This last week seemed hectic. Driving around the states and doing shows with NXT. Signing autographs for fans and meeting them was the best. Everything was going good so far and I couldn't complain.

I smiled walking into the arena building that Monday Night Raw was being held tonight. My duffle bag on my shoulder and my title belt on my other shoulder.

Today I'll be having my second match as cruiserweight champion. Holy shit.

Greeting a few staff members and superstars as I made my way to my locker room. Some waved, others smiled and nodded.

“TJ!” Someone yelled.

I stopped walking and turned around to see a production member running up to me with a clipboard in their arms.

He panted before catching his breath. “You're opening the show tonight.”

“That's great!” I smiled, patting the production members shoulder.

I'm starting off Monday Night Raw. How awesome is this?

“You're going up against The Brian Kendrick, so please go get ready.”

I stood silent, staring off as the production member walked off. A frown formed on my face.

I'm having a match against Brian? Son of a.

I growled before walking off to get in my attire.

He's going to pay for that headbutt.

**

“C'mon guys, just shake hands and we'll start the match.” The referee said, trying to make Brian and I to shake hands.

Brian held his hand out for me to shake. I looked at the crowd before slowly putting my hand in his and shaking his hand. He smiled still shaking my hand, while I looked on slight anger evident on my face.

Payback time.

He looked away as I took the opportunity to dropkick him out of the ring right when the bell rang.

“And TJ Perkins looking to pick up the pace right here.”

You bet your ass I'm going to pick up the pace and beat him up for that headbutt to the face at Clash of Champions.

**

Brian kept pulling at my neck after locking in his submission move. The Captain's Hook.

I struggled a bit more to try and move to the ropes or to counter it, but I couldn't breath anymore. I tapped out.

The bell rang signaling that the match was over. The ring announcer announcing that I tapped out and Brian had won the match.

“Here's your winner by submission. Brian Kendrick!”

I lost. I lost in my hometown.

I held onto my mouth as it kept throbbing in pain from that kick to the jaw I took from Brian. The ref came over to see if I was okay.

Man my jaw hurts like hell. Thanks a lot Brian.

**

“Just keep this where it hurts on your jaw for a bit so it won't swell or anything, okay?” I nodded at the doc before jumping off of the medic table I was sat on.

“Thanks doc.” I said before walking out with my championship in hand.

Note to self. Watch out for that damn kick to the jaw next time.

I sighed turning the corner.

“Are you okay?” A gentle voice asked.

I looked to my left and saw Vee sitting on top of a crate, moving her legs from side to side as her head was tilted a bit to the side. A concerned look etched on her beautiful face as she looked at the bag of ice I had held up to my hurt jaw.

I moved over to stand in front of her as I smiled slightly at her before wincing in pain.

“Come here.” She said, grabbing my wrist and pulling me more closer to her, standing in between her legs as she sat up more straight.

“I'm okay, I promise. Just a kick to the jaw, the usual.” I shrugged it off like it was nothing.

She shook her head before smiling a bit up at me. “Just a kick? It looked like he almost kicked your teeth in when he did that.” She grabbed my wrist that was holding the ice pack and moved it down a bit.

I felt sparks run through my veins at her touch. Like in those cliché stories where one gets butterflies or something.

“It doesn't look like it's bruised or anything.” She examined my jaw as she touched it gently until she found the spot that hurt. “Sorry!” I winced as she retracted her hand away from my jaw.

“It's okay.” I chuckled before placing the icepack back on my throbbing jaw. “So, what are you doing here all alone? Did your hound run off? Or did you escape from him?”

She chuckled as sigh, letting her shoulders drop as she smiled at me. “My hound didn't run off and I didn't escape from him. He had to go do a promo with Steph in her office. So, I just decided to wander off and well I just so happen to have been sitting here and heard you from around the corner.”

I placed my title belt next to her and the icepack, placing my hands on either side of her legs and leaned forward a bit. Making her lean back from me.

“So, you do watch my matches.” I asked out of the blue, eyeing her outfit then her face.

Skinny jeans, PF Flyers, and a Seth Rollins T-shirt. Not bad. Only wish she would be wearing my merch and not his.

She blushed looking down at her lap where her hands were twiddling each other. I smirked as I knew I was right. I placed one hand on top of hers and lifted her face up to look at me. Her cheeks a rosy color almost crimson in shade.

“At least I know I have a fan backstage watching me wrestle.”

She looked at me funny before smirking. “Your fan? Psh, yeah right. What if I'm a fan of Brian Kendrick or Tony Nese? You wouldn't know that.”

I laughed, but regretted it after. Holding onto my jaw in pain. “Oh come on! That more greasy Jack Sparrow? Tony Nese is a decent guy, I can give you that.”

I looked into her eyes as she stared back at me, a shy smile playing at her lips. God her lips. I started to lean in slowly towards her, hoping she wouldn't back away.

She looked at me then at my lips as I did the same, leaning a bit closer. Our lips were centimeters away from touching. I could already feel her cool shaky breath on my lips.

Just a bit more closer.

“Mendoza!” Shit.

“Mendoza where are you?” Seth shouted from somewhere close.

I backed away from Vee as she composed her and got off of the crate.

“Mendoza, god damnit!”

I scratched the back of my neck as she coughed, grabbing my attention. “I better get going. I'll um, I'll see you around. Bye TJ!” She said blushing before running off in the direction of where Seth was heard shouting. I waved at her, seeing her turn a corner and disappearing into a hallway.

Man, I was so close.

I sighed, grabbing my title belt and slinging it over my shoulder and picking up the already melted ice pack before walking over to a trash bin and throwing it away. I kicked a chair before making my way back to my locker to get a shower and change before leaving to my hotel.

Stupid Seth for interrupting us. I'll get that kiss for sure next time. Even if it kills me.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
My goldfish died on Sunday and I'm still pretty upset that he just stopped swimming along with two ghost shrimps I had. RIP Nemo, Smalls, and Dotsy.

I'd like to thank those who have voted this story as Best TJ Perkins Fanfic on WrestlingFFAwards it really means a lot. (: Thank you lovelies!

Written at exactly 4:19am.

Peace.
-E. xx

Comment/Rate/Follow