#curtis axel fanfic

[snarkwriteswrasslin]

Title: santa baby { an oooold oc of mine singing christmas songs to Curtis Axel @ karaoke}

Theme: Songs/Music

Fandom / Character(s): Curtis Axel, unsigned at the moment but formerly wwe.

Warnings: Me, revisiting an oc/concept I made up around valenties day last year, Nicolette from discount chocolate day.. It’s suggestive and flirtatious and that’s p. much it?

Word Count: between 100 to 300 words with a moodboard.

This is my entry to @champbucks 12 Days Of Christmas Challenge for the day. I wanted to make this a one shot so badly but I couldn’t make it work without it seeming as if the ending was forced somehow, like... I’m not good at writing beginning / ending content?? Surprise?? So, I made this moodboard and decided to just write a small little scene out to go with instead... Huuge shoutout to @schizoauthoress for helping out with the song/suggestion and our talk bc honestly, ugh.. I adore this with all my heart.

Tagging:

@kyleoreillysknee

@rampagewriting

@writertoo18

@thatnerdwriter

@wrestlingismyguiltypleasure

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@waywardwrestlewritingwaif

@sassymox

@champbucks

@hungmanhorsecarriage

@wardl0w

@ryantaylorgirl

@dilfmoxley

@hotyeehawman

@gabbynorth98

@bec0m

@irish-newzealand-idian-dutch 

@daddyslittlevillain 

[ about page | masterlist | tag list ]

“Santa Baby,” Nicolette cooed suggestively as she stepped down from the stage and made her way back to the table that Curtis already sat at, perching on the tabletop, earning her a cough and his entire face heating up in a bit of a blush as he squirmed visibly in his chair and smirked up at her.

“Darlin?”

Nicolette continued to sing, staring down at him, winking and giggling, grabbing light hold of his jaw at the line Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing A ring, I don't mean on the phone I’ve been an awful good girl, and making him rub his chin in thought. For a second or two, he was almost sure that someone spilled the big surprise he had planned, but when she gave that flirty little giggle and brushed deep red lips right against the corner of his mouth, she muttered quietly, “Love you, baby. I just.. I had to do this. The look on your face right now...”

He licked his lips and chuckled because she’d completely stopped singing now and people were staring. Normally that’d get right on his last nerve, the two of them being as private as they were, but tonight, he just kind of went with it. Didn’t give a damn. He smiled, scooping her off the tabletop and right into his lap. “Do you wanna get outta here, darlin? Your little song got me thinkin..And there’s kind of somethin I wanna ask...”

“Yes, please?” Nic laughed as she rested her face against the space between his neck and shoulder, holding the microphone out to Alexa, who was planning to sing next....

[empireofwrestlemania]

A Mermaid’s Wish - Chapter 13

When Laura and Adrianna left the house the next morning, they were both stunned at the sight of Kiera’s cart, sitting near the town stables. Sure enough, when Laura went to check the stables, she saw that Sambuca the demon horse was still there.

“Curtis?” Laura asked, approaching the familiar man. He wasn’t far from the stables, and she suspected he probably worked there.

“Yes, what can I do for you?” he asked with a grin.

“The man who came with me yesterday, Braun - do you know where he went?” she asked softly.

“I’m not sure,” Curtis said, glancing around curiously before scratching his head. “Saw him come out of Adrianna’s house, and then he went that way. Couldn’t have made it far, though - probably went for a walk and then came back. Might be at the inn?”

The direction he gestured was the direction from which they’d come, and Laura’s heart sank. There was no way Braun was at the inn. He’d started walking home. He was probably halfway there by now, and he was a big guy - even with the cart, she and Adrianna probably wouldn’t catch up with him.

“Oh...” she mumbled sadly. “Alright. Thank you - if you see him again, can you tell him that Adrianna and I took the cart to see the Three Kings?”

“Certainly,” he said, nodding. “Take care.”

“You too,” she said quickly. “And thank you.”

When she returned to the cart, Adrianna was already finished strapping Sambuca up to it, and was gently petting the horse. Laura crinkled her nose.

“Why does everybody seem to be getting along so well with this horse thing except me?” she asked, and Adrianna laughed.

“Not a fan of horses?” she asked, a smile on her lips. “My elven blood gives me a natural way with animals. It won’t protect us from, you know, wolves or anything like that, but horses or house pets feel more comfortable around elves.”

“That’s just unfair,” Laura said, climbing into the back of the cart. “So these Three Kings - are they nice?”

“The kindest,” Adrianna replied, climbing into the driver’s seat of the cart. “Except perhaps King John, in Empire Minora - he’s also known for being an incredibly good and kind ruler. But I assure you, if there’s anything the Kings will do to help, they will.”

“Well, alright,” Laura mumbled, not entirely convinced.

As Adrianna drove the cart, guiding them to the capital of the Kingdom of Gold, the two women chatted between themselves. Laura was careful not to say anything too revealing to the elf, though she noticed that Adrianna also seemed to be censoring herself. She didn’t mind, of course - at least, not until Adrianna called her out on it.

“You know,” Adrianna remarked after several minutes of silence, “I’m not certain that you’re being entirely truthful with me.”

“You think I’m lying to you?” Laura asked, immediately offended. She hadn’t told Adrianna a single lie. Granted, she hadn’t told her anything about being a mermaid, but she’d been honest about her situation with Sasha and with Braun.

“No, not lying,” Adrianna responded quickly, apparently catching that she’d offended Laura. “Just...hiding something. It’s alright, I won’t pry.”

Laura was quiet for another few minutes, pondering the elven woman’s words. “You know,” she said finally, “I could probably say the same to you. I don’t get the feeling that you’ve been telling me everything either.”

“Good instincts,” Adrianna said, glancing over her shoulder and smiling. “That would be because I haven’t.”

Laura nodded slightly. At this point, it seemed better not to ask questions. After all, she had something to hide, and for good reason - for all she knew, Adrianna might also be keeping secret for a good reason. She decided to leave well enough alone, and as they rode on, they continued to make small talk, ignoring the metaphorical dragon in the corner of the cart.

Characters included: @hardcorewwetrash @marvelingmissselina

Tagging: @macfizzle @she-reigns-in-this-yard @sonjashuterbugjohnson @sisteradelaide @queenreignsempire @panic-angel3314

[neverwrittenffbefore]

The Turn Heard Round the World {Sami Zayn x Reader: Ep. 3}

~ Episode 1: https://neverwrittenffbefore.tumblr.com/post/161849624267/a-familiar-surprise-sami-zayn-x-reader-my ~ Episode 2: https://neverwrittenffbefore.tumblr.com/post/162078557932/the-concern-sami-zayn-x-reader-ep-2

Sami had just finished explaining the plan that WWE creative had in store for you.

“Wow,” you began. “I-I don’t know what to say,” you continued with a stutter and a chuckle. “I hope I can pull it off.”

“You are an actor after all, you can do this,” Sami said with a comforting smile.

The next three weeks consisted of Sami going on a losing streak. On the fourth week, Sami had a tag-team match with his partner Kalisto against Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. You, of course, were managing your man and his tag partner. The match started off rough, but soon began shifting towards Sami and Kalisto’s favor. As Kalisto was about to finish off Bo Dallas, Bo went for a schoolboy and stole the win.

(Kayfabe)

Frustrated that Sami’s first win in four weeks had slipped away because of a rookie mistake, you made your way into the ring and attacked Kalisto from behind. As you physically and verbally attacked Sami’s partner, the crowd began to boo you. You couldn’t help but smile internally as you got the exact reaction you were supposed to get. Sami was on the floor next to the ring, hurt. When he realized what was happening, he quickly pulled you off of his tag partner. You continued to kick and scream, managing to break free and deliver a bicycle kick to the side of Kalisto’s head. The OH’s from the crowd quickly returned to boo’s, though they were louder than before. Sami grabbed you once again, dragging you backstage while scolding you in an attempt to control your erratic behavior.

(Kayfabe over)

When you and Sami returned backstage, you were greeted with a round of applause by the WWE superstars.

“Thanks,” was all you were able to say in response to the overwhelming praise. It was the most involved you had ever been in a storyline, and you sold it effectively. It was already being discussed all over Twitter and Tumblr. Y/N had officially turned heel. Many questions arose around social media. “Will Y/N actually stay heel?” “How does this affect Sami and Y/N’s relationship” “Will Sami also have a heel turn?” “Will Y/N start a rivalry with Kalisto?”

