#nikki rack attack

[chvmpisms]

LOVE   HAS   TURNED   TO   TO   BITTERNESS,        it's   not   difficult   to   see.        exceedingly   obvious   in   nikki's   eyes   and   that   of   everyone   else's.        there   is   some   part   of   her   that   wishes   to   go   back   to   the   way   things   were.        travel   back   in   time   and   give   up   a   few   more   things.       give   away   pieces   of   herself   to   make   her   life   fit   in   his,        and   his   life   fit   into   hers.        she   used   to   think   that's   what   love   is.        not   anymore.        refuses   to   allow   herself   to   do   that   when   she   knows   her   worth.        but   it's   john   she's   talking   to.        john   who   she   affords   no   congratulations   to   or   excuses   for.        he's   made   his   bed.        he   has   to   lie   in   it.        any   decisions   she   makes   now   have   nothing   to   do   with   him   and   what   they   used   to   have.        she   refuses   to   let   him   cloud   her   judgement.        even   if   the   temptation   is   there.        

he   acts   like   he   knows   her.        like   she   hasn't   spent   several   years   attempting   to   become   a   better   person   than   she   was   with   him.        that's   the   worst   part,        him   thinking   she   is   some   selfish   person   who   wanted   anything   but   the   very   best   for   him.        it   sits   heavy   in   her   chest,        poison   in   her   heart   that   she   can't   cough   up   even   if   she   tried.        his   words   sting,        even   though   she   wishes   they   didn't.        truly   wishes   she   could   let   the   past   die.        

OUTGOING        ,        JOHN:         typical   john.       making   everything   my   fault.

bites   back   in   her   next   message   quickly,        barely   leaves   time   to   read   his   reply.        maybe   it   was   childish   to   threaten   to   leave.        string   him   along   until   she   couldn't   do   it   anymore.        the   truth   is,        she's   spent   a   fair   amount   of   life   wanting   him   to   want   her.        wanting   it   to   feel   like   he   wanted   her,        more   than   anything.        it's   been   years,        and   she   still   can't   get   that   kind   of   reaction   from   him.        she   can't   get   anything   she   wants   from   him.        a   cold   truth   to   accept,        but   a   fact   nonetheless.        

OUTGOING        ,        JOHN:         love   is   not   about   sacrifice,       john.        you   deserved   the   chance   to   be   with   someone   who   lines   up   with   exactly   who   you   want   to   be.        that's   not   me.        that's   never   been   me,        and   it   never   will   be.        you   deserved   someone   good   and   kind   who   was   happy   with   just   the   two   of   you        —        that's   not   me.        you   and   i   couldn't   be   happy   together   forever   because   you   would   have   sacrificed   too   much,        or   i   would've   sacrificed   too   much.        there   is   no   world   in   which   you   and   me   get   to   be   happy   together.        

OUTGOING        ,        JOHN:         and   with   the   way   you've   been   acting   lately,        i   don't   think   you   could   be   happy   with   anyone   but   yourself.        don't   pin   the   blame   on   me   until   you've   looked   in   a   mirror.

he thought about nicole and the way she used to make him feel. like every bad feeling he ever had in his life went away as soon as he looked at her. the prettiest girl in his eyes, the smile that could make all his problems go away. the way she held him in her arms at any given moment and he was okay. but that wasn't the feeling he got now. the feeling he had now was bitterness, heartbreak, betrayal, disloyalty. he felt so many emotions at once and she was the only one to blame for that. for driving him over the edge and becoming a person that he didn't even recognize anymore when looking into the mirror. knowing that he was back at the same time that he decided to retire, he couldn't believe it. he was in the royal rumble and that's when she planned to come back. if luck would have it, she did it to see him. she did it to see if he still felt everything and he wouldn't give her that. she left him, didn't fight for him, and he wasn't about to now.

of course that was her first reaction. not even having the heart to ask him why he was texting her, or congrulating him on achieving greatness. but just being her typical self. selfish, and all about her like she usually would be. it was always about nikki bella and john cena was only there for the ride, her ride.

text msg -> nicole: typical nicole. doesn't surprise me one bit.

he read her next words and they should have made him mad, should have made him furious but all that did was make him laugh, quite bitterly. john couldn't believe her but then again, she had been all about her. what nicole wanted, what nicole needed and if john didn't do exactly what she wanted, she always threatened to walk away. because her dreams and her goals were the only thing that mattered. how he felt didn't matter to her and that was part of the reason why things would never work, why he couldn't fight for her even when his heart was begging him to.

text msg -> nicole: are you freaking kidding me right now, nicole? i know why you did it? no. i don't know why you did it. i don't know why you could break my heart twice when i sacrified everything for you!!! why you could make me change my ENTIRE life for you and then throw that shit back in my face. you have always been so damn selfish, so woe is me every single time. and i was the stupid idiot to fight for you. to make you happy but you never were, were you? you made me want to get married. you made me want to have kids with you. all for what? to be just like everyone else and turn your back on me.

text msg -> nicole: in person? you would like that. you would like to see me again so just so you can rub it in. not happening. i'm not about to sacrifice everything for you again. those days are gone.

[livslunaticdamiansdisciple18]

Managing the Bellas!! Nikki and Brie

Nikki and Brie Bella x Alanna Smith

Warnings: Mention of a chair to the face, cuteness!!

Word Count: 434

A/N: Hi everyone!! This is the first Nikki and Brie Bella request I've written. This was sent in by @bbygirlnessa18. Let's get into it.

Alanna is your name.

@bbygirlnessa18 hope you like it babes.

Managing the Bella's is easy but hard when you’re their opponent.  You need to anticipate their every move and be prepared to counter it. You have to stay one step ahead of them, or else you'll find yourself at a disadvantage. Being put in a handicap match with the Bella’s might boost your ego and your fame but it might not. You and Nikki start the match and you hit her with a superkick.  Nikki gets back up and hits you with a clothesline. She then grabs you and slams you down to the mat. Nikki continues her assault, landing punch after punch. Once you get to your feet, you throw Nikki into the turnbuckle, and she tags in Brie.  Brie enters the ring and attacks you. She lands a few kicks before pushing you into the ropes and sending you flying out of the ring. Brie then taunts the crowd before exiting the ring, leaving Nikki alone in the ring. Once you get back up Nikki hits you with the rack attack and pins you. Once you were pinned Natalya, Alexa, Raquel, and Dakota attacked you. You knew what was coming. As you lie on the ground getting kicked Alexa grabs a chair and swings it hitting your face. You had told the girls before that you went to your ultrasound and found out you were having twins so they only hit your face. Nikki and Brie came running down and started swinging on Natalya and Alexa. After that, it was 4 against 2 when Paige and Liv run down to help Nikki and Brie against Natalya, Alexa, Raquel, and Dakota. Rhea and Bianca run to ring and get you out of there and take you back to the examiner room.  Once you were seen Nikki and Brie came back to check on you when Nikki said “Baby I’m so sorry. We had no idea that they would come out there.” I said “It’s ok. It was kind of the plan. Everyone knew except for you 2. I wanted to tell you guys sooner but this match was already planned. I’m pregnant!!. I’m having twins.”  Nikki and Brie were shocked and overjoyed. They hugged me and thanked me for keeping the secret. We all shared a big group hug and celebrated the good news. 

~Time skip to 9 months later~

Nikki and Brie are such a big help to me and our girls Savannah and Isla Garcia-Smith. I’m happy that our kids get to watch their other mothers perform in the ring while their momma continues to still manage Nikki and Brie Bella.

-I hope you guys enjoyed this! I had fun writing it. I love you guys so so so so so much. <33333

[multifandombabesworld]

WWE OC (FANFIC/AU)

Real Name: Cassandra Alice Brown

Ring Name(s): Cassie (formerly; 2008-2010), Cassie Brown (currently; 2010-present)

Nickname(s): Cass (real life), The Mess, The Bad Bitch (formerly), The Bitch Queen (formerly), Miss Brown, Mrs Boxer

Born: April 16th, 1989 (age 34)

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Billed From: Wichita, Kansas

Height/Weight: 5’4/128 lbs

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Family:

Wendy Brown (mother)

Felix Brown (father)

Dolores Colón (maternal cousin)

Hunter Matthews (cousin; Dolores’ son)

Mr & Mrs. Colón (aunt & uncle) *Her aunt is her father’s sister*

Sexuality: Pansexual

Romantic Interest(s): Mike Boxer (husband; married June 2016), Cody Rhodes (on screen/tv only; 2012-2013)

Children: Gwendolyn Eve Brown (daughter; born August 18th, 2018; 6 years old), Parker Jay Brown (son; born July 11, 2022; 2 years old), Natalia Joy Brown (daughter; born January 16, 2024; 1 month old)

Companies/Promotions: ECW (July 8, 2008-February 7, 2010), WWE: Raw (February 8, 2010-May 13, 2012), WWE (May 14, 2012-January 1, 2014), WWE: Raw (January 6, 2014-February 7, 2016), WWE: Smackdown (February 8, 2016-November 13, 2017), WWE: Raw (October 29, 2018-October 9, 2020), WWE: Smackdown (October 16, 2020-July 2, 2021), WWE: Raw (July 5, 2021-present)

Face/Heel Turns: Face (July 8, 2008-February 13, 2011), Heel (February 14, 2011-July 14, 2013), Face (July 15, 2013-February 1, 2015), Heel (February 2, 2015-February 5, 2017), Face (February 6, 2017-December 1, 2019), Heel (December 2, 2019-April 23, 2023), Face (April 24, 2023-present)

Theme Songs:

First Theme: (ECW; 2008-2010)

Second Theme: (2010-2012)

Third Theme: (2012-2016)

Fourth Theme: (2016-2019)

Fifth Theme: (2019-2023)

Starts at 35 seconds into video

Sixth Theme: (2023-present)

Starts at 40 seconds into video

Theme when with The Hashtag Squad: (2011-2020)

Tag Teams/Stables: Messy Rhodes (with Cody Rhodes; 2012-2013), The Hashtag Squad (with Kelly Kelly and Megan Foster; 2011-2012), The Hashtag Squad (with Megan Foster; 2012-2020), Dark Angels (with Liv Morgan; 2021-2022), The Gold Stars (with Rosalie; 2023-2024)

