Flames

Another Ambulance, part 2

"This is bullshit." It had been Becky's mantra of the night, and she had lost track of how many times she had said it at least an hour ago. When Corey Graves of all people came up to her and said that what was going to go down was insulting and dangerous, that was saying something.

"I know." She had lost track of how often Roman had said that as well. After her beatdown and ambush, she had to go to Medical for the regular check-up. After that, though, Roman or the Usos were always curiously close by, sometimes with Naomi as well. She saw through the act straightaway, but their company was steady and comforting, so she didn't complain. Much.

"I don't trust him, Roman." Becky tugged at her ring gear. As soon as she had been cleared, she wanted to change into street clothes so she'd be able to go to the medical facility that much faster, but the doctor had told her to stay ring ready; when she asked if that meant she would be allowed to intervene, no one would give her an answer. "I don't trust Brock and I don't trust Paul. And I hate that, because I thought Heyman was going to be better." She laughed bitterly at her own naivety. Of course Heyman was going to clear-cut the way for his beast to have everything he wanted. "Better never means better for everyone," she quoted grimly. "It always means worse, for some."

Roman slung an arm around her shoulders. "What's that from? One of your Pearl Jam songs?"

Becky snorted softly. "The Handmaid's Tale. It's how they try to justify everything. Just like here." She gestured all around them at the cameras and wires and equipment trunks. "Anything for ratings, right? Never mind if it leaves your top talent bleeding."

"Seth is the best of the best, Becks. He knows how to take his bumps." Then he leaned his head against hers. "You know he asked us to watch out for you. I won't even try to lie about that. But it's not just to keep you safe. It will help keep him safe too."

"How will none of us helping keep him safe?" Becky's glower was starting to etch itself into her brow, but she didn't care.

"Because if he's not worrying about what Brock might do to you," Roman countered gently, "then he can concentrate on keeping safe. It sucks, I know."

"Places for the ambulance, everyone!" a tech yelled, sending people scattering. When there were live cameras in the back, most of the wrestlers were supposed to be out of sight. "Places!"

Becky winced when she saw the stretcher being rolled into the gorilla position. Part of her had wanted to watch Seth's match with Dolph—at least up to the beating—but Roman kept her far away from any monitors; the Usos were currently on lookout, preparing for their own mini-beatdown alongside Roman by Samoa Joe and Gallows and Anderson. Becky was scheduled to encounter Seth on the stretcher, but strictly forbidden to interact. "Roman, I don't like this."

"I don't either." Roman shook his head and looked over to his cousins. "It doesn't feel right. I know they're trying to go edgy and all, but . . . I don't know. I've just got a bad vibe."

"Don't say that." Becky had been trying to tap into Roman's strength, but if he thought there was something to worry about. . . .

Another tech rounded the corner. "You're all up soon." Becky noted that the tech would barely look at her, let alone meet her gaze; word of her displeasure was spreading. "Remember: no one's cleared to interfere."

"Watch my foot clear your ass," Becky muttered as the tech scampered away.

"C'mon, Becks." Roman stood and helped her to her feet. "Sooner we get this done, sooner we can make sure our boy is okay for real."

"I know." Her stomach felt cold and hollow as she went to her assigned place. She tried picturing it from the audience's point of view and it felt stupid. Why would she or Roman just watch the stretcher go past? Why wouldn't they accompany him in the ambulance like she had earlier in the year, or at least follow in a car? Keeping her face mostly turned from the camera, she mouthed 'I love you' as Seth was wheeled past, but she couldn't tell if his eyes were open; she couldn't see past the blood smeared around his mouth.