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goldenseresinretriever · 4 months ago

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You Catch More Bees With Honey: Chapter 1

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: Bradley Bradshaw, blindsided by a team he trusted like family has been traded to the San Diego Dogfighters. Across the country from the place he calls home, Bradley feels lost and betrayed. Not to mention the familiar faces and ghosts from his past that he now has to face every day at work. Bradley’s caught between wanting to show his former team the mistake they made in double-crossing him and wondering if it’s time to hang up his skates after one final season. You’re living your dream as the PR representative for the Dogfighters. When Coach Maverick made a bid to bring his godson to the team, you hadn’t batted an eye. Bradley was a good teammate, and a good player. Unfortunately, the Bradley that shows up in San Diego is nothing like your research suggested. He’s moody, irritable, aggressive, and angry, throwing a wrench in all your careful planning. What’s caused such a drastic change in him? And can you figure out how to help him before he makes a mistake you can’t fix?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, dead parents, drunkenness, alcohol consumption, violence, sports violence, blood probably, angst, fluff, eventual smut, age gap (28 and 38), enemies to lovers, suggestive language, hockey inaccuracies etc. There will be individual chapter warnings. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 3.5k

A/N: This is a repost of my completed series, You Catch More Bees With Honey. It was originally posted in November-March 2023, and was lost when my blog was deleted.

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

“BRADLEY! BRADSHAW!” The flush that started on Cyclone’s neck has crept up to encompass his whole face much like a glass filling with fruit punch. You fight the urge to check your phone for the time. He might actually break his record for the longest screaming session yet and there’s a pool in the staff room riding on it that would definitely cover those new heels you’d been eyeing. Next to you, Dare Mitchell, the head coach of the San Diego Dogfighters as of last month, blatantly checks her watch and if you weren’t already enamored with everything this woman did, you definitely were now.

Cyclone’s still yelling, but the two of you stopped listening a long time ago it seems as Dare stands before looking down at you. “Come on Zam, let’s go.” If you weren’t so good at maintaining a poker face you think your jaw might have dropped. You get to your feet and follow Dare as she marches towards the door of Cyclone’s office and he finally pauses his tirade and you glance at your phone. New record indeed. “I am NOT finished!” He snaps and Dare turns in the doorway to face him coolly.

“Beau you were finished the minute this stopped being a conversation. When you’re ready to resume said conversation, you know where to find us.” She doesn’t wait for him to respond before turning on her heel and walking off down the hallway and you’re right behind her. When the elevator doors finally close behind the two of you, you feel the obligation to say SOMETHING. In your few months in San Diego, you haven’t met a lot of people with the balls to stand up to Beau Simpson. Until recently, the list began and ended with the Dogfighters’s Captain, Jake Seresin. Admittedly it only extended to when Cyclone was threatening his now-girlfriend Bugs, the assistant team physician but it was nice to see that at least someone was willing to do something about the man’s unchecked temper.

Now it included Dragon, the new goalie development coach who also happened to be Cyclone’s daughter. When she’d joined the staff, everyone had been apprehensive at best. One Simpson was already tough enough to handle but she’d surprised everyone by being congenial and even fun. She truly became one of the team, however, the day that she placed a crisp hundred dollar bill into the betting pool against her father’s temper. While Cyclone was a storm with no eye, Dragon was an eye that only seemed to blow into a storm when she stood toe to toe with her father. At least that was the word through the grapevine. Bugs had been going to drop off some paperwork in his office last week and said she’d been able to hear their shouting match from the other end of the hallway. Good for her.

The third entry was the woman standing next to you. Dare Mitchell was NHL royalty. She had been the league’s first female assistant coach and then head coach, going on to coach the Pittsburgh Penguins to no short of five Stanley Cup victories. Her nickname, Dare, stands for Definitive Authority on Rink Education, or Referee Ejection depending on who you ask. The fact that you were working alongside her still had you pinching yourself when you walked into work every morning. There’s definitely been a shift in the energy of the team since she took over the Head Coach title from Maverick after Game 3. This is just one of the many side effects and you can’t say you’re not grateful for the change.

There are unpopular whispers that Maverick asked Cyclone for the demotion himself but you know they're probably true. While Pete Mitchell is a talented hockey player, and he’s spent the years since his retirement coaching rec leagues, he’s not exactly on the level of the NHL. Why would he willingly pass the title to someone else, people ask. Well, it probably begins with the fact that she’s his wife. Dare and Pete Mitchell’s marriage is anything but common knowledge. In fact, the only people on the team that know are you, Bugs, Jake, and Maverick’s girlfriend, Penny. Sure they share a last name but Maverick’s been publically dating Penny Benjamin for the last few decades, so no one would even consider that he’s married to someone else entirely. According to Bugs and Jake, Maverick claims they separated amicably, not feeling the need to finalize a divorce but sometimes you see the way Dare stares at him when he’s not looking and wonder if that’s just his version of events.

“Thanks,” you say, awkwardly breaking the silence as the elevator travels back down to the ground floor. You never know how to talk to Dare, the temptation to make a fool of yourself by accidentally letting slip that you’re her biggest fan is a hazard you have to avoid every time you open your mouth. “Not many people are willing to stand up to Cyclone like that.”

She snorts, “It’s hard to take him seriously when every time I look at him, I just see the snot-nosed kid whose lunch money I used to steal.” You feel like you’ve been hit by a truck as you try to imagine Beau Simpson as a snot-nosed kid while also trying to process that Dare has known him for that long and used to steal his lunch money.

“You’ve known him that long?” You stammer as the elevator jolts to a halt and the two of you step out, walking side by side towards your respective offices.

“Beau and I grew up in the same town. We were never really friends but we were acquainted in the way that you know everyone in a town that small.” She shrugs. “He wasn’t always so full of hot air but maybe that’s why he is now. Needless to say, I have zero tolerance for childish tantrums in the workplace, regardless of who’s throwing them, my players or my colleagues.” You nod in agreement as you reach your office door. “And Zam? I think it might be in your best interest to have a word with Bradley Bradshaw.” The corner of her lips is teasing into the faintest hint of a smirk as you roll your eyes.

“You think?” She chuckles at that, before turning to continue to her own office.

Entering your office, you drop into your desk chair, letting out the frustrated groan you’ve been holding back all morning. You pull up Bradley Bradshaw’s profile on your computer and absently think that you should update the photo you have to his official Dogfighters’s headshot because he’s smiling in this photo and you’re pretty sure in the three months that you’ve known him, you’ve never seen him smile let alone show any expression of joy or even happiness. You jot down a note on your pink sticky note pad to update player photos. Heaving a huge sigh, you open the team portal and put in a request for a meeting with Bradley. One of the coaches will send him your way when he has a moment so in the meantime you read over his profile yet again. When Maverick first entertained the idea of trading for Bradley you hadn’t really batted an eye, even considering him a decent pick, all things considered, but now you wish you’d pushed back that day in the conference room because this man has been the beginning and end of all your problems ever since the season started. Sure you have other problems that you’re juggling. Despite your best efforts, Javy Machado continues to sleep with anything with tits, but right now it’s the least of your worries. You’re more concerned with the fact that Bradley Bradshaw’s almost spent more time in the penalty box this season than the rest of the team combined. He’s been irritable, to say the least, and while he used to play the role of enforcer more often, preferring to retaliate than provoke, ever since coming to San Diego he’s done nothing but pick fights on the ice. To the point that Cyclone’s yelling at you and Dare about it instead of Bradshaw himself. Dare because she’s his coach. You because this is doing disastrous things for the team’s reputation. Just because “fighter” is in the team name doesn’t mean it needs to be taken literally, apparently.