Finisher Moves:

Messysault (Diving Corkscrew Moonsault)

Tangled Lock (Armbar & Leg Lock Combo)

Feast Your Eyes (at ringside/sometimes in ring)

Signature Moves:

The Messy Ending (Fairy Tale Ending)

Cass Kick (Superkick)

Spinning Cass Kick (Spin Kick)

The Mess Attack (Rack Attack 2.0)

Submission Moves: The Messy Arch (Kneeling Cloverleaf), Sleeper Hold, Cattle Mutilation, Cobra Clutch, Muta Lock

Titles Won:

Divas Championship: (Raw 12/3/12 from Eve after hitting her with a Moonsault and pinning her) Held for: 43 days (lost to Kaitlyn at Raw January 14, 2013 after Kaitlyn hit her with a spear and pinned her) *1st reign*

Divas Championship: (Hell In A Cell October 26, 2014 against AJ Lee and Paige; won by making AJ submit to Tangled Lock) Held for: 29 days (lost to Nikki Bella at Survivor Series 11/23/14 when Nikki hit her with the Rack Attack and pinned her) *2nd reign*

Universal Women’s Championship: (Wrestlemania April 5, 2020 against Tasha Marie; won after hitting Tasha with a chair given to her by Megan and hitting her with the Messysault before pinning her) Held for: 106 days (lost to Stella Venus at Extreme Rules July 19, 2020 in a triple threat match against Venus & Kairi Sane; Stella hits the Hot Mess Attack on her and pins her winning the title) *1st reign*

Universal Women’s Championship: (Hell In A Cell October 25, 2020 against Lana & Carmella; won when she made both Lana and Carmella tap to the Tangled Lock) Held for: 120 days (lost to Charlotte Flair at Elimination Chamber February 21, 2021 when Charlotte made her tap to the Figure 8) *2nd reign*

Universal Women’s Championship: (Extreme Rules September 26, 2021 after cashing in her MITB contract on Alexa Bliss and hitting the Messysault pinning Bliss) Held for: 37 days (relinquished title due to 2nd pregnancy on November 1, 2021) *3rd reign*

Universal Women’s Championship: (Wrestlemania 39 April 2, 2023 against Tasha Marie; she was able to hit Tasha with the Messysault after stopping Tasha from hitting her with a chair. She then pinned Tasha and won the title) Held for 372 days (lost to Rosalie at Wrestlemania 40: April 7, 2024 after being hit with the Rose Bomb three times and getting pinned) *4th reign*

Other Accomplishments:

2013 Slammy Award - Diva of the Year

WWE Tag Team of The Year (2015 with Megan Foster)

WWE Ms. Money In The Bank (2021)

Medical Conditions/Injuries:

Head Concussion (two times in her career)

Broken Nose

Fractured Knee

Whiplash

Busted Lip

Sprained Wrist

Managers: Kelly Kelly, Megan Foster, Rosalie

Has Managed: Kelly Kelly, Megan Foster, Cody Rhodes, Rosalie, Liv Morgan

Friends:

Megan Foster

Liv Morgan

Barbie Blank/Kelly Kelly

Cody Rhodes

Becky Lynch (off screen)

Tasha Marie (off screen)

Stella Venus (off screen)

Rosalie

Randy Orton (off screen)

CM Punk (off screen)

AJ Lee (off screen)

Paige/Saraya (off screen)

Roman Reigns (off screen)

Seth Rollins (off screen)

Jon Moxley/Dean Ambrose (off screen)

Triple H

Stephanie McMahon

Shane McMahon (off screen)

Shawn Michaels

Rhea Ripley (off screen)

Finn Bálor (off screen)

Dominik Mysterio (off screen)

Damien Priest (off screen)

JD McDonagh (off screen)

Jey Uso

Jimmy Uso (off screen)

Nikki Bella

Brie Bella

Naomi/Trinity

Alicia Fox

John Cena

The Rock/Dwayne Johnson

Bayley (off screen)

Dakota Kai (off screen)

Iyo Sky (off screen)

Kairi Sane (off screen)

Asuka (off screen)

Austin Theory (off screen)

Trained By:

Matt Bloom

Shawn Michaels

Triple H

Beth Phoenix

Lita

WWE Idol(s):

Chyna

Rey Mysterio

Lita

Trish Stratus

Eddie Guerrero

Edge

Victoria

Ivory

Facts:

Cassie is really good friends with Bebe Rexha and her “The Mess” and “The Bad Bitch” gimmicks are based on Bebe’s songs

Bebe Rexha let Cassie used the I’m A Mess song as her theme two years before the song actually came out

Cassie grew up watching WWE with her father and met her favorite wrestler and idol Lita when she was 13. She also met Victoria, Edge, Rey Mysterio, and Eddie Guerrero when she was young

Her signature colors are purple, black, and white. She also always wears a flower or flower crown on her head during her entrances. The flower is usually purple or black and she sometimes gives someone in the audience her flower (like how Cody Rhodes gives his weight belt to someone)

She always has a big Wrestlemania entrance every year

She has wrestled both men and women in her career

She was in gymnastics and karate when she was young. She also was in cheerleading in high school

Her and her husband Mike owned a golden retriever named Nala who died in April of 2024 (she was 10 years old). They also own a 5 year old german shepherd named Bear as well many farm animals such as chickens, chicks, goats, cows, horses, and a pig

Social Medias: cassiebrownwwe (Instagram), thecassiebrown (Twitter), misscassiebrown (TikTok), Cassie and Mike (YouTube) *These aren’t real so don’t look for them*

*Note: Tasha, Stella, Dolores, Megan, Mike, and Rosalie are OCs as well. I will make an info card for them soon as well*

[b3llalution]

@s-unfleur

[undisputed-queer-a]

Lesbian Heel Shenanigans

As we continue our look at queer moments of representation in in 'our great sport' and as I continue to doubt that phrase I am brought to Survivor Series 2014. Obviously at this event Sting showed up in WWE for the first time, a shocking development that no one expected because of Sting’s long standing attitudes towards the company. Especially considering he had worked for both of WWE's biggest competitors (before AEW that is) WCW and TNA. Sting even turned down working for the Dub in the 2000s...but I hear you "What does Sting debuting in WWE have to do with the title?" really to be honest nothing I just didn't much want to talk about Nikki Bella Vs AJ Lee at the same Survivor Series. Was that funny? Probably not. Maybe it confused you because it didn't match the title idk. And I know I pick what I write about but like it's really bad. So to set the scene in August 2014 Nikki Bella turned on her sister saying and I quote "I wish you died in the womb." find the clip it's gloriously bad, and even though I feel bad making fun of her line delivery but it's...it's really something. So in the following moths they feud as you might expect. having a six minute match at Hell In a Cell in October and a two minute match on RAW in November. This feud I believe won the WON Worst Feud of the year for 2014 and universally panned by fans. I also think that one of their matches had the stipulation the classic personal assistant stipulation which made Brie Nikki's like servant for a bit. I'm one hundred percent sure this happened but I trust myself enough to mention it.

Okay so Survivor Series, Nikki beats AJ Lee starting her historic 301 day Diva's title reign (I wanna do a whole post on that belt. It's not got much to do with LGBTQ+ stuff but eh who cares.) but you wanna know how she won this match? Brie kissed AJ which distracted her, Nikki hits the 'Rack Attack' (not a great name IMO) and wins within 33 seconds. F*cking b*llshit (still not dure if the censoring is a good idea/whether I should do it or not.). Now I don't know why this happened. Like any of it but why did they book them to kiss? Why is Brie basically committing sexual assault kissing someone wo doesn't want to be kissed? And why are Nikki and Brie cool with each other again with no explanation? Nikki said she wished Brie died in the womb and then made her life hell why are they allies again? AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

It's genuinely maddening why was a couple of months of story telling (admittedly not good storytelling) undermined by strange Lesbian Heel Shenanigans. It's stupid and weird and it also kind of alludes to the predatory lesbian stereotype. It's all around awful and I honestly have spoken on this topic for too long.

Anyway this has been a....I don't actually know

This has been Undisputed Queer-a.

Slay The System, Shock The Cis-tem, and see you next Monday.

[wweassets]

Ohhh I also just had another move idea for Naomi. I would really like to see her do Victoria’s Widows Peak. Mainly because she’s this unhinged character kinda like Victoria was. It would lowkey be a nice callback. & in TNA Naomi did a lot of other wrestlers moves. Like I gagged when she did Nikki’s Rack Attack on Giselle.

YES PLEASEEEEEE!!!!

[theguestblogging]

Nikki Bella: A Beacon of Empowerment and Evolution in Wrestling

When it comes to professional wrestling, few names shine as brightly as Nikki Bella. Renowned for her athletic prowess, stunning looks, and dynamic personality, Nikki Bella has cemented herself as a true icon in the world of sports entertainment. Often described by fans and media alike as "Nikki Bella Hot," her appeal goes far beyond her physical appearance.

A Star is Born

Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, first entered the WWE scene in 2007 alongside her twin sister, Brie Bella. Together, they formed the formidable duo known as The Bella Twins. Their unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and undeniable chemistry quickly captivated audiences, earning them a devoted fan base.

The Rise to Fame

Nikki Bella's journey to stardom wasn't an overnight success. It took years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Her breakthrough moment came when she captured the WWE Divas Championship in 2012. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant reign, as Nikki held the title for a record-setting 301 days. Her time as champion showcased her in-ring skills, resilience, and the ability to captivate audiences worldwide.

Beyond the Ring

While Nikki Bella's wrestling career is impressive, her influence extends beyond the squared circle. She has become a successful entrepreneur, actress, and reality TV star. Nikki, along with her sister Brie, launched their own wine label, Belle Radici, and their fashion line, Birdiebee. Their ventures highlight their business acumen and ability to connect with fans on various platforms.

Nikki's reality TV endeavors, including "Total Divas" and "Total Bellas," provided fans with an intimate look into her life, further solidifying her status as a pop culture sensation. These shows showcased her fiery personality, making the term "Nikki Bella Hot" synonymous with not just her looks, but also her vibrant and dynamic presence.

