Broken Handcuffs [III]

xxvi.

(how the fuck y'all let Nikki lose at Evolution. like y'all deadass? really? Nikki? losing? at Evolution?)

With all three women seated in Carmella's living room, Paige next to Leah and AJ in a chair across from them, Leah thought it fitting to finally break the awkward silence that rested over them.

"I know you have some questions, so let's get that out of the way first. Ask whatever." Leah opens the floor up to AJ. April was still in silence however, her gaze focused on the hands still connected across from her on the couch. Saraya gently pulled her hand away at the scrutiny.

"What's going on between you two? Are you dating or something?"

"No." Leah denied. "Next?"

"How long have you been awake? Does Nicole know about this?"

"I've been awake for about a month and no, Nicole doesn't know, and she won't know until I tell her."

"But— she's been worried sick about you ever since you were taken from the hospital! There was no way of contacting you either.... I was worried." AJ bit her lip, looking away from the two after admitting it. The thought made Leah smile a little, however Paige was wary due to previous circumstances. Carmella blew a raspberry. "Where have you been this whole time?"

"Stephanie's house, and not willingly either. I know you've warmed up to me or whatever, but we aren't friends AJ. Not by a long shot. You saw me at my worst, my most vulnerable, but it means nothing. Not right now at least." Leah's words were sharp and cold, so much so that AJ visibly cringed.

"Right. Well, I'm sorry." AJ didn't really have much to say after that. And who would? Leah was right, but it still stung to hear it. She perhaps thought that Carmella was warming up to her at least— that's what April thought would be best for everybody. With Nicole in love with both Leah and herself, them fighting would only put more stress on Nicole. Nicole needed less stress in her life.

But honestly, April was afraid that if her and Leah were on opposite sides that Nicole would eventually be forced to choose, and AJ didn't want to lose Nicole. With everything coming to light, AJ didn't feel so secure in her relationship with Nicole regardless of what Nikki said. Her insecurities doubled now knowing that Leah was awake. She knew that if Nicole and Leah got alone and talked through everything, if Leah answered all of Nicole's questions with total honesty that their relationship would change.

Nicole appreciated the little things that added to the big picture more than the actual picture itself. It was evident in her pursuit of April. She knew AJ didn't like her in the beginning, so she got closer to her the only way she knew how and that was by making her a Bella. She didn't like the fact that AJ was closer to Paige, so in a fit of anger she hurt Paige. Paige was more observant and knew the real reason and so she manipulated Nicole and the woman let her out of fear that AJ didn't like her back.

Nikki would most definitely appreciate the sacrifices Leah made for her. For Nikki to even know that Carmella liked her when she joined the main roster and admired her before the War was enough. To know that Leah endured psychological and physical torture from her girlfriend all while she didn't know about it was the kicker and that was what April was terrified of. She couldn't lose Nicole.

Not after she'd just got her back.

"If that's all the questions, we need to talk about what's going to happen from now on," Leah was on a mission it seems. "They're gonna know I'm gone from the house and will start looking for me so I won't be inclined to tell. I can't stay here anymore and you guys won't be able to contact me often, if at all."

"Wait who is going to be after you?"

"The McMahons, April. And they have pull in places I don't. If they want me found and I don't put in any effort, I will be found. I need to get receipts and evidence before I reveal myself. I won't be able to go out much because this is a big deal with the media and like I said, I can't be found right now. It's a risk even being here talking with the both of you. Nicole is not going to know anything about this. She's going to be the first one they question about me. Please keep her safe."