You don’t get it. Maverick asked for Bradley specifically, and he’s his godfather, you’d think Bradley would be ecstatic to be here. After all, his father died when he was just a kid. You’d assume that he and Maverick are close. You wonder if Dare knows anything about it. If things get dire enough you may have to ask her, even if she doesn’t know that you know about her and Maverick. Sighing, you click away from Bradley’s profile as you move on to other work while you wait for him to show, sparing a glance at the clock on the wall before picking up your phone to text the group chat labeled Cyclone Relief Fund. “19 minutes,” followed by a partying emoji. Mama’s getting a new pair of heels.

~~~~~

It’s a little after noon when there’s finally a knock on your door. You call for the knocker to enter and Bradley Bradshaw opens the door, taking a seat across from your desk. You fight an amused chuckle at the way his giant body dwarfs the petite pink armchair across from you. You have a feeling he won’t find it as funny as you do. He’s wearing a black Dogfighters’s tee that’s gripping his muscular arms for dear life over sweats, his curly hair still damp from the showers.

His whisky eyes are studying the space around you with curiosity mixed with thinly veiled disgust. You try to see it through his eyes. The boring white walls have been meticulously covered with adhesive wallpaper in a soft baby pink. Hanging on them is a carefully curated collection of art prints in matching white frames. Floating shelves on the wall are decorated with various tchotchkes in various shades of pink and white. A bright pink shag rug sits under your white wood desk, housing the pink faux leather desk chair you’re seated in and the plush pink armchair that Bradley’s spilling out of.

“Something wrong?” You ask when it’s been too long with him just blatantly ogling your decor.

“This looks like Barbie’s dream house.” He states, unamused, as his eyes come back to you.

“Actually I was going for more of an office or career Barbie than Malibu but it was probably on the vision board too.” You say, turning to your computer as you pull up the folder of articles that Cyclone sent you this morning. “Glad you like it.”

“I don’t.” His voice is flat and you peer up at him over the top of your screen. Your eyebrow twitches with annoyance at his blunt rudeness.

“Well if I ever get a suggestion box, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know, Bradshaw.” You snip as you turn the screen you’re looking at so that Bradley can see it. “So I think you can guess what you’re here to talk about. In the last fifteen games you’ve played, you’ve spent more time in the penalty box than any other player.”

He arches a dark brown eyebrow, “Hockey is a contact sport, honey.” Your eyebrow twitches again at the nickname.

“I’m sure the occasional bump is considered contact but throwing down your gloves to punch your opponent in the nose has very little to do with puck handling don’t you think?” Your voice is civil, and reasonable, as you pull up the video of Bradley’s fist making contact with the face of the Jets’s defenseman. That had handed him a five-minute major penalty for fighting.

“You’re not on the ice. Sometimes they’re asking for it.” You say a silent prayer for patience.

“You realize that you can get suspended for this right? You’re lucky you only have one instigator penalty so far out of all those fighting penalties.”

“I know that, honey. Three instigators earn you a two-game suspension, and it increases after that. I’ve read the rules.” You clench your jaw at how nonchalant he’s being about this. He’s got a smorgasbord of minor penalties, a couple of majors for general fighting, and one blatant instigator penalty. He’s on thin ice, pun intended.

“Regardless of the official NHL rules, what are you going to do if your coaches decide to bench you?” You raise an eyebrow at him and watch as he stiffens. It seems you’re finally a move ahead of him. You like it. “And given that Cyclone just yelled at me and Dare over the state of your performance? I’d say it’s bound to happen sooner rather than later.” His fists clench in his lap, but he doesn’t say anything. You decide to plow ahead while he’s not fighting every word coming out of your mouth.

“While your performance on the ice isn’t my department, how it reflects on the team is. Currently media outlets are describing you as a loose cannon and bordering on a danger to other players. If this keeps up, the team could be forced to bench you indefinitely or even let you go completely.” You purse your lips in a thin line. “I’m doing what I can in terms of damage control but we have to work together here. I can’t promise that you’re working on it if we don’t see any actual change.”

He snorts at that, sitting back as best he can. “You want some advice, honey? Stay out of it. It’s none of your business.” You clench a fist in your lap. WHY DOES HE INSIST ON FIGHTING YOU?

“Actually, it is. This is my JOB, Bradshaw. Just because you don’t feel like doing yours doesn’t mean I’m going to follow suit just because you want me to.” His honey eyes flash with warning but you don’t back down, meeting them with yours, steel in your gaze. “I didn’t get this job by letting people like you walk all over me, Bradshaw and I don’t intend on starting now.” Your fingers fly over the keyboard and you pull up some paparazzi photos from the last few weeks. “You’re getting drunk and causing trouble in public,” you click through photos of an intoxicated Bradley leaving a bar and getting into a shoving match with some guy. You sigh, fighting the urge to pinch your nose as a dull throbbing takes up residence in your temples.

Bradley just gives you a cold look. “What? So a man can’t go to a bar and have a drink anymore?” The throbbing intensifies and you fantasize about launching yourself over your desk and wrapping your perfectly manicured hands around his enormous neck.

“Look,” your voice is pure ice to hide the vitriol threatening to take over, “if you’re not going to change your behavior, at least do me a favor and be a train wreck in private from now on.” You could hear a pin drop as you barely hold back from spitting the words at Bradley. The two of you glare at each other, the white expanse of your desk a no-man’s-land between the wars in your eyes. “You’re free to go.” Your voice is the exact opposite of your face. It’s prim, proper, congenial. It matches the rest of your persona. Your bright butter-yellow suit makes you look like sunshine incarnate even as you burn underneath with the fury of a thousand suns. Bradley’s still glaring at you as he extricates himself from the armchair and stalks out the door without another word, letting the door slam behind him. You want to scream but the walls in the place are far too thin, so you do the next best thing, launching yourself out of your chair not bothering to push it back as you storm out of your office.

***

You barge into Bugs’s office and she looks up from whatever chart she’s currently perusing as you grab a handful of gummy bears from her candy dish and throw yourself into the chair across from her. She raises a single eyebrow at you but doesn’t say anything as you aggressively chew the green confections.

“I’d think you’d be happier since you just won the betting pool but what’s up?” She says finally when it’s obvious that you won’t be volunteering any information.

“Bradley. Bradshaw.” You spit as you pop another gummy bear into your mouth and her eyes soften in

understanding even as her mouth tightens into a tense line. You know she knows what you’re talking about, especially since she’s been the one patching him up. “Cyclone asked me to do something about him because he’s dragging the team through the mud, and you know what he said? He told me to stay out of it! As if this isn’t MY JOB! He doesn’t care about his reputation, he doesn’t care if he doesn’t get to play, I don’t get it! What’s got his panties in such a twist!” You’re fuming as you continue to shred through gummy bears. “This is an amazing opportunity! Why is he so eager to throw it away?”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to be here?” Bugs asks, brows furrowed in thought. “He did exclusively play for the Flyers for the last sixteen years.” You shake your head.

“That doesn’t make any sense. The Flyers have been trying to pawn him off to the highest bidder for the better part of the last two seasons.” Bugs’s eyes raise in surprise and you shrug. “He’s getting old and they would much rather have a good draft pick for rookie talent. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks and all that. At least that’s what their manager told me. When Maverick asked them for a trade they practically threw him at us, they couldn’t believe their luck.”

“Maverick asked to trade for Bradley?” She asks, confused. “Isn’t it usually the manager’s job to do that?”

You nod. “Normally, yeah, but Maverick asked for Bradley himself. Apparently, he’s his godson.” Bugs’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Bradley is Mav’s GODSON?!” You nod.

“It makes sense actually, given that he’s Nick Bradshaw’s son and all.” You watch the realization hit Bugs’s face.

“Oh my god, I never put it together.” She whispers. You can’t blame her. Bradshaw is a common enough last name and no one’s first instinct is to tie someone to a tragedy as well known as that of Nick “Goose” Bradshaw.

Nick “Goose” Bradshaw played for the Philadelphia Flyers back in the 80s, at the same time as Maverick. The two were best friends, inseparable on and off the ice. Nick Bradshaw got his nickname, Goose, because he was always sticking his neck out for Maverick and it ended in one of the most infamous hockey tragedies in NHL history.

While hockey is one of the most violent of the contact sports, it’s highly regulated to ensure that fatal injuries don’t occur due to fighting, but every now and then something slips through the cracks and that’s what happened in the case of Goose Bradshaw. Maverick got into an altercation on the ice and when another player tried to get involved, Goose tried to interfere to keep the numbers even, which resulted in him losing his helmet in the fray and being thrown into the boards, hitting his head. While the physician on duty deemed that Goose was fine, he sat out the rest of the game. Two days later he died of a brain hemorrhage, widowing his wife Carole and leaving his two-year-old son, Bradley Bradshaw, fatherless. The Bradshaw family disappeared from the public eye until Bradley caught the media’s attention when he joined the Penn State Nittany Lions in college as a left winger, following in his late father’s footsteps.

“So you’d think he’d be happy to be here, with Maverick.” You muse and Bugs nods, still frowning.

“Family doesn’t always get along, though,” she says with a shrug. You know she’s close with hers and you’re as close as you can be with yours. “But still why would he throw his whole career away like this? It doesn’t make sense.” She’s right, it doesn’t and so you’re left to ponder the enigma that is Bradley Bradshaw.

***

You’re still thinking about it as you get ready to leave for the night. Unsurprisingly, you’re the only one left. The sky has long since darkened outside, but you’re married to your job. You need to do the best you can to keep Cyclone off your back for long enough for Bradley to figure his shit out. You step into the arena proper, the lights are on as the Zamboni drives around, cleaning up the ice after practice so it’ll be perfect tomorrow morning. You gaze at the rink as the machine drives back and forth across the surface and your heart aches. A part of you longs to step back out onto the smooth surface and feel the cool air radiating off the rink kiss your cheeks just one more time. You aren’t sure when the tears filled your eyes but you blink them out as you whisper. “I miss you, Mom. I wish you were here. I wish you could see this. I’m in California now, and it’s so different from home, but you were right. As long as there’s ice, it’s not that different after all.”

#san diego dogfighters au #San Diego dogfighters #San Diego dogfighters hockey au #you catch more bees with honey // goldenseresinretriever #ycmbwh // goldenseresinretriever #bradley rooster bradshaw x you #bradley bradshaw x you #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw #rooster x you #rooster x reader #top gun maverick hockey au #top gun maverick #top gun #TGM #no use of y/n

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handsblccdy · 3 months ago

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CAMERON MILLER : is the twenty-seven year old survivor that joined the crescent apartments safezone six months ago. when the infected swarmed the streets the first night, cammy managed to survive on their own because of how quick-witted + resourceful they were. however, when they joined up with the group, it became clear just how blunt + mistrustful they are too. now, they've established themselves as a scavenger within the group, thriving at the job because of their being good at finding things and her bow and arrow.

full name: cameron marie miller nickname(s): cam, cammy pet name(s): cameleon (brother only) gender: female age: 27 sexual orientation: homosexual, homoromantic birthplace: san francisco, california occupation: scavenger

- cameron was on a trip in san diego with her family when the outbreak happened, but the infection took her mother early on and she was forced to kill her father a few weeks later when he agreed to trade her and her younger brother to bandits to keep their supplies. from then on, it was just the two of them as they attempted to trek back home on foot after her brother lost the car keys. it had taken many weeks, but they finally managed to make it to san francisco in one piece. until they were separated by a horde of infected only a few days after arriving. it’s been a month since then, but cameron hasn’t stopped looking for her brother and returned to crescent apartment because it was her home before the outbreak. she's owned the apartment for six months but technically has only been home for a month.

- despite living in crescent where she can have a permanent place to lay her head and food that’s within reach, cameron learned on the journey home that she prefers being on the outside and searching for whatever she needs to survive. she loves to challenge herself when she’s out there to push past her limits to prevent her from getting soft. she often leaves because of this and to continue searching for signs of her brother, which can keep her away from the community for days on end. however, she usually tries to return with places to scavenge or supplies to make up for her time away.

- she doesn’t mind being around the infected and fears them much less than most humans. however, cameron’s aware that they’re extremely dangerous and does her best to avoid them as much as she can when she’s on the outside. she just feels that they’re truer to their nature and more predictable than humans are. since all they can do is kill her, she feels that’s a kinder fate than what she knows other humans do to each other.

- cameron’s very independent and doesn’t like asking other people for help often. while she’ll do it if she absolutely must since she knows not everything can be done by herself, most times she prefers to deal with whatever problem she has on her own unless she absolutely trusts someone. however, she doesn’t let this get in the way when it comes to her job. she’s more than capable of working together with others if she needs too, whether on a supply run or helping around the apartment building.

- she’s never seen without her dog, danger. he’s a large german shepard that she adopted a couple years ago, and he has been her loyal companion since then. with him being all she has left, cameron is very protective of him and only trusts those who have earned hers with him. these feelings are mutual for danger. he’s become far more aggressive towards strangers and won’t hesitate to attack if cameron is threatened. however, he’s very friendly, gentle, and lovable to familiar faces and those who cameron trusts. he also accompanies her on the outside, assisting her in finding her brother, killing infected, or finding new items on supply runs.

- she tends to be blunt and finds sugarcoating the truth to be disrespectful as well as insulting. cameron prefers to be brutally honest with others and hopes they do the same since she believes honesty is the best policy. unfortunately, she doesn’t realize her words hurt sometimes because she’s still learning to readjust to socializing after all the trauma she’s suffered. most times she’ll have no problem apologizing if it’s brought to her attention that she’s hurt someone unless she feels they deserved it.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

her younger brother

people patient enough to get closer to her

someone(s) who earned her trust already

an eventual adopted family

#calamitys.intro

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loversfms · 2 months ago

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[ … ] ❀ you’re not from around here , are you ? i figured because you totally just missed winona morris walking by. don’t tell me you don’t know who she is ? they kind of look like fivel stewart and i could be wrong but i think that they might be twenty-eight years old right now. they’ve been living in palmview for the last two years. and i don’t know if anyone has ever told them this before but they kind of remind me of beth march from little women. if you stick around the town long enough you might catch them in action working at fleurist as the owner / florist. you see this town isn’t really that big of a place, some folks like to call them the green thumb of palmview! they took a liking to the name too after a while, go figure. oh crap, they must have heard me yapping. they’re coming this way. i got to warn you though, rumor has it they can pretty worrisome at times. i wouldn’t take it too seriously though, from the times i’ve spoken to them they seemed pretty disciplined to me. we see each other all the time since they live in that one bedroom apartment beside me over in seaglass heights. i better leave you to it. it was nice meeting you !

STATS:

full name : winona quinn morris nickname(s) : winnie birthplace : san diego, california date of birth : 02 / 28 / 1996 parentage : unknown sibling(s) : ____ morris relationship status : single gender identity : cis woman ( she/her ) sexual orientation : lesbian bisexual faceclaim : fivel stewart

BACKGROUND: ( tw: mentions of neglect, homophobia, anxiety, and depression )

winnie isn’t very sure of her lineage. she knows she was adopted at the age of two, but she has no prior knowledge of her bio family. her adoption was a closed one, and it seemed to be how both parties preferred it.

adopted by jonathan and susanne morris, two prominent lawyers in their area. they had plenty of money and room to share. however, what they had in material items, they lacked in love.

winnie loved her parents fiercely as a young child. she didn’t understand that she and her brother were simply trophies for her family to show off to the public. her and her brother weren’t their children who they loved and adored, they were proof to the public of their generosity and their good-nature.

growing up, winnie spent most of her time with different nannies. she longed to spend time with her parents, and the nannies she’d had were kind enough to keep their opinions on her parents to themselves. they would always assist her in drawing pictures for her mom and dad (that were always met with mild enthusiasm).

it was hard to be a kid in the morris home. expectations were always very strict. any big emotions were met with anger and annoyance rather than love and care. she learned to bottle things up at a very young age. it was just easier. still, it was very difficult for her. she has always been very sensitive, and all she’s ever wanted is to please her parents.

one of her favorite things to do with her nannies was to just be outside. whether it was going for walks or playing at the park, winnie loved every minute of it. she loved seeing the bugs, the animals, and the plants. one thing she always adored were flowers.

she would always want to pick flowers for her mom. her small little bouquets always got her a “how sweet” and a head pat, and winnie would be on cloud nine for hours.

with her love for nature, it’s no surprise that biology and science quickly became her favorite subject. she loved the butterfly unit and watching caterpillars build their cocoons and eventually hatch.

she has always been a bit of a bookworm, and that made it all the easier to be shy. she could easily hide behind her books and not have to talk to other kids. which was for the best, anyway. her parents were very particular about who she could be friends with, so it was best for her to not try to make her own.

which, came as a bit of a blessing as she grew through puberty. all the sleepovers she was forced to attend were good practice for how to talk about boys. learning which ones were considered cute, discovering how you'd want one to treat you... it was just stuff winnie had never thought about. what was there to notice about boys when girls were simply... prettier to look at ?

but, she rationalized her thoughts by saying she was simply appreciative of those around her. how could the trophy daughter of conservative lawyers have feelings for other girls ?

and, once again, it's easier for winnie to be alone. your eyes can't linger too long if there's no one there to look at

however, everything changes when she goes to college and meets veronica lee. they met during orientation, and somehow, winnie just knew she was safe around the other.

their relationship only grew as time went on. they'd connected on multiple levels-- growing up with wealth, but not fitting the role your family wants you to play. it didn't take long for the two of them to become attached at the hip, never seeing one without the other.

until one night, the two came stumbling back to ronnie's dorm after a party ( something only ronnie could convince winnie to go to ). they'd had plenty of sleepovers, had probably shared a bed about a hundred times at this point. but, something within winnie just snapped. she'd lost all her inhibitions and couldn't think outside of that room. not of her role, not of her parents, not of their expectations. it was just winnie and ronnie.