A Role Model and Inspiration

Beyond her glamorous persona, Nikki Bella serves as a role model for many. Her advocacy for body positivity, mental health awareness, and women’s empowerment resonates with fans around the globe. Nikki’s openness about her struggles and triumphs has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and embrace their true selves.

The Legacy of Nikki Bella

Nikki Bella’s impact on the wrestling industry and popular culture is undeniable. Her journey from a young aspiring wrestler to a global icon is a testament to her hard work, talent, and unwavering determination. When people talk about "Nikki Bella Hot," they are not just referring to her physical beauty but also her fiery passion, indomitable spirit, and the trailblazing path she has carved out for herself and others.

Early Beginnings and WWE Debut

Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, hails from a humble background in San Diego, California. She and her twin sister, Brie Bella, burst onto the WWE scene in 2007 as The Bella Twins. Their arrival marked a new era in women's wrestling, bringing a unique blend of athleticism and entertainment to the ring. Nikki's journey to becoming a wrestling sensation was marked by hard work and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

Dominance in the Ring

Nikki Bella's wrestling career is highlighted by her record-breaking reign as WWE Divas Champion. She held the title for an impressive 301 days, showcasing her skills and resilience. Nikki’s in-ring style is characterized by a powerful combination of strength and agility, making her a formidable opponent for any challenger. Her signature moves, such as the "Rack Attack," became fan favorites and solidified her status as one of the top female wrestlers in WWE history.

Expanding Her Empire

Beyond the wrestling ring, Nikki Bella has made significant strides as an entrepreneur and television personality. Alongside her sister Brie, she launched the successful fashion line Birdiebee and the wine brand Belle Radici. These ventures reflect Nikki’s keen business acumen and her ability to connect with a broad audience.

Nikki's foray into reality television with shows like "Total Divas" and "Total Bellas" provided fans with an intimate look into her life, both personal and professional. These shows not only highlighted her vibrant personality but also her struggles and triumphs, making her relatable to millions of viewers. Her role on these shows underscored why many consider her "Nikki Bella Hot" – a blend of beauty, strength, and authenticity.

Advocacy and Inspiration

Nikki Bella’s influence extends beyond entertainment. She is a passionate advocate for body positivity, mental health awareness, and women’s empowerment. Nikki has been open about her own struggles with body image and injury, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Her advocacy work has resonated with many, making her a role model for fans of all ages.

The Legacy of Nikki Bella

Nikki Bella’s impact on the wrestling world and popular culture is profound. She has redefined what it means to be a female athlete, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Her legacy is one of perseverance, innovation, and empowerment. When people talk about "Nikki Bella Hot," they recognize her as a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark on the industry.

From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, began her path to stardom in San Diego, California. With her twin sister, Brie Bella, she stepped into the WWE spotlight in 2007 as part of The Bella Twins. Their unique dynamic and undeniable chemistry quickly won over fans, but it was Nikki's individual flair and relentless drive that set her apart.

Revolutionizing Women's Wrestling

Nikki Bella's influence on women's wrestling is profound. Her historic 301-day reign as WWE Divas Champion is a testament to her skill and determination. Nikki’s wrestling style blends power, agility, and charisma, creating memorable matches that have left an indelible mark on the WWE universe. She has been instrumental in shifting perceptions, showing that female wrestlers can be both formidable athletes and captivating entertainers.

Beyond the Ring: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Nikki's ambition extends far beyond wrestling. Together with Brie, she ventured into the business world, launching the successful fashion line Birdiebee and the wine brand Belle Radici. These enterprises reflect her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to leverage her brand into successful business ventures. Her ability to transition seamlessly from the ring to the boardroom is a testament to her versatility and vision.

A Reality TV Pioneer

Nikki Bella's impact on reality television is equally significant. Her shows, "Total Divas" and "Total Bellas," offer an unfiltered look at her life, blending the glamour of wrestling with personal challenges and triumphs. These shows have not only expanded her fan base but also provided a platform for her to showcase her authenticity, strength, and vulnerability. The term "Nikki Bella Hot" thus evolves to encompass a persona that is as relatable as it is glamorous.

Championing Advocacy and Personal Growth

Nikki Bella is a passionate advocate for body positivity, mental health, and women's empowerment. She has candidly shared her own struggles with body image, injuries, and personal relationships, using her platform to inspire and support others. Her journey of self-discovery and growth, including her public engagement and subsequent split from fellow WWE superstar John Cena, has resonated deeply with fans worldwide.

[b3llalution]

there was nobody else in the entire world that nikki could confide in, could trust, could tell anything to and never be judged for it. and that was brie. maybe sometimes she did judge her but she would be the only person in the world allowed to. nicole spent months planning her return to the ring. training with her good friend nattie every single day. hoping and praying that this time would be different. she wanted it to be different. it was about not only proving something to the fans but proving it to herself too. she wanted to prove that she belonged in that ring with the same girls that were wrestling now. wrestlers like liv morgan and roxanne perez. fighting for championship gold that wrestlers like becky lynch and iyo sky carried. she was just happy to be back. being in that ring, going down that ramp, hitting her rack attack, those were the kind of moments nikki bella lived for. it was her home away from home.

nikki was in the backstage area, walking to the women's locker room, still feeling the effect of the oblivion from liv morgan. she couldn't believe that actually happened. that she had exchanged words with liv morgan, someone she respected, someone she thought she was friends with. but people always changed. and nicole had been away from the ring for a long time and liv was right, things were different now. but that didn't mean nikki was going to let her get away with dropping her the way she had. she got away with it for this one single night but the next time? that would have been a whole other story. finally being able to take a breather after what was a long night, nikki looked at her phone and to her surprise, there was a video from her twin sister. she was so excited for her to the point she started crying and nikki couldn't help but smile. she wasn't much of a crier but the fact that her twin sister, her best friend, her better half was this happy, this excited for her? it made her want to cry. she didn't know how she could possibly be back doing what she loved without her. she didn't want to imagine it but she also knew it wasn't what brie wanted. she noticed so many text messages from friends, nattie had texted her at least five times within the half hour, maxxine was congrulating her, and so many others. but the only person she wanted to talk to right now was brie. and so she would text her right away.

[ SMS / CONTACT: twinnie / SENT ]: brie! i can't believe you sent me that video. you know i don't cry and you made me cry. [ SMS / CONTACT: twinnie / SENT ]: you have no idea how much your words mean to me. i couldn't have done it without you. you encouraged me so much. all of our late night talks, our text messages, you just being here for me. i could never have asked for a better sister or best friend than you, brianna. [ SMS / CONTACT: twinnie / SENT ]: and you know what the next thing is? you coming back with me!

𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞   𝐡𝐚𝐝   𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧   𝐟𝐨𝐫   𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬.       they’d   whispered   about   it   over   wine,       mapped   it   out   over   late-night   calls,     sent   texts   back   and   forth   like   teenagers   hiding   a   secret.       the   gear   fittings,       the   gym   sessions,       the   way   nikki’s   voice   got   all   tight   in   her   throat   when   she   talked   about   walking   back   down   that   ramp       —       it   had   all   been   building   to   this.       and   brie   had   been   holding   her   breath   the   entire   time.       until   tonight.       because   tonight,       nikki   bella   returned.       and   even   though   she’d   seen   the   run-throughs,       helped   pick   the   gear,     even   helped   rehearse   the   damn   promo     —       brie   still   felt   like   the   air   got   knocked   out   of   her   when   her   sister   stepped   through   that   curtain.       that   walk.       that   look.       that   presence.     nikki   was   home.

brie   had   watched   from   her   living   room,   screen   brightness   cranked   all   the   way   up   and   volume   just   a   little   too   loud.     she   knew   every   beat   of   what   @b3llalution   was   going   to   say,     but   it   didn’t   matter.       not   when   the   crowd   lit   up   like   that.     not   when   her   sister   stood   in   the   center   of   that   ring   like   she   never   left.     when   it   was   over,       brie   wiped   a   tear   with   the   back   of   her   hand   and   grabbed   her   phone.       she   didn’t   need   to   text   right   away     —       she   knew   nikki   would   be   swarmed       —       but   she   opened   her   camera,       recorded   a   quick   video,       and   sent   it   straight   to   her:       ❝       you   did   it,       cole.     god,       you   really   did   it.       you   looked   fearless.       you   were   fearless.       i   hope   you   felt   how   loud   that   crowd   was…     they   missed   you.       we   all   did.     i’m   so,       so   proud   of   you.     ❞

[vincess-princess]

What Is Lost, What Is Found

Chapter 5.

Word count: 4417 Warnings: alcohol consumption, addiction mention

This time Mick stayed late in the store. A bunch of records that arrived that day were damaged, and he spent hours arguing on the phone with the provider demanding to replace the order. He did succeed in it, but when he put the phone down, the sky was already dark-blue and public transport wasn’t working. One more reason to get a car, a gloomy thought crossed his mind. If those problems with the supplies continued to arise, he wouldn’t be able to save up enough to buy a car in the foreseeable future.

Then there was his, well, other problem. As stress was building up in him due to financial difficulties, he found it harder and harder to keep away from the bottle. Even if he managed to keep himself from hiding one more bottle of whiskey in the counter, he inevitably got caught by nearby bars. Every day he passed them on his way to work and on his way home, and often ended up inside with his savings all gone, wasted. The next day there was always shame and self-disgust, and a lot of promises to give up, now for good. All those promises went forgotten once a Friday came about.

This night was a Wednesday night, and Mick already craved a drink. Before, he would just give in to the craving, but now every time he saw Vince’s face in front of him. His relieved expression after Mick lied to him haunted him. You told him you had quit. The only thing you do well is lie. You are so weak.

Mick’s hands were shaking when he was counting money. He dropped a coin, and it rolled under the counter. God fucking damn.

Mick plopped down on his knees and stuck his hand under the counter to get the coin. It was just out if his reach. Now, if he managed to stick his hand a little farther-

The door of the shop opened with a loud bang, and Mick heard steps of three people coming inside. What the hell? He was sure he had put a “closed” plate on the door...

“Anyone in here?” a male voice asked. Mick tried to pull his hand from under the counter, but it stuck.

“A second!” he called, frantically trying to free his hand. Finally, he managed to get it out, grazing the skin on his knuckles in process.

“Yes?” He stood up, and his jaw went slack.

