Post by MJ Bell on Feb 25, 2014 12:06:02 GMT -5
February 24 – Room 245, Holiday Inn
In the dark hotel room all three of them sleep after the long night of celebrating. Clothes lay next to the couch and near the bed. MJ peers out from under the blanket. She is in a long shirt with her short-shorts covering her lower half. Her heavy eye lids blink clearing the haze from them. Suddenly they force themselves fully open to see her brother and Kenshin across the room. Kenshin is laying on the couch with his forearm resting over his face. He is only wearing his boxer briefs. Lightly breathing and emitting a gentle snore. He seems peaceful from where she is laying. Finn is on the floor with a make-shift bed of blankets. He is breathing slowly with both arms covering the top of his face. MJ lifts her head up enough to check where her phone is. It is blinking with notifications probably from Twitter or texts from her friends. Last night she had been receiving a lot of praises for her stunt to get back into the ring.
Her hand inches across the bed side table to slid her phone over to her. When she clicks it on her eyes squint from the harsh light coming from the small device. Her eyes adjust after a bit of rubbing them and forcing them. From the couch there is a tiny groan, the shift of movement causes a pillow to gently thump against the ground. She peeks over to watch Kenshin remove his arm from his face. A tiny smirk spreads on MJ's face while she taps a Tweet up.
Kenshin's phone makes a sound, receiving an objection from the man. MJ watches as he does something on his phone before he looks across the room at her. Kenshin very hazy at his own surroundings, his lips parting to speak but her index lifts to her lips. Her other hand points down at Finn to signal the two of them to keep quite. MJ looks down at her Twitter app seeing a reply from Kenshin, she sends one back his way and he seems to understand. The two of them finally get up from the separate locations, Kenshin more so because he is standing. MJ is sitting up running her fingers through her messy locks trying to keep the ache from her head to ease. The next thing she knows is Kenshin slipping into the other side of the bed.
MJ Bell: What are you doing?!
She whispers watching him while he snuggles down into the soft sheets. Only a groan escapes Kenshin's mouth as he continues to get cozy beside her. His arms suddenly reach out and grab MJ, hugging her close to him in the process. MJ gives him a soft squeak, body wiggling to free herself. It is confusing turn of events because Kenshin is not actually awake. Absently, with a bit of drool running down his chin, Kenshin mutters in his sleep something in Japanese, at first, then follows it up with some English.
Kenshin Takamura: So soft...
It is obvious that Kenshin is quite asleep even as he presses his cheek against MJ's own face. A very drawn out sigh escapes from MJ's mouth as she reaches up to wipe the drool from his cheek, her face twisting in slight disgust, then she wipes it on the blanket. She slips down a bit so her face is level with his chest, both of her arms struggles to free themselves from between the two of them to no avail. His body warmth heating her body up to an almost uncomfortable level.
MJ Bell: Kenshin?
She whispers still trying to remove his arms around her body. He is a lot heavier than she thought. Her voices grows a little louder, her hands pushing against his chest to try and rouse him. She moves back upwards.
MJ Bell: Kenshin. Wake up.
Kenshin only tightens his grip, pressing their bodies closer together, intimately so. His legs tangle up with hers, his torso up against hers and his hands are around her lower back. Again, he mutters in his sleep.
Kenshin Takamura: I don' wanna' go to work... I wanna' stay in bed with...
Kenshin's voice trails off at the end. Maybe it's horrible curiosity or she is being extremely idiotic. Does she really want to know who Kenshin is dreaming about? Is it any of her business? She squirms to move up to look at his face. Her tone softer than before.
MJ Bell: With who?
A sleepy sigh escapes Kenshin's lips as he nudges his face into hers a bit more. Her arms start to hurt from being trapped between the two of them but she doesn't continue to struggle. Adjusting her arms in a more comfortable position between the two of them. Both palms flat to his bare chest.
Kenshin Takamura: With...
Again, he stops speaking and just rubs his cheek into hers, getting himself more comfortable. MJ relaxes her body allowing him to snuggle close. He then starts speaking again, but changes subjects.