the kiss had changed everything. winnie hadn't expected to feel as much as she did, and she wasn't expecting ronnie to be the one to pull away. that gesture was one that brought reality crashing down. it wasn't right-- this wasn't who winona morris was.

after that, winnie had done all she could to avoid ronnie and her own feelings. she couldn't get in an argument with her parents at the age of twenty. she knew she'd lose. she had nothing to fall back on.

losing ronnie was hard, and winnie soon became a shell of who she was with veronica. empty, hollow, lifeless. she knew college was for experiences, and she had been excited for them. now, she just wanted to do as little as possible and ensure she left with a degree.

and that she did. with a business degree ( something that had disappointed her parents greatly, but even they knew she'd be a terrible lawyer ) in hand, winnie knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. but first, she wanted to get some practice in. she worked as a florist at a few different shops up until she was twenty-five.

everything kind of happened at twenty-five. she'd hit an emotional wall. she was exhausted hiding the person she was, even from herself. she'd been smart enough to work and save her money as she did, because she pretty much went off the grid for three months. she was constantly crying, having anxiety attacks, and she could barely get out of bed. she hated herself and she just wanted to be free.

she's twenty-five when she comes out to her family. as bisexual, because it's easier to stomach and possibly more acceptable. her brother welcomes her with open arms, her parents, not so much. they can't cut her off entirely, seeing as she's still one of their trophies. she appears in family christmas photos, but their communication pretty much ceases to exist. no more financial help, and no more love ( not that there was much to begin with ).

moving to palmview was a fresh start. she'd shed her old self and was ready to welcome the new winona. WINNIE. a name her parents had refused to call her.

she settles herself down, still has some money saved ( and has some help from her brother ) and works to open fleurist. after a year of buying, meeting, planning, and decorating, winnie was pleased to finally be able top open up her own flower shop and to work as a florist.

everything was finally on her terms, and she couldn't have felt more alive.

CONNECTIONS:

uhhhh honestly like .... real friends. people who know winnie and love her <3

failed dates lolllllll my girl has been ever so slowly trying to get out there but .... life is hard. this can be men and women because she's definitely a lesbian but hasn't figured that out yet

loyal customers <3 please and thank uuuuuuu

#yet another essay i fear ....... sorry to everyone #palmviewintro

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asunsetgrace16 · 4 months ago

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✧ 𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗧 ⎥ 𝗢𝗭51

Pairing: Olen Zellweger x fem!actress!reader

Warnings: swearing

Summary: Y/N and Olen are attending the premier for Twisters, her latest movie and this marks the first time they have made a public appearance together.

Notes: First fic for Olen!! This boy holds a special place in my heart. And I changed the timeline for Twisters' release for maximum dramatic effect so the release happens when the hockey season is in full swing = big hockey news coverage.

Word Count: 988

masterlist

Tonight is the first night Olen is joining Y/N on the red carpet. It’s their official “hard launch” event, seeing as they have kept their relationship very quiet. She is an actress, and recently starred in Twisters. She had a supporting role and there are whispers of her being up for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.

Olen and Y/N have been together for a few years now. They first got together in 2022, when Olen was traded from Everett to Kamloops. She lived across the street from Olen’s billet family, and their families had been friends for a long time. They grew close, seeing each other frequently through mutual friends, hockey games, and family events. She was offered her first acting job at the same time Olen was assigned to the San Diego Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks’ farm team, so they moved down together and got an apartment. Now, Olen has had a roaring rookie season in the NHL, and halfway through has 28 points.

Standing in her co-star Daisy’s house in L.A, she is pacing the guest bedroom where she and Olen stayed the night before. Olen is leaning against the wall, watching. He pushes off the wall and walks to her when she lets out an anxious breath.

“Hey, hey, baby. It’s going to be ok. You’ve done this before, you’ll be amazing.” He tells Y/N, gripping her shoulders.

She drops her forehead to his shoulder, and his arms come around her in a loose hug, “I know,” she says, “But this is the first time you are coming with me, and I’m nervous about how people will react because some people are really mean and-”

Olen cuts off her nervous rambling, “I know, I get it. But you have me, and the boys, and your friends who know we are together. We can do this.”

Y/N smiles gratefully, reaching up to kiss Olen. Glen knocks on the door, telling them that it’s time to load up and head out. Y/N grips his hand the whole ride to the premier, wiping the other one nervously on the seat beside her. His thumb strokes the back of her hand in a soothing gesture. The car slows as they line up, and before long, it is their turn.

“Showtime.” Olen grins, kissing her head as the door opens. She can hear the cheers for Daisy and Glen and the others, momentarily pausing when Olen exits the vehicle. Y/N steps out gracefully, taking Olen’s offered hand. He tucks her arm into his and shuts the door. The cameras go wild, shutters moving at the speed of light to capture every angle of the young couple. Y/N smiles, donning the artfully crafted mask of an actress. Olen, meanwhile, is in awe. The Hollywood red carpet is a whole different animal compared to NHL games. The noise, the lights, the people. They follow the line of cast members down the carpet and in front of a small army of reporters. The photographers’ assistants give them directions, telling them where to stop and pose. There is an interview, where the lady asks, “Who is this strapping young man that you’ve brought with you tonight?”

“He’s my boyfriend,” Y/N replies with an ear-to-ear grin on her face, “He plays hockey for Anaheim.” She says more, gushing and raving about Olen’s talents.

“How wonderful, you two make a stunning couple.”

“Thank you.”

After the interview, the stars are corralled and take what must be hundreds of photos while the dates stand off to the side. He looks at Y/N and thinks that this is where she is meant to be. She’s completely in her element, and Olen is filled with so much pride he could burst. He thinks to himself, this must be how Y/N feels when she’s watching me play.

The movie is a smashing success, and the applause when the credits roll is deafening. Y/N dozes on the ride back to Daisy’s, slumped on Olen’s shoulder. He shakes her awake when they arrive, and she moves sleepily to bed. After a quick shower and change of clothes, they are tucked in bed and Y/N is immediately passed out on Olen’s chest. He checks his phone, deciding to go through his texts in the morning, and goes to set it on the nightstand, a news headline catches his eye. He reads through the article, and clicks on another one with a similar headline. Chuckling, he saves the articles to show Y/N in the morning. Getting comfy in bed, Olen gives Y/N a tender kiss on her forehead, before curing his body around hers.

California Romance: See Twisters Star Y/N Y/L/N Launch Relationship with Anaheim Ducks Sensation Olen Zellweger

Watch: Actress Y/N Y/L/N praises boyfriend, Anaheim Ducks Defenseman Olen Zellweger

Red Carpet Man? Olen Zellweger makes red carpet debut with girlfriend, actress Y/N Y/L/N…more on NHL.com

Here’s a new plot for you, Booktok. Pair an NHL defenseman with an up-and-coming actress, in the form of Olen Zellweger of the Anaheim Ducks and Y/N Y/L/N from Twisters.

Dyl: DUDE Dyl: HOLY SHIT HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME THIS Dyl: CALL MEEEE Dyl: WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE WITH THE HOTTEST PERSON IN THAT MOVIE. THAT’S UNFAIR Brandt: jaw is on the floor Brandt: Dude, seriously. how did you get her? she’s too hot for you. I need the deets Beckie: Dude the way you looked at her during the interview was sickening. its already bad enough when you bring her around here, now there’s eternal footage of you in love Beckie: You’re whipped asf Beckie: My sister wants to meet her btw Trevor: Dude your phone must be lit the fuck up Trevor: You made Hollywood news bro, you’re gonna be famous famous

#‣ ✦ ‣ sunset works ＞ fics #‣ ✦ ‣〈 olen zellweger 〉#nhl #anaheim ducks #olen zellweger #olen zellweger x reader #hockey imagine #nhl x reader #olen zellweger imagine #nhl fluff

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delilahcarreno · 9 months ago

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MUSINGS • INTERACTIONS

character name: delilah louise carreño (née wells)

nickname: del, lilah, li, dee, deedee (by her mom)

age & dob: january 6th, 1979 (45)

gender identity & pronouns: female, she/her/hers

sexual orientation & relationship status: bisexual, single (divorced)

residential area: seabrook quarter

occupation: event planner

place of birth: aurora bay, california

length of time in aurora bay: all her life (45 years)

personality traits: + driven, - micromanaging

faceclaim: jessica chastain

FAMILY.

mother: daphne wells

father: august wells (deceased)

siblings: two younger sisters (dolores "louie" wells), two younger brothers (sawyer wells; buddy wells, 28)

(ex)-husband: rafael "rafa" carreño (npc, 45)

children: sophie carreño (23, npc), theodore "theo" carreño (9)

TL;DR.

oldest of five, shouldered with the responsibility of raising her siblings. felt like she never did anything for herself until getting married in a whirlwind romance at nineteen, and having her daughter at twenty one. divorced by twenty five, but with a degree in hospitality, which she put to use by snagging a job as an assistant event coordinator for a event planner in san diego. was almost engaged again a few years later, but panic slept with her ex-husband and got pregnant again, resulting in their son being born. opened her own event planning service in the last five years, and is currently dealing with her father's sudden (to her) death by not dealing with it.

BIO.

tw pregnancy, infidelity, cancer, death

the eldest born of daphne and august wells, two local community activists based out of fisher's cove.

delilah never had a doubt about how much her parents loved each other, or the four other children who were born as a result of that love, but grew up with the unspoken knowledge that their causes always held priority over being present in those children's lives.

they lacked money more than they ever had an abundance of it, and she was often left in charge of her siblings, shouldering most of the household responsibilities in their parent's absence.

did her best for them not to feel that loss--attended dance recitals, shuttled to and from soccer games (on foot or via rollerskates), did her best not to burn birthday morning special pancakes.

if she was going to be the most stable person in their lives, she was going to commit to it, and doing so did not leave delilah much time for herself. she managed to keep her grades up in school, but normal teenage things, such as dating or extracurriculars or going to the mall with her friends, fell by the wayside, if she ever had them at all.

she dreamed of higher education--unsure of for what, exactly, but the one thing she did have for herself were her journals. writing had always been cathartic for her, her journal a soundboard for the thoughts she didn't have anyone to share them with. she toyed with the idea of applying for a few writing programs, most of them out of state...but even if she got in, she knew she'd never be able to afford actually going, nor did she feel she'd be able to leave her siblings that far behind.

so, college was put on the back burner, with the intention of waiting a few years to save up funds and see her siblings through to a place where they could comfortably support themselves.

it was not delilah's intention to fall in love at nineteen, and most definitely not with her high school best friend's ex-boyfriend...but after a three month summer whirlwind of a relationship, she found herself making what felt like the first ever decision for herself when rafael carreño asked to marry her and she said yes.

things didn't exactly slow down after that. pregnant at 20, their daughter, sophie, born at 21...though delilah knew these were the "logical" next step of things, she still wasn't prepared for how fast life seemed to be coming at her.

where she did her best to lean into it, rafael dug his heels in and tried to cling to his youth. feeling unsupported in her role of mother, wife and now college student (first through night classes through aurora bay college, and then online through a larger university for a hospitality degree), they divorced by twenty five.

oddly enough, the divorce only strengthened their relationship, remaining close co-parents, with rafael getting sophie on the weekends.

post graduation, delilah snagged a job with a san diego wedding planning service, where she served as an assistant event coordinator for over fifteen years, putting her years of managing schedules, dealing with tantrums, and even the occasional hair touch up to use.

her life finally seemed to be settling. meeting and falling in love with benjamin hyun should've been the final piece in that...but after finding the engagement ring he'd been planning to propose to her with while ben was away, delilah spiraled. to this day, she couldn't tell you what it was, exactly: the fear of another failed marriage, or just of feeling stuck, but that ring set off a chain of events that ended with her in her ex-husband's bed and a positive pregnancy test a few weeks later.

ben was rightfully heartbroken, and thirteen year old sophie was confused and pissed about why ben was out and her dad was moving back in and they were having another baby but not getting back together.

their son theo was born (early, and after being kept a secret from the rest of delilah's family), and once old enough, rafael moved back out of the home to resume their usual custody agreement.

throwing herself into her work, delilah eventually decided to take what she's learned assisting all those years and start her own event planning service, events by delilah, which is going on it's fifth year of business!

lost her father just this last year to cancer, something she's still in the middle of processing. as far as she knows, it's a secret he kept from everyone but their mom, and so rather than dealing with the grief and her anger she is simply avoiding thinking about it as best as she can.

HEADCANNONS.

despite teaching most of her siblings and both her children how, delilah has never learned how to ride a bike...yet loves a soulcycle, and attends a class twice a week.

cannot cook. it's always been just a necessity and she has never gotten any pleasure out of it; the words what's for dinner? after a long day can and will send her into a tailspin. has (almost) no shame about being a crockpot mom...if there's a crockpot recipe for it, she will find it!

needless to say...is a pta mom but can and will fuck up even a boxed brownie mix, so if you see her buying store bought cupcakes for the bake sale and messing up the frosting a little to look homemade...mind your business

addicted to cigarettes since her teens. easily stopped during both her pregnancies and meant to keep with it, but now she just smokes virginia slims, which she'll insist hardly count anyways if pressed.

before breaking into the hospitality business, delilah's income was initially through babysitting, and more steadily through hairdressing. she had a chair at the salon up until she graduated from college in 2004. still cuts her ex-husband and her both of her children's hair.

dark chocolate fiend, prefers red wine over white, but a vodka martini with an orange twist above all.

insists that she doesn't have a favorite movie because she falls asleep during them, but can and will in her limited free time manage to watch nearly entire seasons worth to catch up on the real housewives (her favorite franchise is beverly hills).

the summer after graduating high school, almost said fuck it and followed the backstreet boys on their backstreet's back tour with a few friends from school who also weren't going to college...went as far as getting her passport, but got cold feet at the last second and stayed behind. she let the passport expire and has never had another need for it since.

as a wedding planner, has witnessed a real life "i, ross, take thee, rachel" moment and will never be able to forget it in her life

kept her married name because she likes having the same last name as her children; thought about changing it before theo, but after he was born she found it easier just to keep it.

has a voicemail from before her dad passed on her phone that she hasn't opened. she doesn't expect it to be profound, or anything that she needs to hear, but to her, for now, not remembering the last thing he said to her somehow hurts less than finding out and being disappointed.

limits theo's screentime but one time he left behind his VR set while he was with his dad for the weekend and she tried it while a little tipsy...has to admit, it's pretty cool (but still won't allow more than an hour a day and only on the weekends)

cannot talk on the phone while driving (even via bluetooth), if you're on the phone with her while she's in the car, the chances of you hearing her curse and say she missed her turn are high

CURRENT CONNECTIONS.

oldest sister of @buddywellls

ex girlfriend/(almost) fiancé of @benj-hyun

was seeing @willxmeyers before she found out she was also planning his (first) wedding

not so equal parts amused and annoyed by/next door neighbor of/frequent joint share-er with @marsmoran

"pleasure doing business with you" in more ways than one @borawinters

smoking big girl smokes with @laureljacobs

father of her nephew @salvadorcavendish

judging their neighbors in a corner at weekend bbqs with @auggievillanueva

parent friends and neighbors with @fletcher-bailey

calls on @joey-madani for her bartending expertise

boss/mentor of @lilynunthapak

her mother's neighbor/occasional handyman @caleb-majhi

WANTED CONNECTIONS.d

to be posted wc: her assistant event coordinator!

'we hooked up but i never heard from you again until oh there you are...with your fiancé here to plan your wedding' (would probably require some more in depth plotting, could be more recent or part of the reason she left her last position?)

current best friend or two

someone who gets her to let loose every once and awhile!

partnered businesses through her company (caterers, florists, music acts, photographers, venues, etc)

former/current clients (focuses in weddings but other events as well!)

people whose hair she used to cut or kiddos she used to babysit in her teens/early twenties!

childhood/high school/family friends/acquaintances

neighbors

high school best friend (would probably require a little more in depth plotting)

parent/pta friends

friends of her daughter

drinking buddies

the occasional one night stand/fling/flirtationship/failed (or not? potentially blind?) date

her other siblings (a shared wc)

@aurorabayaesthetic

#about #aurorabay.intro #tw pregnancy #tw infidelity #tw cancer #tw death

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ovaruling · 1 year ago

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Radiation from nail dryers may damage DNA and cause cancer-causing mutations in human cells, a study has found — and that might have you wondering whether your regular gel mani-pedi is worth the risk.

Some dermatologists say the findings, in a study published in January in the journal Nature Communications, aren’t new when it comes to concerns about ultraviolet, or UV, light from any source. In fact, the results reaffirm the reason why some dermatologists have changed the way they get their gel manicures or have stopped getting them altogether.

“The findings contribute to data already published regarding the harmful effects of (ultraviolet) radiation and show direct cell death and damage to tissue that can lead to skin cancer,” said Dr. Julia Curtis, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Utah, who wasn’t involved in the study.

“Tanning beds are listed as carcinogenic and UV nail lamps are mini tanning beds for your nails in order to cure the gel nail,” Curtis said.

A form of electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet light has a wavelength ranging from 10 to 400 nanometers, according to the UCAR Center for Science Education.

Ultraviolet A light (315 to 400 nanometers), found in sunlight, penetrates the skin more deeply and is commonly used in UV nail dryers, which have become popular over the past decade. Tanning beds use 280 to 400 nanometers, while the spectrum used in nail dryers is 340 to 395 nanometers, according to a news release for the study.

“If you look at the way these devices are presented, they are marketed as safe, with nothing to be concerned about,” said corresponding author Ludmil Alexandrov in the news release. “But to the best of our knowledge, no one has actually studied these devices and how they affect human cells at the molecular and cellular levels until now.” Alexandrov holds dual titles as associate professor of bioengineering and cellular and molecular medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

Researchers exposed cells from humans and mice to UV light, finding that a 20-minute session led to 20% to 30% of cells dying. Three consecutive 20-minute exposures made 65% to 70% of the exposed cells die. The remaining cells experienced mitochondrial and DNA damage, resulting in mutations with patterns that have been observed in skin cancer in humans.

The biggest limitation of the study is that exposing cell lines to UV light is different from conducting the study on living humans and animals, said dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak, founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City. Russak wasn’t involved in the study.