Two policemen stood in the center of the shop, and one of them was holding a boy by the shoulder. The boy’s face seemed familiar, spiky black hair and stubborn crease of the eyebrows, but Mick had to rack his brains to recognize him. He stared mindlessly at the boy for a few awkward seconds until he dug up the face in front of him in his memory.

It was Nikki, Tommy’s and Vince’s friend. Right here, in his shop, accompanied by two cops.

“Uncle Mick!” Nikki exclaimed. Mick blinked in confusion. As far as he knew, he didn’t have any nephews until this very day. “I was just grabbing some hot dogs for us and these co- gentlemen said I broke the curfew.”

“Excuse me?” he murmured, staring at Nikki. The boy stared back, tapping his foot on the floor nervously.

“Sir, this boy claims to be your nephew,” one of the cops spoke. “Is that true?”

Mick looked at the cop, then at Nikki. The boy was making big eyes at him, nodding slightly. Help me, he pronounced with his lips soundlessly. Please.

Should he help him? He was a bad influence on Tommy, didn’t let him come to his store at first and was still reluctant about it now. Vince never talked about him and when asked retreated to one-word answers, which was as far from Vince that Mick knew as possible. Mick could as well tell the cops he didn’t know him - to get rid of him. Maybe without him Tommy would- he and Vince would agree-

Oh well.

“Yeah, sure,” he said. “What, is that so late already? I might have lost the track of time.”

“It is, Mr- what’s your name?”

“Mars,” Mick said on a whim. “Oh, wait, you want my legal name. Deal, it’s Deal.”

“Mr Deal, why did you let the boy out so late? Don’t you know about the existence of a curfew for kids and teenagers?” The police officer said with barely a note of disapproval. He really didn’t care. Well, neither did Mick.

“To grab some snacks. I do, I do; I just didn’t notice it’s already too late for kids to go out. Time flies by, y’know.”

“Well, next time we will have to bring the boy to the police station and file a case. We’re ready to turn a blind eye on it now, since it’s your first offence of a kind, but we’ll have to fine you.” The cop’s face livened up when he said “fine”. Of course, Mick thought with disgust and reached into his pocket with a sigh. Cops were always the same. The boy was lucky Mick hated the police so much – definitely much more than him. He didn’t even hate him to the full meaning of the word, definitely not. Rather, he was irritated by him, which was a completely different thing.

He put three dollar bills on the counter, 50$ each. One cop approached and took them. The second raised his eyebrows, so much greediness on his fat, apathetic face Mick barely managed to hold himself from punching him in that face, just not to see it anymore. Instead, he only nodded and reached for his wallet again. The boy was observing them with interest in his eyes, successfully hiding it for the cops behind his bangs. He didn’t seem to be scared or even mildly uncomfortable at all. More than that, Mick could bet he was enjoying it to the fullest. What a motherfucker.

Mick lined three more dollar bills on the counter, and they immediately disappeared in the second cop’s pocket. Only then they released Nikki and left the shop, smiling smugly.

Mick followed them with his gaze until they were out of sight. Then he turned to Nikki and spoke:

“What the fuck that just was?”

Nikki turned his head away, avoiding Mick’s gaze. The enjoyment he had while Mick was dealing with the cops vanished immediately.

“I need to go,” he said, turning towards the door.

“No way,” Mick stood up. “If you get caught the second time, you’re absolutely gonna end up in a police station.”

“I won’t,” Nikki shook his head, his hand already on a doorknob. Still, he stopped and turned to Mick. “I need to check up on Tommy.”

“Anything wrong with him?” Mick frowned.

“We were heading to Starwood when the cops appeared.” Nikki said unwillingly. “I told Tommy to hide and ran to distract them. I need to check up on him.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Mick cut off. “I’ll go. You tell me where you left him.”

Nikki’s grip on the knob strengthened so much his knuckles went white. “I’m going with you. You don’t know all the places.”

“Listen, you-“ Mick started but had to cut the sentence off short because the kid was right. Mick wasn’t a huge partygoer, and only knew the clubs on Sunset Strip from when he used to play in them – which was pretty long ago. He never went to such places to drink - they were too crowded, chock-full with teenagers. He preferred smaller pubs near his home.

“You don’t know all the places,” Nikki added. He knew exactly what he was doing, and it worked – Mick’s stubbornness was weakening. If only there was someone else who knew Tommy better…

There was no one. Mick sighed.

“Alright. You can go. But if we come across cops, I’m talking, alright?”

Nikki just nodded.

***

“Here is where I left him,” Nikki suddenly said fifteen minutes away from the shop. The place was incredibly unremarkable. “I ran across the street, and Tommy hid behind the corner.” They peered behind the aforementioned corner, both knowing it would be useless and both doing it anyway. Tommy, of course, wasn’t there. Still, they looked at each other with disappointment.

“Why did you decide to attract the cops’ attention?” Mick asked as they were crossing the street.

“To let Tommy get away,” Nikki looked at him like he was an idiot. “Haven’t I already said that?”

Mick sighed. Fucking teenagers. “Yes, I’ve heard that. What I want to know is - why not the other way around?”

“You mean, Tommy runs and I hide?” Nikki clarified in a tone an adult would talk in to a four-year-old.

“Yes.”

“Haven’t he told you about his… situation?” Nikki raised his eyebrows.

“He told me a lot of things.”

“I mean his life situation. How he ended up on streets.”

“Ah, this,” Mick recalled the day the third shoplifter hungry for Deep Purple music appeared in his shop. The memory was accompanied with an unexpected fondness. “He told me that on the very first day, in his first few sentences he addressed to me.”

“Yeah, he does that,” the corners of Nikki’s lips curved into a smile. Mick smiled too. It was physically impossible to think about Tommy and not smile. “A big mouth, he is. Then you should understand why it’s better for me to get caught.”

“He doesn’t want to go back to the orphanage.”

“Exactly,” Nikki said. Mick tried to come up with any other option in such a case, but got nothing.

“But shouldn’t the cops bring you to your parents?” Mick asked, recalling Tommy’s stories about Nikki. There was something wrong with his parents, that’s for sure. Tommy never told him much, probably because Nikki hadn’t told him much as well. So what was that? Abuse? Alcoholism? Single parent family? Neglect?

“Parents?” Nikki grinned, but it looked more like an animal baring its teeth before an attack. “I have no parents.”

“Everyone has parents.”

“Well, I don’t anymore. Physically they are still out there, but for me they’re as good as dead.”

“Okay…” Mick looked at Nikki, but he looked strictly forward. His hair covered a good portion of his face, so his expression in the dim lights of the street was undistinguishable. There was something really fucked up between Nikki and his parents and people are always hungry to learn about fucked up things, Mick was no exception. Still, he knew for sure he wasn’t going to get an answer – Mick and Nikki weren’t on exactly friendly terms with each other, and winning Nikki’s trust would be way harder than Tommy’s or even Vince’s.

“Where are we going now?” he asked after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence. Nikki kept glancing at him, thinking Mick didn’t notice. He was probably wondering why Mick would go through all the trouble. Mick was wondering about it himself. Still, he kept walking.

“I think we should check the clubs on the Strip first. The security knows us and could let him in.”

“Is it really that easy for a minor to enter an adult-oriented place?”

Nikki chuckled. “Well, not for other minors. But for us – yes.”

“What’s so unique about you three?”

“Everybody knows us,” came the short answer. One of the clubs was right across the street, and Nikki pointed at it. “Here, that’s Starwood. Are you going in with me?”

***

Upon entering the place they met a security guard who looked over Mick with suspicion and nodded to Nikki. As a “responsible adult”, Mick should probably be condemning such violations of the law. But he was never on good terms with the law in general and the government in particular, and, to be honest, hadn’t he done exactly the same when he was fifteen?

Once they were inside, Nikki headed directly towards the bar. The club was stuffy, full of people dancing, kissing and drinking, with some garage band performing on the background. Mick tried to listen, but quickly realized that the guitarist was probably holding the guitar for the first time in his short life, and lost interest.

The bar was a way more interesting place. Mick strained his eyes, trying to find Tommy in the crowd, but to no avail. He turned to Nikki to ask whether he could recognize him in the crowd and discovered that he was already sitting on a bar stool sipping a beer.

Mick sat down on a bar stool next to Nikki. “Weren’t we looking for Tommy?” he murmured indignantly, trying to fix his gaze on Nikki’s face instead of the glass of amazingly cold beer in his hands. How could the kid tease him like that? Of course, he didn’t know Mick had been trying to quit. But it didn’t justify it!

“We are,” Nikki waved to the bartender. “Hey, Tony!” he shouted as the bartender approached them. “Have you seen Tommy over here in the last hour or two?”

“No,” Tony shook his head. “Is your, hm, friend ordering anything?”

“No, no, I’m not,” Mick shook his head.

“You sure?” the bartender raised his eyebrow. “People don’t go to clubs just because.”

“I’m still surprised I’m here,” Mick muttered, sending Nikki a murderous gaze. Nikki kept drinking his beer as though he didn’t notice it, though Mick was pretty sure he did. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be Nikki.

Once Nikki finished his beer Mick touched him by the shoulder. “So, are we going to search for Tommy, or you’d rather have fun here?”

“Oh, come on,” Nikki rolled his eyes. “It’s just one glass. I was thirsty.”

Mick only shook his head and got up. He had no power over Nikki, and it wasn’t his job to better him. He was just disappointed. He thought better of him. In Tommy’s stories he was always a hero. But Tommy was so blinded by Nikki’s lone wolf appeal that he couldn’t see his friend’s negative sides.

Nikki watched him getting up and moving the chair back under the counter with an unreadable expression. For a second, Mick thought he would stay. But then Nikki got up as well.

“Okay, okay, let’s go,” Nikki put money on the counter and headed towards the door.

The next club they went to Nikki decided not to go in, to Mick’s relief. He just shook hands with the security guard at the door and asked him something. Mick knew the guard would shake his head even before he actually did it. Mick’s anxiety for Tommy kept growing. What if the kid had been arrested and was now at the police station? How were they going to get him out, especially now that he had no legal guardian? Mick could pretend to be his uncle in front of only two not very meticulous cops in his own shop, but at the police station he would have to prove it.

