#i haven't watched wwe in years but damn

[imaginexwwe]

SPRING BREAK 4 - Roman Reigns

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NO TIME SKIP THIS TIME LOL

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REAL NAMES WILL BE USED

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4½ MONTHS PREGNANT Y|N FEELS IT'S TIME TO COME CLEAN NOW THAT SHE KNOWS JOE ISN'T JUST AN AVERAGE JOE (🤣)

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PART 3 (×)

•

I sighed looking at myself in the mirror, slowly running my hand down my now noticeable baby bump.

I was now in my second trimester of this pregnancy and just when I thought me getting knocked up by a man I'd only known a few hours before, was as bad as this train wreck would get, I was wrong.

Really wrong.

Because turns out, Joe as I'd only known him these few months is actually Joseph Anoaʻi.

Or Roman Reigns, as he goes by in WWE.

The WWE company in which my older brother Colby works for.

"Things are just getting worse and worse." I mumbled as I made my way to my closet, searching for something to wear on my outing with Austin.

And I say outing because I honestly don't know what else to call it.

I mean, it's definitely not a date for me.

I hope it's not a date to Austin...

"Do you think this is a date?" I asked, picking out a short, loose fitting dress.

My bump shouldn't show too much through this, I thought as I began stripping out of my pajamas, sliding my dress on soon after.

"Tori." I called out, trying to get my bestfriends attention, while also wondering why I couldn't see her on the screen anymore. "Tori."

"Oh, sorry." Tori finally replied a huge grin on her face. "I fell down the Roman Reigns rabbit hole." She explained. "Again."

I rolled my eyes, picking up my macbook and going to my bed to sit. "Of course you did." I mumbled.

I couldn't blame her though.

All I did last night, till at least 2 a.m. was watch old matches of my baby daddy.

Then when I finally drifted off the sleep he was on my mind so much that I ended up having a dream that still makes me blush, just thinking about it.

If only it was reality.

It was just something so sexy about him bulling his cousins and other wrestlers.

Even his old matches with my brother and their friend Jon we're awesome to watch.

Tori laughed, holding up a finger. "This is gonna be you and Joe's baby." She said, trying to hold in her laughter so she could finish what she's trying to say. "And his first word will be 'ACKNOWLEDGE ME'" She joked, laughing even louder.

I sighed, feeling my mood change in an instant. "We won't know if it's a he or she." I replied before mumbling. "And we won't know what his or her's first word would be." I reminded her. "You know I've been looking for a good family for this baby..."

Tori nodded. "Yeah, i know." She replied. "I just thought after I told you that Joe wasn't ghosting you, that you mixed up two digits in his number, that maybe..." She trailed off with a shrug. "You'd change your mind about adoption since you won't have to do it alone while trying to finish college."

"I haven't even told Joe about the baby."

"But you know I did." Tori quickly answered. "Again, not on purpose but I did tell him." She added. "What I'm trying to say, is I was excited about being an aunt. And I know you'd be a good as mommy Y|N."

A sad smile formed on my face as I once again began doubting my ability to finish my last two years of college, eventually have a career, and raise a baby.

Even if Joe was involved it'll still be damn near impossible considering he's on the road three or four nights a week, so I'm sure the last thing he wants is a baby to be responsible for.

And on top of that we're not even together.

"Can we change the subject?" I asked, unconsciously rubbing my baby bump.

Tori nodded. "So..." She said. "Why haven't you called Joe?"

I groaned. "That's not changing the subject." I quickly replied. "Besides you know I've been hanging out with Austin still."

"Yeah, but why?" Tori asked, giving me a look. "You have a mature, grown and sexy twenty-seven year old that wants you but you're wasting your time on a cheating ass, immature 20 year old. I just don't get it."

I shrugged. "Austin's changed." I said, not a hundred percent sure I believed what I had just said. "Besides, when any typical guy would've happily ran when finding out their girlfriend cheated and got knocked up, Austin didn't. He made me feel safe and promised we'd go back to normal and put this behind up after I have this baby. He's waiting for me."

"His ass cheated first." Tori mumbled, seemingly ignoring everything else I'd said. "And I noticed the word love wasn't said."

That's because I don't know if I've truly been able to love Austin since he cheated.

Or if I'd be able to any time soon.

At this rate, I'll probably love Joe before I'm able to love Austin again.

Or do I already love Joe and that's the reason I'm unable to love Austin..?

Before I could respond, the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house.

"Austin's here." I said, before standing up. "I gotta go." I added, closing my macbook before Tori could respond.

For a second time, the doorbell echoed, this time sounding louder as I reached the door.

"Damn, Austin." I giggled, opening the door. "I'm almost five months pregnant, give me time." I spoke again, feeling my heart stop for a second when I saw it wasn't Austin. "Joseph?"

Holy shit, I mentally screamed out to myself, as my eyes stayed locked on the man on the other side of the door.

The man who fathered this baby I'm carrying.

Face to face with him for the first time since Miami.

Did he get hotter?

"Hey." Joe said, his eyes seemingly locked on me, like mines were on him.

Or was he staring at my belly?

I shifted uncomfortable at the thought of him seeing me pregnant all of a sudden. "Colby's um..." I began, stumbling on my words. "At his wrestling school."

"I know." Joe, responded with a nod, a seriousness in his tone. "I was hoping to see you, considering you haven't called me yet."

I bit the inside of my cheek, nodding also. "I tried but I..."

"Had my number wrong." Joe finished for me, making me nod again.

"Yeah." I said, with an embarrassed laugh. "I figured you'd just got what you wanted for me and had moved on to the next girl."

A hint of hurt flashed in Joe's eyes after what I hade said. "That's the kind of guy you think I am?" He asked, causing me to immediately shake my head.

"I didn't really know what to think of you, Joe." I answered truthfully. "I had only known you for a few hours and my judgment was blinded by the many shots Tori kept persuading me to drink, then you did take me on that amazing date. But you have to understand I tried calling you a few times and obviously couldn't get in touch with you to tell you about this baby you helped make so yeah..." I rambled. "I guess deep down I couldn't believe a guy that looks like you would even entertain a girl like me. Tori yes. But me? No."

Joe chuckled. "There's no way in hell I could have feelings for Tori."

I smiled, suddenly unable to look him in the eyes. "Did you have feelings for me?"

"I do have feelings for you Y|N." He quickly responded, taking a few steps closer to me. "That's why it was driving me crazy these few months thinking that I would never hear from you again."

"You were going crazy over me?" I asked, feeling my heartbeat began to race with anticipation.

Joe, nodded silently and without control, I found myself leaning up towards Joe as he was leaning down towards me.

I let my eyes snap shut, and just as I was about to finally feel Joe's lips on mines again, for the first time in months, a car door slammed shut.

Like it really slammed shut as if someone wanted to really make their presence known.

Please don't be my brother.

Please don't be my brother.

PLEASE DON'T BE MY BROTHER.

"Babe." I heard a male voice call out to me, and I slowly opened my eyes to see Austin leaning against his car, a scowl on his face.

I'm assuming from seeing me almost kiss Joe.

Why is it any time Joe's in my presence I forget about Austin?

"Babe..?" Joe asked, his eyes flashing with an emotion I've never seen from him the few times we have been around each other.

Is that jealousy?

Ignoring Joe, I quickly made my way over to Austin flashing a smile at him, as he continued to stare at Joe as if he was mentally sizing him up.

"Shit." I mumbled, stomping my foot. "I forgot my purse." I added. "Be right back."

Quickly, I walked back to the house, making sure to grab on to Joe's arm as I made my way inside. "Look." I said. "I have to go, but if my brother comes home before I do just lie and say you came over for him and I let you in or something."

"Y|N." Joe said, an edge to his tone, and the jealousy still in his eyes. "Who is he?"

I sighed, as I went over to the couch to get my purse. "My boyfriend..." I mumbled, scared to look at Joe for the first time since I opened the door and saw him there. "I think."

"Boyfriend?" Joe questioned as if he couldn't believe what I had said. "How do you have a boyfriend when you're pregnant with my baby?"

"Because me and him have been together for years." I explained. "It's just been a bit complicated with him cheating on me and then me trying to get back at him with you." I added, mentally slapping myself after that last part left my mouth.

How could I say that when I know that's not how it was?

Austin's never on my mind when I'm with Joseph.

Joe let out a sarcastic laugh. "So, that night we were together was just some kind of revenge fuck so you'd have a way to make that dude jealous?"

Was he pissed?

He sounds pissed.

"No." I sighed, my eyes going from Joe to the door and back. "I really do have to go."

"We really need to talk Y|N." Joe replied, but I was already out the door.

Me and him could talk later.

"Okay." I said, as I reached Austin's car again. "We could go now."

Austin nodded silently, his attention still on the door, or rather who's on the other side of the door.

Even though he couldn't see Joe, it seemed that it pained Austin just by knowing he was in there.

"Austin." I called out trying to bring his attention back to me. "Something wrong?"

"No." Austin replied, his signature smile forming as he opened the passenger side door for me, closing it as soon as I got in.

As Austin made his way over to the drivers side of his car, I leaned over towards the back to drop my purse in the backseat when something caught my eye.

"That asshole."

I can't fucking believe him.

Or maybe I should considering this isn't the first time.

Austin finally got into his car, pushing the button to start the engine. "What are you craving today?" He asked, with a chuckle. "Tacos? Pizza? Both?"

"I suddenly don't have an appetite." I mumbled, my arms crossed over my chest.

"C'mon, babe." Austin said, glancing over at me. "You're pregnant." He added, chuckling again. "There's no way in hell you don't have a appetite."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, I don't."

"Okay." Austin replied, rolling his eyes also as he again pushed the button, this time turning his car engine off. "Are you hormones acting up?"

Instead of answering Austin, I decided to throw a question of my own at him. "What's these doing in your car?"

"What?"

I held up the two used condom wrappers that I had found in the backseat of his car. "Where you with that slut again? Or someone else?"

"Y|N, your tripping." Austin mumbled, shaking his head. "Those are from the last time me and you had sex." He added. "You know, when you still believed in protection."

I gasped.

How dare he?

"I didn't get pregnant because I didn't make the father use a condom." I angrily replied. "And I know you're fucking lying because the last time you and I had sex was over five months ago and I also know these wrappers weren't in your goddamn car last week." I scoffed, trying to fight back the tears that were forming in my eyes. "Was it her or someone new?"

"It was her." Austin finally answered making me laugh in disbelief.

"I can't fucking believe you would do this again after you said you wouldn't over and fucking over." I replied.

Austin scoffed. "You can't believe me?" He asked, sarcasm in his voice. "I can't believe you'd practically be making out with your baby daddy minutes before I'm supposed to pick you up but you did." He said, before adding. "Just like you let him fuck you without one, even though you ain't even know him a day. But makes sure your boyfriend of six years wore one every damn time we fucked."

In that moment I wanted nothing more than to reach over and slap Austin so hard that I left a hand print in his face, but I held myself back.

Barely.

