"He laughed,
my darling you will never be
unloved by me
you are too well tangled
in my soul"
-Atticus

◇◇◇

Wrestlemania 2017

I stared up at the huge banner as I stood waiting for Randy to unload his suitcase. It was Wrestlemania, the biggest event of them all and I wouldn't be apart of it which was a bit sad. While the rest of the wrestlers had been on the road to Wrestlemania I was still very much on the road to being a mother.

Five months since I married the snake that owned my heart and began a different future than I had envisioned. I had pictured us being newly weds on the road together, high on love and doing what we enjoyed. In the last five months I had flown back and forth between my house with Randy to Brie. Preparing our house for a little baby as well and of course spending time with my current loves, Alanna and Joseph. I loved having Alanna with me because even on days when I missed Randy she would be dropped off by her mom and her excitement for the baby just filled me with endless happiness.

"Mrs Orton" I heard Randy's voice and I guess he had been trying to get my attention. I smiled and took his hand he had extended, he was wearing a suit for the special occasion and I always loved those brief moments.

"I feel so out of place with this huge ass belly" I groaned as we entered the arena with his hand tightened around mine. Everything was loud, as there were interviews everywhere, entrance rehearsals, it was chaotic and the show hadn't even begun yet.

"I'd say you're walking in the footsteps of Brie." He chuckled but I couldn't feel his blue eyes on me due to the sunglasses on his face.

I glanced down at my belly not being able to be hidden in my dress even though it was a maxi one. My belly had kind of sprung on me in the new year which made sure the world knew I was a soon-to-be Fearless mama. It was a huge adjustment for me, especially in the clothing department because I loved my body and love showing it off. I still did that but of course not like I used to and something told me Randy appreciated it because he was the only one who saw my body in all its glory.

"Brie wasn't this big, I'm eight months pregnant. A huge balloon, if I didn't love you so much, Orton I swear I would have listened to my doctor and just stayed at home" I shook my head but all I received was an appreciative kiss to my temple. Brie liked to point out how I was carrying most of it in my belly but she was speaking to the fat twin so I was pretty sure I wasn't.

It was the first time I had been backstage since Summerslam and it was mostly due to me avoiding it. One moment I wished I had been here was when John made history in tying with Ric Flair for most championships held and my husband winning the Royal Rumble. Brie and I had both watched from home though and celebrated via Facetime. It was a special night for both of them especially when both of them had missed out on Royal Rumble altogether last year.

I guess the regret of not sharing in that achievement with him made me want to be in his corner tonight. Especially since I wasn't sure when I would be back here once our little Viper was born.

"Brie and John are probably around here somewhere. How are you feeling?" He questioned as we entered his locker room having surprisingly not bumped into any of my friends along the way.

"What do you mean, how am I feeling?" I whispered and slowly found my way to sit down onto the couch.

He smirked before taking a seat as well, he then took off my heels and slowly massaged my feet like the good man he was. I was sure he just did it because of the little moans I couldn't help but release. I swear it was like our new foreplay but I wasn't going to waddle in here without my heels. There were cameras everywhere and I had to keep up the Nikki Bella persona, even if I was pregnant.

I sighed and spoke since he chose not to, "I'm happy, why wouldn't I be? We had our moment sharing the ring years ago, now Brie and John are having their moment against Maryse and Miz"

While Brie and I had been working on extending our brand besides WWE, after John lost his title at Elimination Chamber the company had a proposal that she couldn't resist. She had some confliction about it because she didn't really want to leave Aria but they said they would make it work.

They were the Cena's so that's what they did and I enjoyed watching my sister in action alongside her husband. Just like me her career was called short due to pregnancy so the fact that she got her second chance was great. She was also a huge inspiration for me even though she had told us that she didn't see herself continuing further after Wrestlemania. It was hard for her, doing the work and travelling, while I tried to help where I could I also couldn't deal with too much, especially with my pregnancy being close to the end...