“Nothing?” he asked when Nikki returned. The kid just shook his head.

The next club, apparently, had some relatively famous band playing tonight: the line of mostly teenagers stretched out across the street.

“We’re not going to stay in this line, are we?” Mick asked Nikki, dreading the answer. If they had to stay in the line they would lose too much time. More than that, Mick didn’t feel confident surrounded by so many teenagers. It was their place and their time: Mick didn’t belong in it.

“Nah,” Nikki shook his head. “I’m just gonna go ask the guard. I’ll be back in a minute.”

“I hope so,” Mick murmured, following Nikki with his gaze as the kid found his way through the line, eliciting a few angry calls from the teenagers. Mick leaned against the wall a little away from them, feeling uncomfortable under the gazes of so many teenagers. Someone in the line laughed, and Mick flinched. They weren’t laughing at him, were they?..

Well, that was just stupid, he berated himself. He had as much right to stay here as any of the kids in the line. And since when did he care about what some dumb kids think of him?..

When Nikki returned, he shook his head again silently. Mick sighed. The hope to find Tommy was getting thinner and thinner. And if they wouldn’t find him, how was he going to sleep at night knowing Tommy was in danger?

“They have London playing over there,” Nikki suddenly said as they headed to the next club. It was a little farther away, adding a few minutes of walking. “I used to be their bassist.”

“Got kicked out?”

“Sorta. I got my bass stolen, and didn’t have enough money to buy a new one.”

“It’s a pretty expensive instrument. How did you get it in the first place?”

“Stole it,” Nikki giggled. “Went into a shop with an empty guitar case, and as the shop assistant was searching in the back, I just took the guitar, put it in the case and left.”

Mick glanced at him quickly. “It’s karma. You had stolen the bass and then someone stole it from you too. What else did you expect?”

“Bullshit,” Nikki waved his hand. “I just hope someone steals my bass from that jerk as well.”

Mick smiled. Nikki was more of a kid than he and Nikki himself imagined. And it was reassuring, in a way. Nikki could act like he’s all grown up, but underneath this façade he was still a kid.

The rest of the way they walked in silence. As they neared the last bar – Whiskey, Mick recalled, he used to play there from time to time, - Nikki pointed at it.

“You sure you don’t want to have a drink? Here they’re making good Bloody Marys.

“I’m not drinking,” Mick refused almost confidently. Almost. “Haven’t Vince told you yet? I quit.”

“We don’t speak much now,” Nikki said, frowning. “He’s always at his boyfriend’s, and I don’t like him.”

“Vince or boyfriend?”

“Boyfriend, of course,” Nikki curved his lips in disgust. “Vince’s always picking older guys, and as for me, they’re just using him for sex. But he doesn’t want to listen to me. And his boyfriends always hate me, I don’t know why.”

Mick just nodded. As for him, it was perfectly reasonable why. A mere mention of Vince’s boyfriends got Nikki so agitated it was clear it wasn’t just a nuisance for him. But Mick sure as hell wasn’t going to tell Nikki about that.

Of course, there was no Tommy in Whiskey. Nikki didn’t have to tell Mick: just seeing him in the doorframe, alone, was enough. They both turned around and headed back without a word. Mick kept glancing at Nikki, waiting for “well, I gotta go”, but Nikki was silent. He was silent as they crossed the street and approached Mick’s store. He was silent as Mick opened the door.

“Would you like to, um, stay the night?” Mick finally gained enough courage to ask, tired of the heavy silence between them. He was more nervous now than he was asking his first girlfriend out.

“Okay,” Nikki shrugged. Mick felt his knees weakening. Okay? That was it?! “Not that I have any other place to go.”

Mick inhaled slowly. All the “paranoid junkie” bullshit Tommy was talking about (or, rather, the conclusions Mick drew from his words) made him think Nikki would never agree to come to his shop in person, let alone ask for help and stay the night. Maybe Tommy exaggerated a little. Nikki was wary, yes, but not outright hostile.

“And where were you going to sleep this night then?” Mick finally asked, recalling the “no place to go” part.

“I haven’t thought of it yet. I prefer to focus on the present.”

“I have only one sofa, by the way.” Mick told him, smiling at the confidence the kid said it with. “Someone is gonna have to sleep on the floor.”

“No problem,” Nikki shook his head. “I had it worse. Do you have something to eat, by the way? I’m starving.”

“Say no more,” Mick found a bag of chips in the counter and handed it to Nikki. “As a responsible adult I’ve got to warn you that it’s not healthy and nutritious,” he then fished a half-finished bottle of coke out of the counter and immediately closed the door so that Nikki wouldn’t see all the empty whiskey and vodka bottles lying in it.

“Enjoy,” Mick turned the key in the lock, making sure it was closed. With a person such as Nikki, one could expect anything. Not that he didn’t trust the boy, not really. But money is money.

“Thamks,” Nikki slurred, his mouth already full. “I don’t like your responsible adult mode,” he said once he swallowed and could speak clearly. “Don’t you want to just have some fun sometimes? Go to a bar, get shitfaced, get laid? What do you even do for fun, count your taxes?”

“That was rude,” Mick commented, actually trying not to laugh. He also once had that sex, drugs and rock’n’roll mindset. Until he ran out of money. “Be careful with accident hook-ups, kid, or you will end up like me.”

“What, an independent business owner in the center of LA?” Nikki raised an eyebrow. “Sounds alright to me.”

Mick laughed. “Up to your ears in alimony!”

“Oh,” Nikki said thoughtfully and reached for more chips. “I didn’t know you have kids.”

“We’re talking for the first time since the day I caught you,” Mick reminded. Nikki winced at these words. “I would be more surprised if you did. But, knowing Tommy…”

“Yeah, he tells me everything,” Nikki nodded. “And I’ve heard nothing about them from him. How old are they?”

“Eight and five. They live with their mother.”

“Do you see them often?”

Mick sighed. “No. Can we drop the topic?”

“Sure,” Nikki just put a handful of chips in his mouth and the phrase sounded muffled. “But it’s a pity, really,” he added when his mouth was empty again.

“It is,” Mick murmured. He needed to put an end to this conversation immediately. “Now, isn’t it bedtime?”

“Oh, come on,” Nikki waved his hand. “Turn off that responsible adult mode. Do you maybe by any chance have some whiskey?”

“Bed,” Mick pointed at the backroom and frowned, more for a laugh.

“Okay, mom,” Nikki rolled his eyes, but got up and headed to the backroom. “I can sleep on the floor, but I get a blanket then, alright?”

“Sure, it’s fair,” Mick agreed. The perspective of sleeping on the sofa without a blanket wasn’t very attractive, but sleeping on the floor would fuck up his spine for a long time coming. He checked the lock on the door and followed Nikki to the backroom. It wasn’t the first time he stayed the night at work, but it was the first time he had a roommate. He only hoped Nikki wouldn’t snore.

Meanwhile, Nikki had already put the blanket on the floor and settled on it.

“Good night,” Mick told him as he lay down on the sofa.

Nikki looked surprised. “Good night, I guess. And… thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Nikki fell asleep quickly, but Mick stayed awake for a long time, tormented by the pain in his back. It obviously didn’t like his midnight walk around the city. He checked up on Nikki every now and then, amazed at how peaceful he looked while sleeping. It was like all his concerns that left their trace on his face during the day disappeared during the night. A kid of his age shouldn’t have so many concerns, Mick thought. Teenagehood is a time for bad marks, hanging out with friends till sunrise, first crushes, and definitely not a time of thinking where to spend a night and how to survive the next day. Anger washed over Mick, making him clench his fists as he kept looking at Nikki peacefully snoring, clutching his backpack even in his sleep. Whoever did this to Nikki didn’t deserve to have kids at all, let alone take care of them. Nikki deserved better.

Mick couldn’t fall asleep for a long time, recalling the day again and again, every move, every word. He was pretty sure this wasn’t the first time Nikki broke the law. Staying in a police station for a night would have been just another nuisance for him, not a life-changing situation. So after all Mick had heard from Tommy about Nikki he least of all expected Nikki to need help – his help, of all people. They’d never even talked before. Why did he do it then? It was weird, and from the image Mick had in his head based on Tommy’s stories and what he saw today, not at all Nikki-like.

On the other hand, he didn’t know Nikki all that well. Who knew what was going on in that head of his?

There was one thing, however, that Mick was sure about. Nikki would come back. One day or another, but he would. Not after what happened today.

***

Mick woke up from energetic banging on the door. He looked at the clock. Well, no doubt he overslept – it was almost an hour after he was supposed to open the shop. Still, what kind of customer would actually bang on the door of a closed shop?

Of course it weren’t customers. It were Tommy and Vince.

When Mick saw them, he wanted to both hug and kill them. Now it was clear that Tommy went over to sleep at Vince’s. What’s more, it was perfectly logical. Why didn’t they even think about it yesterday?

“Hey, Mick! …why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m gonna murder you one day,” Nikki promised solemnly from behind Mick’s back. He had probably also been woken up by the banging.

“I love you too,” Tommy grinned. “Can I know why?”

“Where the fuck did you go last night? We walked round the entire neighborhood!”

“We?..” Tommy looked at Mick questioningly.

“I’m not ready for this,” Mick waved his hand and stepped to the side. “Nikki, you tell them.”

“Oh, I will,” Nikki promised gravely. Mick retreated to the backroom, sprawled on the couch and closed his eyes, listening to indistinguishable voices from the store.

As though a weight had been lifted off Mick’s shoulders when he saw Tommy alive and well. Why did he even care so much?

[jocelyn-wellson]

A FORTNIGHT PAST

“And Wellson,” said Director Hawke, “yer heroics were appreciated on th’ way out o’ Stormwind. Just be … careful. Yer on yer own.” She extended her hand.

“Ain’ nothin’ keepin’ me from get’in’ back, if’fn tha’s wot ya mean,” said the Operative, taking the proferred hand. They shook on it. “Two weeks, I’ll do me par’ in Elwynn, fer me bruv’s Estate, and the surroundin’s. Nuffin’ stupit,” she agreed, letting go. She dipped her head respectfully.

“Dismissed.”