"For the tenth time I didn't have sex with him without a condom." I groaned, reaching over in the backseat to grab my purse. "His dick is just so big that it broke the condom." I smirked, opening the passenger side door, and getting out of the car. "Something you wouldn't know about."

I didn't say it but I'm sure it was implied that me and Austin were over.

For good this time.

With tears in my eyes I stormed back up to the house, just as Joe was leaving out.

"What's wrong?" Joe questioned, immediately noticing that I was upset.

I wiped at the tears that had fallen from my eyes. "I just ended my six year relationship."

"Because of me?"

"No." I snapped, taking out the last bit of my anger for Austin on Joseph. "Not everything is about you." I added, before mumbling. "And I thought the only time you were a condescending asshole was on tv but it seems like you're one in real life too."

Joe shook his head, leaving out the house without another word or glance.

Did I just ruin what could have been between Joseph and I?

•

Later that day I eventually dragged myself out of bed, and downstairs for a middle of the night snack.

Partly because I had a sudden craving for cookies, and partly because I just couldn't get Joe out of my mind.

Especially how he looked when I called him a condescending asshole.

Which he most definitely isn't.

I know I haven't known him long enough to judge all of his qualities, but the few times I've been lucky enough to be in his presence, he's been nothing but a sweetheart.

A gentleman.

"Couldn't sleep either?" I heard a voice say, causing me to jump.

I placed my hand over my heart, trying to calm myself. "You scared me, dude." I said to Colby as I gently shut the refrigerator door, turning to see Colby sitting at the kitchen island. "And no." I answered. "Too much on my mind." I added, rambling in the cabinet for a baking sheet.

"Are you really about to bake cookies at one in the morning?" Colby asked with a laugh, as I began scooping cookie dough from the container and placing it onto the baking sheet.

"Yeah, I got a craving for cookies." I giggled, with a shrug. "Can you be an awesome big brother and preheat the oven for me?" I asked, as I continued scooping.

"Sure."

•

About ten minutes later, both my brother and I sat at the kitchen island eating cookies.

Well I was eating cookies, and Colby was eating the only cookie I shared with him.

"You never did say what was on your mind." Colby spoke up, breaking through the silence that had taken over.

"Neither did you." I replied, picking up a cookie and taking a bite.

Colby nodded, getting up and going to the refrigerator to get a bottle of water. "You first."

"Okay." I mumbled, biting on my lip. "I broke up with Austin's pathetic ass." I started, noticing the look on Colby's face as if he expected this break up to be like the others where I'd take him back after a while. "For real this time."

"What made it for real this time?" Colby questioned and I couldn't figure out if he was mocking me or genuinely just asking.

I sighed, looking down at the few cookies left in front of me. "He cheated again." I said with a shrug. "Very recently."

"I'm going to beat his ass." Colby immediately responded, in his usual overprotective big brother fashion. "My knee's healed enough for me to curb stomp his head into the pavement."

"Colby." I gasped, trying not to laugh. "You don't have to do anything. I already gave him a piece of my mind and also I'm a thousand and one percent sure you could do prison time for that."

"I do it all the damn time." Colby smirked.

"On tv, idiot." I said, unable to hold my laughter in any longer. "If you were to do that to Austin you'd be in trouble for sure."

Colby shrugged. "It'll be worth it." He said, proudly, before coming back over to sit next to me on the stool he previously sat on. "Is the next reason you can't sleep because of your baby's father?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

I sat silently for a moment, biting my lip as I contemplated if I should reveal the father of this child's identity.

I didn't want to continue hiding it from my brother.

And I definitely didn't want him finding out from someone other than me.

"Big brother." I mumbled, glancing over at him. Promise that you won't hate me after I tell you who he is."

"Hate you?" Colby asked, raising an eyebrow at me. "I could never hate you, Y|N." He added, giving me a reassuring smile. "You're my little sister."

"Okay." I said, biting down on my lip even harder this time. "Promise me you won't hate the father."

I had a big feeling that my brother and Joe's friendship or brotherhood wouldn't be the same as it was but I didn't want my brother hating Joe.

Colby sighed. "Just say it."

"His name is Joe." I whispered, closing my eyes tightly because I was afraid to make eye contact with my brother.

"I know." Colby replied.

I squeezed my eyes shut even tighter, remembering I had already told Colby the father's name. "No." I said. "His name is Joe Anoaʻi." I whispered again, feeling tears began to roll down my face for the second time in less than twenty four hours. "As in your bestfriend, Joe."

Once again Colby sighed, repeating himself as he reached over to rub soothing circles in my back. "I know."

As tears continued to run down my face, I carefully turned on my stool to face my brother.

His face oddly calm for someone who's little sister told just told them they had a one night stand with their bestfriend literally a minute ago.

"Who told you?" I gasped. "Was it Tori and her big mouth?" I asked again, with a groan.

I love her but once she gets going there's no telling what she'd spill.

Colby shook his head. "It was Joe."

Joe told my brother about us?

And didn't tell me, he told my brother.

"And as much as I don't like it..." Colby spoke again, with a sigh. "He's a step up from Austin."

I scrunched up my nose at my older brother, really not understanding why he's so calm. "Colby," I said in a calming tone. "Did you take something?"

"Fuck no." Colby laughed, shaking his head. "I'm just okay with it, I guess." He added, before speaking again. "Joe was man enough to come to me and explain earlier today at Black and Brave and..." He shrugged again. "It's not like he purposefully went after my little sister. He didn't know anything about me and you being family before yesterday. Besides you'vegot enough to worry about with this pregnancy. You didn't need a pissed off brotherto add on to your stress."

Okay who is this man next to me?

It's not like I wanted Colby to be so worked up over my situation with Joe, but still...

I didn't expect him to be so calm

And most importantly, why didn't Joe tell me he talked to my brother when he was here earlier.

"But when me and him step back into the ring against one another." Colby said, speaking again, before I could. "I'm beating his ass for what he did with my little sister."

I smiled a bit, before letting out a sigh. "Thank you so much for being oddly understanding." I replied, sliding off my stool, to go over and give my brother a kiss on his cheek. "You're the best brother I've got."

"I'm the only brother you've got." Colby quickly responded, laughing yet again.

•

LAST ONE... THIS WEEK 😅

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PART 5

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T A G S -

@southerngirl41 @alyyaanna

[judgementdaysunshine]

This is who I am

Pairing: Rey Mysterio x Fem autistic reader

Description: Rey stands by your side after seeing you confront your biological father

Gif credits to @laknxght

You felt many emotions that were held in for the majority of your life surface and memories flood through you when you open your locker room door to see the man who had caused so much suffering and pain in your life. The rage came flooding over you after he walked in saying he was proud of you making a name for yourself which only added fuel to the burning fire as your fists clenched knowing if you were to use physical force you would likely be suspended or lose your job chugging water before staring at him as he locks eyes with you while Rey was in the ring with Edge and Randy Orton in a tag team match against Triple H, Bautista, and Christian not knowing the emotional, trauma filled, and wound opening confrontation taking place backstage between you and the man who left you and pretended you didn't exist until out of the blue he was here and pretended he gave a damn when he didn't care at all seeing through the act he was putting on stopping him as he said he wanted to be in your life "You had a chance to be years ago when I was younger and there was still time for me to not really realize how bad of a person you were and change to be in my life but you fucking threw that chance away like trash and you pretended i wasn't even fucking alive!" you hadn't realized that the match was done and that rey and the boys won walking backstage in disbelief by the big win but stop hearing yells from your locker room. "You saw me when I was twelve years old and lied about knowing me at all because you wanted to get drugs from your friends in the store fucking parking lot!" you follow him in the hall where the boys saw the two of you "You left a woman and two kids alone to fend for themselves and you didn't give a fuck whether we were safe, fed, taken care of, or even alive you only cared about your pills and drugs, you don't know me!" rey feels the emotions pour out of you and his heart breaks at the tears forming in your eyes knowing about all the pain this man had caused you for so long grabbing a seething edge when your father grabs your arm as you turned away but you respond quickly "I'm a top wrestler in the women's roster and the whole fucking universe of WWE history, I've helped people who have autism like me who didn't have the care and support I did growing up, I have friends who've filled my life with joy and they're family, I've met the most wonderful man in my life who has and would never hurt me in anyway especially how you've hurt me for the past 22 years! I'm 25 and I haven't seen you since I was three and all you did was tell mom how much of a burden we all were to you and I've blamed myself for all of it and suffered in pain because I was so afraid of being like you but I've learned that I can take what I have of you in me and make good from it which is what I've done and what I will do for the rest of my life and that includes you never coming back on my life, I've been fine without you I didn't need you then and I don't need you now". "The only change is that I know the truth which you can't change no matter how much you lie and that I actually get to say bye this time, this is who I am and you didn't have no part so goodbye, stranger" you walk away as the tears flowed looking to see the boys before edge and randy personally escort him out while you quietly cried in rey's arms "I'm proud of you I love you mi girasol" the two of you share an emotional tender kiss laying your head on his shoulder when edge and randy come back sharing two warm hugs with them before you and rey watch Eddie's match against Matt Hardy "I love you, thanks for loving me no matter what honey" he wraps his arms around you pulling you in his lap with your hands intertwined and head on his chest smiling when he'd press a kiss to your forehead.

[purplesurveys]

1844

What did you have for dinner tonight?: It's only 10 AM, but last night we went to Solaire to watch Miss Saigon and we went with an Asian spread. I got bao, rice paper rolls, and pad thai.

If you were given a million dollars, what would you spend it on? I'd keep a good portion of it as savings and not touch it until I'm like, 65; the rest I would give to my parents.

Have you ever cried in front of your parents over a boyfriend or girlfriend?: Nope.

What does your bedroom smell like right now?: Like coffee, I'm guessing.

Have you ever shaved off your eyebrow before?: I've never done that but I did have trichotillomania growing up so I had phases where I was missing chunks of my eyebrows.

Do you want to have a boy or girl whenever you have kids?: Girl.

Your pregnant with twins: What do you name them?: Definitely not similar names like Kaye and Kate as it would only make me more confused haha.

Describe your outfit.: Only in loungewear today as I'm at home, but last night I had on a dark green halter dress that went down to a bit above my knees. It also had a slit on the left leg side. I wore black heels and a small black shoulder bag as well.

What gigabyte is your memory card?: I haven't had a hard drive since high school, even though I know I really should invest in one.

What brand is your digital camera?: I don't own a digicam but damn if those things aren't seeing a resurgence lately. I might be the only one in my age group left who still doesn't have one.

When was the last time you hung out with your best friend?: Angela came over last month just to hang out and have some heart to hearts here and there.

What is a movie you're waiting to see?: I've been meaning to watch The Iron Claw. It's not all the time that a movie centered around wrestling gets to be produced and becomes critically-acclaimed at that, so I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Who was the last person to cook something for you?: Apart from the crew at Solaire lol, my mom.

Do you ever sit and think what if about something?: Sure, I think it's inevitable to come across those thoughts every now and then.

If so, what is it?: It's always very different. Like what if we're one of those families able to migrate, what if Kimi was still alive, what if I chose to be a journalist...there's a million scenarios with a million possibilities and how actively my mind runs I could be thinking about anything.