Kenshin Takamura: She always smells so nice...
She exhales through her nose. This is getting her nowhere but the curiosity stands firm. Who is the girl? Someone he knows from Japan? She leans away feeling her cheeks heating up. It's hard to tell the origins because Kenshin's body is hot in temperature. Her chin ducks down, lips pulling at the corner so she can blow bangs from her face.
MJ Bell: Does she? Who is she?
Kenshin inaudibly mumbles a bit then begins speaking Japanese to MJ.
Kenshin Takamura: “OCW de no watashi no shin'yū.”
MJ Bell: I don't speak Japanese Kenshin, you dummy.
Her fingers draw little circles on his bare chest trying to distract herself from one of his body parts rubbing against her thigh. As she does, Kenshin shifts just slightly, rubbing against her a bit more. Her body burns up. Any comment about 'just friends' feels like it is being thrown from a window. No one could see them so MJ tries to put her mind at some ease. She didn't like Kenshin, didn't want to get into his pants but there is something there. Something that MJ will avoid at all costs. The more their bodies touch, the more detail she seems to put into the invisible drawing on his skin. Her toes rub against the top of his foot to be more of a distraction while his feet shift just a bit under her soft toes.
The emotions stirring in her chest causing the headache to worsen. A million thoughts buzzing around in an angry blur. Every thought that encourages their embrace is shut out by two thoughts screaming against it. Through the bangs hanging in her face she gazes up to him. Her finger tips moving up to brush against Kenshin's lower lip. When they part she quickly removes them back to their original location on his chest as Kenshin licks his lips, still asleep.
MJ Bell: Are you going to tell me who the girl is?
With a sigh, he begins to answer her question once more. She lifts her head to look at him.
Kenshin Takamura: Yes...
His speech is dragging a bit since he's in a deep sleep.
Kenshin Takamura: Her name is...
MJ seems to be quite attentive as it seems like Kenshin is going to say it at any minute.
Kenshin Takamura: M...
Yes, yes. M. suddenly, Kenshin's eyes open and widen when he notices he's so close to MJ. His pupils dart back and forth in surprise. His sudden movement makes MJ jump, any part of her body touching his breaks apart. Her heart pounds from the abrupt actions.
Kenshin Takamura: How the hell did I get up here?!
A small frown forms on her face when both of her hands shove against Kenshin's face to shut him up. Down on the floor Finn jumps to life with his cell phone in hand like a weapon. MJ curses under her breathe tilting her head to look at the disoriented Finn. She holds her breath when Finn looks over at the two of them.
Finn Bell: What the fuck are you two doing?!
MJ keeps her body very still, her leg goes over Kenshin's legs to try to keep his movement down to a minimal. She whispers to him.
MJ Bell: Don't move. He'll go back to sleep.
As she calls it, Finn doesn't seem fully aware of his surrounding when he drops back down onto the floor. She releases a sigh of relief removing her body from Kenshin's. She gives him a mixed expression, fingers brushing her hair from her face. Her voice is low.
MJ Bell: You climbed into bed with me then you got all clingy. So I have no idea.
Kenshin Takamura: I don't remember any of that...
MJ Bell: Of course you don't.
Takamura seems very confused by the whole situation, but he rolls away from MJ and out of bed. She doesn't let him see the confusion on her features. The whole this is just too strange to dwell on.
Kenshin Takamura: Whatever. Let's go get breakfast. My treat.
MJ Bell: Yeah. Love that idea.
MJ throws the blanket off her body before hopping up out of bed. It doesn't take them long to dress and walk out.
February 24- Holiday Inn's Gym.
Finn's hands are rubbing at his sore neck when he enters into the gym. His eyes widen when he notices his sister running at full speed on the treadmill. MJ has her headphones, eyes narrow with determination and her whole body glistening with sweat. She is wearing black shorts with a neon pink tank top and her same old sneakers. Finn simply walks over to sit in a chair across from the treadmill with his hands in his jean pockets. The mirror that is front of her shows Finn in the background but she doesn't seem to give him any reaction. Finally the treadmill slows down enough for MJ to stop her running. Her breath comes out steady, her hand rips the headphones from her ears so they hang out of her tank top.