You couldn’t believe it. Your heel turn became a trending topic and was one of the main highlights of the show.

The following week, you and Sami had a backstage segment together.

(Kayfabe)

The segment opened with Finn Bálor and Sami Zayn talking about Sami’s losing streak. You then enter the frame with a smile directed at Sami, which then turned into a frown directed at Finn.

You and Finn stared at each other for a second.

“Can I help you?!” you snapped.

Finn turned to look at Sami. “I’ll catch ye later. Stay up, man.”

You glared at Finn as he walked away, but then your face turned into one of innocence as you were alone with your boyfriend. However, Sami’s face stayed serious.

“What was that for? We were having a conversation.” he said with an annoyed tone in his voice.

“Oh never mind that. Are you ready for your match tonight?” you asked your boyfriend.

With a sigh, Sami responded, “Yeah. I really need to win. Not just to break this losing streak, but for my opponent’s well being.”

Sami continued, but with more emphasis, “I don’t want another sneak attack on my opponent to happen.”

You scoffed. “Kalisto deserved it. You had that win. All he needed to do was finish the match, but the moron loses to a schoolboy. A SCHOOLBOY! So pathetic,” you said in attempt to justify your rage induced attack.

Before Sami could respond, you continued to talk. “I can’t stand seeing you lose all the time. No one else matters at this point. You deserve to win every single time, Sami. I did you a favor last week. No one messes with my man’s win/loss ratio, okay??”

Not knowing how to respond, Sami stayed quiet. You broke the silence.

I’ll let you get ready for your match now.”

Another slight pause.

“I love you,” you genuinely say before walking off.

(Kayfabe over)

It was time for Sami’s match, and you were scheduled to appear in the ring before your boyfriend to introduce him while at the same time building up heat for yourself. Your theme played and out you walked.

(Kayfabe)

As you made your way to the ring, you clearly had a different attitude than normal. Instead of being cheerful and friendly, you had a face of arrogance and were rude to the fans that extended their hands out to you. When a child extended her hand out to you right before you walked up the steps, you saw this as a perfect opportunity to build a little more extra heat. You stared at the girl as she tried to touch your hand, and gave her a look of disgust. She slowly lowered her hand, and you laughed as you ascended the steps, shaking your head side to side as you neared the ropes. The crowd was filled with sympathetic aww’s before booing you. You snatched the mic away from a WWE crew member and began to speak. The crowd was still booing.

“Oh, shut up already!” The boos grew louder. “You’re all just as pathetic as your city; but anyway-” you were cut off by another set of boos. “Anyway..as I was about to say before I was rudely interrupted, give a warm welcome to my personal favorite WWE superstar of all time…Sami Zayn!”

Sami’s music hit and the WWE universe cheered him as loud as they could, almost as if it was to spite you.

He made his way to the ring, and soon enough Kevin Owens’ theme started. The WWE universe was hyped up, as they knew they were in for a good match.

The match shifted back and forth, to Sami’s favor, to Kevin’s, back to Sami’s, etc. The crowd absolutely loved the match that was unfolding before them. Kevin began to build momentum, and he soon put Sami in a corner where he sat, hurt. Kevin ran to the corner opposite to the one Sami was sitting in, obviously planning to go for a cannonball. However, you killed his momentum by sweeping his legs back, causing him to fall. You then hit his back, as he rolled near the edge of the ring. The crowd booed you for killing the match, all while you laughed it off. What you didn’t realize is that the referee saw everything and went on to disqualify Sami. When the referee called for the bell, your smile fell and Sami looked around, clearly confused. Kevin turned his attention to you rather than celebrating, but you managed to get away from him. You walked backstage, your front still turned towards the ring. You had an arrogant smile on your face as Sami made his way backstage as well, his face showing signs of annoyance.

(Kayfabe over)

As you made it backstage, Sami called you. He had a face of pride as he approached you.

“You did it!” he started. Sami hugged you and spun you around. “The fans officially hate you,” he said with one of his signature adorable laughs. “You did great!”

“Thanks, Sami. I felt bad for what I did to that little girl, but you gotta do what you gotta do!” you responded. “In a weird way, it felt kind of good to be bad!” You both shared a laugh.

“I’m nice to you, but mean to everyone else…I think I’m going to like this new me!”

[angelfiume]

Mouth Like A Sailor Part 1

Hey so I have no idea how to publish a fanfic on tumblr besides just putting it up like this so hopefully this goes well.  I was posting on qoutev but it kept crashing my computer so tumblr it is.

Marlena Curtis May 1965 5 months before    "I hope all of you will take this summer to exercise your minds... You wouldn't want to go into your senior year with a head full of nothing, would you?"  Mr. Mays shouted at the class, he wasn't angry, just obnoxiously loud.  I looked across the room at my brother's best friend, Steve, hoping to have someone to smile with or pass a note too, but he obviously was not interested and instead was tracing the hand of a short girl with bobbed hair.  She was giggling as he made ugly monster claws out of her manicured fingers, it was kind of sweet honestly.  I sighed and leaned back in my chair, looking around the room for anyone else that might be alright with me.  Mr. Mays voice quieted as he saw no one really cared about his speech on polishing the young mind, he resulted to letting us free for the rest of the period.  I rested my head on my arms and decided to spend the class just sleeping instead of awkwardly trying to make conversation with the dry, ginger soc next to me.  She seemed like she wasn't very interested anyways.    The bell rung two minutes in to my daydream, which couldn't have made me happier, I jumped out of my seat and yanked my bag with me out the door.  Finally I could just do jack-shit and paint my nails instead of listening to the same monotone creeps lecture for hours and hours.  I nearly ran down the hallway towards my friends, Sophie and Jean, they were talking fast and smiled big when they saw me running down to see them.    "MARLI, tell your brother you're gonna be at my house tonight baking cookies or some sweet shit, Gene Vincent is gonna be at Sophie's cousin's bar tonight in Oklahoma City!  Her cousin said we can all get in no sweat."  Jean said, she was so excited her heavy eyeliner was creasing from smiling so wide.       

  "Holy shit, Sophie did your cousin really say we can go?  How much money?" I asked with a small twinge in my stomach, the past few months have been pretty tough on my wallet, I really wanted all my money to go into my younger brother's secret college fund.   

 "None baby!  That's a perk of having friends with connections, just pitch in two bucks or so for gas, my daddy is letting me take the Malibu, ain't that exciting?" Sophie cooed, she had this soft voice that could have sounded polite even if she was telling you where it seemed your head was stuck.  She was   rich too, man her family did well.  But she was still my friend, because she didn't care if I lived in a hollowed out coat closet my brother set up for me, she didn't believe in the social class war going on.    

  "I'm in man!  I'll tell Darry I'm going to have a sleepover with ya'll, he won't ask questions, he's too wrapped around the axel with Soda right now."  I grinned at them and listened quietly to the rest of their chatter.  They could get awful excited about something real fast, it was damn cute.     

 We walked out to Jean's boyfriends car, he was a doll, always chauffeuring her and her friends around Tulsa.  Speaking of the devil, Tommy came sprinting down the concrete steps and bear-hugged tiny Jean, making her scream and laugh.  

    "Hello sweetheart, ready to be done with the bullshit for a whole 2 months?" he was another one of those guys that seems to really just shout instead of talk, he nodded to Sophie and I and smiled nicely, "ya'll hangin' or goin' home?" 

   "I can stay a little, we're supposed to be in the City by 9 and we gotta leave at 7 or so.." Sophie chirped    

   "Just straight home for me, thanks, I gotta make an appearance so Darry doesn't get suspicious"  I knew full well that he would expect the worst if I never showed up at home.    I jumped down from Tommy's pick- up and yelled to Jean I would be at her house at 630.  I smoothed out my black corduroy skirt and re-tucked the ratty pink shirt I had owned since 9th grade.  My sneakers crunched down the gravel covering the alley behind my house as I walked towards the backward, where I heard my brother and their friends.  Not even the whole gang was there, but it was still loud as hell.     

          "Hey Marls how was the last day of school?  I  miss anything important?" laughed Two-bit, the rusty haired boy lay lazily on our back steps.      

           "Ha, it was fine, you didn't miss anything important.  Just that Mark guy offered me a whole year supply of marijuana if I would flash the principal at the assembly this morning"  I told him as I took a carton out of my bra and lit a smoke, I giggled a little when I saw him cock an eyebrow.  The nimrod probably thought I went through with it.     