TWO HOURS AGO

She was worried when she entered the shop. Exotic leathers and pelts still graced the shelves; empty drying racks lined the upstairs. She heard a rustling in the back and drew her sidearm — the same sidearm, she’d been told by Elunara, once wielded by her brother’s best friend, Justine, for over thirty years. She would keep Myz’s in her slingpack, just in case. She brushed the curtain to the back room aside. The rustling stopped. Silence. She knocked thrice on the wall — noise seemed to attract them, these Scourge.

“Show yourself!” a familiar voice shouted. It was a terse command, one she also recognized from before.

“Et’s me… Joci!” she replied, unclipping her SI:7 — Unit 8 badge from her belt, sliding it toward the voice. She did the same with her new sidearm.

Hoss, the cobbler she’d met just before everything went to shit, was still alive. He was filthy, like he hadn’t been able to bathe for weeks. He placed his Dwarven shotgun on the ground.

“You… you made it?” he asked.

“Wouldn’ be standin’ ‘ere if’in I din’t, yea?”

The man, who had lost several pounds since last they met, rushed over and gave her a tight hug. “S-sorry, I just…”

Joci smiled as she was embraced by the man. “Aye. I ge’ et. Bein’ ‘lone durin’ all this?” She pat his back. “‘ere. I go’ somethin’ ta set ya a-right.”

Hoss let go and looked the woman up and down. “You got it, di—“

Joci presented the man with the soft-sole shoe design from Mister Yellah himself.

“How—?”

“Do ya wanna know?”

“Was he…?”

She shook her head. “Long gone. Bones. An ol’, forgot’en camp. Took a couple days searchin’, bu’,” she chuckled. “I go’ low, stay out’a sight…” She paused, picking up her items. “‘e go’ a propah burial, ‘e did.”

“How can I … this was the last of his… what can I do?”

“Well ya kin make th’ shoes fer one,” she said, cracking a smile. “Ya wanna walk ‘ome? Let ya ge’ clean?”

The towering man looked down at the diminutive brawler, flabbergasted. “If you can take on the dead and live?” he chuckled. “Give me a sec. I’ll lock up.”

Joci beamed. She felt like she had done something right, not just through fighting, but by using her brain. She entered the back of the shop. It was fetid. He had hid amongst his own filth and the rotting remains of the Scourge to remain alive. She picked up the bodies and emptied his slop bucket into the sewer; the sound of the undead still skulking about explained why he hadn’t himself. She slid the heavy oak lid across it and weighed it with a few cinder blocks from behind which he’d been hiding. She entered from the back room.

“You didn’t have to,” said Hoss, mortified.

“I know,” she replied, softly. “Ya ready?”

The man nodded. And with that, the two entered a City transformed by carnage, war, death, fire.

“Where?” she asked, watching a raven pick at a bloated body in the Canal.

“Old Town,” he said.

“We’ll be there befir ya know et,” she said. She’d protect him just as she’d done for the Director and the young one, Nicole. Oh, she thought. Nikki. Gotta ‘member. Nikki.

NOW

“Where’ve ya been?” asked Kat.

“Yeah,” added Thea, drily. “Thought you died. Shame.”

Kat shot her a look. Joci did, too:

“‘elpin ou’, jus’ like I sai’.”

“Duskwind Patrol said they saw someone matchin’ yer description,” said Kat.

“I be five foo’ an’ one inch. Mebbe 105 poun’s. Plen’y o’ starvin’ people righ’ now…” she replied, thoughts drifting to Hoss, how he had changed. “Kingdom ain’ gonna ‘elp so, looks like I be a pop’lar person ta be now, don’ et??”

Thea crossed her arms indignantly. “You think you know so much, you little bit—”

“Thea!” shouted Kat so loud the rest of the Unit could hear. “Out. Now.”

The salty bureaucrat spun on her heel and stormed out. She slammed the door. Kat drummed her nails on the desk. “I’m going to ask you one time. Where were you.”

“Finding a dead man. Deadwind Pass.”

Kat rubbed her brow. “Jocelyn, I—”

“Direc’or,” she said the word popping out as it had before. She kicked herself for it. “I know a man. He can be o’ ‘elp ta us… isn’t tha’ wot we need? People we don’t pay bu’ barter wit’? I ‘eard ya talkin’ ‘bou’ et. Back in camp. I ownt a business —”

“A brothel,” she corrected Joci.

“Fine. I was a fuckin’ cum dumpstah pimp whore. Wha’eva.”

Kat rolled her eyes. “Yer point?”

“Ya cannae ‘spect goo’ things wit’ou’ get’in’ yer fists bloody.”

“You don’t think I don’t know that?” Kat’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t think I don’t look for wealthy patrons every fucking day?”

“These ain’ th’ wealthy. These be th’ people ‘ho need jobs! ‘ho lost everythin’! Fuck th’ rich! They wan’ fer nothin’! Ya donnae see me asking me bruv’s estate for ‘andouts, do ya? Ya wanna protec’ Stormwind? Donnae le’ et become anothah Moonbeam, yanno… like Wes’fall!”

Kat perked an eyebrow. “Moonbrook.”

“So ya remembah et’s name. Ya wanna medal?”

“Wot’s got you so fired up, anyway?” asked Kat, more interested than annoyed. She’d seen a fiery streak in Jocelyn before, knew about her insubordination within the ranks of the Proudmoore Admiralty… “Is this wot ya do? Ya get too close to people?” The Director scoffed. “Seven hells, Wellson. Ya can’t save everyone!”

Jocelyn set her jaw. She reached for her badge and drew Myz’s 9mm sidearm from her slingpack. She set them on the desk. “I be out.”

The fine lines around Kat’s eyes twitched. “Take a minute, cool down…” she said.  

“Nah. I ain’ ‘eartless. Quinn, Nicole … er, Nikki … they be th’ only ones lef’ wit’ a warm ‘eart. Wit’ a conscience.”

“Ya think I don’t have a conscience? Ya think I’m heartless?”

“I fink,” said Jocelyn, “Ya los’ touch wit’ life when ya was gone. Ya ain’ th’ woman I met in th’ Park.”

“You’ve no idea wot yer talkin’ about, Wellson.”

The two stared at each other for a long time. The badge and Myz’s 9mm sat between them. The clock ticked as clocks do, marking endless hopes and lives slipping away. Finally Jocelyn spoke:

“I know ya play fav’rites. I know ya lef’ Tris ta die.” She cleared her throat: “Over’eard tha’ lil’ gem in camp.”

Kat’s self-confidence faltered for the briefest of moments.

Joci continued. “I know we make mistakes, yea? Lords I know… ya came ta me a’ me lowes’, when I was nothin’ bu’ guttertrash. Abandont. No way home. Death waitin’ there anyway. Couldn’t read a’tall. Me bruv… watched ‘im die…” She inhaled deeply. She sat in the chair Thea had been using. She exhaled. “I met an ol’ man, back befir th’ Scourge attack. A leatherworkah. A mastah leatherworkah. Defent ‘is shop from th’ Scourge, ‘e did. Walkt ‘im ‘ome today. He be smar’, an’ ‘e be goo’. Bettah, he be cheapah than th’ Crown, askin’ only fer materials.”

“Really?” Kat drummed her fingers on her desk, suppressing a cynical laugh. “That’s it? Yer willing ta forsake yer job fer one man? A cobbler?”

“If’fn I cannae ‘elp people, why di’ ya bring me in?”

Kat looked over Joci’s face. The scar just across her nose. The braid in her hair. Lines of sorrow and years of seldom joy etched like the broken sky. Kat slid the gun and badge across the desk. “This.”

“W-wait… Wot?”

“I swear ta fuck yer unbreakable. Ya got a heart. Don’t know how, after everything ya went through, but ya do…,” she said, trailing off. “Ya do. Come on then.” Director Hawke stood, gesturing for Jocelyn to do the same. “Take me to the shops ya know, that have crafted for ya. Let’s at least see wot’s left.”

“Aye aye, Director,” said Operative Wellson, tucking Myz’s 9mm into her sling pack. She clipped the badge to the backside of her belt. “Aye aye.”

(( @kat-hawke @tristanasneak @myzariel @nikkithorpe @quinn-varden // @justinegrotius @brian-wellson ))

[sapphosuplex]

Nikki Bella is literally the reason I watch wrestling. So many more people came to WWE from Total Divas than people realize. Put some respeck on her name!!!!!

Nikki admitting that her retirement is permanent because of another herniated disc in her neck, along with a brain cyst just about took me out.

She busted her ass to get back in the ring, despite not needing to, despite a grossly misogynistic fan base insulting and dismissing her hard work to this day.

Imagine thinking this woman only did this for fame. Imagine knowing someone sacrificed their good health REPEATEDLY and yet still claiming she didn’t really care. Can’t relate.

[canadian-buckbeaver]

What is a Name Part 2

Just because Nikki wanted a second part where Iclyn was saved... <3

* * * * * * * 

The doctor groaned as her phone rang shrilly, interrupting her sleep. She had the misfortune of working a double shift on the baby ward and had finally gotten a moment to put her head down and get some much needed rest. Who could be calling her now?  It better be important… she grabbed her phone and sleepily put it to her ear.  “Hello?”

There was a pause before  a gruff clearing of a throat.  The voice that spoke sounded like one that had been recently racked with guilt.  “Hello. Is this the doctor with the baby quirk?”

Or maybe it was a customer. “It is yes. Can I ask who is calling?”

“My name is Shouta Aizawa.  We… my husband and I, ran into you in the grocery store a few months ago?”

Right.  The accidental quirk discharge. The girl had been adorable with those big blue eyes.  “Yes I remember you.  Can I help you?” she asked, trying not to sound harried.  She was so tired.

“Yes… I… we…” another deep breath.  “The girl vanished.”

What a shame.  There had been great potential with that one.  “Did you name her?”

“We… we hadn’t yet no…”

The doctor was doing her best as to not sound annoyed but her precious rest was slipping away.  “I did say that the girl would disappear in three months if she wasn’t given a name.”

Shouta interrupted her this time.  “We still had another day.  It hadn’t been three months yet. We were going to name her we…” his voice broke. “We just needed more time…”

The doctor sighed, sitting up.  “Listen. If the baby appears and is not given a name, they disappear like they were never there.  But if the baby is feeling helpless and incredibly upset, the chances of them disappearing sooner increases.  I only heard of one such case before.  I had bumped into another couple who were not interested in having children.  When the baby seemed to lose all hope that they would get a name, they disappeared much sooner.  It is possible that this happened to your daughter.”