“When we’re doing it (irradiating) inside human hands, there’s definitely a difference,” Russak said. “Most of the UV irradiation is absorbed by the top layer of the skin. When you irradiate cells in the petri dish directly, that’s slightly different. You don’t have any protection from the skin, from corneocytes or the top layers. It’s also very direct UVA irradiation.”

But this study, taken with previous evidence — such as case reports of people developing squamous cell carcinomas, the second most common form of skin cancer, in association with UVA dryers — means we should “definitely think harder about just exposing our hands and our fingers to UVA light without any protection,” said Dr. Shari Lipner, an associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of the nail division at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Lipner wasn’t involved in the study.

If you’re concerned about gel manicures but don’t want to give them up, there are some precautions you can take to mitigate the risks.

“Apply broad spectrum sunblock that contains zinc and titanium around the nails, and wear UV gloves with the fingertips cut off when it is time to cure your nails,” said Curtis, who doesn’t get gel manicures. “I would recommend alternatives to gel nails, such as the new wraps that are available online.” (Gel nail wraps or strips are stick-on gel nail products that don’t always require being set by UV nail dryers.)

Some salons use LED lights, which “are thought to emit either no UV light or much, much lower amounts,” Lipner said.

Lipner gets regular manicures — which typically last her seven to 10 days — not in an effort to avoid UV light but rather because she doesn’t like the nail-thinning acetone soaking involved with gel manicures.

“Regular manicures are just dried in the air,” she added. “Gel manicures have to be curated or sealed, and the polymers in the polish have to be activated, so that can only be done with the UVA lights.”

If you have regularly gotten gel manicures, Lipner recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist who can examine your skin for any skin cancer precursors and treat them before they become serious problems. (Ultraviolet light can also age the skin, showing up as sunspots and wrinkles, she said.)

There isn’t enough data for experts to weigh in on how often people can get gel manicures without putting themselves at risk, Lipner said. But Curtis recommended saving them for special occasions.

Russak doesn’t get gel manicures very often but uses sunscreen and gloves when she does, she said. Applying serums rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beforehand might also help, she added.

“As a dermatologist, I change gloves probably three, four times with just one patient. And with a regular nail polish, after three, four glove changes, the nail polish is gone,” Russak said. “The gel manicure definitely has a much better longevity, but is it really worth the risk of photoaging and development of skin cancer? Probably not.”

People with a history of skin cancers or who are more photosensitive due to fairer skin or albinism, medications or immunosuppression should be more careful about taking precautions, experts said. But whatever your risk, the dermatologists CNN spoke with urged caution.

“Unfortunately, full protection is not possible, so my best recommendation is to avoid these dryers altogether,” said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

#they went soft on this obv but uh. stop fucking doing this altogether should be the message #my sister and i are genetically elevated risk for skin cancer but she won’t fucking stop these nails #and she never ever goes to the derm or does self skin check and i’m so worried for her

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all-risejd · 1 year ago

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After Shine Part 4 (Damian Priest x OC) (Eventual The Judgment Day x OC)

Dominik

July 11 – San Antonio, Texas

The travel bus was an expense he was relieved his dad was paying for (seriously, it’s so expensive to get a bus and a driver, honestly). They left San Diego on Tuesday, after they got the bus, and headed for the next location - Dominik wanted to get a chance to explore the city and take as many moments with his twins as he could before their new little one was born, call him selfish all you want, he wanted memories. San Antonio, Texas is somewhere he’d been before, as well as Danika - but they’d been there with Rey on the road in their teen years. It isn’t always easy for Dominik to blend in when he’s out in Texas and some of the more Hispanic populated cities, but he does his best.

They spend Wednesday and Thursday just wandering around the town, Danika’s grandparents live there but they don’t stop in, she doesn’t have a relationship with them. By the time the following Monday rolled around they’d been in the city for almost a week, Danika had spent Friday working on her influencer stuff, doing tours of the city, and convincing Angie to be her ‘special guest’ for a series of ghost tours and garden tours around the city. Dominik spent his Friday and Saturday doing house shows nearby. Saturday and Sunday they’d spent with Angie and Rey, mostly Dominik working out with Rey while Danika worked on his gear - he didn’t ask her to make repairs, but she did, she also tended to pick the designs on them, he’d pay her as his personal assistant if she wanted him to, but unfortunately… She was the more sought after celebrity in their friendship, and definitely had the bigger bank account.

She’s in the arena again, tonight without backup, holding both babies, and tucked away safely close to the barricade. He thanks his lucky stars every time he wakes up and she’s still in his life, they really are platonic soul mates, the problem with them - is that she can’t seem to say no to him. Which is why she’s pregnant again, and the mother of his twins. He pouts and she does her best to brush his tears away, it always ends up in a bottle of topshelf tequila from Mexico, and then a morning of what the fuck, not again. But, he digresses, he has bigger fish to fry. Currently he and Rey are watching Brock and Theory run their mouths again, with Paul Heyman between them. He was trying to find a way to talk Danika into getting him a dog of some sort, for when she can’t be on the road with him.

They go out after Brock’s thing, which is funny to a point, in red, white and blue tonight. Well, Rey has a match against Finn Balor by himself, and Dominik is beyond sure he’s going to be the one in pain before the end of the night Damian likes to help Finn win, however that shakes out. So far it’s ended with him in pain. After they entered, he looked through the faces - finding Danika, with holy shit Shaul Guerrero standing next to her. Shaul might as well be Dominik’s older cousin, they hang out sometimes, but Shaul’s appearance is something of a surprise even to Rey, who when the lights go out whispers to Dominik that he didn’t know Shaul was coming. She has only watched him a handful of times since he debuted, she herself didn’t stick in the WWE longer than getting her husband. “All rise.” Damian ordered in the mic, when it didn’t work, he shouted, “All rise and show proper respect for the Judgement Day.”

Dominik clocked it when Damian sighted Danika in the fans, a sort of smile bloomed on the man’s face, quickly replaced by a violent smirk, “Dominik what happened last week to you and your father, that was justice. Justice for the Old Guard, justice for the way things used to be. Like in two weeks at Madison Square Garden, Rey Mysterio will be celebrating his 20th anniversary in the WWE.” Rey nodded his head at Damian’s truth, “Yeah, face it Rey, you're done.” The cheering of the crowd tapered off with the statement. “You're washed, it’s over.” The crowd booed, “Dominik, your father has nothing else to offer you.” Danika had said the same thing that morning, when Dominik mentioned how much training Rey wasn’t doing with him anymore, “No wisdom, certainly no strength, all he has is an ugly mask and some old, tired, circus-like tricks that aren’t even yours.” The last part was yelled into the microphone. “However, we have something more to offer. A whole new set of rules, Dominik.”

Oh shit, Dominik realized, this was his heel. He was actually going to join the Judgement Day at some point, just like Danika had guessed. He’d sort of hoped it would be them, he liked the way Damian treated him, when he wasn’t beating the shit out of him. “Yeah, it sounds good doesn’t it.” Damian’s voice softened as he said it, directly looking in Dominik’s eyes, “The future of this business will be decided by the Judgement Day.” That was a ballsy statement, especially since they were down a member currently, and had pissed off all the legends with their treatment of Edge, “And you're welcome to join it, man.” Rey’s hand landed on Dominik’s shoulder, he had been swaying lightly on his feet, eyes watching Damian, prepared for the attack that was sure to come. The crowd started to boo, “That doesn’t matter.” Damian promised as he pointed to them, almost directly at Danika who winked when Dominik did look, Shaul looked amused herself. “None of that matters,” It sounded like Damian was talking about more than the WWE Universe disliking him, “Join the Judgement Day, step out of your father’s shadow.”

He wouldn’t admit it, but that struck a nerve. “Blaze your own path, man. Elige tu vida.” Dominik sort of hated how beautifully Damian spoke Spanish, honestly, “Rise with the Judgement Day,” Damian stepped into his space, “Or continue to fall alongside your father.” This close he could smell Damian’s cologne, the same that was wrapped up in the hoodie that Danika was apparently keeping regardless of what Dominik said. True to his character, baby face or not, he scrunched his nose up as Damian glared toward Rey, afraid to look at Shaul or Danika, both of them would know exactly how effective the speech had been on him, regardless of if Rey noticed or not.

Finn’s accent always made Dominik want to smile, it was bubbly and elegant even when he was yelling, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Priest.” He slid his hand down Damian’s arm bringing him back to his side and giving Dominik clean air again, although he sort of missed the man’s presence. “Dom, when are you going to learn? You need to start seeing things like Judgement Day, you think your daddy can protect you?” Dominik had to sink his teeth into his bottom lip, no my dad thinks he can protect me from decisions I make, I don’t want his protection, “Woooo Rey Mysterio the legend, you know who else is a legend? Edge.” Well that was a threat, now wasn’t it. Dominik glanced at his father, while Finn continued, “And we all saw what happened to Edge, you know what? Why don’t we take another look?” He motioned to the screen above the gorilla. “Boom.”

They really had taken out Edge in a very violent manner. They were proud of what they did, proud of how they treated Edge, Rhea had been instrumental in their violence. Dominik might be the only one who thought it, but he had a feeling Rhea was the one calling the shots, “That’s right, Edge is gone.” Finn gloated, “Not coming back, adios, goodbye, and you know why?” Damian waving goodbye and smirking was sort of hilarious next to Finn who looked so serious with the veins in his neck popping, “Because he was a bad leader. And you know what Rey? Just like I told you before, not only are you a bad leader, but you're a bad father.” Ok, Finn went there, and Dominik? He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, actually. The crowd booed so loudly, Rey held his ground, glaring up at Finn with his bright blue contacts through his mask.

Rey turned to Dominik, “¿Crees que soy un mal padre?” He wasn’t on the mic when he said it, but Dominik probably didn’t answer fast enough. Dominik tried to reassure Rey, he did, but he wasn’t vocal or maybe the residual truth of Damian’s stupid speech was ringing in his ears, and poisoning his brain, rotting him from the inside out, he was so good on the microphone it wasn’t even fair. Rey moved first, attacking Finn. Dominik moved to help his father, and it seemed like it’s going to work as the Judgement Day dropped out of the ring, for the time being. They had a few moments to regroup, Dominik watched as Damian stalked in front of the barrier, shooting a wink toward Danika who did her best not to roll her eyes. When Dominik met her gaze she mouthed ‘ebb and flow’ at him, he tilted his head just a little to let her know he’d heard her, just as Shaul asked her a question.

Once the referee had the match organized again - with Priest and Dominik on the outside of the ring, while Finn and Rey locked up in the ring, he wasn’t sure how it happened, the movement between the two faster than most of the moves that Dominik pulled off regularly, Finn had his knees on the back of Rey’s neck, holding him down. There is a trade off, of some sort, a natural rhythm to Finn and Rey in the ring that Dominik felt a spike of jealousy for - he only connected with a few people in the ring: Seth Rollins, Damian Priest, AJ Styles, Buddy when he’d been in the WWE officially. Taking his eyes off the match for just a moment, Danika had Nico and Rosa on her hips, their noise canceling headphones on, while the three were cheering for Abuelo! A smile pulled on Dominik’s lips, his kids might not understand what was going on, but they loved their Abuelo.

Finn had Rey on the ropes, and was using his leg and strength to push Rey’s chest against the biting material. Damian punched him while the referee was hauling Finn back. With the speed up, again, Dominik paced the outside of the ring mainly near his father’s corner, everytime his dad dominated, he would jump up and down and cheer for his father, Finn got Rey down for a two count, but Rey kicked out. Finn got a chin lock, and another two count. Dominik continued his rhythmic tapping at the mat to encourage his dad, shouting at Finn, while Rey forced them up. The vertical suplex looked painful, Dominik winced, as a few minutes later his knee was injured by the dangling down the ropes, Dominik glanced toward Shaul and Danika - Shaul pulled a face, flicking her gaze to Damian and Finn - he felt seen and judged and Dominik didn’t like the disapproving glance. “You're dad can’t protect you all the time.” Finn taunted as he brutalized Rey, Dominik had inched toward the side of the ring opposite where he’d been loitering, not sure that he could interrupt the match at all - afraid that Rey would be upset with him if he helped.

It looked like Rey was going to remain in control, but Finn was smart, and determined (possibly a little unhinged). Finn continued to target Rey’s knee. He attempted a 619, executed it perfectly, as he limped to the corner, and climbed to the top rope, he flew - but no one was there, but somehow Rey managed to drop them into a rolling crucifix and get a two count. Trading blows with the ropes between them, was always a risk - Dominik watched on in irritation as Finn got another two count, Finn resumed targeting Rey’s knee, as he climbed to the top rope, a perfect Coupe De Grace to the chest, the Judgment Day’s music flooded around them, as Dominik moved to check on his father, Damian and Finn boxed him in as their music blared, the pair moving back, Damian raising Finn’s arm - the seeds of doubt had been sewn, and as much as Dominik didn’t want to even think about it, when Hunter came to him one on one and asked him to flip - he was going to do it. Something like resolution settled against his rib cage. Dominik carried Rey backstage, during the next break, following along behind the Judgement Day without realizing he’d fallen into their flow again.

He had to take Rey to medical, his knee really had popped out there. On the way he found Shaul and Danika had joined them with Danika holding Rosa and Nico on Shaul’s shoulders, “Hello cousin.” Shaul winked at him, “Uncle.” She smiled at Rey, “That was a good match, I had a meeting with some business partners down here this week, so I offered to tag along tonight, but I wanna get back to the hotel and Matt.” She passed Nico back to Danika, “Before I forget, Matt told me that Priest can be a bit of a bastard.” She met Dominik’s eyes, “Be careful who you trust, ok? I know some of that is a storyline, but Dom, I saw…” Danika elbowed Shaul, and shook her head slightly. Shaul rolled her eyes, “Fine, ok.” She hugged both Dominik and Rey, before turning and walking away.

“I’m going back to the bus.” Danika offered, “I need to get some paperwork together for Lainey.” She explained.

Dominik nodded his head, “Nos vemos luego. Te amo mis corazones.”

“We love you too.” Danika whispered, before she headed out of the backstage area, walking toward the side parking lot where the buses were waiting. Dominik turned his attention back to Rey, to find his father studying him. Dominik hugged him, hoping to brush his worries off. Whatever fears Rey had about Dominik, the younger man didn’t want him to be attempting to work them out right now.

Danika

Rey had been cleared for his knee, the physician encouraging him to get lots of rest and ice it for the night, with Nico crying over an ear infection that wasn’t going to happen, so they’d had dinner together, admittedly late, before he took off to a nearby hotel. Dominik offered to put Rosa to bed, since Nico wouldn’t let his mommy go. Danika, after about three hours of frustration, decided to take him for a walk around the parking lot, in the lights above, obviously, so Dominik wouldn’t worry.

It was on her walk that she sighted a familiar tall figure lurky around the side of the building. Did this man not have anything else to do at night? When did he sleep?

“If we keep meeting like this people are going to start talking.” Damian turned to look at her, “Luis.” She approached, slowly, in a loose t-shirt and he assumed shorts, with converse on her feet, in her arms Nico was asleep, “Nico has an ear infection, so he won’t sleep in his bed, or alone.” She explained, when Damian motioned to the child, “His sister mercifully does not have an ear infection, and is fast asleep with her stuffed animals.”

“You are a sight, you know that.” He hummed, in shorts and a TapOut muscle shirt his hair was pulled up in a bun and he looked less than friendly. “I promise only one question,” she made a motion like go on, “How long are you staying in San Antonio? I’ll be here until tomorrow night with Finn.” He offered.

“We are here for the next two days. Dominik and his dad have someone to visit with.” She rocked Nico slightly.

“Want to get lunch with me? I need to apologize for not remembering you, more clearly and I want to apologize for assuming things and I think you're nice.”

She narrowed her eyes on him, “That was two questions. You do understand I’m currently pregnant, with my third child, right? I may be twenty-three but I am not at all the rockstar lifestyle Luis, and I never expected you to remember me, I was pretty forgettable.”

“No I can see that, but you call me by my name.” He countered, “I’m not a character to be billed or played for you. You don’t see me as a menace to society or whatever they are calling me. You see me. You saw me back then, too, holding me back from bad decisions even when I lashed out at you, taking care of the mistakes I did make, making sure I got from place to place, you held me when I would cry because I lost or I missed mi familia.” She shifted Nico again, he was almost too tall for her to comfortably hold while pregnant. “May I?” Damian reached to gently take Nico from her arms and cradle him against his toned chest.

“Thank you, my arms were tired.” She admitted, “So why were you creeping around the parking lot at nearly two in the morning after a show?” She asked around a yawn.

He seemed in awe of the little boy in his arms so she gave him a long minute, she could read the longing on his face - had Luis been a father once? Had anyone ever loved him enough to allow that? “I was honestly hoping to run into Dominik.” He admitted, “I wanted to talk to him a bit about some moves I think he would be able to use with limited disruption of what Mysterio has already taught him.”

“Hm.” Danika looked up at him thoughtfully, “Come on, Mysterio as you call him got a hotel because of Nico’s crying.” She tugged on his hoodie pocket to get him moving and led him back across the parking lot to where the rental bus was parked. She climbed up the stairs and gently took Nico back once she was at the top, “Dominik your friend is here.” She hummed as she pushed into the living area on the bus, “Well, come on Luis.”

Dominik looked surprised to see Damian Priest trailing behind her. She supposed that was fair, “Rosa still asleep?” Dominik nodded, “Ok, I’m going to bed, te quiero.”

Dominik

“Te quiero.” Dominik kissed her forehead as she passed by with Nico, his eyes on Priest. “It’s like two am?”

“If you're up for it there’s a gym that stays open all night like two blocks from here. We can work out. I have a couple ground grapples I think you should try.” Damian offered, “And I asked you're not-girlfriend to lunch with me tomorrow, if that’s cool?”

Dominik snorted, “She makes her own decisions, she makes a ridiculous amount of my decisions, actually.”

Damian shrugged, as they headed back off the bus. “It’s this way.” He pointed toward the lights of town past the arena, “Finn is waiting for me there, I figure you know Finn and probably won’t hate spending time with him?” Dominik shrugged, he didn’t really know either of them very well, he knew they were older - just turned forty he thought - and had been working together for over twenty years, in WWE and in the Indy circuit. “So, you really don’t mind me taking Danika to lunch tomorrow?”

“I’d like to remind you that the world doesn’t know the connection between myself and Danika, so try not to take her out somewhere too public.” Dominik offered as they continued to walk through the darkened parking lot, their long legs eating up the distance a lot faster than he normally moved - Rey and Danika couldn’t match his stride, so normally he matched their strides.

“I figured.” Damian hummed, “I have a friend in town who is going to let me rent out his tiny restaurant, just going to cook her traditional food.” He explained, “I looked up this whole list of things she can’t have while pregnant, before you ask, and I’ll make enough for her to bring you back some.”