           "So ya did it right?"  Demanded a bored looking Dallas Winston.  He sat next to my twin Soda, who was laughing quietly to himself, he probably knew I was too much of a wimp to leave school one some crazy note like that.   

           "Nah," I took a long drag, "I could get that shit for free by just winking at some of the squares in this town... But anyways, where did Darry go?  He working late or something?"   

           "No, he should be home in ten minutes or so, you gonna bail soon?" Soda asked   

            "Around 6ish I'm going over to Jean's, Sophie and I are gonna spend the night with her."  I told him without much worry, I was used to making up white lies at this point, Soda would likely not even care that I was going into the big city tonight, maybe he'd even think it was tuff I was sneaking off to a high class bar with my socy friends.   

             "Ain't Jean that middle-class broad with the giant jugs?" Dally half-joked, it was almost a long running gag that we had, since he couldn't make a move on me, being three of the gangs' sister, he has always tried his best to get at my friends.    I just rolled my eyes and took another drag of my cigarette, lettings the boys' conversation go this way and that and just listen.  That's kinda been my go-to lately, when my mom and dad died three months ago I lost a lot of my talkative edge.  Shit it's been three months already... I pushed my body lightly off of the side of the house and dragged myself inside.  My room really was just a scraped out coat closet.  I ain't gonna complain too bad about it though, Darry really did make it alright and it wasn't even too small of a closet to begin with.  Hell, if we were able to fit my little mattress and even my record player I bought when I was 11, it can't have been that bad.  My stomach was beginning to feel a little green, I had been smoking like a chimney since I got home, and my room ain't too breezy so that tobacco stench really liked to hang around.   

           "Marlena?" I heard my oldest brother knocking at my door, he opened it and immediately looked a little peeved, "Oh lordy!  Did ya just set a whole carton of marbolos on fire?  It's a goddamn wildfire in here, you keep smoking like this and I'm gonna have to start checking what you buy at the store now, ya dig?"    

           "Yeah, I know.  Hey Darry?"  I said, without the slightest intention of cutting down on my habit, "I'm gonna go to Jean's tonight, Sophie will be there too, that cool?"    "That's fine" he said walking back to the kitchen.  I followed him out and just followed suit, he got a glass of water, I got one too.  We didn't even talk the whole time,  he's kinda been quiet lately too.  When our parents died in that accident everyone took on a different kind of burden, but sometimes I think Darry feels like he took the whole load, and maybe that's why he's so damn stressed. Coming home from the funeral with my brothers felt like I had just taken a few strangers from the graveyard and said "you'll do."  Darry used to be that real fun, hilarious older brother.  We used to go out all the time and just talk about everything.  We would talk about how mom was a little too harsh sometimes on people and that it was pretty funny that dad would just push her buttons when she would get annoyed by the little things.  My youngest brother, Ponyboy, well he just downright terrifies me the way their deaths changed him.  He didn't use to be so dreamy all the time, he always had a big imagination, but this time it's different, he tried to follow mom and dad's souls up to heaven and got stuck somewhere between space and the East Side.  Sodapop though, he seemed to take it the healthiest, he wasn't shy about bawling and howling like an idiot at the funeral.  He had to express how he felt, so he did.  But one thing that did change was the side of him people usually forgot about started to rear its ugly head just a little more every once in a while.  Soda is charming and nice, but he's also reckless and clumsy and he won't look before he just starts running.  I'm not trying to  but my brothers in  a bad light though, I certainly haven't been perfect since the accident either.

             Jean's dad was in the army, and her mom was a nurse, so they got along pretty okay.  She wasn't by any means rich, but she surely never had a shortage of cash by the end of the month.  Her house was just a quick bus ride from my neighborhood, it was two stories, well kept, and all the bathrooms were pink.  I knocked on the door and not even a second later it was the bermuda triangle of "can you answer that?" between her and her parents.  It was her mom who came to the door, she was a real neat lady.  Joan's mom was actually real tough, she had a hard life as a kid and she don't have the easiest job in the world.

    "Hello Marls!  Don't you look like a doll tonight?"  She smiled up at me, I am pretty tall for a girl and I usually tower over most ladies I meet. 

   "Thank-you Mrs. Massey, it's just my school clothes, but I figured it would be alright for tonight, ha," I tried my best to sound like a nice girl, but she was just so damn down to earth I really don't think she'd judge me too harsh.  She let me in and walked me all the way to Jean's room, asking about my brothers and if Pony was proud of himself that he came in 2nd at his last track meet.  It was nice talking to a mom.

      Jean popped up from the floor when I walked in, "You ready to leave soon?  I just gotta find my lipstick and Sophie will be here soon, we're gonna get burgers at Dairy Queen on the way out of  town, my mom gave me food money if any of us need."  she spoke briskly and with a butt-load of excitement. 

   "Yeah I'm all set" I giggled quietly as she threw tubes of makeup to the floor trying to find her token lipstick. She got it and we tumbled down the stairs just as Sophie was pulling up to the house.

[peppersandcats]

C, K

For the Fanfic Ask Meme:

C: What character do you identify with most?

I… don’t know. Hmh. Hartley’s the one I’m most interested in stories about, and he’s easy to write because any reference or allusion I know he can probably get (barring the cheesy horror ones) so I never have the problem I have with Axel or Mick of needing to stop and double-check what I’m having them say to see if it’s a context that makes sense for them. I think of the characters I write, he’s probably the one that I’d say I think of as least different from me?

In terms of emotional engagement with stories, Axel and Hartley are probably about on par (and given how incredibly little we’ve seen of Axel in the TV show, believe me, I wonder about this a lot. I’m pretty sure none of the headcanon I’ve come up with for him is stuff I identify with, but it’s definitely things I’m interested in).

(I don’t really think about this a lot, can you tell?)

On the whole–like, most identified with of any character, not just of the ones I write about–I think it might be Ray or Curtis; I mean, obviously without the super-genius technology skills and the Olympian athletic ability, but they’re both such sweet idealistic dorks. Chivalry and FAIR PLAY, I tell you.

(No, I’ve never written anything with either of them. That said, there is a lovely Curtis Holt fic by @thedancingwalrus-blog over here: “The Kid Who Saved Batman”.)

K: What’s the angstiest idea you’ve ever come up with?

That I’ve put on AO3? Probably Rachel Rathaway hugging Hartley, and him having a moment of believing it’s going to be okay before she tells him that she’s found a place that can fix him.

If you include non-published stuff that I’ve pencilled into drafts, I’m working on something for Axel. Family rejection is a goldmine for angst.

[snarkwriteswrasslin]

FFT: boop; curtis axel

Notes:

This was sent to my main’s ask by @markostuntthesehoes​ and the idea came to me and it was cute so.. Even though it’s old af and got buried beneath every other post on the main, I had to move it here. Because it’s one version of curtis and carly’s story.

Summary:

Carly likes to flirt. Curtis is oblivious. Something has to give, right?

Pairing:

Curtis Axel x OFC, Carly.

Warning:

flirting and fluff and one oblivious guy.

“What the hell are you doing up there, Carlie? You’re gonna break  your ass.” Big E’s statement made Carlie jump a little and as a result, she did wind up almost losing her footing. She got the radio off the shelf and lowered it down to Big E.

“What the hell was this doing up there, lil bit?”

“I put it there.”

“Say what?” Big E raised a brow and Carlie gave a sheepish laugh and hopped down from the counter, smoothing her hands down the front of her jeans. She tilted her head to the side and dragged her fingers through her hair and explained casually, “I put it there to have an excuse to get Curtis in here.”

“Curtis.. Oh, Axel.. Wait, why?”

“Because.. I don’t know, okay?”

Big E thought back to the past few weeks since she’d gotten a spot on the glam squad with the main roster. His eyes lit up and he chuckled, closing the door to the room quickly.

“You’re crushing on him, huh?”

“Yes and it’s the only frickin way I can think to… Interact with him. He keeps to himself way too much.  Unless Bo or Heath are around.”

Big E chuckled and teased his friend gently, “You do realize you could just talk to the guy, right? You don’t have to keep climbing things and putting things out of your own reach.. Or tripping.”

“Hey, that wasn’t planned. I’m clumsy, remember?”

“Riiight little bit. Riiiight.” Big E was teasing her again and Carlie sent her hand lazily against his upper arm, giggling.

“You hit like a girl.”

“Uh, duh?” Carlie teased.