What’s on tv right now?: My own TV isn't it but I know my sister is watching some streamer play video games in the living room TV.

Do you ever stop and smell the roses?: Sure, if I remember to.

Where do you download music from?: I listen to music on Spotify but never download cause it'd take up so much storage if I were to download all the albums I like.

How many channels do you have on your tv?: Don't really throw around the word 'channels' anymore, but as for apps we have subscriptions to and regularly use it'd be Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime, Apple TV, and quite recently this local sports channel since it's the only one in the country that airs WWE live.

What are you most scared of?: Getting cancer or dementia. < This, but these circumstances happening to my family. I honestly don't think I'd care as much if it happened to me.

If you were given a chance to bring someone back to life, who would you choose?: No one. If it's their time, it's their time; and I don't want to fuck around with grief.

Do you talk to any of your ex boyfriend/girlfriend?: Nope.

If so, which one?:

What is your mom doing right now?: I think she's on her phone just reliving our Miss Saigon experience last night haha. I'm glad she really enjoyed it! She watched the 2000 Manila tour – it was still Lea Salonga playing Kim - and I call out Lea cause she set such a high standard for Kim; and it made me worried that her Gen X self might end up simply comparing the 2024 show to what she watched 24 years ago.

I was happy and relieved it wasn't the case and she had so much fun. As for me my soft spot was hit all evening knowing that she originally watched with my dad, and now she got to watch the play with her three kids.

Are you currently listening to music?: I'm not.

What is the weather like right now?: I mean it's your typical weather in the Philippines in April. Approaching 40C, humid, uncomfortably and nearly painfully hot.

Do you like new music or older music?: I think it's a good mix.

Do you agree that abortion is wrong?: No.

If you could make a law, what would kind of law would you make?: I just wanted to get rid of e-bikes on highways but the government has already been on that so yay hahaha.

What was the last video game you played?: Mario Kart 8 on the Switch.

What is currently going on in the room you're in right now?: Apart from me taking this, noting.

Do you know where your best friend is?: I'm almost certain she is at home as it is still quite early.

Who was the last person to comment you on Facebook?: Angela, I think.

What is your display picture of on Facebook?: Me posing in front of the Impact Arena in Bangkok a few hours before Yoongi's concert.

Do you ever sit and think about the past?: Just occasionally.

If you could relive any moment in time: what would it be?: Let's go with a recent memory – Wrestlemania Sunday with 200 Cody-crazed fans watching the ref count to three.

Are you a talker or a listener?: Listener.

What is one food you will not eat?: Mango.

Do you eat anything now that you never used to eat?: Curry and wasabi.

Have you ever kissed the same sex?: Yes.

When does school start this year?: Haven't been in school since 2020.

What genre of music do you refuse to listen to?: Country. Which is why it's taking me forever to take on Cowboy Carter hahaha.

Do you ever shout for absolutely no reason?: I don't think so. If I scream it's always for a reason lol.

Have you stuck with your new years resolution?: I don't make em.

Do you need to lose any weight right now?: No. If anything I need to gain some. I was well under 100lbs at my last physical exam and the nurses also told me I had low blood pressure which had to do with my weight, so it might be healthiest to gain a few pounds.

What is something you want right now?: I wish I can just stay at home but alas I've been booked the last few days haha. Saturday - Work event Sunday morning - Wrestlemania Saturday Monday morning - Wrestlemania Sunday Tuesday - Miss Saigon Wednesday - Afternoon out with Bea and Kata Thursday & Friday - Work Saturday - Rest Sunday - Work event

Even then it's still kinda hard to be excited about Saturday because I know it's sandwiched between two busy days anyway.

Do you hate when you see teachers in stores?: I don't hate it but I also don't wish for it to happen.

What always puts a smile on your face?: My dogs.

Where can I find you on a Saturday night?: At home with a cup of coffee.

What is the best thing about Sundays?: The free time - for the most part, at least.

What is your music provider (itunes, windows media player): I just use Spotify.

How many songs do you have?: I don't download songs.

When was the last time you had a period?: Two weeks ago.

Why do you think the sky is blue?: Idk.

If you could change the sky to any color which would you choose?: I wouldn't change it. We get different colors already anyway.

Is there anything wrong with you right now?: I mean I'm running on 2 hours of sleep so I don't super particularly feel my best rn but I think I'll manage.

Do you hate when people stare at you?: It bothers me a little bit, yeah.

What always makes you angry, no matter what?: Toddlers throwing a tantrum.

[zayalive]

*dated september 2023*

i am here to post more things individual to me! this time, it's my top 25 video games. i am honestly not remotely content with this list and will update it around september of this year, and make it a tradition going forward. i never realized how hard it actually is to put this out on a chart/list. i always knew what i held dearly to my heart, but god when it came down to it, i had to REALLY think. imagining how this list will look by the end of this year is currently challenging. this chart is in no order besides grouping series. certain games will ALWAYS be on this list, most definitely the red dead series, and grand theft auto series. those are masterpieces, or damn near. red dead redemption ii is 100% the best game i've ever touched. the first redemption game i still highly regard to be one to stand the test of time. i have a fondness for fallout, there are many things to love, and things to not love, and that's all i'll say there for now. grand theft auto iv has one of the best stories i've played, and it's so played out but the VIBE of that game, the darkness, grittiness, it's great. san andreas is one of my childhood games, i owned so many copies because i was a stupid child. moving onto guitar hero, i still remember my first experience with it at my sister's, i remember getting my first copy of the game from fred's of all places. i mainly play clone hero nowadays, and am mostly average. i play expert, still have never got past that ttfaf intro. i got into wwe pretty early on in my life like most of these games, being able to watch the show weekly and hop in the games after school was special. cozy survival crafting is definitely one of my favorite things ever, and it's funny to call terraria cozy but it is to me LOL. i will never EVER understand terraria hate, how can you hate something so good? i have fallen out of love with minecraft over the years to the (in my opinion) underwhelming updates and odd direction the game has taken. with that however, the new auto-crafter and trial chambers look so sick. i want to say i got into stardew valley in 2018 and have loved it ever since, still haven't gotten through the beginning of ginger island though, maybe someday. ever since extremely late 2017 or early 2018, my main game has been fortnite: battle royale. at one point, i wanted to go pro and make a living streaming, but sadly i am NOT built for that. i've always loved zombies, first experience was probably like season 2-3 twd, and been hooked ever since. project zomboid was such an insane experience in february of last year. such an eye-opener. easily the best zombie game ever made. 7 days to die is also a great game, the impending doom you feel every week is fun and refreshing from what i normally play while still have that survival crafting i love. i grew up on tony hawk games and wasn't sure which ones to put but these were the standouts, and i didn't want to load the list up with a ton from one series. i remember spending all my savings as a kid on saints row: the third and i still wonder if that was a good decision or not. i have played tons of call of duty in my day, although i stopped at ghosts, and have dabbled in and out ever since. black ops is easily my favorite, the campaign, and multiplayer, agh. zombies even. modern warfare 2 is a classic and one i cannot ignore. ghost looks cool. i have played HELLA sims 3 in my lifetime, yes i have played the sims 4 and i can confidently say the sims 3 clears with ease. i dumped crazy hours into the console ports and the pc as well. around this final stretch of the list is where i really struggled so i went for nostalgia with atv off-road fury 2. that series and mx vs atv were definitely a blast to 10 and below me, and might even be today. i'm not quite sure. if anyone actually finishes this, i am sorry, for i am the rambler.

[trialbystory]

On Death of the Author

So there's a, to use the marketing jargon, 'highly-anticipated' game about a certain fictional school of magic that's also been getting a bunch of negative press that is, depending on who you ask, either blown out of proportion, wholly misplaced, or completely damning. And since it comes out in roughly a week, here's what I think about the question of whether or not it's okay to like things that were created by bad people. Y'know, if you're interested in my personal take.

So Hogwarts Legacy, amirite? A game set to finally deliver on the long-held fantasy of so many kids from my generation of not only being a Witch or Wizard, but going to Hogwarts and getting to use your magic to be the Big Damn Hero. But also a game pretty heavily surrounded by controversy; the original lead designer left/was removed after outrage over his social media posts and his involvement in an anti-SJW youtube channel, the game's story appears to revolve around putting down the in-universe historic rebellion of a certain class of magical creatures that in the books' modern era are just kind of casually oppressed, and one particular element of the story drew comparisons from some to literal Nazi propaganda. Oh, and the whole fact that one J.K. Rowling turns out to be pretty hostile to trans folks. And yet this game is still at or near the top of a lot of people's must-play lists for this year. Is it okay to still want the game? I mean, buying it supports the devs, right? But I guess the devs got their paycheck for doing their job, J.K.'s the one who'll be getting sales-based royalties. But at this point she's a multimedia duchess, not buying a copy of this one game is a drop in the bucket to her. And round and round it goes. All aboard the logic train, Choo Choo!

Ultimately, from where I'm standing, there's not a strict answer. Everyone's gotta find their own line in the sand. And it's going to vary from situation to situation. I haven't felt the desire to watch FireFly since all the stuff came out about Joss Whedon harassing people on set and being 'casually cruel' to the women he worked with. I refuse to watch the several PPVs each year WWE holds in Saudi Arabia, but I still watch their normal product.

Roosterteeth turns out to have been a kind of terrible company, with scandals or awful people or both having come out of pretty much all their outward-facing departments at this point, but I still love RWBY.

And yeah, I've been a Harry Potter fan nearly all my life (though if we're being honest I personally think the Circle of Magic books by Tamora Pierce are the better story about magically-inclined children and young adults), but when it came out that J.K. was an utter shitbird I pretty much stopped engaging with the official media at all. I like the world and I enjoy reading various fanfics, but I haven't gone back to reread the actual books, or revisited any of the movies, and I don't really have the same enthusiasm for this game that a lot of people seem to.

I've always been a proponent of the idea that the creator is separate to their creation, but sometimes there's stuff that I can't ignore. And yeah, what that tipping point is for me may not exactly be consistent, but to me it just makes sense that it should be taken on a case-by-case basis. There's too many moving parts to generalize it.

At the end of the day, all of us make our own bargain with the grim realities of consumption. I won't be buying Hogwarts Legacy. I have a friend who's on the fence but probably will be. This won't kill our friendship, we've just come to different decisions on where the line is, and we understand each other's reasoning. Next time I do one of these walls of text I promise it won't be such a downer.

[wrestlingisfake]

Slammiversary preview

Josh Alexander vs. Eric Young - Alexander is defending the Impact Wrestling men's world title. Young won a battle royale on May 11 to earn this match.

I haven't been keeping up on Impact lately, but from what I can tell the story isn't too deep here. Since returning to Impact in 2020, EY has assembled a faction of sociopaths in Violent By Design. So while Alexander has been slowly groomed to be coronated as the top babyface, Young has been otherwise occupied with big multi-man brawls. Eric will bring his brand of violence, in the form of thugs who don't give a damn, but Josh his own kind of violence, in the good ol'-fashioned leave-it-all-in-the-ring sense.

