Flames

The Friend of My Enemy, part 1

"Are you in your Katniss Everdeen era now? Would the kids still say that?"

When Seth glanced over to the door, Roux was running over to hug him, but Becky stayed back a bit so she could get a better look at his WrestleMania entrance robe. From a distance, it looked like an unfolded sleeping bag, but they both had faith in King Troi's abilities to find the perfect outfit for Seth's big night. Roux ducked under one side of Seth's dark, voluminous robe and ran around him in circles, batting at the thick fabric. It was flame-resistant, but it didn't look much different than any of the other outlandish robes Seth had worn. "I'll keep the spinning to a minimum," Seth replied, sweeping one edge of the robe to the side so Roux wouldn't trip on it. "And there's no wings. I think Lyra has that covered for tomorrow, though."

Becky grimaced and Seth almost apologized. She was finally going to return on WrestleMania Sunday, but the storyline had left Bayley off the card. While Becky and Lyra were slated to win the Women's Tag Team Championships, they were also going to lose them the following night on RAW—and then Becky was going to betray her friend. It was hardly the return she had been hoping for, but Seth knew if anyone could make it work, it was his wife. "Yeah," she said softly. "No fancy entrance for me this year. Maybe next year. I mean, New Orleans, right? It would have to be over the top."

"You can have the flame thrower next year," Seth teased. "But you'll have to put your hair back." He glanced over at the equipment chest that held the flame thrower he was going to use on the stage. Hunter had insisted on multiple test runs to make sure the fire didn't spread and thus far, the robe had done its job wonderfully. Now he just had to hope it would hold up when the real moment came.

"Next year," she murmured, "when the women still won't have a main event match even though there's two nights?" Then Becky shook her head. "Sorry. I'm just nervous about tomorrow, that's all."

"It's okay. I get it." It was hard to be subtle while wearing a puffy black robe and having his daughter run circles around him, but Seth managed to send Roman a quick text: Come get Roux? Need to talk to Becks. Then he shuffled over to Becky. "And no, it's not the same as our Rumble year. Mania's two nights now. No reason it can't be one and one." Even though he was the one who had texted Roman, he was still surprised when there was a knock on the door. "Yeah?" Seth called out.

Roman eased the door open and easily caught Roux when she launched herself at him. "Look at you, getting all tall. And with your daddy's hair too." He ruffled her curls with his free hand. The Bloodline arc had solidified his career, but now that he was on his own and without a title, he seemed strangely more at ease. "Becks, can I borrow your girl for a bit? Tamina's putting the finishing touches on my ula fala and I remember that Roux enjoyed helping her last time...."

Saying Roux had 'helped' was generous, but Seth appreciated it. "She's been making bracelets with Grandma Holly for Easter," Seth said. "We've got a bunch for everyone in my bag, I think."

Becky nodded. "I can start going through them." Then she met Roux's gaze and leaned in. "You'll be good?" she asked.

"I'll be really good," Roux promised, nodding eagerly. She didn't even try to get down to hug her parents goodbye. "Does this coat come home, Dada?"

Seth shook his head. "Not this one, sweetheart. Hunter wants it back. But you can play with it again before we go out."

"Text me if you need her back in a hurry," Roman said. "We should be done in half an hour or so."

"Sounds good." Becky went over and gave him a hug from the side. "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise." Roman kissed the top of her head before reaching for the door. "See you later."