She bit her lip and glanced at the open door when she thought she heard Curtis and Bo laughing out loud in the hallway.

“You’ve got it bad, girl.” Big E assessed and Carlie muttered quietly, “It seems I do, Mr. Big.” as she tore her eyes off the doorway. Big E nodded to the radio that sat on the highest shelf in the room. “Talking to the guy is always an option too,  little bit. Think about it, maybe?”

“I will, just.. Doing this kinda.. He always gives me this amused smirk and it makes my day.. Besides, I kinda feel like.. Maybe.. Forget it, it’s stupid.”

“No, what?”

“ Maybe he likes it when I ask him to do little things like this? Like.. we both know that he’s been frustrated as of late.”

“I take it back. You don’t just have it bad, Carlie.. You have the worst case ever of having it bad.” Big E chuckled to himself as he walked out of the room.

The idea hit him halfway down the hallway.

Maybe he could do some sleuthing around and find out if Curtis felt the same way.. And maybe if it turned out the guy did, maybe Big E could maneuver events so that the two wound up actually having to interact a fair bit more.

And maybe, he found himself smirking at the thought, maybe things would finally click.

He saw the way Carlie lit up around the guy and he remembered her last relationship and a few others prior. All he wanted was his friend to have everything she wanted. To show her that she wasn’t unlucky, she just didn’t have the guts to actually go for what she really wanted. He wanted her to see that when she did go for what she actually wanted as opposed to just settling, things could be so much better.

And it wasn’t a secret that Curtis had been going through it lately, either. Maybe having someone around the guy who believed in him and bought him out of his shell and made him go outside his comfort zone like he knew Carlie well enough to know she would.. Maybe that would be good for him too.

So, Big E set off to find Heath and Bo and hopefully, find some answers.

X

Curtis happened to walk past her work area and Carlie called his name, stopping him. He chuckled when she stepped out, shuffling her feet and tilting her head to the side a little to look up at him while explaining that somehow, the idiots in charge of setting up her work area put her radio on a shelf over her head.

“And you want me to get it down, huh?”

He’d never own up to it but he kind of.. No he really liked the way she always seemed to ask him to do these little things. He realized  that she probably only did it because no one else ever happened to be around and he had to admit that his tendency to linger close to her might well be the reason she never bothered to ask one of the other guys in back, but this small sliver of hope always rose up whenever she’d ask.

Carlie nodded and then opened the door to her workspace and stepped out of his way.

“It’s up there.”

Curtis eyed the shelf and then her and she bit her lip, mumbling an apology as she held his gaze.

She had this look in her eyes again. She always looked like she was on the verge of saying something else to him but she never did. Curtis shook the thought from his mind and cleared his throat.

“That’s the fourth time they’ve set your workspace up with things out of your reach.. If you want me to talk to ‘em, darlin..” Curtis reached up, grabbing the radio and sat it down on the countertop beneath the shelf as he turned to her and realized just how close she’d been standing behind him when he found himself body to body with her. Carlie shook her head and sighed. “Won’t do any good. I swear they only halfway listen.”

She was migrating a little closer, her fingertips toying with the strings on his hoodie. He swallowed hard and shook his head, staring down at her.

… If she had one tenth of a clue… she’d probably laugh her ass off… the thought jarred him back into the present and out of his own mind and he cleared his throat, nodded towards the door. “I should umm.. Go get ready for my match.”

“You’ve got this big guy.” she was staring up at him and she rose to tiptoe, booping the tip of his nose playfully and smiling at him.

… she has the prettiest smile…

“Not according to the higher ups. I gotta take another L tonight.” Curtis grumbled, shaking his head. When she  stepped a little closer, he almost gasped at the way she brushed against him.

… you’re imagining things do not overthink this…

“Screw the higher ups. They’re idiots. I tell Big E this all the time.” Carlie threaded her fingers through the strings of his hoodie again and for a few seconds, she caught the look in his eyes again, the frustrated lost one and she almost went for it, pressed her lips against a strong and stubble lined jaw.

His cologne lingered in the air between them and she breathed in deeply, taking in as much of the crisp and clean scent she could.

“Yeah, well.. Anyway.. I’ll see you around.” Curtis raised a hand, rubbing it over the back of his head before stepping out into the hallway where he was taken off to the side by Big E, Heath and Bo.

“Tell ‘im what you were tellin us, E.”

Curtis looked from Heath to Big E and waited. “Well?”

Bo grumbled and then spoke up before Big E could even open his mouth because he was just that excited for his friend. “E thinks.. No, he’s pretty damn sure that Carlie has a thing for you too! That’s great, right? Now you can stop dragging your ass and do something before you drive me and Heath insane.”

Big E turned an intent gaze to Curtis who grumbled at Bo, “Thanks big mouth. Thanks a lot.”

“What? It’s the truth and you need to do something about it.” Bo shrugged, not even bothered by Curtis’ words. Bo spoke up again, nodding to the closed door of Carlie’s workspace. “Did you actually talk to her for a change?”

“Yeah, I mean.. Kinda.. One of the backstage guys put her radio on a shelf out of her reach. I swear I’m gonna talk to ‘em about doing that shit.” Curtis happened to glance towards the door just in time to see Carlie walk out and then go down the hall into catering, sandwiched between Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss, the three of them talking and laughing a mile a minute.

Big E chuckled  and shook his head at the answer Curtis gave. He could have spoken up, he could have told Curtis the truth, but given what he gathered in talking to Bo and Heath, the guy was completely oblivious.

And it was amusing as hell to Big E.

Now he just had to figure out a way to get the two interacting.. And he might just have gotten the perfect idea.

Now all he had to do was drag Carlie to the next UpUpDownDown.

He chuckled to himself and made an excuse to duck out of the conversation, setting off to explain to Kofi and Xavier what was going on.

They’d probably wanna be in on it too.

X

She’d seen the match end and she bit her lip, shaking her head at the screen. “They’re wasting so many of these people, I swear.”

Knowing Curtis was probably going to be in a mood, she made her way down to catering and upon spotting him after grabbing her bottled water, she made her way over.

“It was still a really good match.” she sat down next to him and toyed with the top on the bottle, making it seem as if she couldn’t get it open. It  wasn’t entirely a lie, her fake nails made it damn impossible to do anything. Grumbling, she sat the bottle down and Curtis chuckled, taking it, twisting off the top. He glanced  at her nails and she bit her lip, raising her hand so he could see them better.

“I.. got bored during that whole nonsensical spot with Shane. So I stupidly put these fuckers on. Forgot just how little you can do with fake nails in the way.”  she gave a sheepish smile and Curtis laughed, shaking his head.

“I can imagine.” he mused, taking a sip of his own water. She was leaning in a little and the faintest hint of cotton candy scented perfume filled the air. It was more than a little comforting if he had to admit it.

… just do something for the love of fuck…

… but what if she isn’t flirting and only sees you as a friend…

A throat cleared and Xavier, Kofi and Big E took up the seats on the opposite side of the table. Xavier spoke up.

“So, we’re on for upupdowndown later?”

Curtis eyed him and then Kofi reminded him that he was supposed to be playing Seth again.

Big E eyed Carlie and mouthed, “Well? You could come too.. Becky’s gonna be there..” and Carlie gave Big E a look but surprised herself by speaking up.

“I think I might check out this show of yours, E.”

Big E smirked and nodded. “Finally. I’ve only been trying to get your ass to show up for a thousand years, little bit.”

“I don’t know shit about video games but from what I’ve seen when I watched it on youtube, it looks like fun.”

Kofi smiled, nudging Xavier who added, “Actually, we were thinking.. Since Seth’s gonna have Becky there and Carlie just said she’d finally come sit in.. Maybe Carlie could play with you? We could have games against each other or play teams against Seth and Becky. Pretty sure those two will be down for whatever.”

“You don’t wanna do that, he’ll lose because I promise you,I have not one fucking clue what to do with a video game…” Carlie started but Big E spoke up, cutting her off before she could try to back out.

“We’ll pick something easy.”

“Right.”

Carlie eyed Curtis and Curtis chuckled and nodded as he told her, “I’d be fine with it. I mean if you really want to.”

“Okay, but I mean it. I’m going to be the reason you wind up losing at whatever we play.. If you’re okay with that, I’d like to.” Carlie found herself migrating a little closer, giving a playful look as she answered Curtis. Big E chuckled to himself and spoke up again. “It’s gonna go down tonight. When we’re all set up back at the hotel. I think we’ll be able to use that one lounge area. Carlie, you could bring the cupcakes….” he gave his best friend a hopeful look and Carlie giggled quietly and nodded.