This is the 20th anniversary of Impact's first show in 2002, back when it was Total Nonstop Action. For most of those 20 years, Eric Young was a mainstay of the promotion, working his way up from a prelim guy in 2004 to a cult favorite comedy act to a deadly serious heel...then back to a comedy guy, and then suddenly as a headliner in 2014. Because of his obvious talent, EY was a textbook case of how TNA underutilized and mismanaged homegrown talent until it was almost too late. He left for WWE in 2016, when TNA was at it's lowest ebb, and returned after Impact rebuilt it self around guys like Alexander. So it's unavoidable that Young represents the company's long history, and Alexander represents the way forward into the future.

A title win for Young (this would be his third) might be a good way to start a fresh direction for VBD. But it'd be disastrous for Alexander, who already had his first big title win shut down by Moose and just got done avenging that loss a few months ago. The best thing for both guys would be if Eric loses clean and, despite being a depraved heel, is moved to show respect to the champion. Reckoning with that would give VBD something new to do--not to necessarily break them up or turn them face, but at least to give them something different to chew on.

Tasha Steelz vs. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mia Yim vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Chelsea Green - Steelz is putting her Impact women's world title on the line. Mickie James is being advertised as a special guest enforcer. This is billed as a "queen of the mountain" match, which is just the old "king of the mountain" rules but (for the first time) with women. The match format was introduced in TNA in 2004 and was a staple at Slammiversary in 2005-2009 and 2015.

It's basically a reverse ladder match: The only way to win is to take the title belt up a ladder and hang it above the ring. But, to make it more complicated, it doesn't count unless you become "eligible" by scoring a pinfall or submission on any other opponent. Participants who lose a fall are placed in a penalty box for several minutes; in theory the same person could get pinned over and over and spent much of the match stuck in the box.

I think Impact has done a dozen of these things, and either I've never watched any of them or I've totally forgotten about the ones I did see. The main attraction is the ladder spots, but you could get those in any conventional ladder match. So the only real novelty is doing highspots off the top of the penalty box, which isn't a lot. Really the most interesting thing about this match is that it's the first time women are doing it, and usually big firsts like this give the women extra motivation to deliver their best performance.

Lost in the shuffle here is Mia Yim, who returned to Impact last month after being released from WWE. I was surprised to see her end up here instead of AEW, but their loss is Impact's gain. Overall the field for this contest looks a lot stronger than the women's ultiamate X match back in January. Impact's women's division has been steadily improving for years, but it feels like they're reaching a new level now.

Anybody could win this thing, but history suggests that a title change is very likely. It'd be a big statement for Steelz to retain against four bigger names, and I'd like to see that. But I could realistically see any of these five carrying the world title through the end of the year.

Ace Austin vs. Kenny King vs. Mike Bailey vs. Trey Miguel vs. Jack Evans vs. Alex Zayne - Austin's X division title is at stake in an "ultimate X" match. This is another twist on the ladder match format that TNA developed in its early years. Essentially it's a ladder match without ladders. The belt will be hung from cables forming an "X" where they cross over the ring. The object is to be the first to retrieve the belt, which can only be obtained by climbing on the cables in a literal tightrope act.

In a lot of ways this is just another variation of putting a bunch of midcarders in a X division trainwreck that won't settle anything. The big difference, though, is that Austin befriended Zayne during the New Japan's Best of the Super Jr. tournament, only to turn on him and join Bullet Club. Zayne hasn't been an Impact guy, so it seemed like Austin wouldn't be dealing with that fallout in this promotion, until Zayne was added to this match. Uh-oh.

The other interesting wrinkle is Jack Evans, who finished up with AEW a few months ago. Evans seemed like a good get for AEW in 2019, but after WWE flooded the talent pool with free agents it was pretty clear that he couldn't hang on at that level. He can shine here, though, so I hope he does well, and lifts Impact up in the process.

Anybody could win this, but I'm picking Austin to retain. There's more money in settling his issues with Zayne in a one-on-one title match. (Now watch Impact set up Austin, Zayne, and Trey Miguel in another fucking three-way...)

Moose vs. Sami Callihan - Callihan is returning from an ankle injury, which I guess he's blaming on Moose in the storyline. This is billed as a "monster's ball match," another high-concept set of rules from TNA history.

In recent years, "monster's ball" just means it's just a no-rules street fight with assorted weapons provided around the ring. However, this time Impact has brought back the original wacky stipulation from 2004, so the participants are supposed spend 24 hours before the match in total isolation, without food or water! They even posted a clip of both guys freaking out! So you know they're gonna be extra weird and violent when they hit the ring. This should be stupid fun.

I think Callihan needs a win, but it feels like he's always coming up short in the clutch. Which doesn't bother me, since Moose is the one you ought to protect.

Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows - The Briscoes are defending the Impact men's tag team title, which they won in May. The Good Brothers beat them on April 2, so Mark and Jay are looking to avenge that loss. This is one of the bigger dream tag matches you can do in pro wrestling right now, so it's kind of wild that it's happening here.

I think the Briscoes need to retain, and go on a long run with the belts. It's pretty clear that AEW's TV partners don't want them around, which also makes a return to ROH rather iffy. So for better or worse Impact is their home, and Impact can't ask for a better top team. The Good Brothers have been fine in that role, but sooner or later they're going to be spending more time in New Japan, AEW, or wherever else they might go. It's time for a Briscoes dynasty.

Eddie Edwards & PCO & Matt Taven & Mike Bennett & Vincent Marseglia vs. Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley & Frankie Kazarian & Nick Aldis & ? - Edwards's team represents Honor No More, Impact's faction of wrestlers who are mad that Ring of Honor collapsed in 2021, and want to take it out on Impact. Sabin and Shelley's team is billed as "Impact Originals." Sabin and Kazarian (on loan from AEW) started with TNA all the way back in 2003; Shelley showed up in 2004. Aldis (appearing courtesy of the NWA) debuted for TNA as Brutus Magnus back in 2009. The fifth member of the babyface team has not yet been revealed. James Storm would make the most sense, but if Aldis counts as "original" they could just as easily bring in Jaxson Ryker or something. I assume the Imapct team has to win this.

Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne vs. Rosemary & Taya Valkyrie - The Influence (Dashwood & Rayne) are defending the Impact women's tag team title. Rosemary had been teaming with Havok, but I'm not sure what happened to her. In any case, Rosemary used to be best buddies with Valkyrie before Taya's brief run in NXT, so now they've put the band back together. During their first run, I always got the impression Rosemary was planning to betray Taya and eat her brains. But I guess that could still happen someday! So there's that.

When Impact revived the women's tag title, I figured it was a direct result of the Taya/Rosemary team hitting it off, so I was surprised those two never actually won the belts. This seems like a good time to right that wrong.

Rich Swann vs. Brian Myers - This is scheduled for the pre-show. Swann won the Impact digital media title from Matt Cardona right before Cardona suffered a biceps tear, so Cardona's partner Myers is the one trying to win it back. It wasn't all that long ago that Swann was the world champion and headlining shows like this, so it's a shame seeing him this low on the card. I suppose he retains the title.

Reverse battle royale - Excuse me for just one second...

...all right, this is set for the pre-show, and it's another throwback to TNA's wacky specialty matches from the old days. In a normal battle royale the wrestlers start in the ring and try to throw everyone else out. In this match everyone starts outside the ring and the goal is to be one of the first to get in. This is dumb as fuck because the wrestlers have to pretend it's suddenly hard to just climb into the ring like they've done every week of their careers.

I think the current Impact creative team knows the reverse battle royale was always horseshit, and this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. So expect a lot of goofy nonsense, and a field of wrestlers that shouldn't be taken too seriously. The outcome probably doesn't matter.

[21st-century-flapper]

So about the latest Vince McMahon/WWE scandal...

I haven't watched WWE in years, but I did always watch the Rumble, because the Rumble was fun and I just love that match format. The floor is lava, but with extra rules and hitting.

Not doing that this year. The event horizon of what I can stomach while still enjoying a product has been crossed. They were already toeing it with the Saudi deal and all the other scandals, but this was the last straw.

"But Vince isn't involved anymore!" Yeah but THIS WASN'T JUST VINCE. This exposes the rot that runs through the whole damn company. Pretty sure other talent besides Brick Lobster was involved, too. And don't insult my intelligence by telling me Triple H didn't know about this. He worked closely with Vince for years. Steph did, too, though I have a smidgen of pity for her because growing up with that monster as a father must fuck you up.

The foundation is rotten, the beams are rotten and the walls are cracked. The house needs to be dismantled and built anew. And until that's been done I ain't touching anything WWE puts out with a ten foot pole.

No judgement if you continue to watch. That's something everyone has to decide for themselves. Just... idk, if you consider yourself a progressive, a fighter for social justice, maybe take a moment and think about it? We all love wrestling, but WWE ain't the only company out there.

[shiokaiton]

All My Favorite Things From 2023!

Song of the Year: The Pokémon Inside My Heart by PinocchioP

I can't even express how big of a deal this song was to me. A crossover between my two biggest special interests made by one of my all-time favorite vocaloid producers, complete with PinocchioP's characteristic unabashed sincerity.

This song just embodies everything that is so special about Pokémon and Vocaloid in a way that reminds me of all the joy and tears and love they've brought me.

I don't know if it's my favorite song ever, but it's damn close and there's no way it's below my top five.

Game of the Year: Baldur's Gate 3

I think this game might be responsible for giving me a new special interest in D&D, honestly. I really don't think there's anything I can say about it that hasn't already been said and I lowkey feel a little basic for picking this one.

Truth be told, I haven't actually finished the fucking game yet lmao, I've been having way too much fun just messing around, experimenting with builds, customizing my character, and doing side quests.

It's just such a damn good game, go play it.

Honorable mention to Fear and Hunger and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. While they didn't release this year I played the shit out of both of them this year and enjoyed them to a similar degree as I am currently enjoying BG3.

Show of the Year: Chainsaw Man Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

I literally could've sworn Chainsaw Man released this year but apparently it aired in Autumn of 2022 and time doesn't make sense to me anymore.

Still, with just 3 episodes out, the new Percy Jackson series is already undisputedly my show of the year. It's literally everything I ever wished for a TV adaptation of Percy Jackson could be, while the story sometimes deviates from the original books, it hasn't come at any cost to the show's quality so far. Assuming it continues at the rate it's going, it's an extremely rare example of an adaptation of a book series that is actually worth watching instead of reading the books depending on your preference (but like, read the books and watch it, do both).

YouTube Video of the Year: The Unreality of Pro Wrestling by Super Eyepatch Wolf

There were a lot of really interesting things on YouTube this year, hbomberguy's latest video obviously comes to mind, and Matara Kan's debut stream made me very happy for a number of reasons (iykyk) but I haven't had a video get me so invested in a medium I cared so little for like Super Eyepatch Wolf's deep dive into Roman Reigns' extremely storied history as a professional wrestler. Since watching this video, I've actually started watching professional wrestling (both AEW and WWE) which would have been unthinkable to me back in 2022.