* * *

Shouta swallowed hard, tears dripping down his cheeks slowly. Akarin had been removed from the room by Tetsu, leaving him and Hizashi alone in the room.  “I understand.  Thank you.” He hung up the phone.

Hizashi looked at him.  “Well?” his voice was quivering.

“Apparently if the child loses hope at being named they will disappear sooner…” Shouta said, sitting beside his husband, looking down at Mr. Beary.  “It all makes sense now.  She had been so obsessed with names lately… asking when and why we named the cats, Midnight’s fists, boats, my grandmother…”

“Tetsu said that she had asked when Akarin had been named.” Hizashi mused. “We…. We fucked up.  Didn’t we? She was practically begging to be named, to be loved and we…” he choked out a sob and held the bear to his face, tears staining the fabric.

They sat like that, huddled together, trying to comfort each other and come to the new reality. There they were, surrounded by the few toys that she had, the drawings that she had made, and no daughter to speak of. Not anymore.  She was gone.

There was something else Shouta realized. They sat in silence.  Gone was her little footsteps, gone was her soft noises.  Anything that was associated with her and her alone, were gone.  He missed it already.  He missed her already.

And he wasn’t the only one.

Hizashi lips trembled again.  “She was completely alone when she disappeared.  We were right downstairs the whole time and we knew nothing…”

Shouta shushed him quietly.  “There was no way that we could have known.  She came up here for a reason…”

She didn’t want to burden them with her disappearing Shouta knew. She had given up on getting a name, she didn’t want to force them to name her.  Looking back Shouta could almost describe their actions as cruel. Always putting off the talk of names, not really answering her questions.  They had written it off as idle child curiosity.  But really, she was looking for her own name.  The lock that would tie her to this world.

The symbol of their love for her.

“Shouta… look…” Hizashi carefully pulled the long, curly hair off of the bear.  Not his. It was their daughter’s.  Hizashi’s blond, his waves… their daughter. She had Hizashi’s quirk and Shouta’s quiet thoughtfulness…

And they missed it all.  They were too wrapped up in their own little world to try and make room for one more.

“Iclyn Yamada-Aizawa,” Shouta whispers quietly, taking the hair between his fingers.  “It suits her.”

Hizashi eyed him before smiling softly, wiping at his eyes. “It has a nice ring to it.  Our little Iclyn…”

“Our daughter… we could call her Ice for short.”

“She needs a middle name. Perhaps Kai? Tetsu would love it.” Hizashi suggested.

“Iclyn Kai Yamada-Aizawa. It’s perfect.” A fresh pair of tears traced Shouta’s cheeks.

Hizashi sniffs, holding the bear tightly to him before reaching out for Shouta again.  They embrace tightly, allowing grief to run through them.  The perfect name for a perfect daughter.

Their perfect daughter.

There is a soft, warm whisper of a voiceless whisper and a bright flash of light.  In front of their eyes little Iclyn reforms, her hair falling around her face, hands clasped to her ears and her cheeks as wet as theirs.  She’s trembling and whimpering softly, pressing herself into herself, making herself as small as possible.

They don’t even hesistate.

Together they reach out, gently touching her shoulders and arms before picking her up and pulling her into their embrace.  Mr. Bearey is clutched to her chest as Iclyn slowly opens her eyes, taking in the colour of the world around her, and the feel of her dads’ embrace.  They are whispering soft, loving things to her ear.  How they will not let her go again, how she is there to stay. Little Iclyn is there to stay.  They whisper her name to her again and again, solidifying her in the world again.  Mr. Bearey falls into her lap as she hugs them tight, softly crying. And slowly, slowly she calms.

* * * * *

Iclyn’s cries out desperately, kicking at the darkeness, screaming and sobbing, pleading.  The darkeness is closing in on her, smothering her.  It is whispering how no one loved her, no one wanted to keep her, how she belongs to the dark. That everything will be ok as long as she surrenders to it.  Panic has long since set in.  Her heart races, tears stream down her face, her breathing rapid and shallow.  Her body is trembling as she is stuck in the middle of the extreme panic attack, a downward spiral that has no end.  This cannot be happening again, not again, not again!  She is loved! Her parents named her! Akarin, or Scarlet is her sister and adores her! Where are they? Why aren’t they saving her from the darkness that wants her soul and life and-

There is the whiz of sharp steel and the sound of a falling lock. Iclyn gasps and pulls her hands away from her googles in time to watch the lid of the container she was stuck in fly open with a bang, Stain’s wild silhouette against the brightness of the moon.

For a moment they don’t move, just staring at one another. There is a slight breeze outside, Stain’s scarf waving softly with it.  It smells cool and sweet, like the aftermath of a rainstorm. Yet the air feels warm, comfortable.  She must not have been locked in the container for very long then.  Iclyn gives a hard swallow, attempting to slow her heartbeat and her breathing, trying to stop her tears.  There is nothing to worry about. No absolute darkness, no whispers. She was ok…

Stain stuck a hand in, the bandages dirty and looking like they are steeped in blood.  But he doesn’t say anything, not now. He takes her hand, helping her sit up slowly, and then helping her out of the container.  She brushes herself off, straightening her googles and her blue jacket, making sure her boots were straight along with her directional speaker. It was nothing clunky like her Dad’s more like a tiny, dainty necklace in case she needed to add a boost to her roar. The scarf was still loosely tied around her waist.  Good. Pops would be beyond pissed if she lost another one.  After making sure that she was still intact, she rubbed at her face, cleaning the tears.

“Thank you Stain,” she told her recently reformed partner.  “I appreciate you getting me out of there…” she didn’t want to know what he needed to do to save her.

There’s a whisper of wings and a soft breeze before she finds herself wrapped up in arms and wings. “Iclyn! Thank Kami you’re safe… the villains split up after they captured you and cast a hologram. I’ve been chasing at least five other groups before I got here.  Thank Kami that Stain managed to get you out.  How are you? How do you feel?” Hawks pulled back enough to let him look at her, tucking her hair behind her ears and gently wiping her tears away.

“I’m better now…” she admits, her voice still wavering. Seems like she still wasn’t over her claustrophobia yet. She took a breath.  “Come on.  Let’s find Scarlet and Ground Zero. Before I was pushed into that container I think I heard their code for reinforcements.”

“That would explain the armoured cars that were in the distance,” Hawks says as he looks in the direction.  “Are you going to be ok, Iclyn?  Do you want to stop for a break or something?”

“I’ll be fine.” Iclyn says firmly, adjusting her googles.  “Come on.  Can’t let my dad’s worry too much or I won’t be allowed out, ever again.”

Stain gently ruffles her hair, the soft gesture enough to make her pause. He’s looking at her, an intense, unreadable look to his eyes. “Let’s make them pay, Ice Dragon.” He says, removing his hand.  

Iclyn smiles.  It isn’t her normal smile, but one that looks like a strange mix of Mic and Eraser.  “Let’s go.”

[arigatouiris]

red right hand // t.h — [02]

pairing: 1920s mob!tom holland x f!reader

warnings: swearing, violence, sexual references, mafia au!, mentions of ptsd, trauma, anxiety attacks, a dash of sexism, angst, slow burn, alcohol and smoking mentioned

word count: 2520

a/n: heavily inspired from this show i’ve been watching, the peaky blinders. the story won’t follow the plotline of the peaky blinders, but a fair amount will intersect. I find the interactions between tom and y/n to be so interesting because it reminds me so much of grace and thomas and ugh they are just the cutest

if you want to be on the taglist, just send an ask or drop a reply~

Two. A Song

▾

Tom only met (y/n) a few nights after that night. 

He didn’t think about her the whole time, instead, he was trying to figure out where to hide the guns. On finding a safe spot, one of the storehouses whose keys only Tom had, his mind was currently at ease. However, building a plan to bring down London’s biggest bookkeeper, Charles Brown. His brother’s bar was empty that night, and as he sat in front of the bar, he ushered the new barmaid to hand him a drink.

    “What drink would you like?” She asked, her voice smooth.

Tom looked up at her and blinked, his eyes callous and his mouth a straight line.

    “You need to learn that yourself, love, if you haven’t already.” Tom snarled, not pleased with how hairbrained she was as a barmaid.

She stared at his face before pulling out a bottle from under the racks, and making him his drink. He watched her, her movements were graceful as if she had done this before, and a soft grin plastered on his face.

    “You’re not from around here.”

    “That much was already obvious,” (y/n) said, looking into his eyes, and then refocusing on the drink she was making. She slid it to him and he grabbed it, “I’m not from London.”

He took a sip before feeling the burn dance with his tongue. It wasn’t Tom’s regular drink but whatever it was that she gave him right then, he liked. The burn was cautious but dangerous, sending a slight shiver up his spine. It reminded him of a worry he knew he had long forgotten. A worry that perhaps didn’t exist anymore.

    “So, where are you from?”

She hummed before saying, “Ireland. My father passed away a while ago, and I couldn’t stay there. Reminded me too much of him.”

Tom nodded once, before taking another sip of his drink.

    “You didn’t poison this, did you?”

She grinned before replying, “If I had, you wouldn’t have been able to ask me that.”

Tom chuckled, before looking at her features. Her hair was long, her (e/c) eyes were sharp as if she had seen blood and gore before. She didn’t look even the slightest bit intimidated by Tom’s presence, perhaps it came from the fact that she did not know him or if she did, then she was not afraid.

He found it endearing, almost. She had this amazing aura around her which caught him off-guard. A girl’s innocence combined with a woman’s sensitivity. A charm that is alluring and attractive at the same time. Tom almost couldn’t look away.

However, the thoughts running in her mind were nothing on par with how Tom denied his attraction to the barmaid’s headstrongness. She was thinking over how she had been utterly and devastatingly honest with Tom just then, having not used the story she had spun in her head repeatedly. She was supposed to have come from a small town away from London, she was supposed to be the eldest of four daughters, she was supposed to have moved away after an abused marriage. Yet, the brown in Tom’s eyes had warded her off a path she had practiced to take—the brown in his eyes left her rooted, and she had no choice but to speak the truth.