“I dunno where I’ll bake them, but I can try.”

“Cupcakes?” Curtis asked, looking from Big E to Carlie  who shrugged. “My mom made cupcakes once when these three stopped by. I rode with them from one town to the other and she fed us all. Made them her famous cupcakes and now Big E asks for them a lot since he figured out that I bake too. I mean not nearly as good but I try.”

“Girl.. Do not even.” Xavier spoke up over her, telling Curtis, “This woman is really good at baking. Don’t let her lie to you, man.”

“Okay, alright. I’ll bring cupcakes. I think I can get Brie and Daniel to let me use the stove in their RV.”

“Awesome! We’ll see you two tonight then!”

As New Day walked away, Carlie gave Curtis a sheepish look and asked, “You’re sure you’re okay with a potential loss?”

“We might not even play teams.. Might wind up playing against one another.” Curtis mused, giving a playful smirk as he added quickly, “But don’t worry.  I’ll take it easy on you.”

“If they’re playing Mortal Kombat though..”

“ So you have played a video game before.”

“And I was pretty damn good at that one. That and Mario Kart. You’re on, Curtis. You are on.”  Carlie flirted, flashing a playful grin as she did.

X

“You realize she only asks you to do all that stuff, right? And she’s only askin you for a reason.” Heath tried to point it out to his friend and Curtis raised a brow, shaking his head. “It’s because I’m usually the only one around.”

“No, no it’s not.. Not according to Big E.” Bo started, but Heath gave him a look and shook his head. Curtis saw the look and the way Heath shook his head and he turned his attention to Bo.

“What do you mean not according to Big E?”

Heath grumbled and Bo shook his head. “I’m not going to keep this to myself. Something has to get through to the idiot, Slater!”

“Hey, I am standin right here, Bo.”

“And you’re an idiot.. Now do you wanna hear what I was told, Axel, or are you going to continue to foolishly insist that you’re right and we’re all wrong?”

“Okay, fine.. Color me curious.”

“The stage hand didn’t put that radio out of her reach. She did.”

Curtis started to laugh and when he saw Heath and Bo’s serious facial expressions, he stopped and raised a brow. “Why would she do that? She didn’t, that’s stupid…”

“Oh but she  did, man. E said he caught her doin it. And that he thinks it ain’t the first time, either. That maybe quite a few of her incidents are.. Her trying to make an excuse to be around you… Like the whole ‘oh crap, my swimsuit top came untied?’” Heath smirked as he watched Curtis attempting to process  what he and Bo were saying.

“But..” he trailed off, Bo and Heath weren’t going to listen to reason and maybe hearing them out wasn’t that bad of an idea.

“No buts. I’m telling you, she’s flirting. Why the hell do you think when I asked if she needed help with her luggage at the airport she said no to me but then you walked past and she’s suddenly wanting someone to help her? I mean.. It makes sense, Curtis. Think a little, jesus.” Bo sighed and shook his head, giving a know it all grin.

“And the little nose boops, man.. Or the way she fluffs your hair and stuff. She’s always touchin you and.. She’s not touchy. At least, not with anybody else but you.” Heath added, staring his friend down intently -almost daring him to make an argument against what he said. Curtis could deny,deny,deny all he wanted, but Heath was convinced that Big E was on to something.

Because after Big E asked the questions he had earlier, it really got both Bo and himself thinking and talking about the  situation with their best friend and his feelings for Carlie.

And her little cues were kind of hard to miss unless you were totally oblivious.

“You guys really think so?”

“We wouldn’t have even mentioned it if we weren’t.” Bo assured him and then a second later he asked the million dollar question.

“What are you going to do now that you know what you know?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

X

By the time that night rolled around, he’d at least halfway come up with some kind of game plan. He found himself both excited and extremely anxious about it because there was the chance that his friends and Big E were totally wrong.

… but Big E caught her moving that radio herself…

… you can attempt flirting and see what happens. Couldn’t hurt…

He happened to get behind her while waiting on the elevator and he sniffed the air, eyes settling on the muffin tin with cupcakes in it.

“Take one. It’s not a big deal.” Carlie offered as she shuffled her feet and tried like hell not to stare at him like an ass.. Or his lips, rather. Because as he took a cupcake and bit into it, the whole process only drew further attention to his mouth and before Carlie could stop herself, she’d sort of… Gasped quietly.

She felt her cheeks going red.

Curtis heard the little gasp and he bit his lip, staring at her while she was staring down at the floor. He groaned as he ate the cupcake.

It practically melted in his mouth.

Just as she looked up, he licked the icing on his finger off and she swallowed hard. Took a small step closer. The ding of  the elevator signalled that they were arriving in the lobby and he cleared his throat, nodding at the doors as they slid open.

“And we’re in the lobby. I can carry those..” Curtis nodded to the muffin tin and took it, falling into step beside Carlie who stopped about halfway and leaned against him as she took off a pair of impossibly high wedge sandals she was wearing. He chuckled and stared down at her.

“You’re really short.”

“Oh hahaha bite me.” Carlie teased, adding in her mind, … actually, anywhere you wanna bite me is fine if you ever wanna take me up on that… but not daring to say it. She felt his hand at the small of her back and she glanced up at him, tempted beyond temptation to raise to tiptoe, pull him down into a kiss.

She settled for simply booping the tip of his nose playfully when she couldn’t resist touching him in some way. Curtis leaned in closer and took a deep breath, mentally prepping himself to do what he’d been thinking he’d do.

Start small.

He raised his hand and brushed back some hair out of her eyes, catching and holding her gaze, giving her a playful smirk as he reached around her, lightly pressing into her from behind and opened the door to the room upupdowndown was set up in.

Just as he went to step into the room he muttered against her ear, “Relax, Carlie. It’s gonna be fun. If you need any help figuring things out…”

“Oh believe me. I’m going to take you up on that. I have not one fucking clue how to operate one of those..” she nodded at the gaming console  sitting on a low table in the middle of the room.

Seth called out to Curtis and Becky gave a knowing grin to Carlie who waved back.

“Least ah’m not t’ be th’ only girl.” Becky gave a laugh and then nodding at Curtis she mouthed, “Are y’ a thing?”

Carlie shook her head and mouthed back, “It’s tricky.” and Becky gave her a thumbs up.

After Xavier explained how they’d play and what game they were going to play, Carlie jumped up in excitement when he said it was going to be Mortal Kombat to start off with.

“Curtis, do you and Carlie want to go against each other first?”

“Ready to lose, darlin?”

“Bring it on, Axel. Bring it on.” Carlie joked.

Given there wasn’t much room to sit, Carlie settled on the floor with her back against Curtis’ knees. After a few failed attempts at making a combination move -and not being able to figure out how to make Jade move to begin with, Curtis decided to try stepping it up.

He reached around her with both arms and paused the game, telling Xavier, “Maybe if we played teams and took turns? That way I can help Carlie get used to this controller.”

Big E chuckled to himself. Maybe he’d been right.

Maybe things were going to fall into place, and a lot easier than he thought.

X

They were down to the last two games. And it was down to Curtis and her. Carlie’s competitive streak kicked in and she decided that maybe since it seemed like Curtis might be flirting a little, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to do it in return.. In the name of distracting him from the game.. Or so she’d tell herself that.

She  settled herself between Curtis’ knees and looked back at him, winking.  “What’s the matter? Too close for comfort? The score, I mean..”

“Oh no, not at all. If you think I’m rattled, darlin.. You are dead wrong.” Curtis did a combo and won the round, earning him a pout from her. Carlie bit her lip and rose up, leaning over him to reach behind him and grab another slice of pizza. When she did, it put them body to body and Curtis smirked up at her. “Besides, I’m up two wins now anyway.”

“Not for long, Axel.” Carlie challenged, settling back on the floor between his legs. She leaned back against him, the back of her head resting against the couch next to him awkwardly. He chuckled and muttered against her ear, “Ready for me to hit start again?”

“I was born ready.”

“Oh really.” his lips brushed her ear and she wiggled against him, giving a teasing grin as she met his gaze. “Really. Hit start, Curtis.”

“Okay, you asked for it, darlin.”

… if you had any idea what I’d actually ask for… she thought to herself, but shoving the thought aside, she tried to focus on the game.