Even if you have no interest in pro wrestling which is completely understandable, I sincerely suggest you check this out because even if you don't care about professional wrestling as a performance art, it's just such a goddamn intriguing story.

Sadly I didn't watch literally any new movies that came out this year, but I have a sneaking feeling I'm going to love Godzilla Minus One once I actually get around to watching it so... I guess that's my movie of the year, unless I somehow don't enjoy a tokusatsu Godzilla movie for the first time in my entire life.

Honestly, for how much of a clusterfuck this year has been, I'm glad all these cool things came out this year. With more Project Voltage, Percy Jackson, and several D&D campaigns coming up, I have pretty high hopes going into 2024 💙

[writerinsonora]

Do I share all of my posts from LJ?

Back in my teans I had some things to say. Most of it wasn't worth reading or listening to.

Anyway, this post was from July 24, 2004. I was still 15 and I am still figuring out what the fuck I was talking about.

Jul. 26th, 2004 at 11:11 PM

  Bike riding is fun!!! Especially when your out of shape, haven't ridden in two years, and are riding up-hill. Though, riding at night with a light is good. Especially when there's a storm brewing and its MUCH cooler than the 112 degree whether. Its alot better if you have a friend along, Claws, fucking soon-to-be-Drill Seargent. (no, idk care about spell check) Now that we're calm and rested. From all of my god damn weezing. We ate pizza, drank water and watched WWE Wrestling. (BITE ME! IDK if its fake or not! Its amusing :P XD) Now that its over...Claws had the strangest urge to watch "JoeSchmoe2".............I'm so scared. Course, its better than her making me watch The Powerpuff Girls, or Ed Edd and Eddy, or the strangest one of all Fairly Odd Parents(Cosmo's great though! we share alot in common!!!).........I think its better anyway..there's some guy screaming his head off to this girl in a balcony........he sounds like those guys from the Dragon Ball series. Only his veins, eyes, and muscles aren't popping out in a freakish way. I'm hoping that Scales will actually respond to this entry. SO THAT I KNOW SHE'S ALIVE!!! Scales, if you read this, Claws thinks you should *cou-RESPOND-gh* What?! I didn't say anything!!!! Bye! -Phoenix_Wolf-

P.S.-MORE RANDOMNESS EXPECTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- xD ^.^ ^_^ ^0^  <(^.^)> (faces are fun) :D :P

[itsadamcole]

bet pt. 2

fem!reader x adam cole

Reader and Adam come face to face after six months apart at Survivor Series ... “please, forgive me”

word count: 3.4k+

warnings: smut, angst, a lil bit fluffy

— hey hey, here’s part 2 of the short adam cole series .... on a side note, i’ve really been in the holiday spirit so i’ve started writing some christmas / fluffmas imagines ... the first two are scheduled to be posted december 1st and 2nd —

masterlist || part 1 || request an imagine here

~ 18+ content below - read at your own risk ~

Survivor Series. The day you've been dreading for six months since you left Adam.

Six months ago, you walked out on the best and the worst thing that's ever happened to you. Six months ago, you lost a piece of yourself and turned to sleeping with your best friend, Tyler Breeze, just to fill that void.

But it's not filled. It'll never be filled. So you stopped about a month ago, and Tyler now has a girlfriend so nothing's weird between you two.

You've never gone back to Adam. It's taken everything in you to stay away from him. You've barely spoken to him in six months, but since he's NXT Champion and you're Raw Women's Champion, you both have matches at Survivor Series.

You sit in your dressing room, scared to leave. Scared to run into Adam or one of the Undisputed Era boys. It's your worst nightmare.

"Y/N! You're on in five minutes!" someone calls through your door.

Sighing, you get up and grab your title, throwing it over your shoulder. With your anxiety rising, you leave the room.

You don't know what you'll do if you see Adam. It's been so long and he's probably moved on. You haven't, but you've tried.

Once backstage, you stretch out. Your opponents, Smackdown Women's Champion Sasha Banks and NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai, into the small room.

"Hey, girlie," Sasha says. "You have an audience in catering."

You sigh and say, "If it's Adam then I don't care."

Sasha says, "Y/N, come on. I've told you before. That man is head over heels for you. Maybe the beginning was a lie or a bet or whatever it was but he truly loved you. I saw it. We all did."

Your music hits and you say, "I can't talk about this right now, Sasha. I have a match to focus on."

You make your entrance, forcing a smile onto your face as you step into the ring.

****

Adam's POV

She looks beautiful in her dark red gear. It's my favorite ring gear that she owns. It sparkles but is dark at the same time. Definitely her two personalities mixing together.

I miss her like hell. I haven't been able to move on from her. It's been six months and I'm still infatuated with her. I love her. I've loved her for so long. It pains me to see her. Rumor has it that she's seeing her friend, Tyler.

I stand in catering to watch her as the match begins. My match is next and I know they'll call me back any minute and I'll come face-to-face with her when she walks through those curtains.

She's distracted by something. Her footing is off and she's not selling moves like she usually does. Maybe Sasha told her she saw me in catering. I told her I was going to watch Y/N here on the TV.

"Yo, Cole," Kyle says, clapping me on the back. "Your match with Drew and Roman is next. Let's head backstage."

I say, "Yeah, okay." I leave the TV and walk backstage with Kyle, Roddy, and Bobby.

We get backstage and I see there is a TV. I watch it.

Roderick says, "Talk to her after your match. I know that you've been wanting to talk to her."

I sigh and say, "She doesn't want to talk to me. She doesn't even want to see me, Roddy. There's no point."

Bobby says, "You should still try instead of sulking."

I look over at Bobby and say, "She left me, Bobby. If she wanted to talk to me then she would have already." I'm starting to get heated.

Kyle says, "Adam, bro, calm down."

"You want me to calm down? Seriously?" I say, my voice rising. "You three are the reason I'm in this mess. You three came up with the bet and I accepted it because I was drunk and secretly was crushing on Y/N. I never should have accepted it because I fell in love with her and now she's fucking gone! I can't live without her, and the only reason I'm still in this damn company is because of the title around my waist. There's nothing else for me here because she's gone!"

What I didn't know was that Y/N's match ended and she came through the curtains in the backstage area with Sasha and Io. The guys were all looking behind me and that's when I realized she was standing right behind me, listening to every word.

****

Your POV

As you walk backstage, you can hear someone shouting.

"... I was drunk and secretly was crushing on Y/N. I never should have accepted it because I fell in love with her and now she's fucking gone! I can't live without her, and the only reason I'm still in this damn company is because of the title around my waist. There's nothing else for me here because she's gone!"

The voice is Adam's. He's shouting at the guys. You've never once heard him raise his voice at anyone, not unless it was important or serious.

You stand backstage with Sasha when Adam turns around and he sees you. His title is secured around his waist and he's wearing his black and gold gear with his Undisputed Era t-shirt.

There's nothing else for me here because she's gone. Those words stuck with you. If it wasn't for that title around his waist, he probably would have left WWE and gone to work with Ring of Honor again or maybe even AEW.

Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns come backstage at this moment. The tension between everyone in the room is thick. Drew and Roman realize this and ask to make their entrances first.

Right before Adam makes his entrance, you rush out of the backstage room. Sasha right on your heels.

Tears have started running down your cheeks. You get to your locker room and throw your title on the couch.

Your win tonight means nothing anymore. It doesn't matter that you won. Your happiness was swept away when you heard Adam ranting to the guys about you. Six months later and he's still trying to defend his lies.

He'd have left WWE if it wasn't for that title he's managed to hold for two and a half years. It's the only reason he's still in WWE.

You start to throw things around the locker room. You're upset, you're angry, and most of all, you're frustrated. Even after finding out about the bet and after he lied to get you to sleep with him, you still love him. Six months later you still love him. After everything, you'd go back to him.

Sasha grabs your wrists and says, "Y/N. Y/N, stop it. Please. Before you hurt yourself or break something super expensive."

You look at your best friend and cry, "Why do I still love him even after he lied to me? Why would I drop everything and go back to him if he asked me to? Why would I take him back?"

"Because deep down you know that he never lied to you," Sasha says. "You know that he actually loves you and it wasn't for some stupid bet he made with his friends. Love is crazy and makes us do crazy things."

You sniff and wipe away your tears. "Can we get out of here? I don't want to be here when his match is done because I know he'll want to come looking for me," you ask.

Sasha nods and says, "Of course. Get changed and we'll head back to the hotel."

You nod and change out of your ring gear and into your street clothes. You let Sasha borrow some extra clothes you had so the two of you can leave as soon as you're changed.

****

Back in the safety of your hotel room, you order room service and watch Grey's Anatomy on Netflix as you lay in bed.

There's a knock on your door at around midnight. You think it's Sasha coming to return the clothes she borrowed earlier so you answer the door.

It's not Sasha at your door. It's Adam Cole.

"What?" you ask. "It's late."

Adam says, "I looked for you after my match. I wanted to talk about what you heard."

You say, "I don't blame you for wanting to leave WWE since I left. I'd want to do the same thing if I was you."

He says, "I tried to leave the company. A few weeks after you left, I went to Regal and Triple H to get them to let me go. I was ready to drop my title just to leave the company but they convinced me to stay."

You look at Adam as he talks. This is going to be a long conversation so once he's done talking, you say, "Come inside, Adam. We can keep talking inside." You move to the side and he walks inside.

Closing the door, Adam says, "I get why you left. I lied to you a few times at the start but within two weeks, I called off the bet."

"Adam," you say.

He shakes his head and he says, "Let me explain."

You sit on the bed and look at him. "So explain," you say.

Adam walks and stands in front of you. He says, "The night of the bet, the four of us got drunk. We drank a lot and we started talking about relationships. I mentioned to them that I had a little thing for you and that's when Bobby came up with the bet. He said that there was no way that I'd be able to get you into bed. Kyle and Roddy joined his side. I accepted the bet because I was drunk and liked you for some time. I was the only single guy in the Undisputed Era. But, like the dumbass I am, I took it a step further and started a relationship. Two weeks after the relationship started, I completely called off the bet because you meant so much more to me than a stupid bet."

You say, "Being drunk doesn't excuse you from accepting it. It won't work on me."

He says, "I'm not done yet. After the bet ended, I told myself that I'd never tell you about it because of this happening with us. You getting mad and leaving. I'd never choose my career over you because I know in the long run, you'd always be there for me. Wrestling is something I'll do until I'm fifty or so but there's nothing for me after that until I met you. Then I messed everything up. You're even seeing someone else right now so I don't expect you to come back to me."

You sit and listen to every word. Once he's done talking, you say something. "I'm not seeing anyone right now. I've been single for the past six months, But if I asked you to retire right now, you'd do it?" you ask, testing him.

Adam nods and says, "Yes, I would. You mean more to me than a bet or than wrestling. I love you, even after all this time. Please, forgive me."

You sigh, "I have forgiven you, Adam. For the most part. I just can't forget what happened and what you said to me that day. You lied to me just to get me in bed. You lied to start a relationship with me. All you had to do was say, 'hey, Y/N. I like you and I'd like to take you out on a date' because I would have said yes. I liked you for so long, Adam. All you had to do ask me out."