Dominik snickered, “Thank you, what are we doing, anyways?”

“You're papi taught you his style, you're good at it, a little tall, and a lot lanky, but those moves are made for speed not height and striking power. I want to show you some moves that will help you with the luchador stuff he’s already taught you. No matter what Balor or I say, both of us agree, your father is a legend, and a good man in the ring.”

Dominik frowned, “But you're right, too, he doesn’t connect with me, like he used to.”

Damian tossed an arm across his shoulders, “You're father and son, already legends, eventually you are going to have problems in the groove.” He explained, “No one has done before what you two are doing.”

That was what made Dominik want to share with Damian, and want to tell him the truth. “Danika is my best friend. I don’t want you using her,” Dominik stated as soon as they moved from the parking lot to the sidewalk, “Everyone always guesses about our relationship but… the thing is we're platonic soulmates. I’m the one who crossed the line when I was heartbroken twice and we have the twins and are expecting another. My mom wants us to get married and my dad wants to keep pretending I’m perfect and innocent and can do no wrong. It’s a lot ok. And I don’t want you or anyone else jerking Danika around to get to me.”

“One, I'm not that kind of asshole.” Damian snapped at Dominik, “And two I had already figured out you two were complicated.”

Dominik stopped short, “You were just going to leave it on complicated weren’t you? I just blabbed for no reason. Jesus, my dad is going to be pissed.”

“I won’t tell anyone.” Damian rolled his shoulders and nudged the younger man, “She’s a different kind of scary than Rip, you're Danika.” Dominik would be the first to agree. Rhea Ripley and Danika Wesson were both scary in much different ways. “We don’t need to talk about her with Finn, I haven’t exactly told him my plans to spend lunch with her tomorrow.”

“There is one other thing, she’s in the process of fighting for her younger sister, Delainey.” He explained, “There is a huge age gap between them, Lainey is only five.” He explained, “So, she’s going to be a mother of four sooner rather than later.”

Damian gave him a look, “Are you telling me to back off or are you warning me she’s a bit messy?”

“Both?” Dominik shrugged as they turned a corner a block away from the arena, and headed toward BURKS 24 HOUR GYM. Damian held the door open, the only other occupant was Finn who looked up a bit perplexed, then looked at Damian who must have done something with his face, because Finn offered a smile of sorts, and motioned them over.

“Dominik.” Finn grinned, “Nice ta see ya, mate.”

“You too.” Dominik agreed, before he looked between them, “Do they have a ring here?”

“They have something better.” Damian looked like a kid in a candy store, “They have an olympic trampoline.”

Finn nodded excitedly, rubbing his hands together just as excitedly, “Come on, kid, let's polish that drop kick, some crossbodies, you have a killer arm drag thing, but we wanna show you another one, that works with your height…”

“We wanna do some DDT stuff other than the tornado, don’t get us wrong, you are killer with the lucha moves once you get in a groove, you're pretty good with flying with your height, and agile.” Damian grinned, “Big Shows Alley Oop, a variation of the backbreaker I do, Khali’s vice grip, and Khali’s Punjabi Plunge.”

“Wow, in one night?” Dominik blinked.

“Nah, chico, we want to start working on this stuff tonight, next week there will be another gym and we will work on this stuff again - if you want.” Damian offered, and Dominik - he grinned, excited about the prospect of a work out. What he wanted more than anything was to be good in the ring, better than what everyone expected of him - his heart felt like it was flying, from the moment Rey had told him Creative wanted to move him toward solo competition… he’d been sort of floundering, looking between Damian and Finn he could feel something shift, the thrill of something that was just his flooded his veins.

Danika

Dominik’s text message had been vague, just before seven in the morning. Can you make breakfast for me, and two guests? She assumed Fergal Devitt would be their third guest, so she worked on making a simple European Fry-Up for breakfast, food and cuisine culture had been what had sprung her to stardom in the first place, she’d attend culinary school before she started creating ‘college recipes’ taking elaborate meals and making them easier for college kids to utilize on a budget.

Her morning had been interrupted before the text, with a call from Angie letting her know that their lawyer had arranged for Angie to assume temporary custody of Delainey, on the condition that Angie fly the younger girl out to Danika immediately. Danika was so excited about her little sister joining her on the road. The five year old had been in foster care since her father went to prison, following their mothers overdose, three years ago. It had been a long, hard road for the court system to take Danika seriously. She doubted they would have if not for Angie and Rey supporting her pleas and helping her get a family lawyer that kicked ass all over San Diego.

Dominik pushed the door of the travel bus open, and led both Luis and Fergal in, “Morning, Luis, morning, Fergal.” She nodded her head at them both, Damian shot her a smile but Finn looked perplexed, she wondered if no one ever bothered to call them by their real names. She shrugged it off as she set the table, “Good work out, cariño?” She asked Dominik, who had plopped down at the table between Nico and Rosa’s high chairs, he dropped a kiss on both their heads, before looking up at her and nodding his head proudly. She loved when Dominik was confident, when he was feeling himself. In her opinion he should always be feeling himself, honestly.

“Danika,” Dominik grinned, “This is Finn Balor, who looked completely thrown off since you called him by his birth name.” He gave Finn a sharp smile, “Danika does her homework on WWE stars, anyone I might work with, so I have some sort of advantage, you know?” Finn found himself being pushed into a seat by Rosa, while Damian ducked into a seat by Nico. Danika settled plates of food in front of them, then set about making tea for Finn, like she just knew, and coffee for Damian. She poured orange juice for Dominik, ruffling his hair affectionately, then handed both Rosa and Nico sippy cups of milk, before she made her own plate and poured herself a glass of ice water.

“Did you three have a good work out?” She grinned watching all three of them tear into their food, like starving men. She knew how much food Dominik had to consume to keep up with his training regiment, so she could only imagine how much both Fergal and Luis had to eat on the regular.

“We’ve agreed ta teach ‘im new moves.” Finn offered, “This tea is spot on, love.” He added, “Did your research, proper.” He added, before ducking his head back down and shoveling more eggs in his mouth.

Damian rolled his eyes, “This is delicious, Danika.” He winked at her, “Thank you for feeding us, Finn is flying out after he showers at the hotel, so he’s probably going to eat like a mad man.” He snickered at her amused look toward Finn, “Hello again, little man.” Damian grinned down at Nico, “Ears feeling better today?”

“For the most part he seems like he feels better.” Danika agreed, “And Rosa doesn’t seem like she’s getting an ear infection, so we are mercifully peaceful this morning.” She looked at the nearly empty plates, “Would you like some more, I made a full English.” She glanced between the trio, and smirked as three plates were tentatively pushed toward her, “What time is Papi supposed to be here?” She asked Dominik even as she moved to plate their second helpings.

“Around nine, we are going to see some legend who apparently lives around here.” Dominik said with a shrug.

“Make sure you call Vickie at some point today, Shaul no doubt sent her a worried message or three after last night, you know she thinks you should be elevated and in singles already, that you are putting in the work and Papi isn’t supporting it correctly.” She brought their plates back to them, “Also, Mami called, and Lainey will be flying in today with Mami, to go on the road with us. I’m so happy I could burst.”

“That is good news, mi mejor amigo.” Dominik caught her wrist and kissed her palm, before leveling Damian with what she assumed was supposed to be a meaningful look.

“How old is Lainey?” Finn asked, “Another child of yours?” He didn’t ask Dominik, smart enough to know he wouldn’t get a straight answer, she assumed. Smart man Fergal Devitt, she decided, obviously the current brains of the Judgment Day while Rhea Ripley was away.

“My younger sister, she’s five this year, we share a mom but have different dads. I’ve been fighting for custody of her for three years, she’s been in foster care.” Danika explained, “I just want her home, with mi familia.” She explained, “With Abuelo and Abuela, with Dom, with Aalyah, with me.” She knew she sounded a bit devastated, but honestly she had spent three years worrying about her younger sister, flying every other weekend to San Diego to check on the little girl at whatever foster home Lainey was in.

“That sounds like good news.” Damian gave her a warm bright smile, “La familia lo es todo.”

“Yes.” Dominik sounded stricken for a moment, “Family is everything.” Danika reached for him and squeezed his wrist, whatever discord was brewing between him and Rey was getting worse, she wanted him and Papi to bridge the gap before the heel turn, which she could tell was coming - with or without the Judgment Day, Dominik wasn’t being utilized like he should be.

The pair left after breakfast with Finn promising to bring her a cook book full of Irish recipes she could play with, and Damian promising the same with Puerto Rican traditional food. Danika watched them leave before she looked sharply at Dominik, “You like them.”

“I do.” He nodded his head, “Liking them makes it easier to work with them in the ring, they have this list of moves they think I can pull off, sure they belonged to legends but they are helping me modify them, so they will be my moves, I’m going to work out with them on Monday nights, so I might need your help. I don’t want Jefe to know, just yet. No lo haría sentir orgulloso.”

“No, he wouldn’t be proud.” Danika agreed, “But you have to live your life, Dominik.”

Before their conversation could continue Dominik’s phone sounded, “I’m going to shower, answer him please.”

So Danika found herself on the phone with Rey, explaining that they hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, while she washed dishes and kept him on speaker phone. He was on his way from the hotel, and would like Dominik to be dressed and ready to go - in a sort of passing way he asked if she wanted to keep the twins with her or not, but she assumed she would be doing that anyway, Abuelo very rarely took the twins out when he was in his mask persona. She’s almost jealous that they are going to see Undertaker (Mark Calaway).

She spent her morning getting ready for what was sure to be an interesting date with Luis, she even dressed both of the kids up. Might as well look adorable, just before noon, there was a knock on the bus door, she opened it to find a mostly normal looking, with a rental SUV behind him. “Car seats?” He asked, when he noted the toddlers with her.

“Yeah, can you grab them, I’ll grab the carseats and the diaper bag.” She waited for him to scoop up both Rosa and Nico (they called him big bear, well they called him gran oso), then headed back to the table to carry each car seat down individually before doubling back to grab the diaper bag, and her keys to the bus, along with her cell phone and wallet. “Alright, let’s put these in…” She was quick at putting the carseats in the back, Damian watched her before he moved to settle Nico into the rear-passenger car seat, then headed around to the other side of the car to buckle Rosa in as Danika walked him through it.

Once the kids were settled in, and the doors shut, he rushed back around to open the door for Danika, taking her bag to put in the backseat between the two car seats, Damian carefully shut the door, and hurried around to the drivers seat again, “Thank you for coming out with me today?”

“Oh, you're welcome.” She shot him a bright smile, “Dominik had to go with Papi to see the Undertaker.” She offered casually, “Something about Edge, no doubt.” She added with irritation in her voice, “Sorry, I don’t like Uncle Adam, or how he treats Dom or Aalyah.” She shrugged, “What are we doing?”

“I want to cook for you, chica bonita.” Damian offered, “And I am dying to know how you got so fluent in Spanish.”

She snickered, “I failed Spanish in seventh grade, did you know that?” He chuckled as he shifted the car in drive, “That was the year my dad took off, and my mom overdosed.” She said with a shrug, “I had to take the class over again, but I was immersed in Spanish, it's rare for Dom and his family to speak English in the house, so I picked it up quickly. On the fly, I got this little trophy that said most improved student. Naturally I took Spanish all four years of high school to learn proper Spanish, since half of what I learned was slang, but.”

“You're good, could easily pass as a native, if not so pale.” He guided the car out of the arena parking lot.

She rolled her eyes, “Yes, weto.” She muttered, her voice sour with the affect.

“Where did you learn that?” Damian asked, a bit worried.

She shrugged her shoulders, “I’ve traveled as part of the Mysterio familia for years, you hear things.”

“That word, often, is not nice.” Damian huffed. Danika didn’t respond, she’d heard it her whole life, usually hurled at Dominik by other members of their family, Vickie had been the one to explain it to her, at first, what it really meant. “We are going to Cocina El Jibarazo Latin Cuisine, I know the owner Papote Rodriguez.” He explained, “And he is going to let me use one of his food trucks to cook for you, pequeño. He also made food for you to take back to Dom.”

She gave him a warm smile, “That sounds lovely, Luis.”

The building was a sort of bright yellow that was almost off putting. Damian climbed out of the car once he parked, and headed to talk to a man who looked jovial. He pointed to a food truck that was blocked off at the end of the block, with a sort of fencing around it. She assumed that was to prevent people from joining them, the truck was facing away, so she was curious if there was a table or something prepared. Damian was back, and pulled the SUV around to the far side, where a rather nice table had been set up, complete with an umbrella overhead, and two high chairs.

The pair climbed out and helped the twins out, she secured them in their high chairs, and provided them with some toys. She watched amused as Damian moved them into a safe spot in the food truck, out of the way, “Want to be my sous chef?” He asked softly, she grinned at him, nodded her head, and laughed when he passed her an apron, she instantly pulled her hair up into a messy bun, and winked at the kids. “We are going to make Mofongo.” Damian explained, “We are going to use chicken as our filling because you are pregnant.”

“Ok.” She offered, “What do you need me to do?”

“First our ingredients.” Damian hummed, “We need four of the unripe plantains.” He pulled them down from somewhere above them, “The crushed garlic.” She found it on the spice rack and added it to the counter they were working on, “I had Papote prepare the chicharrones for us.” He pulled a basket free over the stove, “Olive oil.” She found both the olive oil and vegetable oil, holding them both up, Damian nodded, “We will need both.” Then he settled the salt and pepper down, “Alright, ready?”

“So ready.” She grinned, she pressed to the side, kissing both Rosa and Nico’s heads, “You should be glad these two have absolutely no qualms about eating everything.”

Damian pulled a large pan free from where it was hanging over the twins, “Alright, we need about two inches of vegetable oil in the pan.” She poured the vegetable oil liberally, making Damian grin at her, he poured the heat on, then motioned toward the plantains, “You make a shallow cut along one of the lengthwise ribs of the plantain and carefully peel the skin by. It will also be easier if you soak the plantain in hot water for no more than two or three minutes to soften the skin.” She did as he asked, heating the plantains in warm water, then peeling them, “You’ve worked with plantains before?” She bobbed her head, “Ever made Mofongo?”

“No.” She admitted, “I try to stay away from extremely traditional food.” She admitted, sheepishly, “I sometimes cook traditional Mexican food for Vickie, but…” She shrugged. Damian split the four peeled plantains between them, and showed her how far apart to cut them, dicing them up into roughly one-inch round slices. Then he put the first batch of plantain slices into the heated vegetable oil, turning them golden for the right consistency.

“Put a paper towel in that bowl, all the cooked plantain pieces need to go in it, until they dry.” Damian offered, watching as Danika did as he asked, with no complaints. “Can you reach that mortar?” He asked, pointing toward a wooden pestle and mortar set, she tried to reach, but was too short, so he snagged it for her, and settled it down on the counter, “Take four or five pieces of plantain at a time, smash them up with the garlic cloves, we add the chicharrones, a pinch of olive oil, some salt and pepper, and mash.” He snagged another pester and mortar and got to work, she copied him.

“Next we shape our mixture.” He rolled some in his hands into a ball, then flattened the bottom, “Like this.” She copied him, hers coming out smaller, he grinned, “You make two, for the bebe mama, I will make two for us.”

“Don’t make fun of my small hands, Luis.” She warned, before slinging a bit of the mixture at him.

“Do not waste the food, pequeño terror.” He warned, giving her a rather menacing look, she gazed up at him innocently in a or what sort of way, “Eres problemático.” He bent down enough to press a chaste kiss to her forehead, “So much trouble.” He grinned at her warm smile. “Alright, make a little pocket at the top, a little hole…” He pressed his knuckle into the first one he had made, to make a concave hole, she again copied him, “And now we add our filling.” He scooped some of the premade chicken out of the bowl, and pressed it into the pocket, “You're turn.” He grinned as she again did what he asked, “You follow direction, very well, mi amor.”

“Thank you, I try hard.” She looked at their four Mofongos, “What else goes with it?”

“Normally a salad of some sort.” He offered, “But today we are going to have Brazo Gitano, made by Papote.” He explained, “I’ll plate everything if you want to carry the plates out, I’ll get the twins.” He moved quickly, plating the food so she could carry them out to the table, Damian carried the highchairs with the twins, one in each arm, back to the table, before he took his apron off and helped her out of the one she’d borrowed, he sat the table while she cut up the Mofongo and Brazo Gitano for Rosa and Nico. He poured glasses of lemonade for them all.

“Thank you, Luis, for showing me your cooking side.” She offered, as she bit into the Mofongo, “Oh my Dios.” She moaned, “This is the best.” She breathed out, “So good!” Damian snickered, as the kids set about destroying the food on their plates, “I told you, they eat everything.” She grinned even wider. When they finished up eating, they headed back to the bus, the kids napping. Danika led them into the travel bus, and ordered them to an afternoon of cuddling on the couch. Danika smiled as Damian held her to his side, the kids stretched out over his legs, as they watched the WWE and Scooby Doo crossover. She grinned to herself as he pressed kisses to the back of her head every now and again. With a text message from Dominik, Damian untangled himself, and bid her goodbye, not wanting to be there when Rey and Dominik made it back.

Dominik

July 18 – Tampa, Florida

Monday’s are a never ending sort of high in his opinion. A rollercoaster of emotions that start Sunday at midday and don’t seem to fade away until midday on Tuesday. He was feeling himself all the previous week, working on the moves that the Judgment Day had taught him. He’d even asked Danika to look back on older WWE footage to see if there was a move he might look good doing, a move that he might be able to call his own. Lainey had settled in, happy to be with Danika full time, and had taken to calling Dominik papaíto like Rosa and Nico did. She’d moved to calling Danika momma like the twins did.

It helped that this venue was like a second home to most of the Superstars - Tampa Bay, Florida was where the training center was, Creative, Talent and pretty much the whole brain of the megamachine that was World Wrestling Entertainment. Tonight Danika was watching from ringside again, Angie was staying with Nico and Rosa - and Lainey was going to her first big event as Dominik Mysterios eldest daughter (his mom was going to lose her mind, honestly). Dominik and Rey were on the card tonight, for the second match, going against Damian and Finn once again. He was starting to see a trend, honestly. All he knew tonight was he was supposed to tell the Judgment Day he’d join them in an attempt to save his father. That wasn’t the biggest thing on his mind, however, they were headed toward SummerSlam, and he had enough nervous energy about that to sink the Titanic without the iceberg helping.

Everytime the camera swept the fans behind the announce table, Dominik who was in the back watching the discussion between Becky and Bianca - he thought they were both amazing wrestlers and actresses, really - looked for Danika and Lainey. They were both wearing old school shirts that featured Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero. Dominik was pretty sure that they had belonged to Rey and him back in the day, considering how big they were on both girls, Lainey had practically been wearing hers like a dress, while Danika was using the oversized stretch of the shirt to hide her baby bump. Another thing Dominik had to worry about, he didn’t like her being near the barrier while this pregnant.