And she’d have been good at it but he rose to a sitting position and the end result was her, having to sit up straighter. His arms went around her so he could hold the controller a little better and she couldn’t refrain from the quiet purr that slipped out.

Or maybe the slightest wiggle against him that put them even closer together.

Curtis sucked in a breath. So far, he’d been flirting all night and every time he’d do something,  she’d do something a little more in retaliation.

He rested his chin on her shoulder and muttered quietly, “You’re gonna.. No, that’s not a good idea. Because then I can do this,” he got Scorpion into a position to drag Jade towards  him to do the finisher, “And I’m now up three wins, Carlie.”

“Just wait.” Carlie gave a mild shrug and smirked at him. Her heart was literally about to beat right out of her chest because the feel of his lip against her neck, the stubble on his face brushing against her skin, it was… really doing a number on her concentration.

Seth said something about him and Becky going for a drive and they left, leaving only Curtis and Carlie. Big E, Kofi and Xavier had gone down to pick up some drinks and wings they’d ordered to eat and it left Carlie alone with him.

Which left the couch they were propped against unoccupied for the time being. So Carlie stood and moved to sit behind him, a leg on either side of his arm. Curtis barely stopped himself from growling. He turned his head to look at the door and his lip brushed right against her thigh. Carlie dropped the controller because she hadn’t been expecting it.

Curtis chuckled and Carlie explained through a mouth full of pizza, “Ticklish on my thighs..” sheepishly.

He paused the game and turned to face her.

“How about we play for stakes, hmm?”

“I’m curious.. Tell me these stakes of yours?”

“ Winner gets to pick whatever they want.. Anything goes.”

“Anything, huh?” Carlie mulled it over, gazing at Curtis intently. He gave that little smirk and rubbed his chin. “And darlin, since I’m 3 ahead.. I know exactly what I want.”

“Awfully confident, aren’t you?”

… not really, but this gives me an excuse to go for it… he thought to himself, but instead of saying it aloud, he gave a cockier than usual grin.

“One more game.. Shall we?” Carlie picked up her controller as she thought to herself, … I wonder what he’s up to?… Maybe I was wrong… maybe he is starting to finally catch on?…

X

They’d gone best four out of five and Curtis’ character went in for a finisher on Carlie’s character. The cut scene showing the finisher played and Carlie giggled.

“So.. you won.. Any idea what you’re going to do with your win?”

“Mhmm.” Curtis was staring at her mouth intently, leaning in closer. His hand cupped her jaw, pulling her face closer to his and he muttered against her lips, “Stop me..”

“I didn’t deliberately lose the last two games to stop you.” Carlie answered, leaning in closer, moving so that she sat in his lap, pressing against him. Her mouth brushed his and he groaned quietly, his other hand tangling in the ends of her hair, tilting her head so that the kiss deepened. Her lips parted willingly and he asked with a quiet laugh, “You really lost the last two games?”

“Mmm, yeah? I wanted to see what you’d choose.”

“Disappointed?”

“Not even.”

“Oh?”

“Well,” Carlie grinded against him, making him growl and swear quietly as she did so, “ personally.. I’ve wanted to kiss you a really long time now and I’m basically getting my way right now, so it’s a win for me either way.”

“I like that.” Curtis muttered as he gripped her hip, grinding her against him all over again.

[snarkwriteswrasslin]

FFT: discount chocolate day

Notes:

So this is an anti-valentines prompt sent to me on the main by @schizoauthoress​ and I have to say, given that I’m not the biggest valentines day fan, I really enjoyed it. So, I gave it a space here on this blog. Definitely want to write more for these two.

Summary:

Two anti-Valentines grouches just kind of awkwardly and resistantly starting the process of falling into love. This is the beginning. Bantering and bickering. Fluffy af if you squint.

Warnings:

anti - valentines, alcohol tw - mentions of it, fluffy bantering and bickering between two grumpy people and that’s about it.

Pairing:

Curtis Axel x OFC, Nicolette

“Happy…” before Alexa could even finish what she’d been about to say, Nicolette had her fingers in her ears, humming so loudly that Alexa couldn’t finish. Almost the instant that Nicolette had taken her fingers out of her ears, Alexa tapped her foot and asked in a huff, “Are you done now? Do you feel better?”

“I’ll feel better tomorrow.” Nicolette shrugged, offering no further explanation. Everything around her was decked out in red and an almost unsettling shade of Pepto pink and people were being so utterly adorable together that quite frankly, Nicolette was just sick of the entire holiday. It was a commercialized sham to begin with, were people really too stupid to see?

“Why not today, I mean it’s..” again, as soon as Alexa went to mention Valentine’s, Nicolette started to plug her ears and hum. As soon as Alexa’s mouth was closed, Nicolette took her fingers out of her ears again and Alexa glared at her. “Grouch.”

“Not a grouch, merely a realist. This entire sham of a fucking holiday is just a convenient way for corporations to make money.” Nicolette answered in an even tone, her gaze flitting around the backstage area in sheer boredom as she did so. “Honestly, half these people who are sucking face now won’t be next week.”

“Some of them are married, Nic!” Alexa rolled her eyes; exasperated with her friend at the moment. Nicolette shrugged. “It’s not my fault they don’t calculate risks before taking them.”

“So that’s your real thoughts on Valentine’s Day?”

“Umm, yeah. Yep, pretty much. There’s honestly no point in a holiday where the suicide rate hikes up at least ten percent. I mean, the pressure itself is enough to drive someone insane. Everything has to be perfect this one day.. People seem to forget there are also 364 additional days in the year in which they could show a person they love them too. But no, let’s just focus on the train-wreck fuckery of this one fucking day.”

“You have to be lying. If a guy came up to you right now and gave you candy or a bear or roses..” the wheels in Alexa’s mind were turning already, but they were subsequently ground to a full stop when Nicolette shrugged mildly and opened her locker, holding out a card. “I got something. And I still strongly dislike this farce of a holiday. Care to try again?”

“You’re just being contrary now.”

“It’s my prerogative.” Nicolette shrugged and turned to dig through their shared makeup kit, grabbing for her favorite MAC shade and it’s corresponding lipliner. “Wait a minute. You haven’t even opened this!? Why?” Alexa’s question had Nicolette rolling her eyes and shrugging.

“Because knowing my luck, it’s probably a glitter bomb or something. Thing will probably explode, spraying glitter everywhere. I mean.. I’ll richly deserve it because I put Icy Hot in Mandy’s bra, but yeah. I’m 99.999 percent certain that this is some kind of stupid prank… Just like..” Nicolette trailed off and added silently, every other time someone’s ‘had a secret crush on me’, to herself. Alexa was still gaping at her.

“Aren’t you even like… a little curious?”

“Nah.”

… liar, liar, pants on fire, her brain saw fit to taunt her, but she ignored it. Just like she’d been ignoring it all damn day. Just like she was hell-bent to continue ignoring it until she got good and damn ready to do otherwise. Oh, she was beyond curious as to what the envelope might hold. But she wasn’t planning to indulge that curiosity either.

“Well, if you’re not opening it, I am.” Alexa grabbed the red envelope and tore it open and Nicolette found herself torn between watching it happen and pretending complete and total disinterest and continuing to apply her makeup.

“WHAT THE FUCK?” red glitter clouded around Alexa almost as soon as she had the envelope fully open and all Nicolette could do was shrug and smirk at her friend. “I did try to warn you, Alexa.”

“You enjoy this.”

“Maybe just a little?” Nicolette stopped laughing for a second or two. The let down she felt at being right wasn’t something she felt like dealing with, so she pushed it out of her head. It didn’t matter anyway. She’d rather not focus on being right again and it’s implications or her deepest hopes.

Alexa grabbed for Nicolette’s favorite black lace tank top and wiped at her face, swearing again when all the glitter didn’t just come right off. She stomped her foot, whining and tugging at her pigtails. “Now I have to wash all this makeup off and redo it.”

“I’ll do it. I think I can actually lean into this whole glitter whore aesthetic you’ve got going on tonight. Did you learn a lesson though?”

Alexa flipped her the bird and sank back into the chair sitting in front of the vanity as she grumbled aloud, “Okay, Ms. Know it all. But I saw that disappointed look on your face when you were actually right.”

“That was more or less a look of disgust. You got glitter on my Louboutins, bitch.” Nicolette grabbed for her favorite black and red makeup brushes and set to work after priming Alexa’s face and fanning it so it might dry a little quicker.