He looks down at you and he says, "You don't have to forget because we can both grow from what happened. I'm a dumbass, I know. I was just nervous and in a way, the bet made me talk to you. I just want to make it up to you, Y/N. Let me make it up to you. Let me take you on that date. A real first date."

You look up at Adam and say, "I don't know. I don't fully trust you, Adam."

Adam tucks a piece of loose hair behind your ear and he says, "I can make it up to you, Y/N. Let me at least try. I've learned from this and I want to show you that I've learned from this."

Your heart pounds in your chest as he touches you for the first time in six months. Without knowing it, you lean into his touch and close your eyes.

His hands rest on your cheeks for a second before he pulls you up so you're standing in front of him. You look up at Adam. "I'll think about it," you say, finally reply to what he said.

You feel Adam's hands leave your cheeks and slide to your waist. He pulls you closer to him. You're eye level with his chest before you look up at him with your eyes, meeting his pretty blue orbs.

"Can I start right now?" Adam asks as he starts to lean into you. You grab a fistful of his shirt, not knowing if you should back away or not.

Your lips brush against Adam's and you say, "I still need some time."

His lips move down to your neck and you gasp softly, tilting your head back a bit. Adam mumbles, "I need to make it up to you, Y/N." He starts to kiss your neck gently. Your hands slide into his hair as he picks you up by your thighs. You wrap your legs around his waist.

Sighing as he kisses your neck, you give in and say, "God, make it up to me, Adam. Make it up to me all night if you want to. I need you."

You look down at Adam and he looks up at you, pulling away from your neck. He kisses you hungrily. Your lips move feverishly against his, both of you letting out soft moans into the kiss.

He lays you down on the bed and hovers over you, not breaking the kiss. He grinds his bulge against your clothed core. You moan into the kiss, reaching down and pulling Adam's shirt up over his head. That breaks the kiss momentarily but your lips connect again like magnets right after.

The passionate kiss becomes more intense when Adam slips his tongue into your mouth. His fingers dip into the waistband of your sweatpants, rubbing you slightly over your panties. You moan against his lips.

Adam's hands run up your body, slipping under the shirt you're wearing. He pushes up the shirt until his hands are on your breasts, massaging them. You gasp and moan, pulling back from the kiss. You lift your arms above your head so Adam can pull off your shirt. You never put on a bra when you got changed earlier.

He pushes up your shirt, kissing and sucking on your breasts. Your eyes close and you smile.

"You're so beautiful," Adam mumbles against the sensitive skin on your breasts. "I am so in love with you."

You sigh, "Less talking, Cole. More fucking."

Adam smirks and says, "With pleasure."

Within seconds, both your pants and Adam's pants are off with both your underwear. Adam hovers on top of you between your legs.

His lips are on yours, moving feverishly against yours. Your hands are on Adam's back, holding him close to you.

The tip of Adam's erect member runs through your wet folds, making you moan into the passionate kiss.

"Adam, baby," you mumble against his lips. "If you don't stop teasing me instead of fucking me, I'll walk out the door. I swear to God-" You're interrupted by Adam thrusting hard into you, making you cry out in pain and pleasure. Your fingernails dig into his back.

He has a smirk on his lips and says, "You were saying?"

You stare up at him and move your hips so he's completely inside of you. "You gonna do something or are you just gonna lay there?" you ask.

Adam positions himself above you so he thrusts into you. Slowly but deeply. His hips are already flush against yours as he pushes your legs up so they rest against his arms.

He's kissing your neck as he thrusts his hips into you. Every few seconds, his thrusts get faster and harder. Your fingers slide down his back, definitely leaving scratch marks.

The room is filled with your moans and the sound of skin slapping together. A layer of sweat has appeared on both your bodies. It's a little warm in the room.

Your moans get louder the harder he moves. Your hands eventually make their way into his hair, gripping it a little bit as he moves.

Adam lets out soft groans as he thrusts harder and deeper into you than he ever has. You throw your head back and pant, "God, I love you so much. I love this so much."

He smiles and starts to kiss your neck. His thumb rubs your very sensitive clit, making you almost scream out his name. "Fuck, Adam. Just like that," you cry out.

The bed begins to creak and hit the wall a bit when Adam picks up speed again. Your legs begin to shake and your walls clench around Adam.

Adam realizes how close you are and he says in your ear, "Come for me, baby. I want you to come around me like you always do."

You don't wait anymore. You release around Adam, crying out his name. He pulls out right before he comes, releasing his seed all over your core and stomach. His fingers help you ride out your high.

Adam collapses beside you, grabbing his shirt and wiping you down. You pant and stare up at the ceiling.

You think about the day you left and you close your eyes.

Maybe you overreacted a little bit by leaving. You never heard the whole story, until today. You never let him fully explain.

You let out a sigh and ask, "Do you really love me? Even after six months apart?" Your eyes open and you look over at Adam.

Adam looks over at you and says, "I was ready to love you forever. Of course I love you after six months apart."

"Do you have any other secrets you need to tell me?" you ask.

He shakes his head and says, "I'm a completely open book to you now. No more secrets, I promise."

You lean over and press a lingering kiss to his lips. After a few seconds, you answer the question he asked you six months ago right before you walked out the door.

"Then yes," you say, not pulling back very far from the kiss.

He tilts his head and asks, "Yes, what?"

You smile and say, "I'm answering the question you asked me six months ago before I left. Yes."

Adam thinks for a second before he finally gets it. He smiles wide and puts his hands on your cheeks, pulling you down for another kiss. You giggle against his lips.

He rolls onto you then gets off the bed. He fetches his jeans, pulling something out. "I've carried this with me everyday for six months, hoping that one day you'll accept it," Adam says, coming back to the bed.

In his hand is the same velvet black box that he held out to you six months ago and inside, the same diamond oval engagement ring he presented to you.

You smile as he pulls out the ring, sliding it onto your left ring finger.

Adam lightly kisses you and says, "That's my promise that I will not keep another secret from you, unless it's a secret to surprise you in a good way."

You giggle and look at your ex-boyfriend turned fiancé before you say, "The guys and Sasha will be so confused when I show up with a ring on my finger."

"Let's worry about that tomorrow," Adam says. "I still have a lot to make up for and it might take all night."

And with that, you spend all night having the best make up sex with Adam. You don't fall asleep until the sun has begun to rise.

[queenofthefallenangels]

Eye Candy

Dean x Reader

Warnings: smut and swearing

Summary: Dean and reader have been secretly seeing each other, but what happens when Dean reveals it all on Miz tv?

A/N: This is my first fanfic in awhile plus my first WWE and imagine, so please don't be too mean.

Enjoy

“Dean,” she moaned out as he kissed down her neck, nibbling at her sweet spots. His hands were roaming around her curves. He pushed against her, making her sink further into the wall. His hands moved to the hem of her shirt and moved his hands under it. His hands went under her bra, squeezing them gently at first, but than harder. He pinched her nipples twisting them in his hands. She moaned his name again.

“(Y\N)” He said into her ear. “I want you so bad.” He rubbed his core up against hers, so she could feel how hard she made him.

She moaned, “Than what are you waiting for? Take me.” She playfully raised an eyebrow at him.

A grin appeared on his face as he began to rip their clothes off. He spun her around so she was facing the wall. She bent over slightly pushing her ass out. He ran a finger against her slit. “You're already so wet for.” He slipped one finger in moving it in and out. She moaned her head falling back. He slipped another finger in kissing her neck. He curved his fingers to hit her G-spot.

Her legs began to wither under his touch. She was having trouble holding herself up still. He wrapped his other arm around her waist to help her out. She could feel her walls begin to clench around his fingers. “Dean, I am not going to last much longer if you keep doing that.”

He slipped a third finger, “That's okay, I might try to break my record on how many times I can make you cum.” He bit her neck sucking on her neck as he moved his fingers in and out as fast as he could. She moaned his name out as she came onto his fingers.

〰️〰️〰️

“I got a very special guest tonight. The international continental champion, De-” Dean's music started before the Miz could finish introducing him. The Miz sighed giving (Y/N) a look. She shrugged at him. She watched the muscular man begin to walk down to the ring. She couldn't help, but get slightly turned on by the sight of him.

As Dean got into the ring, The Miz moved the microphone back to his mouth to speak. “Dean, are you ever going to get how this show works.”

“I find it much more enjoyable not to.” He smirked at The Miz knowing that it irritated  him so much when he ruined his show. He took his show very seriously. Dean on the other hand, didn't.

“Well, will you at least sit down so we can get this interview started.” Dean nodded and sat down, but he didn't sit down normally. He slouched in the chair sticking one hand down his pants. The Miz sucked in his cheek at his appearance. He tried his best to ignore it and move on with the interview. “Are you ready for your fight with Lashley this Sunday?”

“Yup,” he said shortly.

“You aren't nervous about him beating you?”

“Nope.”

Dean’s one word answers continued for awhile. The Miz was getting more and more frustrated with it by the second. He put a hand to a face, “Can you please take this interview seriously? My show is not a joke like you like to make it out to be.” Dean mocked him as he spoke. “You are such a sorry excuse for a champion. I don't know why they keep giving you chances after chances when you obviously don't deserve it. You are sitting here with your damn hand down your pants, for God's sake.”

“Maybe they think of your show as much of a joke as I do and they only put it on to humor you.”

“No, no.” He stood up walking over to where (Y/N) stood. She was watching the whole thing go down from the corner of the ring. It was where she was supposed to stand and with how mad The Miz was already at it is. She didn't dare move from her mark for a second. She was what The Miz called eye candy for his show. She had been dating the Miz for over a year. He was the one who helped her get a contract with the WWE without him, she was nothing.

“You're a disgrace to what the WWE stands for.” The Miz continued.

“Oh, am I? Than why do I have a title and you don't?” Dean said standing up to face The Miz. “You haven't even had a match in awhile. I guess the WWE look more at talent than people who dress up in fancy suits and pretty girls on your arm.” He turned to (Y/N), “Hey there,” he winked at her. She bit her lip, trying best to ignore how it made her heart skip a beat. She knew he was just doing this to piss the Miz off more.

“Don't wink at my girl. She doesn't want a man dirty like you. You aren't even in the same league as her.”

Dean didn't know what possessed him to say the next part,but as soon as it left his mouth he regretted it. “Really, because she was singing a different tune last night in my hotel room last night.”

The Miz laughed, “You're lying to yourself if you even think you could get a girl like her when she has me. Girls like her don't want dirty men like you, right babe?”

(Y/N) was trying her best to act like it was all a joke as well and keep her composure. “Right,” she finally got out after a couple breathes. She shot a glare towards Dean's direction.

“You see,Dean, I get women who have with class while you get some trailer trash.” The Miz said putting his arm around (Y/N), pulling her close to him.

Dean clicked his tongue walking over to them. He licked his thumb as he came up next to (Y/N) and whipped against her neck where he knew he had left a mark pushing her hair to the side.