"I don't doubt that you're happy, I just know how impatient you can be. You wish that you were Brie with our kid out of you and a match at Wrestlemania" he shrugged.

I narrowed my eyes with a small smile because I was proud of my sister and her journey. I had been given a lot of opportunities as Diva's Champ while she had taken a backseat during her pregnancy so it was truly her time to shine, "I honestly don't. There is one thing that you have made me realize in the time spent together. I need to appreciate all these moments, our time together and this pregnancy. Brie always talks about how much she misses having Aria being inside of her. And I agree, its such an amazing experience"

He searched my eyes before being satisfied, "I was a bit worried about you having this pregnancy sprung on you. But you're the hottest pregnant woman I have ever seen"

I had finally decided to do the big pregnancy reveal on Christmas day. It just seemed fitting as Alanna finally got to spend the holidays with us after Randy having surgery the year before. We had been over at my mom and Johnny's house and I had several pictures with Viv and Aria so I decided to include a picture of my very own bump as well.

It also helped end the return speculation as it had leaked I was meant to return at Summerslam which of course led to many being confused when I hadn't. Now it was all out in the open and I was embracing it whether the world liked it or not.

"I would hope so. Even if I have heavy breathing, a chubby face and swollen feet." I whined while he smiled at my little rant having to be there encouraging me everyday when I felt like the worst. He truly was the best husband I could have asked for, he always saw me in such an amazing light and it helped when I gained so much weight and felt even more insecure.

"I think its all just a true test for me, you always believed I was only after you because of your amazing body. But Bella I love every inch of your body in every shape and form" his voice lowered and just as I was about to get caught in his gaze and probably request a quickie right then and there a knock was heard on the door.

Brie popped her head in with a smile, "Randy, you're needed for your entrance rehearsal."

"Talk about sucky timing" I groaned as he set my legs down before placing a kiss on my forehead.

"I would say you should come and watch but I'm sure you don't have the energy to even look at that long ramp." He chuckled with a small smirk before hugging Brie as he reached her. The ramp was extremely long, it being Wrestlemania and all so I was definitely not going to attempt to head out.

"We'll walk with you. Come on, Nicole. We have to eat something" I tried not to comment on her motherly tone, Brie had always been the more responsible one between the two of us. Not always but as we grew older and since she was with John, Randy and I were seen as reckless. And ever since Aria my sister had gotten worse, magnify that by her passing down all her pregnancy wisdom onto me.

"Can't you just pick something up and bring it here?" I shook my head, I came here to support my husband but it didn't mean I had to face everyone else backstage.

"Walking is good" She rolled her eyes while Randy chuckled but helped me to my feet. I missed the times they were butting heads because now it just felt like they would tag against me while John always remained neutral.

"They are really trying to kill your Aunt Coco" I spoke to Aria who was planted on Brie's hip.

"Look how she's just staring at you, she knows how dramatic her aunt can be" Randy mused and I stopped myself from raising a middle finger his way.

"Urgh just shut it, you love my dramatic ass, its what makes us a perfect match" I smiled and couldn't stop myself from cradling my huge bump.

"That I can definitely agree on. Just thinking about how dramatic you used to be while pining after her" Brie shook her head while speaking to the viper that was my husband.

"See now that's different. I'm only dramatic with expressing my love for Nicole." He smirked. "I'll see you later, behave"

"Its not like we could sneak in drinks like we used to!" I rolled my eyes but placed a kiss on his lips before he walked in the other direction.

"I've been meaning to ask you, is the nursery finally the way you wanted it to be?" Brie question as I playfully stuck my tongue out at Aria. She was a beautiful little girl, who was like her dad's twin but I was sure she would have our wild spirit.

"Yeah I will probably feel more certain once our bundle of joy is actually in it." I shrugged as I didn't really want to get into the whole baby talk. It was enough that people could see I was pregnant but we were walking the halls of my job. "How have you been feeling in your last month back?"

