HEALING HANDS (Bayley x OC)

Unbreakable Bonds

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink. The soft glow of the setting sun reflected off the ocean, casting a serene light on the group as they gathered around a bonfire later that evening. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the sound of the crackling fire and the waves gently rolling against the shore.

Becky tossed another log into the fire, watching the flames rise higher. "This is the life, huh? Chillin' with good friends, no stress, just... this."

Bayley nodded in agreement, her arm draped casually around Jade's shoulders. "It's perfect. After the year we've all had, this is exactly what we needed."

It had been a long year for all of them. Bayley's grueling recovery, her triumphant return to the ring, and the challenge of balancing her career with her relationship with Jade had tested her in ways she hadn't anticipated. For Jade, it had been about learning to embrace this world—a world of fame and spectacle, far removed from her work as a surgeon. But together, they had found their way, building a life that blended their worlds while keeping each other grounded.

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to future goals and dreams, moving beyond wrestling and into the parts of their lives that had yet to unfold.

"So, any big announcements on the horizon?" Charlotte asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked between Bayley and Jade. "You two have been pretty cozy lately. Anything we should know about?"

Bayley blushed slightly but kept her cool, glancing at Jade with a soft smile. "No big announcements yet. But we're happy. Like, really happy."

Jade smiled at Bayley, feeling the warmth of her words. "We've just been taking it slow, enjoying each other's company and figuring things out."

Mercedes chimed in, grinning mischievously. "That's code for 'something big is coming.'"

Bayley chuckled, shaking her head. "I swear, there's nothing to announce... yet."

Despite her protests, the future was a topic Bayley had been thinking about more and more lately. She and Jade had built something special over the past year—something deeper than she had ever imagined when they first met in that hospital room. They had shared late-night conversations, gone on adventures, and supported each other through every obstacle. Now, Bayley couldn't help but wonder what their next step would be.

Jade could sense the shift in Bayley's thoughts and leaned in close, whispering, "They're not entirely wrong, are they?"

Bayley's heart skipped a beat as she met Jade's eyes. "Maybe not," she whispered back. "But I want it to be just right."

The rest of the group hadn't caught the quiet exchange between them, and the night continued with laughter and good-natured ribbing. At some point, Charlotte started telling stories about her early days in WWE, leaving everyone in fits of laughter as she recounted the many times things had gone horribly wrong in the ring.

"And then the turnbuckle snapped!" Charlotte said, laughing so hard she could barely get the words out. "I swear, I thought I was going to fall right on my face!"

Becky was doubled over with laughter. "I remember that! Your face went from 'Queen of the Ring' to 'Queen of Panic' in about two seconds!"

Bayley couldn't help but laugh along, feeling the warmth of being surrounded by people who understood her world so deeply. This was what life was about—these moments of joy, friendship, and connection.

As the fire started to die down, the group grew quieter, basking in the comfort of their togetherness. Mercedes stretched her arms over her head, yawning as she spoke. "Alright, I'm calling it. I need some sleep before tomorrow's madness."

Becky and Charlotte agreed, the exhaustion from travel and the day catching up with them. One by one, they stood, offering goodbyes and hugs to Bayley and Jade. Even though they had the next few days to spend together, tonight had been special. It felt like a homecoming.

After everyone else had left, Bayley and Jade remained by the fire, the silence between them filled with unspoken thoughts. Bayley stared at the fading embers, her mind racing as she considered everything—the past, the present, and the future she could see so clearly now.

"You know," Bayley said softly, turning to Jade, "there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

Jade looked at her, her expression curious. "What's on your mind?"

Bayley hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "This past year has been... incredible. Not just because of wrestling, or because I got back in the ring, but because of you. You've been with me through everything, even when I didn't know what the hell I was doing. And I guess... I want to know if you're ready for what's next."

Jade's eyes softened, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "What do you mean?"

Bayley reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, her heart racing as she opened it to reveal a simple but elegant ring. The firelight reflected off the silver band, casting a soft glow across the two of them.

"I mean this," Bayley said, her voice trembling slightly. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Jade. You've shown me that there's more to life than just the ring, and I don't want to do any of it without you. Will you marry me?"

For a moment, Jade was speechless, her eyes wide with surprise. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the ring, then back at Bayley. She hadn't expected this, not tonight, but it felt so right.

"Yes," Jade whispered, her voice full of emotion. "Yes, Bayley, I'll marry you."

Bayley let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, slipping the ring onto Jade's finger as tears of joy filled both their eyes. They shared a tender kiss, the world around them fading away as they clung to each other, overwhelmed by the depth of their love.

For Bayley, it was the perfect end to a year of growth, healing, and discovery. She had found her way back to the ring, but more importantly, she had found her way to Jade. And now, they were stepping into the future together.

As they held each other close, Bayley knew one thing for certain: whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And that was all she needed.