MJ Bell: Why am I getting a look?
Finn Bell: What has you so worked up? Did something happen between you and Kenshin?
Her expression abruptly changes when she moves closer to her brother. She contorts her face in confusion before a quick smile spreads on her face.
MJ Bell: No, we're fine. He was a little grumpy today but a hangover can do that to you. I was just really focusing on my run. I'm getting into a mind set for my match.
Finn Bell: When did you two leave this morning?
MJ Bell: Um, around five? I'm not sure. We went to grab some breakfast then I drove him back to his hotel.
Finn Bell: Cool.
She nods her head. That is suspicious and it shows on her face. Finn eyes are staring to the ground when he nods himself. The two of them stand in silence aside from her shoe tapping against the ground. Finn runs his fingers through his darker hair before he clears his throat.
Finn Bell: Kenshin is cool. I'm glad to see you taking on a new tag-team partner.
The music from MJ's headphones blare filling the suddenly awkward air. Her eyes search her brothers face for some sort of sign to his odd comment. When there is none she chews her bottom lip then gives him an answer.
MJ Bell: He is cool. One of my best friends now.
The awkward air is causing MJ's skin to break out in goose bumps so she pats Finn's shoulder. He gives her a tiny smile. He is hiding something from her. She jumps on it in a second.
MJ Bell: What is it? Don't hide it behind Kenshin. Come on. Out with it.
Finn Bell: Mom and dad are coming to see us when we get to the next massacre.
His words come out fast but MJ catches every single one. It's clear that MJ isn't jumping for joy. She juts her chin out, mouth gaping and her eyes narrow. Finn lifts his hands in defense and he takes a few steps back. It isn't long before MJ is waving her hand out at him.
MJ Bell: Why?! I love them, you know I do but I don't want to hear it from mom. You know, she wasn't even happy about what I did in the Battle Royal? The only she said to me was that I was really reckless!
He lifts his shoulders up then drops them down in a shrug. His hair shakes out to show her that he has no control over the situation. That isn't good enough for MJ. Body turning quickly to face away from her brother. The contorted look of frustration plain on her fair features.
MJ Bell: This is such bullshit. I can't have her talking down to me before my match!
Finn Bell: Block her out Madeline.
She whips around to face him, clearly on the defensive. She doesn't say anything but waves her hands out in frustration. There is nothing else to be said. MJ snatches up her stuff walking out from the gym. None of the anger is aiming at Finn and he seems to know that. Fingers tightly coil around the strap of her gym bag. There is nothing worse than having a parent in your ear before a match. The last time her mother got on her case about wresting Finn was sent to the hospital. It wasn't her mother that MJ blamed for her weakness in that match. The fault was hers. There are times when MJ looks at her brother only to remember the sight of him hitting the floor. There was a lot of blood around him when it happened. There is nothing easy about a hardcore match.
The memory of her brother laying in the hospital room still opens up a wound. Suddenly she is reliving that match. MJ stops mid stride. Her fist slugs against the wall, a grunt leaving her lips before she keeps moving down the hallway. It is never easy to know the people who are suppose to be supporting you aren't doing it. Her mother constantly tells MJ that she should change careers. She can never see herself on stage with a microphone in her hand singing. If she has a microphone in hand then she is trash-talking. She is announcing that she will be the best in this business no matter what comes at her.
A hand lands against MJ's shoulder and on instinct she jerks away ready to hit whoever it is. It's Finn. He is panting using her as support to lean against. Sympathetically she pats her brothers hand on her shoulder. Her features expressing the same emotion.
MJ Bell: We should go get some lunch before hitting the road.
Finn gives her a tired smile, his hand lifting up to give her a shaky thumbs-up. MJ's arm goes around his waist as the two of them walk down the hall way. For a minute her grip tightens on him. She is worrying about him all over again but she doesn't let it show.