She sighed heavily as we sat down and she set Aria onto the table, focusing on her as she spoke, "Well I have effed up in a couple matches which the media hasn't failed to remind me of. But John has really helped remind me that mistakes are made and it took me awhile to deal with it."

I had tried my best to stay off social media for the duration of my pregnancy especially when my sister was being bullied online. It was tough for me as her twin seeing her go through that when all she wanted was to show the world she still had it. "Mistakes are definitely made. I have gotten hurt so many times but its what we sign up for, I just hate that you had to go through that."

"Me too, especially without you on the road cause there's some things John wouldn't get." She briefly glanced at me.

"Is that why you don't want to continue after this?" I hesitantly questioned as John had mentioned he would have loved to carry on working with her. He loved having her backstage with him again and this time they were joined by their little girl too.

"If I'm honest then yes. I like having my sister in my corner, its not the same without you" She rolled her eyes as we stood up to get some food from the buffet. I wasn't going to lie, her words made me feel abit better because I wished I was with her.

"But now you have your husband in your corner and I'm sure that's a better feeling" I smirked because I knew what it was like while she simply smiled.

"Hey" I sat down where Bray was seated, the man that would be going up against Randy tonight.

He offered a smile to both of us before narrowing his eyes playfully at Aria, "Ah little Aria has come to bless us with her presence again"

"Yes she has. Has to support her parents, are your girls here?" Brie questioned while I slowly began eating my dinner. It was better I got it out of the way before the nerves for Randy's match kicked in.

He shook his head and sat back before retying his locks, "too much chaos. Should you be here?"

He briefly focused to my bump before smiling at me while I simply shrugged, "Despite how I look I'm not popping just yet"

"I'm just saying I'd feel better if you didn't watch our match. A whole lot of creepy things and surprises, wouldn't want you going into labour early now" He mused and I couldn't help but giggle.

"Mmm I feel like you'd want that. Have Randy be off his game"

"How would he know?" Brie spoke and I shrugged.

"Imagine the commentators are like 'and while Randy is fighting off Bray his wife is currently being rushed to hospital' " I might have been laughing at the idea but deep down I was praying that wouldn't be the case at all.

"That would surely be historic. Do you know what you are having?"

I smiled as it was the first time I would be telling anyone other than my family. While being off the road I had become isolated and not in a bad way. I just found more comfort in spending time preparing for the baby, quality time with Randy, Alanna and Joseph...

"Yeah we're having a boy. Randy is real excited, he even rubbed it in my face cause I kept saying 'her/she'. Maybe because Brie and I are older sisters I wanted that but he'll have Ally looking out for him"

He had been neutral during the ultrasound as we decided to let them tell us but I knew with Alanna and all my nieces he wanted a change up. So yes I was carrying a little boy that would surely be the spitting image of his father due to him being my greatest annoyance.

"I'm sure he is."

●●●

"Hey old man!" I shouted as I saw Hunter making his way down the hallway with hoody in hand. He chuckled and placed a kiss on my cheek but spared me the hug due to him being sweaty.

I had just wished Randy goodluck before he went off to the gorilla for his match. The Cena family was currently in their locker room, they had been victorious against Maryse and Miz. The way Aria's eyes had lit up watching her parents while she was seated on my lap made me excited for my little Viper to watch his dad.

"How'd it feel to lose to your protege?" I smirked as he had been in a feud with Colby and came back from fighting against him. He had lost which led to Colby now being known as a King Slayer.

"You get bigger everytime I see you. When are you due again?" He smirked in return.

