parents took her in as a teenager. Their bond was unshakable, forged through years of shared struggles and triumphs. If Seth was the brother she'd never had, then wrestling was the passion they shared like oxygen.

Making her way further into the gym, she spotted him immediately. Seth stood near the ring, his dark hair pulled back into his usual man bun, arms crossed over his chest as he discussed strategy for his match with tonight's opponent. Upon hearing movement, he looked over and saw Audrey walking toward him, a smirk on his face as she took the last couple of steps toward him.

"Late as usual, huh?" Seth said as he teased her by looking at his watch.

Audrey rolled her eyes, setting her bag down. "I'm not late. You're just always early."

Seth chuckled, stepping forward to pull her into a quick side hug. "Sure, we'll go with that. You ready for tonight?"

"Always," she replied, though her eyes looked around the room as a number of talent continued to set up for tonight's show. "Any idea what the crowd's going to be like?"

"Packed," Seth replied with a smile. "And your match is going to be first, so you know, don't screw it up." He teased.

Audrey scoffed, punching him lightly on the arm. "Whatever, like you could ever do better." she rolled her eyes playfully.

Before they could continue their playful banter, a voice cut through the room. "Well, well, look who decided to show up."

Audrey didn't have to turn to recognize that voice, as a matter of fact, her eyes rolled again automatically and her expression hardened when she finally turned to face their new companion; CM Punk. He stood leaning against a turnbuckle, his signature cocky grin firmly in place as he stood by with his friends, Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. Punk was a wildcard, an undeniable talent with a reputation for getting under people's skin. And he seemed to have a knack for clashing with Seth and took every chance he could to bother Seth. There was no reason, he just genuinely had something against Seth and it was something Seth nor Audrey could understand. To Audrey, it seemed like this was his kink.

"Punk," Seth said, his tone flat as he ignored Mox and Bryan. "I'm surprised you're still around. figured you'd run your mouth too much and get kicked out by now."

Punk shrugged, completely unfazed. "That would never happen, I'm the best in the room and this promotion, Rollins. Someone's gotta set the bar and it certainly won't be you."

Audrey couldn't help but to let out another scoff and then her eyes narrowed as Punk's gaze shifted over to her. He tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he saw the somewhat familiar face. "Is this your little sister, Seth? I didn't know we allowed children to hang around here now."

Mox let out a chuckle, "Nah man, this is Seth's shadow. Remember? His little friend, Audrey?"

Punk looked her over and then nodded, "Oh right, the best friend; Audrey James. Still doesn't explain why a child is here." He smirked.

She crossed her arms, unfazed by his jab. "Funny I could say the same thing. You're Punk right? The guy who compensates for his insecurities by being a pain in everyone's ass."

Seth let out a laugh, but Punk's smirk only deepened as he kept his eyes on her. "Feisty. I like it."

"Back off, Punk," Seth warned, stepping slightly in front of Audrey, a slight annoyance to her but she'd let it slide. Punk raised his hands in mock surrender but didn't take his eyes off her.

"Relax, Rollins. I'm just having fun and saying hi," Punk said. "Though I have to admit, I'm curious, what exactly do you see in this guy?" He gestured at Seth, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Audrey's lips curled into a smirk of her own. "A lot more than I see in you."

The tension between the three of them was palpable, but before it could escalate, the promoter called out for Audrey to get ready. She turned on her heel, giving Punk, Mox and Daniel one last glare before heading toward the locker room.

"She's got more bite than you, Seth. I'm impressed." Punk said as she walked away.

Seth shook his head, his jaw clenched. "Stay away from her, Punk. I'm serious."

Punk's smile faded slightly, and for a brief moment, something unreadable flickered in his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. We'll see, Rollins. We'll see." He said before walking away with Mox and Daniel in tow.

In the locker room, Audrey leaned against the wall, taking a moment to steady herself. Her first match was moments away, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Punk's smug expression. She couldn't figure out what irritated her more; his arrogance or the fact that he'd gotten under her skin so quickly.

Shaking her head, she pushed the thought aside as she finished tying the laces on her boots. This was her time to shine, and she wasn't about to let someone like Punk distract her. After finishing lacing up her boots and adjusting her elbow pads, she took a deep breath and stepped out toward the ring, ready to prove herself to the fans in attendance.

But, unknown to her, Punk was watching from the corner of the gym, his eyes locked on her every move. The cocky grin had fallen away, replaced by a deeper, more thoughtful expression. Audrey was different; she intrigued him in a way he hadn't anticipated.

He wasn't sure if this was just another game to play, a way to get under Seth's skin by messing with his best friend, or if there was something more to it. The thought of using Audrey to get to Seth appealed to him. Seth had always rubbed him the wrong way with his confidence, or arrogance as Punk felt it was and manipulating the one person who meant the most to him was a tempting option. Punk's lips curled into a slight smirk, but there was no satisfaction in it this time—just an unsettling curiosity.

As Audrey started off her match, Punk's eyes stayed on her, his thoughts continuing to swirl. Was this all a game, or was he in over his head? He wasn't used to this kind of uncertainty. The line between his intentions and his growing intrigue to Audrey was beginning to blur, and for the first time in a long while, he didn't know what his next move would be. But one thing was for certain—he wouldn't back down, not now.

a/n: And there you have the first chapter! Sorry if it's a little short but like I said, I am slowly getting back into writing again. I'll try to make the next chapter a little longer. If you'd like, please leave a review on this chapter and let me know what you think! It'll let me know if I should continue or not. Thank you in advance!