MJ Bell: Man, you are out of shape.
Finn Bell: Shut up.
She starts laughing and shortly after, so does he. Again, Finn seems too serious to make MJ comfortable.
MJ Bell: Are you worried about something?
Finn Bell: I know I shouldn't have been but when Sean threw you out of the match I thought...
His voice trails off, head hanging low with a look of shame. However, MJ doesn't seem bothered by it.
MJ Bell: You thought I'd get hurt. Finn, we both know how messy this career is. Safety isn't in the contract. You saw Ian and Brianna's match. One day I might be in a match just like that. Mind you my match Monday isn't going to be anything like that.
Finn takes a deep breath. For a second, he reminds her of a father. Finn has always been right next to her through everything. It wasn't surprising to see him worry.
Finn Bell: Speaking of which, how are you feeling about that? I hear Alexis Terry is a tough competitor.
MJ Bell: I'm not worried. How many times have I been in a match with a 'tough competitor' and come out on top? I'm not even going to sweat about it.
Finn Bell: Still on a high from the Battle Royal?
MJ Bell: I might be. Does it matter? Sure, I didn't win the damn thing but did you see me? Finn, you don't have to worry about Alexis because I'm not worried about her. She'll be just another notch on my push. I don't care if she has won titles or whatever because I've beaten people with titles. It's not like they are Gods or something. She isn't even a concern so don't let it bug you. I can handle this.
Her brother's darker eyes remain on her. His expression unreadable. There is silence once again but Finn speaks before MJ can. The tone is lighter.
Finn Bell: Don't forget to--
MJ Bell: Check my footing.
Finn repeats this saying whenever MJ's confidence goes too far. When she is burning from the hype it distracts her, makes her almost unaware. She nudges her brother with her side and he gives her a short smile. It is amazing how lost, unsure and clumsy she would be without the support of her brother. Her hand slips into the front pocket of her gym bag to pull out the key card to their room. The two of them have a long drive ahead of them after lunch time.
In the dark hotel room all three of them sleep after the long night of celebrating. Clothes lay next to the couch and near the bed. MJ peers out from under the blanket. She is in a long shirt with her short-shorts covering her lower half. Her heavy eye lids blink clearing the haze from them. Suddenly they force themselves fully open to see her brother and Kenshin across the room. Kenshin is laying on the couch with his forearm resting over his face. He is only wearing his boxer briefs. Lightly breathing and emitting a gentle snore. He seems peaceful from where she is laying. Finn is on the floor with a make-shift bed of blankets. He is breathing slowly with both arms covering the top of his face. MJ lifts her head up enough to check where her phone is. It is blinking with notifications probably from Twitter or texts from her friends. Last night she had been receiving a lot of praises for her stunt to get back into the ring.
Her hand inches across the bed side table to slid her phone over to her. When she clicks it on her eyes squint from the harsh light coming from the small device. Her eyes adjust after a bit of rubbing them and forcing them. From the couch there is a tiny groan, the shift of movement causes a pillow to gently thump against the ground. She peeks over to watch Kenshin remove his arm from his face. A tiny smirk spreads on MJ's face while she taps a Tweet up.
Kenshin's phone makes a sound, receiving an objection from the man. MJ watches as he does something on his phone before he looks across the room at her. Kenshin very hazy at his own surroundings, his lips parting to speak but her index lifts to her lips. Her other hand points down at Finn to signal the two of them to keep quite. MJ looks down at her Twitter app seeing a reply from Kenshin, she sends one back his way and he seems to understand. The two of them finally get up from the separate locations, Kenshin more so because he is standing. MJ is sitting up running her fingers through her messy locks trying to keep the ache from her head to ease. The next thing she knows is Kenshin slipping into the other side of the bed.
MJ Bell: What are you doing?!