At one point, she happened to glance down as the light caught on little flecks of red dotting her cleavage and she rolled her eyes in disdain. “Could you have gone elsewhere to open the damned card, Bliss?” with a pout.

Alexa gave a giggling shrug and shook her head no as Nikki Cross peeked in. “Thought ah ‘eard yellin.”

“It was Bliss. I told her to leave the glitter bomb card in my locker alone. She refused. Now we’re having to redo her entire face and not even ten minutes before the three of us all have to go down to the damn ring and face against Bayley and Sasha and their mysterious third.” Nicolette rolled her eyes and laughed softly, giving her friend a fond smile as she finished up with Alexa’s makeup.

“You’ve got glitter on your titties.” Alexa nodded at Nicolette’s cleavage and smirked at her friend.

“I noticed.” Nicolette replied dryly, grumbling as she grabbed for a makeup wipe and tried to get the sparkly red flecks off her skin.

Their theme music hit and the three of them made their way down to the ring, trying not to laugh about the whole incident as they did their promo against Bayley and Sasha and their mystery partner for the night.

–

“So, wot are yer big plans for t’night?” Nikki asked Nicolette.

“Well, as soon as we get back to the hotel and I’m out of these shoes, I’m going to change and go to Target.” Nicolette was already wiggling her feet free from the heels and giving a sharp hiss as she raised her foot and flexed her toes to give them room to breathe at last. “I will never.. And I mean ever.. Wear a brand new pair of heels without breaking them in first. Regardless of how good they may or may not make my ass look.”

“Oh come on! Come out with us.” Alexa was trying again to talk her into going out to a nightclub but Nicolette just wasn’t feeling it; especially not on  Valentine’s day. No, she’d really rather not.

“I’d really rather not tonight…” Nicolette shrugged and Nikki eyed her, smirking.

“She’s got ‘erself a date.”

“If by date you mean Silence Of The Lambs, a bottle of wine and discounted Godiva chocolates, then yeah.. Yeah I do have a date.” Nicolette gave a smirk as Alexa eyed her. “You really hate Valentine’s day. This isn’t just a way to be contrary, you genuinely dislike it. Why though?”

“Because it’s bullshit. If you can’t love someone the entire year, why make a big fucking deal out of one day?” Nicolette shrugged as their SUV pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the hotel. She got out, stretching and grabbing her luggage from the back of the SUV, starting her walk towards the hotel lobby.

About halfway across the parking lot, she heard her name being shouted. She ignored it, kept walking. But just as she got to the doors, she felt a strong tap to her shoulder and she turned to find herself surrounded by Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel and Heath Slater.

“Boys. Hi.” Nicolette looked from man to man, her gaze lingering a second or two longer on Curtis as she gave hints of a teasing grin.

Curtis felt Heath nudging his elbow into his side and he cleared his throat, smirking as he held out a pair of bright red lace and a black lace bra. Heath snickered and Curtis spoke up. “These fell out of your bag. Fancy.”

“Oh my god.” Bo palmed his face and shook his head. Heath snickered at Curtis and Curtis gave a shrug, flashing that smirk at Nicolette as he held out the panties and bra to her. Nicolette reached for them, her hand brushing his and quickly pulling them free from his grasp. “Well they better be, I mean they’re fucking Agent Provocateur.”

Curtis chuckled and shrugged, gave her a blank look. “Either way, they fell on the pavement.” he raked his hand over the top of his head, biting his lip as he found his eyes fixed on her eyes. An almost milk chocolate-colored, he could’ve easily stood there staring at her all night, but somehow, he got the sense that she’d only be annoyed by it and that to an extent, she was used to it and hated it. “Happy Valentines Day.” he muttered the words and she gave a roll of her eyes.

It had him curious. She had him curious, actually. He’d never particularly paid her any certain amount of attention before, but right now? She had his full and undivided attention. At the very least, she seemed to be of a similar mindset to him in regards to Valentines.

“Discount chocolate day is better.” Nicolette quipped, biting her lip as she found herself kind of lingering her gaze on his mouth. The feel of his hand against her hand a few seconds before had been.. Unexpected but not entirely disliked either. She’d die before admitting it, of course, but the fact remained. Now that she was up close and personal with Curtis Axel, the man did have her intrigued just a little bit. “Is that all, Curtis?”

“Yeah.” Curtis managed to cough out the word because it suddenly hit him that at some point during their little exchange, she’d stepped closer and so had he and somehow, neither of them seemed to notice. However, he couldn’t help but notice that the second she did, she quickly stepped back and straightened herself up.

It made him smirk a little because that little flash in those eyes of hers told the tale clearly. He’d done something, he’d had some sort of effect on her.

“Well, I’m going in now.” Nicolette turned on her heels and slunk away and Curtis stared after her almost to a point where Heath reached out and lightly smacked him right in the back of his head. Bo cleared his throat, gesturing at the doors to the lobby. “Well?” Bo asked with a curious gleam in his eyes, “Aren’t you going to at least go say something else?”

“Nah. I got shit to do.” Curtis shrugged it off.

“Right.. Your plan of going up to your suite and shutting yourself in.”

“Still say you oughta come out with us, buddy.”

“I’d rather not.. Not tonight. Too much syrupy sweet shit. I don’t wanna bear witness to it.” Curtis rubbed his chin in thought, still staring intently at the lobby doors.

–

“Okay, let’s see here. I’ve got the wine.. I’ve got all the stuff to make myself fettuccine alfredo, I’ve got myself my favorite gelato, now let’s see if they have the chocolates marked down..” Nicolette turned the corner of the Valentine’s clearance aisle and smirked as her eyes settled on the Godiva chocolates on the top shelf. In her distraction, she managed to push her cart right into another cart.

Curtis grumbled and looked up from the box of dark chocolates he’d been thinking of buying, prepared to glare at whoever rammed him. When he saw Nicolette standing there, scrolling through her cell phone, he smirked to himself.

She’d changed clothes. Gone was the little black leather mini skirt and the low cut white v neck blouse. And gone were the heels.

… she’s so fucking tiny… the thought crawled across his mind lazily and he smirked just a little more.

He cleared his throat and spoke up, flashing her that smirk the entire time. “We have got to stop meeting like this. People are going to talk.”

Nicolette eyed Curtis with a raised brow. She smirked just slightly, shrugging. “Let them talk then. I’m just here to get stuff to cook tonight.”

“And wine, apparently.” Curtis chuckled.

Nicolette’s eyes settled on the case of beer and the juicy porterhouse steaks in his own cart and she felt her mouth-watering a little. Suddenly, just having fettuccine Alfredo, wine and chocolate was not nearly as filling as she’d originally thought.

“I mean speak for yourself, you’re the one who has a case of glorified horse piss in their own cart.”

“Beer is not that bad. It’s not fruity.”

“Exactly. It’s bitter and gross and it smells like an old gym sock.” Nicolette teased, her eyes darting over him while he was rifling through the boxes on the shelf in front of them. Her own eyes settled upwards, towards the top shelf chocolates.

The Godiva white chocolate truffles, to be precise.

Rather than ask for help, she gripped the shelf above her head and stepped onto the lowest shelf. From beside her, Curtis happened to glance up from the box of Hershey’s dark in his hand just in time to see her trying to reach for the box of white chocolate Godiva over her head. He snickered and stepped up, one hand bracing her lower back and the other reaching up, grabbing it lazily.

“Your overpriced glorified vanilla.” Curtis quipped as he held it out to her and watched her do it again, step away from him a little too quickly while staring just a little too long and biting that pouty little lower lip. “It’s not vanilla. I mean, at any rate, it’s better than Cella’s.”

“Oh god, anything is better than Cella’s. Cella’s is disappointment in a box.” Curtis spoke up quietly, stepping closer all over again, mostly just to see what she’d do. She stepped away, giving him a raised brow. But she smirked and nodded.

Her eyes settled on his steaks for a third time and he just wasn’t the kind of guy to not at least offer, so he spoke up. “You’re going to starve with all those empty calories, princess. How about you let me cook you an actual meal, yeah?”

“My name is Nicolette.” Nicolette made a point to say it, even though she was more than a little affected by the nickname.

“Oh, but I think you’ve made it blatantly obvious princess suits you better.” Curtis was stepping a little closer again. She backed away, eyeing him, her mouth opening and closing. Clearly, she wasn’t used to a man holding their own against her little tactics.

“I did no such thing!” Nicolette was doing her best to seem offended. Even as the heat rose to her cheeks and she felt her thighs clench tighter than if they’d been bound by molasses.