“Hey, get your grimmy hands away from my woman.” The Miz said as he pulled her away. As he did, he saw the hickey on her neck. “What the hell?”

“You see, Miz, sometimes girls with class want guys like me.” He dropped the mic and rolled out of the ring, leaving the Miz in disbelief.

〰️〰️〰️

“What the fuck, (Y/N)?” The Miz hollered once they were backstage.

“Mike, it's not what you think.”

“That's why there is a damn hickey on your neck. You told me you burned your neck on the curling iron.”

“I did!”

“Than how did he know exactly where to find it?” He demanded.

“He must of saw the makeup artists cover it up.”

“No, he wasn't. I was there with you. Thats when I asked you about that, you dirty fucking whore.” He started backing her into the wall, pointing a long finger at her, “You embarrassed me infront of millions out there tonight. You cheated on me with Dean motherfucking Ambrose. How do you expect me to go out there again after that?” She looked down at his question. Their relationship was faker than the extensions in her hair. It was all for show. The Miz was always sleeping around with models and such. She always wished she could break up with him, but if she did, there went her contract with the WWE. Everything she worked so hard for would be gone. It looked like it was already going down the toilet.

He slapped her across the face,pulling her from her thoughts as she felt a sting on her cheek. “Answer me, slut!”

“Hey!” Dean yelled from across the hallway as he began to run towards them. “What the fuck you think you are doing?” He pushed The Miz off of her.

“Stay out of this, Ambrose. This doesn't concern you.”

“Then you shouldn't be doing out in public. Kind of makes it everyone's business then, huh?”

“Whatever, I am done with this garbage anyway. You're fired, (Y/N).” He straightened himself and walked away.

“What does he mean, you're fired?” Dean asked her.

Tears were beginning to well in her eyes, “He means I no longer work here and all the work I did was for nothing.” She put her hands in her face.

“Hey, hey,” Dean said. He pulled her into his arms. He felt bad for her. He couldn't believe he had let his emotions get the best of him in the ring.

“No,” she pushed him off. “You did this. I told you we have to keep this a secret. You go and show the whole damn world the hickey, you left on me. Now, I am fired and lost my dream job just because you had to one up him.”

“(Y/N), I didn't mean to.”

“Well, you did, Dean.” She said pushing past him. “I should probably go before The Miz calls security on my ass.” She walked off.

Dean watched her walk away, “Fuck!” He yelled punching the wall.

〰️〰️〰️〰️

“There has to be something I can do, Hunter.” Dean was in Hunter's office, begging to help get (Y/N) job back. “He can't just replace her just like that.”

“He can and he already has. His new girl starts this week actually.”

“But what about (Y/N)?”

“He fired her so her contract is done with us. She knew this when she signed it.”

“She can't even come back as her wrestler by herself.”

Hunter sighed, “Look, Dean, I know you want to fix things after what happened, but there is simply nothing we can do.”

“There has to be something.” Dean began pacing in front of his desk. Dean couldn't sleep after that night. He had fucked up a lot cause of his pride. (Y/N) wouldn't answer any of his calls or his texts. He knew that what they had was supposed to be meaningless sex, but he had started to catch feelings for her. He didn't want to admit it. Maybe that's why he let his feelings get the best of him with The Miz. He never liked that she was with someone like that. She deserved so much more than being someone's eye candy. She was talented in the ring. She deserved to make a name for herself without The Miz.

Hunter ran over his bald head, “Well there is one way that someone brought up.”

“Do it!” Dean said without even listening to the idea Hunter had in mind.

〰️〰️〰️

“Alright,” The Miz said. “I have a very special guest with me tonight.” He said pointing to the blonde next to him. “My new girl, Maryse. She helped me through a lot of my break-up with (Y/N). I am forever grateful to have her by my-”

All of a sudden Dean's music started to play as he began to walk out. “Hey, Miz, I wanted to congratulate you since it was thanks to me you found each other. But, I also wanted to thank you. After I beat Lashely, I decided there was something missing in my act. A beautiful woman on my arm like you always got. Might make me look better.” The sound of your new music began to play as you came out in ring gear. The Miz mouth dropped. Dean smiled evily. “And we are ready to show you what you lucked out on.”

[franinconverse]

I posted 8,669 times in 2021

79 posts created (1%)

8590 posts reblogged (99%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 108.7 posts.

I added 95 tags in 2021

#eurovision - 38 posts

#wwe nxt - 14 posts

#nxt - 14 posts

#otp - 5 posts

#excuse me - 5 posts

#personal - 4 posts

#i'm dying - 4 posts

#les mis - 4 posts

#this - 4 posts

#kyle o'reilly - 3 posts

Longest Tag: 85 characters

#you haven't lived until you have joined a bunch of metalheads in a conga to 500 miles

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

I am so fucking heartbroken right now. Breezango were the reason I got back into wrestling in the first place and without them I wouldn’t have rediscovered something I truly love. They were always just so funny and so incredibly talented in the ring but they never really got a chance to truly shine no matter how much they got themselves over.

I’m also really worried about up up down down because Tyler is such a fundamental part of it. They literally just released new left right left right merch.

10 notes • Posted 2021-06-26 01:33:01 GMT

#4

Happy Barricade Day! I shall be celebrating like I do every year. Listening to Drink With Me while I weep uncontrollably.

13 notes • Posted 2021-06-05 16:40:29 GMT

#3

I really like her voice but this song is dull and generic

17 notes • Posted 2021-05-22 19:15:56 GMT

#2

I don’t even watch Riverdale but I know that Veronica Lodge deserves better.

20 notes • Posted 2021-02-11 14:33:36 GMT

#1

Just saw Les Mis in concert and I have so many thoughts. Mostly the fact Grantaire looked at Enjolras like he was a whole snack the entire time and Bradley Jaden is a gift and I will marry him.

Drink with me was absolutely everything though. It started like normal until Grantaire got to "can it be you fear to die?" and Combferre reached out to say something but Enjolras got there first and pushed Ferre away. He then proceeded to look Grantaire right in the eye with this look of adoration and he fixed the lapels on his coat. Grantaire was just done with everything and walked away. Enjolras looked completely heartbroken for the rest of the song and my heart was in several pieces at my feet. God damn it can I just have one Enjoltaire moment that doesn't crush my heart?!

29 notes • Posted 2021-08-01 17:05:52 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[sufferinggod]

Hell yeah. So finally got Xfinity Wi-Fi installed in my house. Updated all my games on PS4. Downloaded Black Ops Cold War free multiplayer. It's actually alright. It's just a new COD game so what do you expect. I mean I like COD so I'm enjoying it so far. I can't afford to buy it tho so I'll just play it while it's free. But yeah. I've just been gaming and watching TV today. I even have cable now. Dude I haven't had cable in years. I was watching WWE Friday night Smackdown in my room and that was awesome. I have a big ass TV also that my parents left me. It's like a 500$+ TV or something idk it's awesome. But yeah. I have a lot of cool stuff now and I appreciate all of it. Thing is now I need to see if I can afford it all. I should if I keep working... And that God damn stimulus check needs to drop idc if it's just 600$ I need that.

[xtruss]

Was Shoaib Akhtar's Talent Overshadowed By His Sagas?

World’s Fastest Bowler Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan

Karthik Krishnaswamy

In Come to Think of it, we bring new perspectives to bear on received cricket wisdom. This week: was Shoaib Akhtar undervalued?

There's a fairly widely held strand of public opinion that would view Shoaib Akhtar as a wasted talent. It isn't just armchair fans who might think this - just look at his ESPNcricinfo profile.

"But that he will end his career an 'if only' or a 'coulda been' is the great tragedy," it says, fairly high up. "He had it all and he blew it." It ends with these lines: "So much so that what he did on the field had long ago ceased to matter and has been eclipsed by his scrapes off the field. For any sportsman, that is a damning indictment."

There are reasons to feel this way, of course, and the profile lists them succinctly: "doubts about his action, ball-tampering offences, beating up his own team-mates, courtroom battles against his board, long bans and heavier fines, serious career-threatening injuries and most damagingly, doping charges."

None of this is untrue, and that list doesn't even include the time Akhtar's board sent out a press release explaining his absence from a squad, and, rather than reach for one of a thousand bland corporate euphemisms, spelled out the exact nature and location of the skin condition that was keeping him out.

Akhtar's post-retirement public persona has done little to burnish his legacy. At the time of writing, he's in the news for claiming that he turned down a lucrative county contract with Nottinghamshire so that he could fight in the Kargil War. He... what? Yeah.

But hard as it seems, it's actually possible to disentangle all that from the thing that really matters, and properly appreciate Akhtar for the magnificent cricketer he was.

There was the pace, of course, and it was a strange and magical coincidence that he came along at the exact historical moment when bowling speeds were first being measured and displayed on live TV as a matter of course. You didn't just know he was quick; you knew he was quicker than anyone else, probably ever.

It was also Akhtar's fate that another purveyor of extreme pace, Brett Lee, came along at pretty much the same time. For the first two or three years of this millennium, the two of them pushed themselves, each other, and the limits of the human body to bowl faster and faster still.

The pace race was thrilling to witness, but in a WWE sort of way, bordering on silliness and fetishising pace for pace's sake. Watch the five balls that this video packages in ascending order of speed. Are they, as claimed, the five fastest deliveries in cricket history? Who knows. Do they make the batsmen cower in fear? Not particularly, and the quickest of them, bowled by Akhtar to Nick Knight during the 2003 World Cup, clocking 161.3kph, is nudged routinely to midwicket.

In the race to be the fastest bowler, one of these two purveyors of pace lost out Hamish Blair / © Getty Images

Pace is pace, yaar, but it's how you use it that counts. The pace race had an inevitable intertwining effect on the careers of Akhtar and Lee, but in doing so, it did one of them a considerable disservice. One was fast and hard-working and a fine first change behind Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie. The other was fast and scary, utterly impossible to take your eyes off, and utterly unplayable on his day.

Akhtar was the superior bowler, unarguably, but even a surface reading of their Test numbers would tell you as much. The point isn't that Akhtar was better than Lee. It's that he was an almost one-of-a-kind bowler who heightened the effect of raw pace to a degree rarely seen at the highest level of the game.

There was, of course, the effect on the spectators, achieved via that run-up, that exaggerated sideways leap and javelin-thrower wind-up, the theatrics between deliveries - occasionally during his run-up - and even that hair. But all that would have come to nothing without his effect on batsmen.

When Akhtar was fully switched on, in rhythm, and at his physical peak, the pace was almost all he needed to have that effect. Pace aimed with thrilling directness at the base of the stumps. It sounds simple, but there's a reason why only a tiny fraction of other bowlers have ever really pulled it off - or even attempted it - on a regular basis. Bowling yorkers at high pace takes a lot out of your body, and there isn't a whole lot of margin for error. Get it wrong and it's a lot of energy expended, and probably a lot of runs conceded, with little left in the tank for the rest of the day's exertions.

Akhtar's genius lay in being able to beat the very best batsmen with that direct, route-one method. I mean, come on. Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the space of two balls? Ricky Ponting, both Waughs and Adam Gilchrist in the space of 11?