She whispers watching him while he snuggles down into the soft sheets. Only a groan escapes Kenshin's mouth as he continues to get cozy beside her. His arms suddenly reach out and grab MJ, hugging her close to him in the process. MJ gives him a soft squeak, body wiggling to free herself. It is confusing turn of events because Kenshin is not actually awake. Absently, with a bit of drool running down his chin, Kenshin mutters in his sleep something in Japanese, at first, then follows it up with some English.
Kenshin Takamura: So soft...
It is obvious that Kenshin is quite asleep even as he presses his cheek against MJ's own face. A very drawn out sigh escapes from MJ's mouth as she reaches up to wipe the drool from his cheek, her face twisting in slight disgust, then she wipes it on the blanket. She slips down a bit so her face is level with his chest, both of her arms struggles to free themselves from between the two of them to no avail. His body warmth heating her body up to an almost uncomfortable level.
MJ Bell: Kenshin?
She whispers still trying to remove his arms around her body. He is a lot heavier than she thought. Her voices grows a little louder, her hands pushing against his chest to try and rouse him. She moves back upwards.
MJ Bell: Kenshin. Wake up.
Kenshin only tightens his grip, pressing their bodies closer together, intimately so. His legs tangle up with hers, his torso up against hers and his hands are around her lower back. Again, he mutters in his sleep.
Kenshin Takamura: I don' wanna' go to work... I wanna' stay in bed with...
Kenshin's voice trails off at the end. Maybe it's horrible curiosity or she is being extremely idiotic. Does she really want to know who Kenshin is dreaming about? Is it any of her business? She squirms to move up to look at his face. Her tone softer than before.
MJ Bell: With who?
A sleepy sigh escapes Kenshin's lips as he nudges his face into hers a bit more. Her arms start to hurt from being trapped between the two of them but she doesn't continue to struggle. Adjusting her arms in a more comfortable position between the two of them. Both palms flat to his bare chest.
Kenshin Takamura: With...
Again, he stops speaking and just rubs his cheek into hers, getting himself more comfortable. MJ relaxes her body allowing him to snuggle close. He then starts speaking again, but changes subjects.
Kenshin Takamura: She always smells so nice...
She exhales through her nose. This is getting her nowhere but the curiosity stands firm. Who is the girl? Someone he knows from Japan? She leans away feeling her cheeks heating up. It's hard to tell the origins because Kenshin's body is hot in temperature. Her chin ducks down, lips pulling at the corner so she can blow bangs from her face.
MJ Bell: Does she? Who is she?
Kenshin inaudibly mumbles a bit then begins speaking Japanese to MJ.
Kenshin Takamura: “OCW de no watashi no shin'yū.”
MJ Bell: I don't speak Japanese Kenshin, you dummy.
Her fingers draw little circles on his bare chest trying to distract herself from one of his body parts rubbing against her thigh. As she does, Kenshin shifts just slightly, rubbing against her a bit more. Her body burns up. Any comment about 'just friends' feels like it is being thrown from a window. No one could see them so MJ tries to put her mind at some ease. She didn't like Kenshin, didn't want to get into his pants but there is something there. Something that MJ will avoid at all costs. The more their bodies touch, the more detail she seems to put into the invisible drawing on his skin. Her toes rub against the top of his foot to be more of a distraction while his feet shift just a bit under her soft toes.
The emotions stirring in her chest causing the headache to worsen. A million thoughts buzzing around in an angry blur. Every thought that encourages their embrace is shut out by two thoughts screaming against it. Through the bangs hanging in her face she gazes up to him. Her finger tips moving up to brush against Kenshin's lower lip. When they part she quickly removes them back to their original location on his chest as Kenshin licks his lips, still asleep.
MJ Bell: Are you going to tell me who the girl is?
With a sigh, he begins to answer her question once more. She lifts her head to look at him.
Kenshin Takamura: Yes...
His speech is dragging a bit since he's in a deep sleep.
Kenshin Takamura: Her name is...
MJ seems to be quite attentive as it seems like Kenshin is going to say it at any minute.
Kenshin Takamura: M...