Rey next to him was bouncing on his feet a little, happy that Aalyah and Murphy were meeting up with them for lunch the next day - which worked well for Dominik, he had plans tonight with the enemy. He snickered in his head at the truth of the statement - Rey did think Priest and Balor were a problem, admittedly one created by Edge, but Rey felt like it was his job to finish what his best friend started. Dominik wasn’t sure if Edge and Rey had always been friends, but Adam had been around his whole life, and was a good Uncle - but he wasn’t Eddie, as far as Dominik knew, no one had the same relationship with his father as Eddie had. Which brought him back to the fact that he always wondered what Eddie would think about him, about who he was becoming. Eddie, whose relationship with Dominik was complicated in so many ways, and the murky waters were never going to be completely gone there. The boos from the television reminded him where he was and what he was doing.

“¿Qué es este silencio?” Rey asked, softly.

“Just thinking about Eddie.” Dominik admitted, and then regretted it because Rey immediately kissed his fist and pressed his fingers to the heavens. “If he’d be proud of me or not.” He explained, and watched a bit of confusion wash over Rey’s face, before the mask of neutrality would be gone, “I know you are proud of me, but…” He trailed off, “Would he be proud of me?”

“Dominik, he would be.” Rey promised. “We both had such dreams for you.” Rey explained, “Dreams together.”

The promo with the Street Profits made Dominik pay special attention, he wondered what it would be like to have a hype man. He supposed he was Rey’s hype man, honestly. Always in his corner, always supporting him, even with the tension between them. Which had sort of always been there since before Aalyah and Buddy, since before he had his up and down roller coaster with Seth Rollins. Even as he watched the KO Show start, he wondered if he’d ever been the dream Eddie and Rey had for him - the pair legends he didn’t think he’d ever really be able to touch. Sometimes he wanted to disappear, his anxiety was sending him toward that sort of a spiral when his pocket vibrated, he pulled his phone out.

From: bebé mamá >> you got this tonight, even if you don’t, Lainey está tan emocionada, te amamos papaíto.

He smiled at his phone, he was glad that Lainey was excited, and grinned at the adoration and love he could feel from the text message. He and Danika had set Lainey down to tell her that he was going to be working with Abuelo, but that more than likely he and Abuelo would lose the match, but he wouldn’t be really hurt, and it was all pretend. Lainey hadn’t looked like she believed him. The sounds of the Judgment Day’s music starting had goosebumps erupting across his flesh. The backstage segment with Seth Rollins gave him and Rey time to pull off their over-layers. Danika’s red hair would be his focal point tonight, he wanted nothing more than to crawl under the covers with her and their kids and be done with tonight already, anxiety seemed to settle in the pit of his stomach.

“Rise.” Dominik felt something twinge against his heart when Damian’s fierce growl emanated across the arena. “Rise for a Prince, Rise for a Punisher, Rise for The Judgment Day!” The crowd booed more than they cheered, “Last week we chose not to injure Dominik Mysterio.” Call him sick in the head, but he loved how Damian said his name, full of nuances that even his father sometimes lost, “Because we believe he is going to make the right decision.” He already had, long term, “And join us. In fact we guarantee tonight Dominik will join the Judgment Day.“ Oh, so they got that memo too - the one where he was going to ‘attempt’ to join only to save his father, “Dominik, we’ve seen the look in your eyes, We know you're just waiting to drop your father.” The words rang true, a bitter taste left in Dominik’s mouth, “Well, do it.” The crowd booed the loudest, “Stop letting him hold you back.” Honestly, were Danika and Damian comparing notes at this point, “He is stifling your potential, let us remind you what happened the last time some legend tried to stifle us. Roll the footage.”

Man they really liked the torment they’d caused Edge. Rhea looked beautiful in that clip, he had to admit, Dominik frowned as he thought about the woman, since she was currently out with an injury. Once she came back he wondered how fucked up she would make the ‘join us’ pleas. Finn’s voice held a level of command that even Dominik found charming, “I can watch that video over and over and over and over again.” Dominik heard Rey’s music go up, and that little nagging monster in the back of his head reminded him that they didn’t have a separate entrance as a tag-team, one that was just theirs. It grated on his nerves, unsettled him, even more, as he and Rey prepared to make their way out to the ring. In the ring Damian and Finn shared a look, before turning their attention toward the megascreen. Dominik had to be the dotting son, again, a role he was so good at faking it was painful. Rey shouted at him, with exuberance, promising the win, but Dominik knew as well as he did that they weren’t going to win, not tonight, maybe not for several matches. His dad and ‘Taker had worked out a plan with Adam, and he wasn’t allowed to know most of it, Rey’s reassurances that ‘everything will go back to normal’ after they were done with the Judgment Day didn’t help him.

Danika and Lainey were at the barrier, smiling when Rey and Dominik made it down, Rey pushed his forehead against Lainey’s, even as Dominik risked brushing his palm against Danika’s waiting hand, she winked at him, and something inside of him wished the cameras caught it. Wished someone would question Rey Mysterio about the red haired girl that was always with the Mysterio family. The match started in the way these things always do with Damian and Finn - unfair. Dominik winced as Damian punched Rey mid-air, it looked painful. Internally Dominik wondered if Priest would teach him the jumping leapfrog elbow smash he’d just done to Rey, not that he got to think about it long, Priest was destroying Rey in the ring. The first two count wasn’t all that surprising, Damian lacked the speed that Rey could operate at. Dominik continued to look concerned, every now and then he’d chance a glance at Danika and Lainey, the five year old had her hands over her mouth and big green eyes locked on Abuelo. Maybe they shouldn’t bring the kids to these things? He paced distractedly, watching his dad speed the pace back up again, Damian was powerful and strong - but with Rey pushing the pace, it was hard for him to keep up.

Finn was on the apron, so Dominik yanked him down, just in time for Finn to counter, sending Dominik into the barrier, then Rey knocked Finn back into Dom, who steadied him, hoping the camera had missed how gratefully Finn had tapped his thigh. They both remained out of the camera angle for a while, just watching Damian and Rey, the Razor’s Edge from Priest ended the match, but that didn’t stop Finn or Damian from introducing chairs to the ring. “Dominik, I told you, you're joining the Judgment Day tonight.” Damian paced around the ring, while Finn watched, they put Rey on one of the chairs, the man looked a bit like a frog stuck on his back. “Or we take his head off.” Oh shit this was the moment, the play he was supposed to make. Well, fuck, Danika was going to have a field day with this. Finn flung himself upward to jump down on Rey’s shoulders and the chair, a second chair in hand, Finn landed three kicks to Rey’s chest, just as Damian started to talk again, “I guess…” He trailed off as Dominik finally slid back into the ring. Drama and build up.

“STOP, STOP, PLEASE!” Dominik didn’t have a microphone but he needed to be loud and be heard. “I’ll join, just stop.” He belted it a little less loud. Danika was going to have so many questions, later.

“What was that?” Priest mocked, and seriously Dominik wondered if this dude got off on being some sort of sadist in the ring, but the adorable derpy big brother figure out of the ring.

“I’ll do it, I’ll join.” Dominik was positioned over Rey, protecting him, hands out placatingly, and when had he become one of his father’s props. The thought left him feeling hollow even as he continued to act like the good son he apparently wasn’t.

“What’s that?” Finn asked, chair dangling dangerously from his hand, no microphone needed to carry his sadistic smile. Eyebrows raised, he looked like a real prince, looming over him as he guarded his dad.

“Just stop, and I’ll join.” Was apparently the right thing to say because Finn grabbed his outstretched hand and pulled him to his feet, between Damian and Finn he felt more like a child being scolded by his parents. Finn yanked him up by his hoodie, holding him in a way that promised violence. They don’t believe me, hell I don’t believe me, I wouldn’t join them to protect Rey, not really.

Damian gripped his other shoulder, sliding his hand to his neck, and tightening a hold there, “Why don’t you tell the world what you just said.” Okay, no longer scolded parents, he was in a monumentally stupid spot, and the pair of them were predators with their prey ready for the kill, he’d fucked up when he agreed (when Rey had agreed) to allow this in the match.

Dominik had always had a bit of a rebellious streak, his mom and Vickie blamed it on Eddie Guerrero, as Damian pushed the microphone toward his mouth, Dominik gripped his wrist, hanging on for dear life - with them this close, with them on watch by the whole universe, Damian’s cues were tiny, Finn’s body language was the only thing letting him know their hate wasn’t really aimed at him, but more for his recent bout of protectiveness over his father. “Just stop.” Dominik growled into the mic, he tightened his grip on Damian’s wrist, and felt the man’s hold on his neck squeeze reassuringly twice, while Finn loosened the choking hold he had on Dominik’s hoodie, they weren’t really trying to hurt him, they wanted him, but they didn’t want him out like they had wanted Edge out. It was a comforting thought, he supposed, even if his ass was about to be handed to him, “I’ll join the Judgement Day.”

Damian moved the microphone away with a smile, Dominik let his hand drop, eyes trailing the taller man, while Finn continued to hold him in what fans would think was a punishing choke, Damian squeezed his shoulder twice again, as if telling him good job, kid before laughing into the mich, he took a step away, now almost an arm's length away, but still anchoring Dominik in place, while Finn turned to look at the main camera, oh shit, Lainey was going to witness him getting destroyed, on live television. Fuck. Damian used his hold on Dominik to balance himself enough to curbstomp Rey’s shoulder, before he stalked back, “He said he’d join, hear that, now he wants to join.” He was speaking to Finn, the Irishman had that same murderous grin back on his face, Dominik glanced at Damian, watching for a cue, as the hand on his shoulder squeezed again, “Hey Dom,” They were sort of rocking him back and forth between them, gleeful, but their eyes were not hard like when they attacked Edge. Damian’s face turned serious, “It doesn’t work that way.”

Dominik felt the anxiety drop low in his stomach, yeah this was going to suck. He should have known it was going to come from Finn, considering Damain was holding his gaze, the chair to his middle damn near cut him in half, there was no way to avoid that, even if the chairs were made of a softer metal. He dropped to his knees, just in time for Finn to bring the chair down over his back, stinging him, he raised up in pain, before throwing himself into a roll out of the ring. Finn moved to bring the chair down on Rey again, but his father also rolled out of the way, as if he’d been laying there listening the whole time - and Dominik supposed he had been, a prop in the story sort of. Dominik and Rey were both down on either side of the ring while Damian and Finn were celebrating in the center of it, victorious bastards once more. Dominik had hit the barrier, and whilst laying there he caught sight of the non-descript security human that led Danika backstage every Monday night, tonight was no different, except Lainey was hiding her face in Danika’s hair, and crying hard.

It felt like a walk of shame, him carrying Rey back up the ramp in the wake of the Judgment Day, his father was fuming at the thought that Dominik would so easily agree to turn, even if it was to save him. Dominik just wanted to comfort Lainey, who he’d often visited with Danika, she’d always asked him to be her daddy, and now he was, but he didn’t want her to think he was injured badly. As soon as they were behind the screen, he dropped Rey, who found his feet like the cat he was, he pulled his phone out and texted Danika.

To: bebé mamá >> Let Lainey know I’m ok, should be back to you soon, seeing if we are doing any promo.

They had to cut a promo, apparently, that would be aired later in the evening. The pair standing by the lovers, holding their ‘injuries’ were framed with Dominik in the front for once, and he got to talk first, “Finn, Damian, did you actually think I would ever join the Judgment Day?” He really hated these scripted things, “Honestly I may have failed your so-called test, but at the end of the day, I lived up to the Mysterio name, and the Judgment Day doesn't know a thing about the Mysterios.” He pointed between himself and his father. He only half-ass knew what the promo was about, apparently Damian and Finn were cutting their own in a few minutes, which would air before this one.

Rey shook his head as he looked at the camera, “You guys think you're the first ones to threaten the Mysterios?” That seemed like a bit of a rhetorical question, but Rey played it well, “Hell, you ain’t even the first ones to try and tear up this family and you sure as hell won’t be the first to fail on trying to do so.” Was that a vague mention of Eddie? Probably, Rey loved to bring little reminders of Eddie Guerrero everywhere, keeping his legend alive, “Check this out, next week at Madison Square Garden, I’m going to celebrate twenty years in the WWE. Dom and I are going to cap out that celebration by excitedly showing you,” Rey chuckled, “The Judgment Day, what it means to be a Mysterio.” Dominik nodded as he rocked alongside his father, itching to move - itching to run away, “Orale. Ariba. Mi rasa.”

Dominik kept his eyes trained on the camera, while Rey turned into his side, looking up at Dominik, then the camera was gone, and they could finally go to medical. As they finally started walking away, Dominik asked the question he had wanted to ask earlier in the day, but hadn’t found a good window, “Next Monday is your twenty year celebration.” Dominik offered to his father, “Danika and the kids can be a part of that, right?” Rey just gazed at him for a moment before nodding his head slowly, “Hey, that was what I was supposed to do, right, in the ring? The whole scripted promo thing is still weird to me..”

“Dominik, it sounded like you wanted to join them.” Rey offered, as they walked toward their dressing room, “Like you really wanted to be with them, I know Hunter is planning your heel, but I… I’ve asked him not to do the Judgment Day. I don't think that’s where you need to go, it would end your ability to ever be the true good guy again.” He counseled.

“You went to Hunter?” Dominik felt his anger spike, “To make a decision about me?”

“It’s for the best.” Rey patted his chest.

“The best for you or for me? Are you worried I’ll be like Eddie, better at being a Rudos than a Técnicos?” Dominik snapped at him, then lowered his voice, “Yo soy el hijo de mi padre, pero ¿quién es mi padre? Esa es la pregunta, ¿verdad?” He hated throwing that up, throwing up the fact that he was his fathers son, before demanding Rey tell him who his father really was.

Rey stepped away like he’d been burned, there had been a storyline, once, and then there had been question after question - and then his mother had told him a little nugget that had stuck with him, all kayfabe has its start in truth, baby. Vickie wouldn’t tell him the truth, Angie wouldn’t tell him the truth, they both told him he should hear it from Rey - but he didn’t want to hear it from Rey, he just wanted answers. “I’ll get a hotel tonight, perhaps you just need Danika to sort you out.” Dominik was sure there was an insult in there somewhere, but he couldn’t find it. He watched his father’s retreating form, even as he pushed back against the nearest wall, and tried to talk himself through what was no doubt a panic attack.

“Breathe with me, Dom.” The voice belonged to Finn, who was pressing his forehead to Dominik’s, and had pushed them into a shadowy alcove, “Come on, man, match my breathing.” It took a few tries for Dominik to be able to do that, to be able to breathe along with Finn, exhaustion sweeping in as the tears slowed and he was finally able to breath, his chest no longer constricting with pain as if an elephant was sitting on it, “There we go, baby.” Finn didn’t say it condescendingly, he said it fondly, with affection that had Dominik sinking forward into his hold, pressing his tear soaked and sweat covered face into Finn’s neck, just breathing in the sweat and leather scent that hung to the Irishman over his cologne. “I have you, baby.” Finn promised, “Me wife gets these attacks, too.” He explained, even as he huddled closer, grounding Dominik in his warmth, “Don’t know what happened ‘twen ya and Mysterio, but know it must have been bad, baby, he barely spoke on his way past Hunter, and us shooting our promo.” Finn explained, which was rare because everyone talked to Hunter, he was their boss, and their friend, and fellow superstar.

Dominik wasn’t sure how long they stood there, but slowly he came back to himself, Finn was still rubbing his hands up and down Dominik’s back, and offering him soft words, Dominik slowly pulled back, “Damian said he took Danika and the wee one back to the bus, mentioned you're mum took off once Danika was there, muttering about needing to check on Rey. Want me to take you to the bus?” Dominik nodded, his head hitting Finn’s collarbone, “Alright, let me go, baby, need to see if anyone is watching.” He peaked out of the dark corridor, seeing no one and no cameras, he tugged Dominik out of their hiding spot, and guided him toward the side exit, the pair cut across the parking lot in the darkness, to the lot that housed the travel buses, Damian opened the door, still in his ring gear, and helped Finn shuffle Dominik in.

“Mi corazón, tuviste un ataque de pánico, déjame mirarte.” Danika brushed past Damian and Finn to check him out, Dominik pushed her back shaking his head, before looking past her at Lainey.

“Come here, mi corazón.” Lainey darted into his arms, he hauled her up to his chest, “I’m ok, Luis and Fergal wouldn’t really hurt me.” He explained, as he motioned first to Damian then to Finn, “They are my friends, Lainey baby, we were just acting.”

“Ok, papaíto.” She whispered and hugged him again, tightly.

He set her on her feet, “Danika do you mind if we change clothes?” She stepped aside, Nico and Rosa were both in a playpen by the television watching Spongebob, Danika ushered Lainey over to join them, while she moved to start making something for them to eat. “Do you two need to grab your clothes?”

“I brought them when I came with Danika.” Damian offered, “Sorry you missed your mom, hermano, she said it was a good match but she wanted to check on Rey.” Dominik led them to the large master bedroom on the second floor of the bus, so they could change clothes. They changed in near silence, from ring gear to work out gear, with Damian looking over his back to make sure the chair hadn’t broken any skin. As a group they moved back down to find Danika had made tacos, and poured lemonade for them all. “Thank you.” Damian offered as he took a seat at the table.

“You are welcome, Luis.” She patted his shoulder, “Are we going to talk about it?” She looked around the group, “About what brought on your panic attack,” So Dominik told them, in stop-starts, about how Rey had gone to Hunter about his future without even asking him. “Dom, you have to talk to Mr. Levesque.” She reached for his hand, and threaded her hand in his, “You have to live your life Dominik, he can’t make every decision for you, mi amor.”

“She’s right.” Finn gazed at Danika, “You're, uh, friend, is right.”

Dominik groaned, “She’s the mother of my children, we aren’t dating, never have, platonic soulmates.”

“Well, that wasn’t what I expected, but, it makes more sense than my theory, which was that she belonged to Rey or Eddie Guerrero, somehow…” Finn trailed off, “Congratulations on this baby,” He motioned at her waist, “And uh, you're older three are adorable.” He looked at Damian as if looking for help, “You knew didn’t you?”

“I sort of asked Danika out on a date in Texas.” Damian offered, “We had a nice lunch…”

“And we have plans tomorrow.” Danika said softly, then looked at Finn, “Fergal, I’d like to ask you about two former moves of yours… Devitt's End and Shingata Prince's Throne.” The man’s eyes widened, “Could those be modified for Dom to use when he joins the Judgment Day?”

“She’s like a superpower, goodness.” Finn hummed, he looked ready to talk about those moves when a knock sounded on the bus door. “Are we expecting anyone?”

“No.” Danika smoothed down her t-shirt, and headed for the door, “Oh, Mr. Levesque,” she stepped back up the stairs, “Welcome to our humble slice of heaven.”

“Ms. Wesson, you look radiant as ever. I’m looking for Dominik.” He paused, “Well, this is a turn of events I was not expecting, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Devitt.” Finn and Damian both waved, “Interesting.” He hummed, “I’d like a word with you, Dominik, come take a walk with me.” Dominik scurried out of his seat, Danika nodded her head, she’d put his food up for him, “Now.” Hunter ordered, already headed out the door, Dominik glanced at the other two men before jogging to catch up with his boss, “Your father came to me earlier, questioning Creative’s plan for you, for the future.”

“He told me after the fact, he doesn’t think Judgment Day is the right fit for me.” Dominik admitted.

“And what do you think, son?” Hunter asked, softly, “I’ve watched you grow up, you're practically Vince’s grandchildren, you, Danika, and Aalyah. I want to help you reach your full potential, Vince wants you to reach your full potential.” He continued, “I don’t think you can do that as a tag-team with your father right now. You need to be marketable as your own, or you need to be in a faction that you can shine with.”

