Learning Curves

six.

BULL Dempsey reminded Baron of a caged animal as he watched him pace around the ring, waiting for Baron, waiting for their match to start. Dempsey had been enraged since his meeting with Hunter and Regal over the weekend, and though no one but those three knew the extent of his punishment for putting his hands on a non performer, he obviously wasn't fired, and the match was still on the card for the evening.

Baron didn't need any reason to fight someone, he'd never turn down a challenge. He figured Bull would go crying to Regal after their first match, upset he couldn't take down the former football player. His interest piqued a little bit more when the chance of an NXT title shot was put on the line, but nothing prepared him for what happened last week. Baron was protective of the few he let into his life, but he'd never been as protective of anyone as he'd become over the petite reporter. He had gone looking for her, knowing something wasn't right, making sure she was okay. Turning the corner, seeing Bull towering over Audrey, Baron sprung into action, not even taking a moment to analyze the situation. This match was much more than a rematch, or a chance for a title shot, this was personal.

The referee walked a perilous line, keeping the superstars separate as Baron made his way down the ramp, finishing his entrance in the ring. He knew he was taunting Bull without even looking at him, hearing the audience split, rooting on their favorites. Sliding off his vest, he turned towards the ramp, almost missing someone joining the commentary table. Soft curls framed her face, green eyes glowing in a lacy teal dress paired with brown cowboy boots, Audrey sent him a quick smile, sitting between Alex Riley, and Corey Graves, who was staring straight at him, silently reminding him of what he already knew. He needed to get his feelings in order if he wanted her, there were others with designs on the reporter.

Audrey drummed her fingers across the announce table, trying to drown out the sound of her heart thumping in her ears, waiting on the bell to ring. She had forgotten all about where she was sitting, so focused on the ring until Alex cupped his hand over hers, rubbing her thumb with his own.

"It's alright." he whispered where only she could hear, Audrey smiling back, showing she believed him. She knew Baron would come out on top, but it wasn't like Bull was a run of the mill cruiserweight that he could dominate easily. Bull Dempsey was younger, he was heavier, and he had a bone to pick with the Alpha of NXT. Audrey had faith Baron would come out victorious again, but she worried about the damage Bull would try to inflict before he went down.

"Audrey, do you think Baron could hang as NXT champion?" Corey asked, nudging her with his knee, reminding her to stay in character. The fans had seen fleeting glances of the two of them together, but no one outside their little group had any idea how close the two of them were becoming.

"I definitely think he can, Corey. Baron's not about friendships, not about backstage politics. He's all about coming out to the ring and taking care of business. That's what a champion does."

"Are you coming out here tonight to cheer him on in that pursuit?" Jason piped up.

"I doubt he needs, or even cares about having a cheerleader. I'm just out here to see if Bull's right, and if Baron's just lucky he won last time."

Baron rocked Bull with a clothesline, Dempsey stumbling forward, straight into the End of Days. The ref fell to the mat, and it was over, less than five minutes.

"Well, gentlemen, I think I have my answer." Audrey stood, saying her goodbyes to the commentators, walking back up to the top of the ramp, turning to give a small round of applause to Baron before heading backstage, letting Baron revel in his win alone, in front of the crowd.

XxX

Audrey waited backstage until she knew Baron had time to shower and change out his ring gear before heading towards his room. Knocking lightly, he seemed a little miffed to be disturbed, obviously a little tired, until he saw who was knocking. Taking her by the hand, he twirled her around like a ballerina, the skirt of her dress twirling in the air while her boots clacked against the concrete floor. He hadn't told her how much she captivated him, sweaty in the Performance Center, in jeans and a t-shirt, sleepily smiling at him over a cup of coffee. Tonight, he was sure he'd never forget how she looked right then, grinning, eyes only for him.

"And here I was beginning to wonder if you owned a dress."

"A few. They're not my favorites, but occasionally they're alright."

"You really do look beautiful tonight, Aud." Her cheeks were crimson in an instant, the heat rising all the way up to her ears.

"I'm supposed to be here complimenting you, goofball. Can you believe it, facing Adrian Neville next week?" Baron had been with the company for a while, but he'd never been so close to the top. After he was put on the shelf early on while Creative worked on his character, he was worried he'd only be working house shows, and could kiss his dreams of the main roster goodbye. Now, he was facing one of the biggest names in the company, and the chance of becoming the face of the company loomed ahead.

"Yes. No. Maybe? I was so focused on kicking Bull's ass, I almost forgot about the tournament. Damn. I could be NXT champion."

"It would look good on you, you know?" she grinned, standing behind him, rubbing his shoulders. Baron took one of her hands, kissing it lightly, holding tightly to it.

"You were wrong out there, about one thing at least."

"What's that?" Audrey scrunched her forehead, racking her brain for an answer.

"I do like having a cheerleader." Smacking him playfully with the hand he'd just been holding, Audrey rolled her eyes as she kissed his cheek.

"Well then. Guess I better see about some pom poms for next week."