Yes, yes. M. suddenly, Kenshin's eyes open and widen when he notices he's so close to MJ. His pupils dart back and forth in surprise. His sudden movement makes MJ jump, any part of her body touching his breaks apart. Her heart pounds from the abrupt actions.
Kenshin Takamura: How the hell did I get up here?!
A small frown forms on her face when both of her hands shove against Kenshin's face to shut him up. Down on the floor Finn jumps to life with his cell phone in hand like a weapon. MJ curses under her breathe tilting her head to look at the disoriented Finn. She holds her breath when Finn looks over at the two of them.
Finn Bell: What the fuck are you two doing?!
MJ keeps her body very still, her leg goes over Kenshin's legs to try to keep his movement down to a minimal. She whispers to him.
MJ Bell: Don't move. He'll go back to sleep.
As she calls it, Finn doesn't seem fully aware of his surrounding when he drops back down onto the floor. She releases a sigh of relief removing her body from Kenshin's. She gives him a mixed expression, fingers brushing her hair from her face. Her voice is low.
MJ Bell: You climbed into bed with me then you got all clingy. So I have no idea.
Kenshin Takamura: I don't remember any of that...
MJ Bell: Of course you don't.
Takamura seems very confused by the whole situation, but he rolls away from MJ and out of bed. She doesn't let him see the confusion on her features. The whole this is just too strange to dwell on.
Kenshin Takamura: Whatever. Let's go get breakfast. My treat.
MJ Bell: Yeah. Love that idea.
MJ throws the blanket off her body before hopping up out of bed. It doesn't take them long to dress and walk out.
February 24- Holiday Inn's Gym.
Finn's hands are rubbing at his sore neck when he enters into the gym. His eyes widen when he notices his sister running at full speed on the treadmill. MJ has her headphones, eyes narrow with determination and her whole body glistening with sweat. She is wearing black shorts with a neon pink tank top and her same old sneakers. Finn simply walks over to sit in a chair across from the treadmill with his hands in his jean pockets. The mirror that is front of her shows Finn in the background but she doesn't seem to give him any reaction. Finally the treadmill slows down enough for MJ to stop her running. Her breath comes out steady, her hand rips the headphones from her ears so they hang out of her tank top.
MJ Bell: Why am I getting a look?
Finn Bell: What has you so worked up? Did something happen between you and Kenshin?
Her expression abruptly changes when she moves closer to her brother. She contorts her face in confusion before a quick smile spreads on her face.
MJ Bell: No, we're fine. He was a little grumpy today but a hangover can do that to you. I was just really focusing on my run. I'm getting into a mind set for my match.
Finn Bell: When did you two leave this morning?
MJ Bell: Um, around five? I'm not sure. We went to grab some breakfast then I drove him back to his hotel.
Finn Bell: Cool.
She nods her head. That is suspicious and it shows on her face. Finn eyes are staring to the ground when he nods himself. The two of them stand in silence aside from her shoe tapping against the ground. Finn runs his fingers through his darker hair before he clears his throat.
Finn Bell: Kenshin is cool. I'm glad to see you taking on a new tag-team partner.
The music from MJ's headphones blare filling the suddenly awkward air. Her eyes search her brothers face for some sort of sign to his odd comment. When there is none she chews her bottom lip then gives him an answer.
MJ Bell: He is cool. One of my best friends now.
The awkward air is causing MJ's skin to break out in goose bumps so she pats Finn's shoulder. He gives her a tiny smile. He is hiding something from her. She jumps on it in a second.
MJ Bell: What is it? Don't hide it behind Kenshin. Come on. Out with it.
Finn Bell: Mom and dad are coming to see us when we get to the next massacre.
His words come out fast but MJ catches every single one. It's clear that MJ isn't jumping for joy. She juts her chin out, mouth gaping and her eyes narrow. Finn lifts his hands in defense and he takes a few steps back. It isn't long before MJ is waving her hand out at him.
MJ Bell: Why?! I love them, you know I do but I don't want to hear it from mom. You know, she wasn't even happy about what I did in the Battle Royal? The only she said to me was that I was really reckless!
