I thought about it for awhile and I decided that I needed to add ONE MORE chapter to this story to kind of wrap things up and tie everything together in this Carter & Seth/Colby saga. SO for those of you who have been having withdrawals...here is one more chapter of those two- FOR NOW. I hope you enjoy :)

Carter's music was blaring through her ear buds as her feet thudded on the sidewalk of the streets surrounding the performance center in Tampa. She was mid run, settled in to her stride, and feeling her runner's high. Even with it being so early it was still hot, sticky hot, but she didn't really mind it; the sweat made her feel like she had put in more work than she had. It was all mental.

Her phone started ringing, interrupting her workout playlist with the opening chords of 'Everlong' by the Foo Fighters, and just like that her whole rhythm and stride was thrown off.

She cursed out loud and stopped running, taking a few deep breaths before hitting the button on the microphone of her ear buds to answer her call. She didn't even bother to check her arm and see who it was that was calling.

"Yeah?" she asked, still taking deep breaths. Hopefully it wasn't anyone she needed to be professional with.

"Sunshine…" she heard the smug, smooth voice of Seth come across the line.

She sighed and shook her head, taking a long look at the sidewalk stretching ahead of her.

"I can't…I can't really talk right now, Seth…I…"

"The fuck are you doing, C?" he laughed. "You sound like you…well, I won't say that…"

"I'm in, or I was, in the middle of a run, you perv. I'm somewhere near the performance center."

"Oh, well you shouldn't have stopped for me…you could've called back."

She frowned, resting her hands on her hips; her breathing was finally slowing down. "I didn't. I forgot to turn my ringer off and it interrupted my music and it threw me off. I figured I might as well answer; I didn't even know it was you…I didn't look."

"Go finish your run," he said.

"What did you want? Or were you just calling to chat?" she asked.

"I mean would it be a sin if I just called to chat with you?"

"No," she huffed, "I didn't mean it to sound like that. I just…"

"You're in a bad mood, huh?"

"Yeah, a little bit, hence why I'm knee deep in a maze of streets in Orlando."

"What's wrong?"

"Just another pay per view that I'm getting demoted from, Nick is being a twat and trying to be my friend, PMS; standard stuff. It's no big deal, I'll work it out."

"Can I help?"

"Hmm, no, I don't think so, really. Thank you, though. It'll pass."

"Would having dinner with me help?"

"What?"

"I'm coming to Orlando; I'll be there at like two or three and I have a workout tonight. I'm getting back in the ring."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"So you're coming back? It's official?"

"I don't know when yet, it depends on how things go this weekend, but it'll be soon. It's official."

"God, Seth, that's fucking great!" she exclaimed, she had a warm smile on her face, despite nobody being around to see it. "I'm happy for you; you…deserve a good comeback."

"Well now we have to get you cheered up."

She chuckled, "oh, um…shit, I wasn't planning on sticking around after I finished my workout. I need to pack, still, I'm flying to Jersey in the AM. I don't even have dinner worthy clothes with me…I only came here to get my hair done, honestly."

"That's one of the girliest things I've ever heard you say."

"It happens."

"Well I'll come to you, then, if you aren't going to be in Orlando. Tampa isn't that far."

She inhaled deeply at the sound of concern in his voice. "You don't have to do that. The last thing you need after a flight is to get in a car and drive an hour and then drive back an hour, especially with what you have going on tomorrow. You're going to throw everything at it, I know you. I really will be fine. I'm gonna pack and go to sleep and go get on my own flight."

"You just really don't want to hang out with me, huh?"

"That's not it, Seth; you know that."

"I know," he inhaled deeply, sighing. "Go finish your run; get that mood out of you. Just…destroy yourself, you'll feel better."

"I'm gonna try."

"My offer is always open if you change your mind and start to feel bad for me being all alone in Orlando on a Friday night…"

"Your guilt trips never work on me," she said, laughing lightly. "Have a good trip, be safe, keep me updated, ok?"

