Flames

What's Old is New, part 2

"You're sure you're okay with this?" Becky curled up beside Seth on their tour bus bed and hugged his arm, resting her head on his shoulder—mostly because it was comfortable, but also so he would be forced to sit and have a conversation, or at least listen to her for as long as it took to get untangled from her grip.

Seth chuckled softly. "That's almost exactly how Roman greeted me on the night of our anniversary, when I was scheduled to have a promo with him." He cleared his throat, lowered his voice a bit, and attempted to imitate Roman's voice as he quoted, "You sure you want to do this tonight?"

Becky glanced down at her watch. "Is today meaningful?" she asked. "It's not ringing a bell."

"No. Not that I remember, anyway." Seth kissed the top of her head. "But thank you for looking out for me. I appreciate it. I know I've been a bit... intense lately."

"That's not necessarily a bad thing." Becky stroked his beard, trying not to let her gaze get caught on the encroaching whites and greys. There weren't many of them yet, and she knew they would only make him look more distinguished, but she was already feeling old enough every time she looked at Roux. "As long as you don't burn out. And yes, that goes for both of us."

"Especially you. I know you must have a billion ideas for your return," he teased, relaxing a bit.

"Aside from making another 'Not on the SummerSlam card' pitcher of lemonade?" Becky quipped. "But that one went over so well! It got a t-shirt and everything." She sighed as she stretched out her legs. "I don't know how much of a pop my music will get," she admitted after a stretch of silence. "I still love it, but I know it's not as recognizable as Celtic Invasion."

"The fans miss you. They keep posting about needing you to save the title," Seth pointed out. "They'll pop for sure."

Becky wished she shared her husband's confidence. It seemed like every time the women's division seemed to get momentum, it was cut short for yet another Bloodline story or something with Cody—a story from the men's division was always considered more important. And then they have the balls to say wrestlers have to get themselves over. How can we if we get no time? she thought, burrowing closer to Seth. "I hope so," she said at last. "But they can't always rely on me for a quick save. Or Bayley." That hurt to say, knowing that her friend may not be in the same company in a matter of months. The fabled Four Horsewomen could soon be split in half. "They need to commit to building up other women, like they should have done while I was out. Bianca's out right now. Naomi's out. There are spots at the top. Do more with Lyra! Giulia! Jordynne! Why do they keep bringing girls up from NXT and then give them nothing to work with?"

Seth stroked her back and she tried to steady her breathing. "Becks, you know I agree with you. The women's roster is spoiled for choice. There's no reason Creative can't be doing more."

"Can I be selfish for a minute?" She tried to keep her voice steady, but it was hard because she wasn't even sure she understood how she felt.

"Of course." Seth kissed her and held her for a moment before sitting back again. "Though I doubt it's selfish. At least not if it's about wrestling."

"It is," Becky said. "Sort of. Maybe. I just... I wish I could talk to Bayley about this, you know? Not that I don't love talking with you!" She patted Seth's chest and sighed. "I know you get it. But she gets it in a different way. And I'd love to work with her on it or just brainstorm—hell, I'd just love to vent with her. But I know she's debating what to do with her contract and I don't want her feel like I'm trying to sway her. Of course I want her to stay, but more than that, I want her to be happy. And if that's not here, then...."