“If I need to turn heel, Hunter, I’d prefer it be with Judgment Day. Those two are both helping me work on techniques in the ring that my dad wasn’t comfortable with-”

“Dominik, I have something for you.” Hunter offered, “Something that might help you make the choice I think you need to make for your career, I know how much you love your father. But I think you need to have all the facts, everything he’s probably never told you.” Hunter let out a slow exhale, “Stephanie found this…” He pulled a folded up envelope from his suit pocket, “When she was cleaning out some of Vince’s office. If you want Judgment Day, you’ve got it, but you need to come to Creative so we can figure out how this is going to work. Rhea is going to be back soon, and I think you should consider her the game changer.”

“Thank you, Hunter.” Dominik watched as a limo approached from seemingly out of nowhere, “I won’t let you down.” Dominik promised as the driver opened his door, stepped out, and moved to open Hunter’s door.

“I know you won’t, Dom.” With that Hunter was shutting the door and his driver was back behind the wheel.

Dominik looked down at the folded up envelope in his hands, he wasn’t ready for whatever this was, not tonight, he’d have Danika put it up for him for the night, and he’d look at it in the morning. He made his way back to the bus, “All sorted.” He promised as he climbed in, “Want to go work out?” He asked the other two men, who were looking at him perplexed, “Are you ok here, Danika?” He handed her the envelope.

She gazed down at it, one eyebrow raised, “I’m fine, I’ll put this in your room.”

“Thank you.” He hauled her into a hug and kissed her temple, “I talked it out with Hunter.” He offered the other two men, as he moved to lead them off the bus, “Let’s get started, ok?” The pair shared a look, and hurried out after him, Dominik watched as Damian stopped long enough to press a kiss to Danika’s hand, he didn’t hear the soft words they whispered to each other, but he understood them just the same. Damian liked Danika, and Danika liked him back, regardless of what was going to happen with WWE, they had a vibe, and he was going to support the shit out of that if it killed him.

Danika

She’s not nosey by nature but the envelope is old. The fold is creased and it looked like it had been done with force. Luis and her were not going out until around eleven that morning so she had time to read the contents and put them back she supposed during the twins' nap. Hesitation almost held her back, but she had always taken care of Dominik. Whatever this was, it was an old secret. And she considered it her job to spare him unnecessary heartbreak. Unfolding it with careful hands the front threw her - it was confidential mail, the kind that spoke of records requested from government agencies. The recipient was Eduardo Guerrero.

She had a feeling this was about that stupid custody match in 2005.

With a tremble in her hands she slowly pulled the paperwork out. They’d taken Eddie’s blood, Vickie’s blood, Angie’s blood, and Rey’s blood before they took Dominik’s. Then they tested it. The report was on the last page, a piece of history otherwise forgotten. Dominik was biologically Eddie Guerrero's son with Angie. Heart in her throat she folded everything back up, and wondered just how many people had seen the report. She’d be willing to bet Rey had, and probably Eddie. Maybe Vickie, but definitely Vince who had decided to hide the truth. Keep it a secret. She quickly tucked it away, and hurried out of Dominik’s room. Biting her bottom lip she wondered how long she’d have to sit on that secret herself. While the fact changed nothing for her it did change everything for Dom and their children, Lainey included (since Dom and Danika had been granted joint custody of the girl, and it had allowed Lainey to take Dominik’s actual last name: Gutiérrez).

It would impact the legacy Dominik was set to inherit, biologically the Guerrero legacy, but he was raised a Mysterio. Maybe he could take both mantels - be the new Latino Heat and honor them both. But that didn’t seem like Rey’s plan.

When Damian picked her up later, again in a rental SUV, she was still feeling slightly off. “You ok, Corazón bonito?”

“Yeah. Just a lot of things on my mind.” She admitted. “What are we doing today?” She asked eagerly.

“I am not a fan of animals in captivity so the zoo and aquarium are out. Might we go to Glazer Children’s Museum?” Damian guided them onto the road from the arena. “Or we can go to the Sunken Garden.”

“I am dying to see you at the children’s museum. You legitimately look like a gothic prince of darkness right now.” His jeans were black, his shirt was an Ozzy tour shirt, he had on one of his leather vests, his hair was braided in two braids for once, and his boots were clunky with chains on them. Danika meanwhile was in a bright yellow maxi dress and gladiator sandals. The twins were in aqua and peach respectively, their shorts solid colors with matching shirts that had taco prints on them. Both also had adorable gray fisherman hats on with their nicknames embroidered on the front of them.

“You look like happiness in a dress.” He admitted sheepishly. She burst with giggles, and he couldn’t help but smile, she hadn’t put much stock or worry into their age gap, but with her at twenty-three and Damian at thirty-nine there was a sixteen year age difference which would no doubt make waves if anyone ever publicly linked them. “I’m not sure why you keep saying yes to these dates, but thank you.”

“I like you, Luis, or I wouldn’t come out with you.” She shot him a bright smile, “Want me to put the address in the GPS?” He nodded as went to work, “Are you gonna turn your music on, I know you like metal, just don’t go too loud.” So he turned his Spotify on and tried not to overthink things when she tangled her fingers in his over the shifter. She caught the look of reverence he sent their hands, before deciding someday she was going to ask him who the hell had hurt him so badly. But not today, not yet. Not when they were so new, so tentative.

The Children’s Museum was large, square and angular, predominantly white with yellow hued accents. The front of the building was framed with palm trees. It looked massive, and Danika was so excited about spending the day there. They parked, and helped all three of the little ones out, Damian surprised Danika by grabbing the diaper bag. They stopped in at guest services to buy their tickets - the teenage girl behind the counter looked up at Damian with a bit of fear in her eyes, “Don’t mind Luis.” Danika offered, as she patted the man's arm, “He’s just an adult sized goth.”

“Rude.” He muttered, even as with tickets in hand they headed for the first exhibit - well he walked at a slower pace than normal as they had released all three little ones, Lainey holding both Nico and Rosa’s hands the trio sort of daring ahead Danika moved at a subdued pace, her hand in Damian’s much to the near-giant’s amazement. “So, do they need more supervision?”

Danika snickered, “You can see much further than me, Lurch.”

“Alright, I’ll keep my eyes on the babies, you just hold on to me.”

“Like I was planning on letting you go, again.” She smarted back, as he trailed along after the kids, headed straight for a room called Tugboat Tots. It looked like the twins were having a blast but Lainey wasn’t having as much fun, Danika watched as she tugged on Damian’s sleeve, the tall man bent down and she whispered in his ear, “Go ahead, you two can head to the Kidsport, we will probably be here for a bit.” She admitted with a smile, she watched a mask of confusion twirl over Damian’s face, “Luis, I trust you with Lainey, go ahead.” The little girl took his large hand and tugged.

Danika grinned as the pair disappeared into the next room. “Momma!” She grinned as Rosa called her, and hurried over to play in the little water maze that had toy tug boats set up on it. She helped Nico set up his own boat, she grinned as they splashed and splashed, playing happily as they talked to themselves, and splashed at her with water, she craftily snapped a few pictures, not sure how long they played before Damian and Lainey came back, then headed up the stairs to find the Farm Play area. This time Lainey led the charge, giggling as she pulled the younger too along with her. Damian after a moment's hesitation joined in the play, helping them ‘plant’ a garden, while Danika gathered eggs. Damian’s smile was less murderous and more adoring as they moved through the upstairs - playing in the Firehouse (Damian was tall enough to helped the twins slide down the fire pole), they went grocery shopping in the Publix room, the kids getting all the food they normally wouldn’t and tossing it into the buggy, Danika was the one that enjoyed the ice cream parlor, making elaborate scoops and creations for the other four to pretend eat, they skipped the Central Bank - Danika was pretty sure the kids were never going to have to worry about money.

They treated all the sick animals in the Vet Clinic, Danika had to convince Nico not to steal multiple stuffed dogs - apparently Dominik wasn’t the only one in the family who wanted a pet dog, Damian led the kids in the Engineer’s Workshop, they took apart what amounted to several mock planes and one boat, before they were reassembling them, Danika couldn’t stop laughing in the puppet theater room, because Damian did different voices for every single puppet, the kids got a laugh out of it as he staged an elaborate play using three puppets. They didn’t spend much time in the Pizza Place or the Global Café but they adored the time in Water’s Journey, playing like they were in the clouds. They somehow missed the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital exhibit, but managed to spend almost two hours in the Art Smart, where Danika and Damian drew various pictures that the three kids then attempted to color, all of which Danika was taking home. They found their way back to the Tugboat room, this time Lainey although yawning opted to stay with the twins, so Damian posted up against the doorway, while Danika leaned on his chest, his left arm around her collarbones, rubbing a slow circle with his thumb over her shoulder, while his fingers curled around her right upper arm, holding her steady.

“You like me, huh?” He whispered.

“I like you.” She confirmed, “Wasn’t sure about you in the start.” She flicked her gaze up to him, “But now I am.”

The man bowed his head with a soft smile, “We should get going, I’m pretty sure that man on the second floor recognized me.” He whispered, as the man from the Farm area was hurrying down the steps. Damian let her go, and turned to face him, “Can I help you?” Danika moved to gather up the kids.

“Sorry, man.” The man offered, “I just, you're Punishment Martinez, right? Damian Priest?” Damian nodded his head, she could tell he was angry from the way he was holding his shoulders, “I’m sorry to bother you dude, but could I get a picture with you?” He looked hopeful as he said it.

“Here, let me take the picture.” Danika offered, rubbing her hand across Damian’s arm, the man didn’t seem to notice as he handed his phone off to Danika, “Lainey stay with the little ones, ok, keep playing.” The little girl gave her a thumbs up, “Do you want to take it over here, where there are no kids in the picture.” She suggested as she ushered them towards a blank wall that sat next to Guest Services, both men moved to lean against it, Damian did his archer pose and the fan looked exuberant, she took a couple, then handed the man his phone back, and ducked around the pair of them to check on the kids. She couldn’t hear the conversation they were having but when Damian came back, he looked irritated still.

“We should go, I asked him to wait to post it, but…” He trailed off, as he hurried the twins into his arms, Danika grabbed the diaper bag and Lainey’s hand, trailing along behind him, “I’m sorry, Danika.”

“Luis, this isn’t your fault, people recognize Dominik all the time.” She offered, “I’m just good at not being noticeable, it’s sort of a defining factor.” She shrugged her shoulders, “Let’s find some place to eat, yeah?”

“Got somewhere in mind?” Damian asked, curiously as they made their way across the parking lot and secured the twins in the car seat, Lainey climbing into the middle of the backseat and fastening her seat belt around her booster by herself. Danika hurried into her passenger seat, while Damian climbed behind the wheel.

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Danika reached for the GPS, and started keying in the address, “It is outside of Tampa though, ever been to Dinosaur world?” Damian shook his head, softly. “Luis you are going to like this.”

“What if I’m afraid of Dinosaurs?” Damian asked, teasingly.

“Then our relationship is not going to work, because I love dinosaurs.” She teased right back, a smile on her features, “We could compromise I suppose, but Dinosaurs and lunch, and I know the people who own both thanks to Rey.” She hummed, pleased, “So we shouldn’t have any problems with your adoring fan base.”

The ride out to Keel Farms isn’t that awful, as far as Danika could tell the man liked their back and forth when it came to planning. Five Finger Death Punch radio from Spotify danced around them, in the speakers, Danika wouldn’t admit it, but she was starting to like the rattle and heavy rock. When they arrived Danika grinned as Damian took it all in, it was a Farm, she’d been honest about that much, but it was so much more. There were places for the kids to pet animals, a tour of the farm, tons of alcohol to be had - even as she led them into the restaurant area, she could tell they all wanted to pet the pigs.

“We are going to take a tour, right?” Damian asked as he trailed behind her.

“Of course, Luis.” She hummed, as they were seated off to the side, she said a quick hello to the owners, as they came over to greet her, before their waitress appeared, “Can we start with Gator Bites? I know these three want sweet tea, and I’d like ice water, Luis, what would you like to drink?”

Damian seemed to think about it, “Do you mind driving us back to Tampa?” Danika shook her head, “Alright, can I try Pirate Punch?” The waitress wrote it all down, then disappeared. “Where are the dinosaurs?”

“Down the road a bit, be patient, Luis.” She winked at him, “Lainey do you want a hamburger or a grilled cheese? Nico and Rosa are going to get chicken nuggets.”

“Can I have a ‘burger, momma?” Lainey asked, softly.

“Of course, you can, and do you want dessert?” She asked, evenly. “Cheesecake or Chocolate cake?”

“Chocolate, momma,” Lainey giggled like she thought it was funny, Danika winked at her.

“Good choice, pequeña mamá.” Damian offered to the little girl who grinned up at him, so bright and full of love that it nearly broke Danika’s heart, she’d never been that happy at Lainey’s age. “I think I want the Shrimp Tacos,” He hummed, “What are you going to have?”

Danika was flicking through the menu, “Probably the Berry Salad, with very light Strawberry Riesling.” She hummed, “So, Luis, tell me how you ended up in the WWE.”

He blinked, “You were around for some of it. And I know you did your research.”

“Oh, I did, but you don’t write your own wikipedia page do you? I know you were born in New York, but raised in Dorado, Puerto Rico. You learned Japanese karate that I can’t pronounce from your father, and you won two national championships with those skills. You returned to America, and basically learned English on the fly like I learned Spanish on the fly.” She gave him a serious look, “You were trained by the Monster Factory, I know you are a melophile, you collect hand-to-hand weapons, and you’ve held many championships.”

He blinked at her, “Dios, you do research.”

“Still didn’t answer the question.” She hummed.

“I like power, and recognition.” He admitted, “I didn’t like being in my dad's shadow.” He added, “Sound familiar?” She gave him a pointed look, “I wanted to be on the world's stage, I wanted to bring respect to mi raza.” He looked at her a bit sheepishly.

She gave him a bright smile, “That seems familiar, yes.” She winked as the appetizer of gator bites was brought out, the kids liked them when they were able to get them, she wasn’t too fond of them, she watched as Damian tried them for the first time, “No offense, you are beyond sweet to me, why is there no familia?” Something painful danced over his face, and she wanted to take the question back, “Eso fue grosero, perdóname, no debería haber preguntado.”

“No, it wasn’t rude, uh, I just don’t do… this.” He motioned between them, “I was almost married once.”

“Oh.” She gave him a soft look, “I’m sorry I brought up bad memories, Luis.”

“The thing is, they aren’t bad, Danika.” He hummed, as he reached for her, this time, his voice smooth in a way that made her understand the country song Tennessee Whiskey. “She died before we could get married, she was pregnant, they don’t have an answer for what happened, she just… faded away, the baby too.” He looked down at the hardwood table, and visibly flinched when Lainey, who had demanded to sit next to him, wrapped around his arm not held by Danika, “It’s… I brought the mood down.”

“Thank you for telling me.” Danika offered, quickly, “Lainey wants to hug you better.” She whispered, as Damian looked down to see Lainey squeezing his arm as tight as she could, wrapped around him like a little snake coiled, he immediately shifted the little girl so she was in his lap, and pressed his face into her red hair, just breathing in for a moment, “I must be terrifying to you.”

“No, no.” He said quickly, shaking his head, “Not terrifying.” He squeezed her hand where he still had a hold of her, “A much different woman than Tessa, yes, but… good different.” He decided on it after a long moment.

She shot him a real smile, full of white teeth and warmth, “Luis,” She squeezed his hand, “Thank you.”

After that Lainey climbed out of his lap, but it took some coaxing, and a lot of promises that he’d play with her later in the day. They ate and laughed, and Danika let Damian into the parts of her life she held precious, the pictures of her children that she never posted, her fear that Nico was going to have hearing problems when he got older because of his near-constant ear infections on his left side, how Rosa was ahead of him in milestones, how Lainey had been the first baby she or Dominik had ever felt connected to, how they’d fought to have Lainey with them for three years, the pair even considering getting married if only to be able to legally adopt her. He told her of Japan and Puerto Rico, of traveling Europe and working with all the different brands he had been with, he gushed over meeting Metal Gods, and then nearly lost his mind when she told him that she knew the members of Metallica because of some work she’d done for one of their wives. They trade funny stories, of their youth, and then more serious ones : how Danika grew up in a broken home, and at eleven was saved by Dominik who was thirteen, how Damian had to learn a new language and a new country all while his father was upset with him for giving up his mixed martial arts for something he considered trivial and fake.

After, they met the pigs and goats, the twins got diaper changes and were once again encouraged to go potty in the big kid potties, before Danika plugged the address into the GPS for Dinosaur world, and adjusted the seat for her much smaller body, before pulling them out of the parking lot and toward the next attraction. They spent the rest of their afternoon covering the parks large acreage, seeing two hundred life size dinosaurs, playing in the interactive boneyard, and playing on the skeletal playground, they went through the Prehistoric museum where they watched animatronic dinosaurs, could play with prehistoric dinosaur eggs, raptor claws, and spent a ridiculous amount of money in the gift shop. Lainey had a tendency to snag Damian’s larger hand and haul him around the exhibits, while Danika walked at a much slower place, holding both of the twins hands, and smiling over the fact that Damian had slung the diaper bag over his shoulder.

It was almost eight when she got a text from Dominik, asking her if she and the kids were still out, Damian was driving them back to Tampa, all three of the kids in the back sleep were fast asleep, honestly Danika was almost asleep herself, feet tucked under her, shoes kicked off, Damian’s thin jacket tossed over her, she wasn’t sure the music playing on the radio - but she liked it, liked the large hand of Damian’s on her thigh, squeezing every now and then. She typed out a quick message on her phone, then put it back in the cup holder in the middle console.

To: mi corazón >> we are otw to Tampa from Plant City, should be there by nine

“Dominik?” Damian asked, softly.

“Yeah, he was just worried about when we were getting back.” She said around a yawn, “I think he’s ready to get on the road, again. More than likely we are going to spend time adventuring around New York, when are you getting to the city?”

“I’m flying out tonight, after I check out of the hotel.” Damian offered, “Mysterio going by bus?”

“Yeah, or I’d offer you a ride on the bus.” She grinned at him, tiredly, “Can I take a nap, novio.” She was already drifting off, not realizing she had called Damian her boyfriend.

#aftershine #poly judgement day #damian priest x reader #rhea ripley fanfiction #dominik mysterio fanfiction #finn balor fanfiction

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idealjodi · 1 year ago

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pigeontakeover · 1 year ago

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More San Diego bullshit

Grossmont Union High School Board voted to terminate their decades-long mental health and suicide prevention services BECAUSE it was providing gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ students.

From the article:

“We need to look for alternatives that best reflect East County Values," said school board member Dr. Gary Woods during the July meeting.

Interesting note: Dr. Gary Woods is the Executive Director of EBI Leadership Development. EBI - Equip Biblical Institute. Just another Christian white male shoving the Christian Agenda down your throat, while pointing the finger claiming there’s a “Gay Agenda”.

Also from the article:

The vote came after tearful stories from parents and students like Zoey Miller, who says therapists with SDYS saved students' lives.