"You got it."

She smiled to herself as she pressed the button on her microphone again to end the call. Her music immediately came blaring back through her ear buds and she jumped a little bit, she had already forgotten about it. She took a moment to skip a few songs and to stretch her legs a little bit and then she lowered her gaze and started back at it; she was going to do exactly what Seth had said and work it all out of her.

By the time Carter had finished her run and cleaned up with a shower, she was already starting to regret automatically turning Seth down. Truthfully, it would be nice to have dinner with him. She loved hanging out with him, the few times they had gotten to hang out, and he was probably right that it would cheer her up. If anything she would at least have an excuse to indulge in a few drinks.

Now that she had changed her mind she had to figure out her plan. He said he would be there around three and had a workout at the performance center. Did she try and go home and come back? Did she hang around Orlando? She had the time either way.

She made a quick decision in her head and headed out of the performance center to her jeep, fishing her phone from her pocket as she walked.

"Well hi…"

Carter popped her back hatch as Seth answered his phone and tossed her bag in before she turned, surveying the parking lot.

"I changed my mind."

"You're a woman, you do that..." Seth dryly responded.

"Don't make me change it again."

He chuckled, "what happened? Did the run work it out of you?"

"I don't know I just felt like I kind of blew you off and that was rude of me."

"You didn't, C, I get it."

"And it'll be good to hang out. We can celebrate."

"What happened to not having dinner appropriate clothes? Don't drive all the way home and come back for me. It's fine…really."

"Well I don't but Becky does and I have a key to her condo and she said she's fine with me borrowing something. I'm just gonna hang out by the pool probably…I'll speed pack in the morning."

"I like it."

"So are you getting a rental or what? What's the plan gonna be? You have a workout, right?"

"I have a WWE chauffeur and yeah I'm probably gonna go straight there and workout. I can take an Uber and meet you wherever. You pick. You're more familiar with Orlando these days than I am."

"I'll just meet you at the performance center, I'll drive. And I'll think about where to go. I don't know what I'm craving right now…"

"Sounds good. Pick something good, though; we're celebrating."

She rolled her eyes, "I got it. Have a good flight ok? I'll see you this afternoon."

"Enjoy your sunbathing…"

Carter had opted for a pair of jeans and a plain royal blue tank top. She threw on an accent necklace and braided her hair in a loose braid that hung over her shoulder, some loose strands managing to blow out from her drive to the performance center with her windows down and music blaring. Becky's closet wasn't so bad to shop in, she decided.

She made her way into the performance center and down the hallway that led to the rings. Seth was still there with the trainers and she paused off to the side to stand and watch.

She smiled to herself. She couldn't remember ever really just standing and watching him wrestle. She had seen him at shows but it was always on a monitor, or on TV; not in person. It was good to see him in the ring. She could see his focus but he also had a smile on his face; she knew he was feeling absolute happiness at the prospect of returning to action literally any day now.

She wasn't sure how long she stood and watched and waited but she finally realized they were calling it a night. She smiled at one of the trainers, Amy, as she started towards the ring.

"How many times am I gonna see you around here today?" Amy asked her.

"Oh this is it," Carter chuckled and nodded towards the ring, "I'm only back because of that one."

Amy turned and glanced at Seth who was talking to Tye Dillinger. "He's looking good."

"Good, he's been dying for this day to come."

Amy winked at her, "get out of here. Find something fun to do. You work too much."

"Yes ma'am."

Carter was chuckling as she continued closer to the ring. Seth wandered over to the side she was on and gripped the top rope, lowering himself to sit on the apron.

"What'd you think sunshine?" he smiled.

"I don't know the first thing about anything so that's not a question to ask me but from what I was just told things look good. How did it feel?"

"Good…a little nerve racking. I feel like every time I'm plant my foot my knee is gonna give again but I think it's just a mental thing. It feels good, though. I'm a little sore…"

"You'll get past it," she smiled. "You gotta get back in there and do the move that got you. Get it out of the way and you'll be back to the old Rollins."