In between, there were six wickets in 8.2 overs in Lahore, which sent New Zealand crashing to 73 all out on a pitch where Pakistan had made 643. Only once has a bigger first-innings lead been secured by a team bowling second, and that happened in a timeless Test.

Watch those wickets again: bowled, bowled, bowled, bowled, lbw, bowled; four pinpoint yorkers, the other two balls also full enough to just about fall under that classification, all of them beating the batsman for pace, with little or no reverse in play - New Zealand's innings only lasted 30.2 overs. This was the definition of taking the conditions out of the equation, and few did it as well as Akhtar.

There might even be a way to measure this.

When Akhtar took wickets, he took them quickly, as have the other four names on the table below. Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn have run through numerous teams, the latter in all conditions; Stuart Broad routinely goes on inspired bursts of wicket-taking; and Andy Caddick was a memorable blow-hot, blow-cold performer.

BOWLERS WITH BEST STRIKE RATES WHEN TAKING 4+ WICKETS IN AN INNS

It's an imperfect measure, of course, penalising bowlers who are part of better and deeper bowling attacks, but it says something that in the Tests where Akhtar burst through the opposition at the rate of a wicket every 23 balls, Pakistan's other bowlers took one every 75 balls. When other bowlers struggled, he often found a way.

At his peak the pace was often enough, but bowling that fast took a lot out of him, physically and mentally, as he revealed to Sidharth Monga in this fascinating interview five years ago. "I used to crawl to my bathroom every day of my career," he said. "I used to limp out of my bed. I can't remember a day I didn't have pain in my knees for the last 18 years."

Akhtar knew he needed other tricks apart from pace, and he certainly had them: swing, seam - look at this ball to Chris Gayle, in Sharjah of all places - the use of angles, the ability to manipulate batsmen with his lengths. Watch him bowl Matthew Hayden from around the wicket here. The late swing is a joy in itself, but what you won't see is the short balls he bowled before this ball, to push Hayden back and stop him from stepping out of his crease as he did time and again to fast bowlers.

Then there was the Akhtar slower ball. No bowler has ever delivered this variation with a bigger drop-off in speed from their stock ball, and he bowled it with no discernible change in arm action. England, fresh off an Ashes victory they still haven't stopped talking about, had no answer to it during their 2005-06 tour of Pakistan. Akhtar bowled many quicker spells through his career, but few approached this one in Lahore for the bafflement he caused. You want to watch this, but maybe not if you're Michael Vaughan, Ian Bell, or Liam Plunkett.

That Test match was Akhtar's 39th. He only played seven more, the last of them on an India tour in 2007, where he outbowled most of his colleagues on largely unhelpful pitches. The skills hadn't gone away but the body was uncooperative. He continued playing ODIs, sporadically, until the 2011 World Cup, and that was that.

Forty-six Tests. Umar Gul, the perennially crocked Umar Gul, played 47.

Even with all his injuries, Akhtar could have probably squeezed in a few more, what with all the bans and disciplinary troubles. But it's a marvel, come to think of it, that he left himself enough room to squeeze in all those spells, and leave us with all those memories.

[sisygambis]

I saw 10 seconds of Jeff Hardy on instagram yesterday and here’s me watching vids on YouTube all day like the trashbag I am

[itsadamcole]

christmas lights - pt. 2

fem!reader x drew mcintyre

reader and Drew are separated as they both figure out what they both want to do ...

word count: 1.7k

warnings: mentions of cheating, mentions of divorce, angsty, upset!drew, lots of emotions

— part 2. parts 3 and 4 will be coming out tomorrow (12/22) and wednesday (12/23) just so y’all know —

masterlist || request an imagine here

part 1 || part 3 || part 4

***

You sit on the couch curled up in a ball. You're under a fuzzy blanket as you play with your engagement ring. You watch the diamond go around your finger a few times through your tears.

He cheated. You can't believe he did. He never seemed like the type to go and cheat on his significant other. He's so kind, so considerate, and so sensitive. Drew's the kind of person to make sure no one's hurt after an intense match and he immediately feels bad if he's hurt someone. He always gets upset if he hurts someone, so you don't understand why he'd just go and cheat on you, and lie about it to your face.

That night from two weeks ago flashes in your mind and you begin to cry softly on the couch. You rest your forehead on your knees and sob.

The cries echo through the empty house you once shared with Drew. It's been so quiet without the TV blaring some kind of wrestling match or without Drew yelling to wherever you were and asking you where something is. You've gotten used to it when he's away but he's supposed to be home right now. He's supposed to be holding you in his arms, and you can't stop picturing him possibly holding her in his arms.

There's a knock on the door and you get up.

You've asked Candice LeRae, Indi Heartwell, Sasha Banks, and Liv Morgan to all come over. WWE is in the area for the next few weeks and they fixed their schedules so they could come talk to you.

When you open the door, you see Candice and Indi standing there. Candice's face drops and says, "Oh, God. It's as bad as I thought."

Indi hugs you tight before Candice joins in.

"Wait, I want in!" Liv Morgan yells behind Candice and Indi. She joins in.

You feel better with your girls around. The pain temporarily goes away.

Sasha arrives shortly after Liv did and all of you sit in the living room. Candice and Liv sit on either side of you as you try to stop crying long enough to tell them what happened.

Liv gently rubs your back as you say, "So, um, Drew's been cheating on me. I don't know for how long, but on Christmas a woman sent him a photo of her in some lingerie and told him to enjoy the picture if I don't satisfy him enough." Then the tears begin.

Candice hugs you and Sasha says, "I'm gonna beat his ass, I swear to God."

You cry, "He told me that it was a friend who likes to tease him because I'm never around to have sex but I never believed him. It's such a bullshit lie."

The girls look at each other before Indi says, "When we see him, we'll give him a piece of our minds. We won't let him get away with that."

Candice asks, "What do you want to do, Y/N? What's the next step here?"

You wipe your tears and sit up. You say, "I don't know. I don't want him around but at the same time, I need him. He's the only thing in my life that's keeping me sane right now besides you guys but you're around just as much as he is. I just feel like I wasn't good enough for him and if I feel like that then what's the point in keeping him around?"

"No, sweetie," Sasha coos. "It's his loss if he wants to go and mess around behind your back. You don't deserve someone like that."

Candice takes your hand and Liv says, "You haven't talked to him, have you? Not since Christmas?"

You shake your head and say, "He told me he was going to stay at Sheamus and Cesaro's place. I haven't talked to him or seen him since. I've called out of work for at least another week because I told them that I was having family problems and needed to be placed on an indefinite leave for right now."

Indi says, "I'd say talk to him, no matter how much it hurts. If you feel like the relationship is broken then fix it. If it's too far gone then it's time to divorce him."

Divorce. Could you divorce the man you promised to spend the rest of your life with? The man you planned to start a family with? Could you do that?

Fixing what's broken sounds like the best thing to do, but is it what he wants to do? Or does he love her more than he loves you? Does he even love you anymore? Is there a relationship to even be fixed.

You could ask for less hours at work, but then when Drew's on the road you'll be lonely. If you don't change your hours then he may stray away again.

Drew hasn't reached out at all so you can only assume the worst. He did tell you to talk to him when you were ready, but will you ever be ready to talk to the man that told you he loved you but betrayed you?

***

Drew's POV

It's been two weeks. Two damn weeks and Y/N hasn't reach out at all. I think that this is it. I think I messed up so much that she's officially gone.

I almost begin to expect divorce papers at this point. That'll probably be the next time I see Y/N. She'll be handing me divorce papers to end the seven year marriage between the two of us.

Sheamus knocks on my door frame and walks in. Cesaro right behind him.

"Hey, buddy," Sheamus says. "Ya hangin' in there?"

I shake my head and say, "I can't believe I fucked up this much. I can't believe I fucking told her I cheated when I didn't. Hell, I told Diane she can keep the set and blocked her because of this. I don't know what to do, dude."

Cesaro asks, "Has Y/N reached out?"

I shake my head. "No," I say. "God, I'm an idiot. I should just expect divorce papers. There's no way that she'll believe me if I actually tell her the truth."

"Ya should try," Sheamus says. "Communication is key. Ya should talk to her and try tellin' her the truth. Beg for her forgiveness."

I look down at my hands in my lap and sigh.

Sheamus is right. I just don't think she'll believe me since I told her I cheated on her when I didn't. There's proof that I never cheated on her. I just don't think that she'll believe me if I tell her the truth.

My phone begins to ring and I immediately answer it, hoping it's Y/N.

"Drew, you asshat," Candice LeRae says to me. "You cheated on her?"

Of course she told Candice. Indi, Sasha, and Liv all probably think that too.

I say, "I never cheated. She took a text the wrong way. I wasn't able to explain myself so yeah, I told her I cheated but I never cheated."

Candice says, "Tell me your side. Maybe I can get her to reach out to you so she can get your side."

"I have a friend, Diane," I start. "Well, had. She's blocked on everything now. Anyway, she and I bought Y/N a gift for Christmas. It was a lingerie set and I wanted a woman opinion on it so I took Diane shopping with me and she helped me pick it out. It was a surprise for Y/N. So Diane asked me to come over to come get it but Y/N was home and I didn't want to leave because it's been so long since I saw Y/N. Diane decided to mess with me by sending me a picture of herself in the set I bought for Y/N and said 'I'm sorry ya couldn't come over. This is for ya. Enjoy it if that wife of yers doesn't satisfy ya enough', and Y/N saw the text and immediately accused me of cheating."

Candice is quiet the entire time as I explain myself to her. Sheamus and Cesaro listen too.

I continue with, "And I might've told Y/N that I cheated because she wasn't believing me and I thought that it was what she wanted to hear."

Sheamus and Cesaro both facepalm and Candice says, "You're a dumbass, you know that? She's a crying mess over here and she thinks that she wasn't good enough for you, Drew. She's called out of work indefinitely and she's probably been over here crying for two weeks. You need to fix this."

I rub my face and I say, "I know that! I don't know how. She probably doesn't want to talk t'me and it wouldn't surprise me if she's called a divorce lawyer at this point."

"She doesn't know what she wants to do," Candice sighs. "I think she wants to talk things out but I don't think she thinks there's a relationship to fix. You need to do something, Drew. Soon."

I sigh and say, "I will. I just need some time, okay? Make sure she's okay and I'll talk t'her soon."

Candice says, "Alright, but you're still a dumbass and I know Y/N loves you so I'll do what I can. I believe you, by the way. That is way too elaborate to be a lie."

"Gee, thanks," I mumble.

We say goodbye and I look between Sheamus and Cesaro as I hang up the phone.

I sigh, "How did I get here?"

Sheamus says, "Your first mistake was going lingerie shopping with a woman that wasn't your wife."

He's probably right about that. Well, not probably. He's right about that.

It was that event that snowballed into this, and I hate the situation that I'm in. I told Y/N to reach out to me when she was ready but if she doesn't think there's a relationship to fix then she'll reach out to me when she needs me to sign divorce papers.

—

tags: @drewmcintyrekoccsrocbwdgfan