Corporate Suits

Overruled

Brie had a million things racing through her mind as she manuvered backstage, refusing to cry more. When she got into the women's locker room she saw the faces of Team Nikki : Naomi, Sasha, Tamina, Alicia and more people she used to call her friends.

"Guys..." Brie said weakly.

"Don't say anything girl. Just bring it in." Naomi hugs Brie first, the other women joining the hug making Brie break down. "Everything ain't scot-free between us. We know that stuff you said to Nikki was serious, and if she didn't have something over your head you'd still be with Carmella."

Brianna pulls back with a sniffle. "I know. I'm not happy. I let Carmella take advantage of me when I was at my worst. I'm not saying that she planted everything that I've said about Nicole- she didn't, but she finally let me do something I could never do with you guys."

"Did you fuck Carmella?"

"Really Mercedes?"

Sasha shrugs, "I mean y'all didn't hear what she just said?"

"No, Carmella and I didn't have sex. She let me embrace my anger. Encouraged it. She told me it was ok to be angry. That rage wasn't a destructive emotion, it only brought destruction by its owner."

"That doesn't sound like Carmella." Mercedes frowns.

"And it's not like we asked you to keep up the happy act Brie." Saraya touches the younger twin's shoulder. "We know how hard it is to keep it all together when it's really falling apart."

"And we're supposed to be friends! We can help you with anything you tell us about. Team Bella remember?" Victoria smiled which coaxed out Brie's. "There's our sunshine!" The girls laugh and watch the banter between Nikki and Carmella end.

No one asks about AJ.

When Brie gets back to her hotel she finds someone she didn't expect. Someone she didn't want to see.

"Surprised babe?"

"I...I-"

"Shh." A smile sets upon their lips as they stretch back on the couch before readjusting themselves. "Don't be all nervous around me. I get anxious and you know that. And I'm not here to harm you or anything. Promise."

Brie bites her lip, her heart still hammering regardless of the supposedly calming statement made. "Still, I'm sorry. I couldn't just let Nicole say that and ruin my life! I know I wasn't supposed to leave Carmella so early but-"

"Trust me Sunshine, I understand. Your hands were tied out there. Just like mine."

That gets Brie even the more on edge, "What do you mean?"

"It means I have to rearrange a few things." The person gets up, closing in on Brie and making the Bella fold in a little in fear. Their cold eyes warm at the sight of a scared Brie. They gently rub her cheek, "Don't be scared baby. I'm only doing this for her. For Nikki. I promise I won't hurt you. Just continue listening to me." They give her a kiss on the forehead, leaving the room.
____________

Nicole was asleep when she heard the hotel door open, seeing AJ enter with heavy steps. The living area lights click on and Nicole sees pink hair over AJ's shoulder. AJ grunts with the effort of throwing Sasha down onto the couch. The sleepy woman trudges into the living area and hugs April.

"Hey babe." April giggles.

"I was worried sick about you." Nikki mumbles into AJ's neck. "I've been texting and calling-"

"I know, and I'm sorry. I was talking to the McMahons."

"About?"

"Splitting you ladies up after the war. They're planning on Shane returning and splitting the talent back onto their own brands : Smackdown Live and RAW. Women will get some new titles and stuff, it's not really set in stone right now and you didn't hear anything from me." Nikki nods.