She was afraid then, if the brown in those eyes would be the death of her.

She stole a couple of glances on how he looked at things. Tom had this strange wistful glance at everyday things—a sadness his eyes carried with him because his mind never could. She had never really seen such sad eyes before, and she had seen war-struck men, men returning to nothing waiting for them; she had seen the light go off in her father’s own eyes and nothing came close to how devastatingly sad Tom’s brown eyes were.

The pain in those brown eyes caused her to sway. And if there was only one thing she wasn’t allowed to do, it was to sway.

    “Are you done staring at my face, barmaid?” Tom asked, amused.

She coughed once before turning her back on him, suddenly finding something to clean. She heard him chuckling behind her, the redness in her cheek gradually increasing in intensity. Even when he wasn’t saying anything, she felt his presence as strongly as she felt a crowd coming her way. Tom was, in hindsight, a very strong presence to be around. He was too much and too little, all at the same time.

    “You were doing it the other day, too,” He said, taking another sip. “Staring at me.”

It was hard not to, considering he was her prime focus for the mission. Yet, perhaps, some part of her told herself it was the mission as she continued watching him. Tom’s movements were not aggressive, they were fluidic. Almost as if everything he touched was made of glass. It was a strange trait to have for a gangster, a strange trait to have for the leader of the Londoners.

    “How could you notice?” She asked, her back still turned to him.

    “What do you mean?” Tom finished his drink and tapped the glass twice on the table, indicating he wanted another one.

(y/n) turned around, begrudgingly, not willing to let Tom see her red face. However, once he did see it, no matter how silent smiles are, (y/n) could hear it ring in her ears.

    “I’m very quiet.” She said, whispering. “I’m barely noticed—”

    “I believe that’s bullshit,” Tom said, rolling his eyes, watching her make his second drink. “I don’t think just because you’re quiet you won’t be noticed.”

She paused, took a breath and licked her lips. She turned to look him right in the eye, red-faced and everything, and stole some of his breath away.

    “Why do you say that?”

Tom looked straight in her eye before leaning closer to the counter. Their faces were closer than they were before but nowhere close enough to be called intimate.

    “Just because you don't say much doesn't mean people don't notice you. It's actually the quiet ones who often draw the most attention. There's this constant whirlwind of motion and sound all around, and then there's the quiet one, the eye of the storm.”

(y/n)’s eyes were stuck in his brown ones, she was scared all of a sudden. She could see death in his eyes, and she could see the beginning of life. She saw sadness, which often masked everything he did—move, walk, talk, and even breathe, for that matter. She made his drink a second later, still not breaking eye contact, and let out a sigh before being the first one to look away.

    “It’s amusing,” Tom said, taking another sip of his drink. “I can’t tell if you don’t know who I am or if you really aren’t afraid of me.”

    “Oh, I’m afraid of you.” She said, a bit too fast, stunning Tom.

    “Is that so?”

    “...Not in the way you think. You scare me the same way a child is scared of something it’s not seen.”

Tom chuckled, before looking away and taking another sip of his drink.

    “I wouldn’t call that fear—”

    “Your eyes,” Tom paused at her sudden reply. “—your eyes scare me, Thomas Holland. Your eyes seem like they are friends with shadows, not with light. It says a lot more than just—”

In an instant, Tom grabbed her wrist before bringing it down to the counter. (y/n) winced before frowning, turning to look at him. His eyes were now angry, but it could barely mask the sadness in them. She wanted to laugh, but she knew the situation wasn’t appropriate.

    “Do they look sad now?” He asked, his voice low and dangerous.

She smiled softly at him before reaching forward and touching his hand that was holding her.

    “I can’t lie to you, Tommy.” She whispered a lie.

Shocked, Tom pulled away, frowning at her. Quickly downing his drink, he walked away from the bar, leaving her alone.

•

When Nikki was alone that Sunday morning, she didn’t think someone would come to her when she was sitting in the comfort of her home. 

She knew her boys were off working, and it was the one day she would get to be by herself. However, she knew that when there was a knock on the door, it was not her boys but someone else who chose to disturb her peace.

Hamilton didn’t even greet her before walking in after she opened the door.

    “I take it you’re a copper?” Nikki asked, laughing.

    “Spare me your graciousness, Holland.” Hamilton spat, before turning around to face her.

Nikki gave him a cold look accompanied by a sweet smile. She often met death in the eye with a smile on her face.

    “I know your son has the guns,” Hamilton spat. Nikki’s eyes didn’t widen. She didn’t give any sign that she knew what he was talking about. “I know your son has them hidden away somewhere.”

Scoffing, “Should I even play along with your nonsense?”

    “I need to meet with your son, Thomas. I know he’s the ringleader in this circus of yours.”

    “What for?” Her tone suddenly changed, and Hamilton noticed.

He walked over to her and glared at her, however, something about the aura she put off stopped him from taking a step further.

    “I want to speak to Tom or I’ll simply learn more on my own regarding this gun matter.”

Nikki ushered him to leave with her hands, chuckling as he walked out. Her eyes hardened the second she knew she was alone, a curse coming out of her mouth. Grabbing her coat, she quickly walked out of her house and rushed to where Tom was—the official Holland bookkeeping office, and she didn’t bother to knock.

Tom stared at her furious presence, before knowing something was wrong. He watched as she closed the door, locking themselves inside.

    “What’s—”

    “The head of the coppers knows about the guns.”

Tom frowned. He knew the coppers would notice, but not this soon. And how were they so sure that it was the Hollands? It didn’t make sense.

    “I told you, Tom. I told you there may be a rat. I told you that it’s a dangerous game. You never listen. You think listening is beneath you, but look at what’s happened. If something happens to this family, I—”

    “Mother, shh,” Tom rushed to her and held her face in his hands. He cupped her cheeks and smiled sweetly at her, “I have a plan.”

    “And what is this goddamn plan?” Nikki snapped.

    “Charles Brown,” Nikki blinked. “Head of the bookkeeping here in London. If he’s out of the game, we can march in. I know we can’t budge him the way we are right now, but we can slowly expand our control into the inner city. We need this, mum. I’ve got this.”

Somehow, the lull that Tom brought about with his voice seemed to calm her down. She placed a hand on his, which was on her face, and patted it twice.

    “I’ve been invited to the race held at his track next week,” Tom said, smoothly. “If everything goes smoothly, and we get close to him, we can get our papers signed. And once that’s done—”

    “We’ll be legal. But, Brown won’t like that we’re using him.”

Tom nodded, “He won’t. Which is why he won’t be in the picture anymore. That’s what the guns are for.”

Stepping away from her son, she watched him. Nikki had no idea Tom could be this cunning, but somehow, a strange pride filled her heart upon his sudden growth.

    “I’m going to let the coppers have them. In exchange for dirt on Brown. I know four of his tracks are not legal, and he smuggles contraband from Ireland and Wales into London through those tracks. Giving the guns and this piece of information to the coppers would leave Brown out of the race.”

Nikki’s eyes widened. There was no way the police could ever refuse an offer so irresistible. This was the offer Tom was talking about all along.

•

It was another slow day at the bar. 

Tom walked in right after telling his brother Sam he needed a drink. Apparently, Sam had to meet with someone (he knew it was a woman), and Tom left him to his own devices. The second he stepped inside the bar, he thought of the barmaid.

It was strange. He found himself thinking of her at random times—when he was about to pour himself a drink at his chambers or when he was looking at a flickering light, or when he was alone and no one around him. The thought of her could especially not be avoided when he entered the bar. There she was, upon seeing him she shot him a shy smile, and Tom remained stoic.

    “The same drink?”

Tom wanted to scoff at her question. He realized one thing was certain, if she wasn’t afraid of him then he can use her. He looked up at her and nodded once.

    “There’s a race next week,” His voice was smooth. “I want you to come with me.”

Her eyes widened. This was nearly not enough time to even be asked such a thing. What did Tom even know about her that he wanted her, a simple barmaid, to tag along? It made no sense. She was afraid that he had some ulterior motive since it was Tom Holland after all, but she was still tempted to go.

    “I don’t have a dress.”

Tom chuckled, “How many do you want?”

She turned to look at him cautiously. “I’ll come,” Tom eased into a comfortable position, “Only if you allow me to sing.”

His eyes turned cold. No one bargains with Thomas Holland, and yet, here she was, not backing down. He had grabbed her wrist the last time and threatened her, yet, he couldn’t understand what she was trying to do. She was smiling softly at him now, a playful look in her eye. He scoffed before rolling his eyes, but just then, he heard her start singing and his eyes widened.

    “T’was early one morning a fair maid arose, and dressed herself up in the finest of clothes,” Tom wanted to stop her. He wanted to. He almost reached out just to stop her, but he couldn’t find the strength in his heart to do it.

So he watched her. Paled and disarrayed, the sound of music in his ears, the sound of her voice singing just for him gave him a rush he never knew he needed till then.

    “And off to the shoemaker’s shop sure she goes, for the kiss in the morning early…”

    “I don’t know if it’s innocence that you don’t know who I am, or if you’re really that brave…” His voice was low, but not intending to be.

She smiled bitterly, “It isn’t either, Tommy,” He liked it when she called him that, “I’ve just got nothing left to lose.”

▾

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@cyrusandhiscollaredahirts​ @plaidamoosette​ @rachaeldonnaspiteri1​ @tanya-diggory​ @myheartonthemove​ @watson-emma​ @souldancerr​ @tomsirishgirl​ @averyfosterthoughts​​ @yourwonderbelle​​

[strikingace]

Nikki Bella

Am I a fan? : For sure.

Favorite move : Rack Attack.

Favorite match : vs Natalya in a Falls Count Anywhere match on Smackdown 2-2-17

Favorite feud : Carmella.

Favorite promo : That segment with Carmella on Smackdown 10-18-16.

Dream match : Alexa Bliss, I know that they technically had a match with each other before but it was interrupted & they both have improved since then, so why not?

Seen live? : No.

Unpopular opinion : She might not be the greatest wrestler to ever exist but she doesn't get enough credit for how much she has improved in the ring & contributed to the women's revolution as a whole.

Send Me A Wrestler

[frentique]

[bellatwindoubletrouble]

Bella's are Back