"Next month." I narrowed my eyes knowing he was just joking around but I felt huge probably because I was. "I like to believe I'm carrying most of it in my belly"

"Of course" He mused before smiling, it always felt like I was in some sort of alternate universe with Hunter since everything was cleared. Did I still find him hot? Of course but I couldn't even remember the woman who had an affair with him. Our relationship had grown into something else completely which I was happy about because I never wanted to not have him in my life. "You look great, Nikki. I forget a lot of the times that you're knocked up but Randy doesn't fail to remind me"

I giggled as Randy was really on top of things even though he was on the road a lot each week, "I'm sure he doesn't. He is very excited and so am I, pretty different from when you dropped that bomb on us"

He cringed slightly,"Yeah I wasn't too keen to do it but I didn't want too much people knowing either"

"My favourite person!" I heard Colby which caused me to glance behind Hunter and see him approaching. "And the man I just slayed"

"No hugs. I don't have anything else to wear tonight" I raised my hands knowing we hadn't seen eachother in awhile besides facetime.

"Well its not like we can" Colby chuckled which caused Hunter to as well and I felt like I was back in the training center with them.

I glared at the two men who claimed to love me but were cracking jokes at my expensive. "We're kidding. I will say seeing this on pictures and in real life is two different things. I can't wait to see you as a mom though"

"I can't wait to see you as a husband!" He would be saying his I do's to April within the next few months. Her having caught the bouquet at my wedding was probably a push that he needed. But I felt at ease knowing both of us were settled with the people we truly loved.

"I can't wait to see that either, maybe that means I will stop having to fix his tie for him" Hunter rolled his eyes which caused Colby to playfully glare at him.

"That's just for bonding time!" He raised his arms as he whined.

"Sure it is. I will see you guys later, I need a shower" Hunter kissed my cheek and pat Colby's shoulder before leaving. I smiled as I watched him walk away and felt the familiar happiness I felt whenever he got to wrestle. The ring would always be where his heart was so being able to get at least one match was good.

We walked down to the green room so I could watch Randy's match while he toweled himself down. I was going to suggest he shower but I didn't want to watch Randy's match on my own. Also I missed just actually spending some time with Colby where he wasn't a face on a screen.

"How are you feeling?" I questioned as last Wrestlemania he had been emotional watching it when he couldn't compete.

"I feel great. I was nervous as hell especially going up against Hunter, I mean I always enjoy working with him. But the weeks leading up to that moment were fucking stressful" he chuckled as we sat down watching as Randy made his way down to the ring.

"I can only imagine. Not only are you going up against your mentor but your boss as well. And his matches are as rare as The Undertaker these days so its an honour" I smiled thoughtfully knowing how Hunter felt the exact same emotions. It didn't matter what the nature of our relationship was I would always be happy for him whenever he got to lace up his boots.

"They really are. How's my little godson doing?" He smirked and immediately placed his hand on my belly.

"Presumptious, are we?" I smirked even though I didn't see any other choice, if it weren't for his many sessions of therapy Randy and I probably wouldn't have gotten as far as we were. I could just hear his endless rants on telling me to communicate, communication was the key.

"Come on, I highly doubt its going to be Cena." He scoffed before laughing out and he should have been grateful Brie wasn't here to slap the back of his head.

"If Randy would have his way. But Brie will obviously be the godmother so John has first dibs anyway" I smiled as I was godmother to Aria while JJ was godfather which was a title he enjoyed throwing around.

"Way to degrade me to second place" he shook his head sadly but then sat back and focused on the screen.

"Do you think he will be walking away as champion? Or wait do you want him to be champion right now with the baby coming soon?" He turned his attention off the monitor to see my reaction to his question I guess.

I sighed as I wouldn't say I hadn't thought about it, Randy was already on the road each week and yes him only appearing on Smackdown meant one extra day. But often they had live events and appearances which either caused me to travel with him or be home alone.

"I feel like if he won it would be bittersweet. When he won the Royal Rumble I saw the happiness on his face. Since I have been injured I don't think he has enjoyed being separated from me and then that win just lit a spark in him. And while selfishly I want him home with me as much as possible, I love seeing him happy in the ring again. He is that sadistic man that preyed on me..." I smiled as I watched the camera briefly fall on his face as they fought within the ring that was filled with graphics.

"I wish he had heard that answer" Colby sighed.

"It was sweet huh? He'd probably just argue and say he would rather be at home with me."