“She quite literally saved my life. I wouldn't be here without her help her assistance, her support," Miller said.

#omg im the op #san diego

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sungardenterrace · 10 days ago

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guytheporn · 2 years ago

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goldenseresinretriever · 4 months ago

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You Catch More Bees With Honey: Chapter 18

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Word Count: 4k

A/N: This is a repost of my completed series, You Catch More Bees With Honey. It was originally posted in November-March 2023, and was lost when my blog was deleted.

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

The energy in the arena this evening is electric. Bradley recognizes it even if his teammates don’t. It happens anytime he plays the Boston Bruins. He had hoped it was exclusive to Philadelphia but this confirms that it’s him they’re buzzing for, not his former team. What they expect to see, he’s not sure. His mind tries to convince him it has everything to do with the two former Bruins in the building, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky and Beau “Cyclone” Simpson.” Maybe they expect him to lose it? To let out almost four decades of rage and resentment, but why would he? He doesn’t harbor any of those towards the players warming up on the other side of the rink. None of them were playing that day. It was thirty-six years ago, after all.

He’s seen the video, of course, grainy and not the best quality yet you can clearly make out the defenseman that lands the hit on Maverick before Nick Bradshaw steps in. He wasn’t a defenseman. No, Bradley’s father wasn’t built to be a defenseman. Where Bradley’s all hunking muscle and broad shoulders, his father was slender, their only common physical trait being their height. Nick Bradshaw was a right winger and he shouldn’t have tried to fight that defenseman from Boston. They called him Goose in the league because he was always sticking his neck out for Maverick. Bradley hates hearing the nickname now. It leaves a sour taste in his mouth as he thinks about how avoidable it all was. If his father hadn’t gone after that defenseman, he wouldn’t have lost his helmet. He wouldn’t have crashed into the boards with the force of the hit. He wouldn’t have been discharged without a proper concussion diagnosis. He wouldn’t have dropped dead in his kitchen in front of his wife two days later from an unprecedented brain hemorrhage.

So no, Bradley doesn’t harbor any hatred for the Boston Bruins. He harbors it towards Pete Mitchell and he studiously tries to ignore his assistant coach’s eyes that he can feel on him. Instead, he focuses on the other pair of eyes he can feel. You look beautiful tonight, dressed in a smart-looking lavender skirt suit. It hugs your curves in all the right places and he’s selfishly looking forward to taking it off you later tonight. He can see you brush your hair away from your cheek, irritated. While for the most part, you’ve been enjoying your new, shorter cut, he’s caught you on more than one occasion attempting to sweep the strands into your signature ponytail only to find that you can’t anymore.

“What’s with the crowd tonight?” Javy asks Jake and Bradley turns as Jake nods towards him. Javy arches a dark eyebrow at Bradley.

“Him? What about you, Bradshaw?” Javy asks as Mickey and Reuben skate over, Bradley grimaces.

He hesitates before he answers, “It’s always like this when I play Boston,” he explains. “My dad’s accident was during a game against the Bruins.” He sighs. “It always feels like they're waiting for something but I don't know what. Whether it's for me to follow in his footsteps or for me to take some kind of revenge I don’t even want, I have no idea.” He shrugs before regarding the mixture of somber and surprised expressions. “It’s just another game, let’s win it.” He says and Jake nods in agreement.

***

The game has been exactly as he’d said, just like any other game. He could tell the other Dogfighters were mildly off put by the strange atmosphere but after he and Jake had reiterated that it was just another game, they seemed to have settled. The crowd continues to feel like it’s holding its breath and now Bradley’s tempted to join them.

They’re setting up for a faceoff after Boston iced the puck, Jake standing face-to-face with one of Boston’s centers. One of the other defensemen to his right is looking into the stands and Bradley’s uninterested until he speaks up. “Did you get a load of San Diego’s PR? What a smoke show, I bet her pussy’s as tight as her attitude.” Bradley stiffens and he watches the other guys, Jake included, follow suit. He grits his teeth, trying to control his temper even as he feels a surge of angry solidarity from his teammates. He thinks he’s just managed to reign himself in when the center opposite Jake smirks back at the defenseman, his expression oily.

“Eh, I hit that back when she was with Jacksonville, she wasn’t that great.” His smirk widens as he watches the Dogfighters tense up, basking in the daggers everyone within earshot is currently sending his way. Bradley can feel the anger inside him chafing at its leash as he struggles to keep it in check, to push aside the center's crude words that is until he keeps running his mouth. “You’re more than welcome to my sloppy seconds, though.” The leash snaps and Bradley barely remembers to toss his gloves aside as he tackles the center across from Jake. It’s an illegal hit, the puck wasn’t even in play, he knows that but he can’t see through his rage as he lands hit after hit on Boston’s center. He hears a shout of anger from the direction of the defenseman who made the original comment on you and then a cry of pain as the ice descends into madness. It’s a full-on brawl as the Dogfighters and Bruins go head-to-head. He can hear the whistles of the refs and shouts to break up the fight but he can’t see anything but the smirking face beneath his fists. When he pauses to catch his breath, the center spreads his bloody lips in a gross grin as he spits in Bradley’s face. “What’s wrong, big guy?” He smirks at Bradley’s red face now splattered with a combination of his saliva and blood as Bradley’s blood boils at the use of the nickname. “Upset Barbie isn’t a virgin?” Bradley doesn’t speak at first, his rage passing through him in a wordless, feral growl and he watches as fear flashes through the center’s eyes for a split second.

“Shut the FUCK up about my girlfriend, you worthless piece of shit.” The words are just as much of a growl, almost inhuman as he hurls them into the center’s face. He watches humor war with fear in the other man’s blue eyes as he realizes his mistake. “You talk about her? Look at her? So much as THINK about her? I’ll fucking KILL you.” His voice is so quiet he knows only the two of them heard it and then fear wins the war in those blue eyes as they see something in Bradley’s that wins the turbulent war in his head. He grabs at where Bradley has the collar of his jersey fisted in his hands, trying to remove them, but Bradley tosses him to the ice like a rag doll, standing to his feet just as the firm, furious fingers of the ref clasp his upper arm like a band of iron.

“That’s enough, #84, you’re done for the night.” He makes to drag Bradley to the bench but Bradley follows without resisting. At some point, he lost his helmet during the fight and his curls are stuck to his forehead with a combination of his sweat and the various fluids the center spit onto his face. He didn’t hand a single hit on Bradley other than that. He looks around to see the other Dogfighters in various states of injury being led off the ice. Mickey gives him a hard look, nodding firmly as if to thank Bradley for what he did. Jake meets his eyes at the bench as Bugs checks him out. There’s a shallow cut on his forehead that she’s assessing and his nose looks broken. When the ref releases Bradley, Jake reaches out to clasp his hand.

“Whatever anyone else says?” He says, tone even despite the heavy rising and falling to his chest. “You did what we all would have done. It was the right thing to do.” Bugs scowls at him, pinching his ear slightly before turning to Bradley.

“You okay, Bradley? Anything I need to look at before you get in the box?” He shakes his head as he looks around, the haze he was in early wearing off. Jake seems to understand as he supplies,

“Ten minutes for misconduct for every player on the ice.” Bradley’s eyebrows raise.

“EVERY player?” Jake gives him his signature cocky smile.

“You even got Bob to fight,” He nods in the direction of the goalie who’s currently being chewed out by his coach and girlfriend. He doesn’t get a chance to respond as Dare walks up.

“Bradley, what the hell was that?” She’s wearing an expression that’s partly irritation but mostly concern.

Bradley shrugs. “He was mouthing off, I didn’t like it.” Dare shakes her head before pinching the bridge of her nose. “Well don’t bother going to the box, you’re out for the rest of the game. You’ll be lucky if you’re not out for the next few let alone the rest of the season.” Bradley doesn’t say anything but shakes his head as Jake grimaces.

“I’m serving my penalty with my team first.” He watches Dare’s face soften with surprise before she nods curtly.

“Get over there then. Jake, you too.” She calls out to Bob as well as Bradley skates towards the box. As he climbs in, he takes a good look around at the other three guys in there. Javy’s got a split lip but he grins at the sight of Bradley, extending a fist out of sight of the cameras. The penalty box wasn’t designed for this many players at once. Bradley bumps his fist, subtly before turning to Mickey, who gives him a tired and tight-lipped smile.

“I know why you did it,” he says and he sounds exhausted. “I would have done it too. I just hope you’re ready to live with the consequences. She deserves a hell of a lot better than cleaning up after your messes.” Bradley’s heart stops at his words, instantly turning to look back at the bench. He hadn’t seen you when the ref brought him back, and you’re not there now.

“She’s talking with the reps, trying to see how they're going to punish you for starting that fight,” Reuben explains from where he’s sitting. Bradley feels his shoulders drop. He’s given you a reason to worry yet again. He keeps giving you reasons to worry.

“I need to talk to her,” he says and Mickey snorts.

“Get in line.” His normally cheerful expression is stormy. Bradley frowns at the change.

“What?” Mickey looks at him, his brown eyes dark with exhaustion. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“I’m tired of seeing her cry, man,” Mickey says, fire licking to life in his eyes with anger. “And I’m sick and fucking tired of seeing her cry over you.” Bradley’s blood runs cold. You were CRYING? He’d made you cry again? He curses under his breath but doesn’t have a chance to say anything as the door to the box opens and Bob and Jake shove themselves in. It’s a tight squeeze but they manage.

“While I’d normally be touched by your sudden bout of sportsmanship and loyalty, this box wasn’t meant for six,” Jake says with a playful grin on his lips even as he presses tighter against Bradley.

“Did you see Zam by any chance?” Bradley asks instead of commenting on Jake’s statement. Jake’s expression clouds as he chooses his words carefully.

“Yeah, she was understandably upset but I’m sure everything will be okay once you explain what happened.” He reaches out to squeeze Bradley’s shoulder in the cramped space but it doesn’t make him feel any better. He needs to find you. He needs to talk to you. He needs to be sure you’re okay.

***

At the end of the longest ten minutes of his life, Bradley heads down the tunnel in search of you. Normally, he’d be led down by a coach but Dare’s busy with the game and Maverick was sent off to talk to Cyclone and Ice about how to move forward. When he reaches the hallway at the end of the tunnel, he’s not sure where to check first but he doesn’t have to decide as you round the corner. Your face is puffy from crying though Bradley can tell you’re trying your best to hide it. On his skates, he towers over you. As he crosses the space over to you your eyes widen in surprise at seeing him. His heart breaks a little as you step back, almost like you’re afraid of him and he pulls up short as much as his body is screaming to pull you into his arms. He can barely hold himself back when he sees your lower lip tremble as you regard him warily.

“Honey, please, please don’t cry.” He urges, trying to resist the urge to cross the distance between the two of you. Restless and confused, he shoves a hand into his unruly curls, chest heaving with anxiety. You don’t say anything, simply watching him as he watches the lights wink out slowly in your eyes. “Honey, say something, you’re killing me, please.” That makes your lips move but all that comes out is an exhausted and dead laugh. It sends a chill down his spine.

“I’m killing YOU? Bradley, you promised me this was over. You promised me no more fighting.” His heart breaks in two, sinew snapping as he struggles to push the pieces back together.

“Honey, I know, I know I promised, I just-“

“No.” The word is so firm it shakes him to his core. “No Bradley, I can’t. I can’t do this anymore.”

“What?” His voice is dry and unfamiliar as the words tear past his lips. Never in his wildest dreams had he considered that he’d screwed up this badly.

He sees the pain twist your features even as your trembling lips set in a firm line. “I can’t live every day of my life, scared to lose someone else.” He feels like the breath has been punched out of his lungs as he stumbles back at the weight of your words. “I’ve spent the past eight years, afraid to let anyone in, afraid to get too close to anyone because I was scared I was going to lose them too. And then you came along and you showed me how to love again. You showed me it's okay to let people in. And I thought it could be different,” he watches the last bit of light wink out of your eyes and your shoulders slump with so much exhaustion that Bradley just wants to take the weight, for you to lean on him and let him carry you.

“It can be, Honey, I swear it can be. This is different, I can be different. I never want to hurt you, Honey.” He feels tears burning the backs of his eyes as he struggles to hold onto you, the best thing that’s been in his life all year, in all his years, truly.

“Then don’t.” You swallow and he watches you fight back tears of your own. “Stop hurting me and let me go, Bradley. I’m so tired of losing people. I can’t lose you too, so just let me let you go, please.” He never did stand a chance when you begged. He stands aside when you push past him and when the sound of your heels has retreated far enough that he can’t hear you anymore, he falls to his knees.

***

He’s not sure how long he’s been there, the picture of a fallen soldier but a hand finally closes over his shoulder. He looks up, not sure who he’s expecting but starts at the sight of a pair of blue-green eyes.

“You okay, kid?” Maverick’s voice is careful, cautious as if he’s trying not to spook a horse. Bradley’s too exhausted to reply, or even shrug his enormous shoulders. The two of them stay in that position, Mav’s hand on his shoulder until Bradley finally finds the words.

“She left me.” He barely makes it to the end of the sentence before his voice breaks. Maverick’s quiet for a minute, considering his words before he replies.

“She’ll come back.” Bradley chokes out a twisted excuse for a laugh, the sound dry and broken.

“You didn’t.” Maverick’s quiet for another long moment before he replies.

“She’s smarter than I am. Than I was,” he adds.

“She’s scared,” Bradley says then, unsure why he’s opening up to Maverick but right now he doesn’t know what else to do. “She thinks she’s going to lose me too.”

“I know the feeling,” Maverick says then. “It’s a valid fear.”

“She’s not the only one who doesn’t want to be left.” He says then, fists curling at his side. “I don’t want to lose her, because if I lose her,” he takes a sharp breath that pierces every one of his vital organs on the way in, unable to finish the thought. The two of them stay silent for a long moment before Bradley speaks again. “Trade me.” Maverick starts in surprise, his fingers curling tighter into Bradley’s jersey. “Please,” Bradley turns then, gripping the older man’s hand in his, even as Maverick holds onto Bradley’s jersey. “Please just get me out of here. I can’t be here. I can’t be here if I don’t have her, I can’t.”

“No.” Maverick’s words are firm even as he pulls his godson closer. “Take it from someone who knows a thing or two about leaving? Don’t run. Stay, fight for her. Fight for her because she’s everything.”

Bradley shakes his head. “She doesn’t want me. And if I lose her, I won’t have anyone.” Maverick grips his chin with his free hands forcing Bradley to look at him.

“Today, more than anything, proved that’s not true. You have a team that stands behind you, that wants to fight for you. That’s not nothing, and don’t you ever dare say it is.” His blue-green eyes are blazing with a fire that Bradley’s never seen. “Zam’s upset right now and she has every right to be. She’s scared of you leaving, so prove her wrong. Show her you can stay. Be the man I never could be. Tell her you’re sorry. Apologize, but don’t you dare leave her.” Shame washes over Bradley as he realizes what he’s just done. His shoulders shake as a son wracks his body and the tears he’s been fighting back break free. Maverick slides to his knees then, gathering his godson in his arms, and Bradley’s too tired to resist. “I know this doesn’t change the fact that I left,” Maverick whispers into his ear as he cradles the much larger man. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but you don’t deserve to make the same mistakes I once made. If I can prevent you from doing that, it’s the least I can do for you.

***

Bradley’s not sure he’s ever been in Iceman’s office. It’s on the top floor of the arena all by itself. The room is full, both his coaches standing on either side of him, with Cyclone pacing back and forth behind them as they wait. The chair next to Bradley is currently unoccupied and Iceman waits patiently as Cyclone grumbles and occasionally looks at the door. It's been less than twenty-four hours since the game against Boston. The Dogfighters barely edged them out at the last minute, Mickey scoring the winning point with an assist from Jake. Maverick told Bradley to go home after his breakdown, and so he hasn’t seen you since. The door opens with a click and he looks up to see you enter. You look exhausted. You’re wearing a suit in a soft butter yellow that doesn’t suit your darkened mood. There are smudges under your eyes that say you haven’t slept and Bradley’s heart clenches. He wants nothing more than to go to you and guide you into his lap but he forces his hands to remain in his lap as you cross the room, not looking at him and instead locking eyes with Iceman.

“Five games,” you announce and the pressure in the room releases like a heavy breath. “He’s suspended for five games.”

“How the hell did you manage that?” Everyone’s heads turn to where Cyclone has stopped his pacing. You look too tired to manage conversation right now and instead give him a tired shrug.

“I’m good at my job.” Bradley’s heart swims with pride even as it aches at the exhaustion that he can hear hanging off your every word. Cyclone shakes his head in astonishment before nodding curtly to you.

“Good work, then.” You turn to Iceman, placing a folder on his desk.

“That’s a summary of the official terms as well as summaries of the phone calls I made so we don’t get our wires crossed. As Beau said, we’re very lucky that this is all the penalty that Bradley’s facing. There’s also a pay cut taken out of his annual salary but nothing he can’t handle. The other guys are all off the hook.” Bradley’s stomach turns at the idea of his teammates potentially having to take a punishment as well for his actions. You look around the room, purposefully avoiding him before clasping your hands in front of you and turning to Iceman once again. “If that’s everything, allow me to excuse myself. We have a game tomorrow to prepare for, regardless of whether Bradshaw’s playing in it.” BRADSHAW. He hates the way you use his last name like it removes all emotion from the equation. It’s the way you used to address him when you were irritated with him, back when he was just a problem that needed solving. It’s what he feels like now. Iceman dismisses you and you exit the room without another word.

“She needs to go home, Tom. She’s no use to us exhausted.” Dare speaks up then and Iceman turns to her, raising a blonde eyebrow in curiosity. “Zam spent all night on the phone with the Department of Player Safety. It’s a wonder she got us the deal that she did. She’s done her part, she needs to go home and get some rest.” You’d been here all night? You’re wearing a different suit than you had been last night but knowing you, you have an extra stashed somewhere in your office for emergencies. Once again Bradley wants nothing more than to take you home and tuck you into bed where you’ll be safe, but he’s forfeited the right to do so. Guilt gnaws at him as Ice nods and Dare heads after you, squeezing Bradley’s shoulder before she goes. He hasn’t had a chance to talk to her about everything yet, but he has a feeling that Maverick’s filled her in.

When the door clicks shut behind Dare, Ice turns to Bradley and he starts in surprise at the twinkle of humor in the older man’s eyes as he regards Bradley silently. “You’re a lucky man, Bradley Bradshaw.” He says after a long moment. “She fought for you, better make it worth her while don’t you think?” Bradley nods firmly, trying to ignore the shame that’s worming its way into his chest at the idea of you on the phone all night, fighting for him even after you begged him to let you let him go.

“Yes, sir.” Ice nods back and the room is silent for a long moment, the other two men in the room having nothing to contribute to this seemingly private conversation.

“Good luck, Bradley.” He says, mouth curling up at the edge and Bradley feels a flutter of hope in his chest. “I think I speak for everyone in this room and on this team when I say I’m rooting for you.”

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