Curtis caught that little look in her eyes and smirked, his eyes flickering over her body and an amused gleam in his own eyes. “Just save us both the hassle and give in. No catch. No expectations. Or are you too scared, hm?”

“Oh, I’m not scared at all. Fine. I accept your dinner proposal. Only if you let me make the Alfredo I was planning to make too. Hell, I’ll even throw a little culture into the mix for you in the form of this red wine.”

“You can honestly keep your wine, princess. But I will let you make your alfredo.”

Nicolette was left gaping as soon as he walked towards the register, stopping at the end of the aisle to wait on her, chuckling to himself.

How the fuck had he gotten her to agree to a dinner date?

“Hope he knows I am not getting dressed up all over again… Okay, maybe just a little.. My silk pajamas..” Nicolette mused to herself as she started to push the cart to catch up to him.

“You’re something else, sir.”

“Sir, huh?” Curtis stopped pushing his cart towards the self-check lane to look back at her. “It’s Curtis.”

“Well, Curtis. Are you opposed to Silence Of The Lambs? Because I always watch that on.. This particular hell day.”

“It puts the lotion on it’s skin or else it gets the hose again.” Curtis chuckled as he quoted the line from the movie. Nicolette gave a quiet giggle and added, “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”

“This is going to be an interesting night, I’m guessing?” Curtis remarked as he rang up the steaks, his chocolates and the pint of rocky road he’d gotten himself and the case of beer. Nicolette rang up her own purchases and after a few seconds, she had to agree. “I think so. It’s better than me, picking apart the movie all by myself I suppose.”

“You’re just not willing to admit that maybe it’ll be fun, huh?” Curtis smirked as he met her gaze.

“Ask me after it’s all over.”

“Noted.”

[empireofwrestlemania]

A Mermaid’s Wish - Chapter 11

Horses, Laura had decided, were a form of demons.

She was familiar with seahorses. They were small, delightful creatures, often kept as pets by merpeople. So, when Kiera had said the word ‘horse’, Laura had expected something similar. Instead, what she got was a large, grotesque beast that smelled worse than the murky river water.

Kiera seemed perfectly comfortable with the thing. It was a sleek black colour, and she’d gently stroked the beast’s hair while murmuring to it affectionately. It was obviously her pet. Land-dwellers were crazy, keeping gigantic pets around. What if it crushed her? Merfolk would never keep sharks or whales as pets, so why did land-dwellers keep horses?

Braun seemed a bit apprehensive around the beast, though Laura suspected it was something of a mutual dislike as the horse, named Sambuca, seemed to be glaring at him. Kiera had gently told the horse that Braun would be driving the cart, and it had whinnied its disapproval, but it seemed to know that it had little choice in the matter.

With all manner of leather straps and ropes, they’d attached the horse to the cart. It was brilliant - the large creature would pull the cart, which would roll along behind it. Laura and Braun needed only to sit in the cart and relax, and occasionally offer the beast direction.

Kiera told Braun where to go, and she told the pair to ask for a woman named Adrianna once they arrived, and then they were off. Laura was apprehensive about getting in the horse’s cart, afraid the monstrous thing might have ill intentions, but Braun insisted that she was safe and that if anyone was in trouble, it was him. So, off they went.

The ride was relatively uneventful. Kiera’s cottage was right on the edge of the forest - in fact, Braun told her, it wasn’t technically in the Wooded Kingdom. The river ended on the border of the Wolf Kingdom and Empire Central, he explained, as if she was expected to know what those were, and so they had only a short distance to travel to reach Kiera’s friend.

They soon reached the location Kiera had indicated, a small village in the plains consisting of no more than ten stone houses. There were a few people out in massive fields of plants, working - farming, Braun had murmured more to himself than to Laura. Their arrival drew attention, as the townspeoples’ heads turned. Braun slowed the horse to a stop, just as a man with brown hair approached.

“Hail, strangers,” he said, a smile on his face. “My name is Curtis - Curtis Axel. What brings you to our small village?”

Braun glanced towards Laura, clearly not wanting to talk to the man himself. So, Laura offered her politest smile. She didn’t know much about mainland etiquette, and Braun hadn’t exactly been the best teacher, but she intended to try her best. “Hello,” she said politely. “My name is Laura, and this is Braun - we were sent here to seek out somebody named Adrianna?”

“Ah, the elf,” Curtis said with a knowing smile. “Her house is that one there - she should be inside. Doesn’t come out much. Travels at night a lot.”

“Thank you,” Laura said to him.

“You’re quite welcome,” Curtis replied with a nod. “I can take your horse to the stables if you’d like, I’m sure you have important business to attend to with Adrianna.”

“Actually,” Braun grunted slightly from beside Laura, “let me join you. Horse isn’t too keen on strangers.”

“Ah, understood,” Curtis said, smiling. He moved around the back, offering Laura a hand to help her down from the cart. She took it, very much appreciating the gesture - her legs weren’t exactly willing to cooperate the way she wanted them to. Braun clambered down after her, motioning for her to head to Adrianna’s house while he tended to Sambuca the Demon Horse.

The stone house looked no different from the others, but it was the one indicated by Curtis, so Laura approached and delicately knocked on the door. She waited a moment, wondering whether the woman would answer. Soon, though, the door opened, and a woman was revealed behind it. She was lovely, taller than Laura and slender with gleaming black hair that ran down to her waist. Her hair had the potential to make some mermaids jealous, Laura thought.

“Hello?” the woman asked curiously. From beneath the shimmering locks of hair protruded two pointed ears, which must have been an indicator of her being an elf as Curtis had stated. Her gown was lovely, made of some shimmery land fabrics in a muted blue colour.

“Hello,” Laura replied. “My name is Laura. Your friend Kiera sent me, it’s regarding missing people.”

Adrianna’s eyes, silvery in colour, went wide with surprise. She quickly looked around, and then motioned for Laura to enter, stepping aside so that she could. Laura moved into the house and Adrianna shut the door quickly.

“Are you alone?” she asked softly.

“No,” Laura replied. “There’s a man with me - Curtis is just taking him to the stables with our horse.”

“Ah,” Adrianna said, nodding. “So what’s this about missing people?”

“A friend of mine has gone missing,” Laura said softly. “Along the river near Kiera’s house. I kind of need her before I can go back home, but I don’t know where she is or how to find her. Kiera said that you’d been looking into some disappearances, and that you might be able to help?”

“When did this happen?” Adrianna asked, walking through a low doorway into the next room. It was a house of only three or four houses, but it was cozy. The place was full of books and scattered papers, as well as a number of items unfamiliar to Laura.

“Just a few nights ago,” Laura replied. “The man who’s with me has been taking care of me, my leg’s been hurt.”

“Hmm,” Adrianna murmured. Atop a table in the second room was a large map. It appeared to be a map of the Empire, with coloured pins scattered throughout. Adrianna grabbed a white pin from a small basket nearby, following the line of the river with the tip before poking it in. “Tell me the whole story - oh, would you like to sit? A cup of tea, perhaps?”

“If you’re offering,” Laura replied, smiling. Adrianna nodded, gesturing towards a short sofa nearby as she wandered off into the next room. Laura went and sat down quietly, curious what kind of information this elven woman would have to offer.

Characters included: @hardcorewwetrash @marvelingmissselina

Tagging: @macfizzle @she-reigns-in-this-yard @sonjashuterbugjohnson @sisteradelaide @queenreignsempire @panic-angel3314

[peppersandcats]

For the fanfic ask meme: L, T, U, V

For the Fanfic Ask Meme!

L: What’s the weirdest AU you’ve ever come up with?

Probably my mid-20th-century Flash spy AU: it’s here. I don’t think it’s so much the setting that’s weird as much as the lack of focus on the really big names.

T: Any fandom tropes you can’t stand?

Pregnancy (mpreg or not) is such a squick for me. I don’t mind infants, I don’t mind characters being parents, I can handle discussion of the secondary effects of pregnancy, but the more in-depth the viviparous details get the faster I close the tab and head in the opposite direction.

U: A pairing you might like to write for, but haven’t tried yet.

I’ve got an idea for a particular KillerWave dynamic I’d really like to try outlining in a fic, but oh my GOD I am so low on time.

V: A secondary (or underrated) character you want to see more of in fic?

From the DC TV-verse; Axel Walker, Rene Ramirez, Sin, and Curtis Holt.