He nodded before biting his lip as he seemed to be thinking, "Are you scared? I know it was a shock and you have been doing great at just dealing with pregnancy. But now with the time closing in, how are you feeling?"

I couldn't help but pout as always he could read me so well. Me being off of the road had led to me being forced to try and evaluate situations on my own. I knew he wouldn't have minded me calling him but in a way it helped my marriage to Randy. We were both more vulnerable with one another and I found that was the best thing ever, "Personally I feel great, this baby is behaving so well and making sure we are both good. Mentally I am nervous as hell and I don't want to shout out loud cause Brie is so good at raising Aria, Randy has Alanna. So its like I'm the only inexperienced one right now and you know I hate not knowing shit."

The nerves were something I hadn't shared with Randy, I was sure he knew but I didn't want him to be too concerned while on the road. I knew all the pressure that came with being on the road and that's why it was always nice to love someone who would understand that.

"I do know but you shouldn't not tell Randy or Brie just because you don't want to sound inexperienced. Once the little guy is here as his mom you will know what his needs are but getting general advice is also important. I doubt you'll do a lot of the things Brie does but learning from her will help you decide what you prefer and not." I heard him while making sure my eyes were mostly on the screen as I wasn't sure how long the match would be. His feud with Bray Wyatt had been full of twists and unpredictable which I knew he loved but it just left me guessing.

"For a guy who doesn't have any kids you surely are wise. I really can't wait to watch you become a husband" I smiled thoughtfully as he had definitely as many failed relationships as I had. And yes he had made his own share of mistakes which led to that failure but April was the one that stuck.

"Pity hey, I could have been your husband" he smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"Urgh such a pity. I think you being so wise would just annoy me if you were my husband"

He laughed out which caused me to giggle realizing how much I missed our work time, "So it hasn't annoyed you over the course of our friendship when you just want to be right about everything?"

"Of course it has but you'd probably not be having sex for weeks on end which would affect our marriage" I shrugged.

"Now that's a lie, you're a horny Bella"

"Urgh shut up" I laughed even though that was certainly true, and with Randy as my husband we were a perfect match. As my belly expanded I had stopped feeling sexy for awhile but he had ensured those insecurities didn't last too long. The same way he made me feel so beautiful even when the world picked apart my flaws. It was so easy for me to get wrapped in the negativities of social media while he was on the road. Especially people still having a problem with me being Mrs Orton but each time he came home and showed me his love, I was good to go.

"When we became friends I was mourning my relationship with Nick and falling into something with Hunter. I was just lost and you lost your friends and everything was just so insane for us. Now look at us, we are so grown up" I rest my head on his shoulder and felt his arm wrap around me as he squeezed me closer.

"We really are, I mean you really went full in. Got married and knocked up in the same year"

"I had surgery, got cleared, knocked up and married in the same year. But what can I say Fearless Nikki lives on the edge" I groaned.

"That's the only way to live, Nicole" I felt him kiss onto my head and I simply smiled knowing I wouldn't be seeing him probably until I gave birth after this so I would savour our special time while enjoying my husband's match.

Colby and I made our way down to the gorilla as Randy had won the match and was now WWE Champion. It was the first time he would hold the title while I was with him and I couldn't have been more proud. He had wanted it for so long and once we became more it just didn't seem as important. I appreciated him caring about me more but loved seeing the big sadistic smile on his face as he celebrated in the ring.

The cameras were ready to capture his reaction as soon as he walked through the curtain but his blue eyes immediately searched the area and his smile brightened as soon as he saw me.

"Congratulations, Viper" I squealed and held onto his face but he didn't say anything, simply slipped his free hand on my bump and pulled me into a kiss.

All my favourite people had had their special Wrestlemania moment after missing it the year before and I was so grateful that I had been able to witness it...

♥♥♥♥

RIP to Brie and Daniel's little doggie Josie.
I can only imagine how hard it must be for them having lost my own little girl back in May. Josie was so adorable!