He lifts his shoulders up then drops them down in a shrug. His hair shakes out to show her that he has no control over the situation. That isn't good enough for MJ. Body turning quickly to face away from her brother. The contorted look of frustration plain on her fair features.
MJ Bell: This is such bullshit. I can't have her talking down to me before my match!
Finn Bell: Block her out Madeline.
She whips around to face him, clearly on the defensive. She doesn't say anything but waves her hands out in frustration. There is nothing else to be said. MJ snatches up her stuff walking out from the gym. None of the anger is aiming at Finn and he seems to know that. Fingers tightly coil around the strap of her gym bag. There is nothing worse than having a parent in your ear before a match. The last time her mother got on her case about wresting Finn was sent to the hospital. It wasn't her mother that MJ blamed for her weakness in that match. The fault was hers. There are times when MJ looks at her brother only to remember the sight of him hitting the floor. There was a lot of blood around him when it happened. There is nothing easy about a hardcore match.
The memory of her brother laying in the hospital room still opens up a wound. Suddenly she is reliving that match. MJ stops mid stride. Her fist slugs against the wall, a grunt leaving her lips before she keeps moving down the hallway. It is never easy to know the people who are suppose to be supporting you aren't doing it. Her mother constantly tells MJ that she should change careers. She can never see herself on stage with a microphone in her hand singing. If she has a microphone in hand then she is trash-talking. She is announcing that she will be the best in this business no matter what comes at her.
A hand lands against MJ's shoulder and on instinct she jerks away ready to hit whoever it is. It's Finn. He is panting using her as support to lean against. Sympathetically she pats her brothers hand on her shoulder. Her features expressing the same emotion.
MJ Bell: We should go get some lunch before hitting the road.
Finn gives her a tired smile, his hand lifting up to give her a shaky thumbs-up. MJ's arm goes around his waist as the two of them walk down the hall way. For a minute her grip tightens on him. She is worrying about him all over again but she doesn't let it show.
MJ Bell: Man, you are out of shape.
Finn Bell: Shut up.
She starts laughing and shortly after, so does he. Again, Finn seems too serious to make MJ comfortable.
MJ Bell: Are you worried about something?
Finn Bell: I know I shouldn't have been but when Sean threw you out of the match I thought...
His voice trails off, head hanging low with a look of shame. However, MJ doesn't seem bothered by it.
MJ Bell: You thought I'd get hurt. Finn, we both know how messy this career is. Safety isn't in the contract. You saw Ian and Brianna's match. One day I might be in a match just like that. Mind you my match Monday isn't going to be anything like that.
Finn takes a deep breath. For a second, he reminds her of a father. Finn has always been right next to her through everything. It wasn't surprising to see him worry.
Finn Bell: Speaking of which, how are you feeling about that? I hear Alexis Terry is a tough competitor.
MJ Bell: I'm not worried. How many times have I been in a match with a 'tough competitor' and come out on top? I'm not even going to sweat about it.
Finn Bell: Still on a high from the Battle Royal?
MJ Bell: I might be. Does it matter? Sure, I didn't win the damn thing but did you see me? Finn, you don't have to worry about Alexis because I'm not worried about her. She'll be just another notch on my push. I don't care if she has won titles or whatever because I've beaten people with titles. It's not like they are Gods or something. She isn't even a concern so don't let it bug you. I can handle this.
Her brother's darker eyes remain on her. His expression unreadable. There is silence once again but Finn speaks before MJ can. The tone is lighter.
Finn Bell: Don't forget to--
MJ Bell: Check my footing.
Finn repeats this saying whenever MJ's confidence goes too far. When she is burning from the hype it distracts her, makes her almost unaware. She nudges her brother with her side and he gives her a short smile. It is amazing how lost, unsure and clumsy she would be without the support of her brother. Her hand slips into the front pocket of her gym bag to pull out the key card to their room. The two of them have a long drive ahead of them after lunch time.