NaNoWriMo Story Snippets

27. Excerpt from FLAMES: BONUS SCENES

Author's note: Unedited, subject to change, etc. Wasn't a request, but I needed a change of pace. Set loosely at Royal Rumble 2o21.

"Does it feel weird?" Seth was the one wrestling at Royal Rumble, but he kept looking to Becky as they entered the arena. She hadn't wrestled a full match in almost a year and aside from a few backstage visits to see friends, she hadn't been around live wrestling for nearly as long. Popping in at Black and Brave to watch lessons wasn't nearly the same as being able to watch her friends and co-workers perform, especially at a pay-per-view level. But he also knew inaction was eating away at her. Becky had kept herself busy enough during the pregnancy and she loved every second she spent with Roux, but she was missing wrestling fiercely. Being behind the scenes and unable to participate could be like giving a kid their favourite toy and telling them not to play with it.

"Being back? Yeah. But it's a good weird." She lifted Roux out of the stroller so Seth could collapse it. Neither of them had any doubts that almost everyone would want to hold Roux, so there was little point to keeping her keeping her in the stroller and having people loom over her. "You know, like the soreness after a good workout." When Seth raised his eyebrows, she rolled her eyes. "Not that kind."

"THERE'S MY GIRL!" After hearing Naomi's delighted shriek, Becky's eye caught the blur of bright orange. She wasn't quite sure what the suspender-like straps on Naomi's gear were for, and Naomi was hugging her before she had a chance to ask. "Oh, girl, are you missed around here! And Roux! Look at you, sweet girl!" Naomi lowered her voice so she didn't startle the baby, but Roux was already entranced by her vibrant outfit. "You like this? You like it, huh?" Naomi guided Roux's hand to her shoulder to pet the fabric. "I'll get you a little onesie just like it."

Seth just laughed. "Well, it would make her easy to find for the late-night feedings, I guess."

Becky gently eased Roux into Naomi's waiting arms. "I've watched some of your old matches with her. You're one of her favourites."

"Awww. Thank you, sweetheart. My smallest fan!" Naomi kissed the baby's head and snuggled her close. "Oh, Becks, she's the best." She transferred Roux to one arm and patted Becky's belly with her free hand. "So how's number two coming along?"

Jimmy Uso turned the corner at that precise moment and shook his head emphatically. "No. Please. Do not get her started. Do not. We had to bring an extra bag just with gifts."

"You didn't—" Becky began, but Naomi cut her off with another hug.

"Some are for your birthday too," Naomi replied, dancing back and forth with Roux, making her babble happily. "Oh, you like that? My niece likes dancing?"

Seth held up a warning finger. "No TikTok, Naomi. Seriously."

"No video, no pictures. I promise. Can I steal her for a quick minute, though?" Naomi cast a furtive look around. "Asuka thinks she gets first dibs because of the whole Money in the Bank thing, but no way, uh-uh, not happening ma'am!"