"I needed this; to be back in here." They shared a smile and a short silence. He took a second to look her up and down, hopefully without her noticing. He could tell she had been in the sun that day; she had a slight glow to her. She had dressed casually and simply but she still managed to look beautiful. "You look nice."

"Thank you."

"I'm a little sad you didn't wear any of Becky's goggles though…"

"I thought about a top hat. There was one in her closet. I figured that would be a bit too much, though."

"I think you could've pulled it off. Is it ok if I shower before we go wherever it is you're taking me?"

"We're getting seafood, it's a little mom and pop kind of place and they have the most amazing lobster stuffed mushrooms, so I hope you aren't allergic or anything."

"I'm not."

"Good, and please do shower, I don't need you being all smelly and sweaty in my Jeep."

He rolled his eyes at her, "I don't smell; ever. I'll make it quick I promise."

"Take your time."

Carter watched Seth cross over to the other side of the ring and drop down to roll under the bottom rope. He disappeared for a second and then popped back up, a backpack hanging off his shoulder by one strap and then he disappeared down the hallway.

At least she was spending her time waiting in a building she was familiar with. She wandered across the space and leaned against the open doorway to the weight room. Cesaro and Cena were both across the room, chatting quietly. After a few moments, Cena broke away and made his way over to Carter.

"Mrs. Carter," John nodded at her.

"Mrs. Carter is Beyoncé," she countered.

"How are you? I haven't seen you lately."

"I'm good, and I know, I've been kind of hiding. With Nikki and Brie not around all the time now I don't know…things have been different. I've been figuring things out."

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, you don't have to worry about me."

"Oh I never worry about you, you are the one member for the fab four that I know can handle herself. Don't tell Nicole I said that, or the other two." Carter smiled warmly at him and nodded. "So I saw you over there, through the windows, talking to Rollins…you uh…" John wiggled his eyebrows at her and gave her the closest he ever came to a goofy grin.

"Don't start with me; we aren't. We're friends and he's getting evaluated to get back in the ring. We're just going to dinner."

"Well you look very nice," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Need any recommendations?"

"No, I have it handled, thank you."

"Well have fun. Do responsible things, or don't…I'm not one to judge…"

"Stop it!" Carter laughed and scolded. She shared a quick hug with him and then winked before turning on her heel to walk away and calling over her shoulder, "I'm telling Nicole that you were picking on me!"

By the time Sunday rolled around and Carter was dragging herself out of her bed in her hotel room to prepare for Extreme Rules day, she was in less of a bad mood but still not feeling as good as she wished she was. She had hoped she would get some time with Renee since she had to be in New Jersey early to help with some promotional appearances before the show, but Renee had stayed back in Vegas, not flying in until Sunday morning.

She did get to have a quick dinner with Roman, though, which was always nice, but she missed her girls. She missed Nikki and Brie's sibling rivalry and arguing and she missed her safety net of her best friends. At least she would have a few nights and mornings of road trips to the next town with Becky coming up.

She had begrudgingly pulled herself from bed, gotten ready as much as she intended to, grabbed a late breakfast and made her way to the arena to prepare for the day. She had a creative meeting, hair and makeup, a Facebook live session to do and then it would be time for the show. No pre show for her, but she had a few segments during the show.

Much to her chagrin, shortly after she settled in the hair and makeup chair with her freshly made cup of coffee, Dana Brooke sat down across from her. Carter bit the inside of her lip and sighed quietly- of course, it had to be her ex's new girl friend, the girl he cheated on her with. The girl that probably had no idea he had spent the last few days telling her that he missed her. She cut her eyes up at Lindy who mouthed a 'sorry' at her.

Carter's phone vibrated in her lap at just the right moment. The awkward silence was starting to get heavy around the area. She glanced down, doing her best not to disturb Lindy and her brilliant work, to see who the message was from.

It was Seth.

How's your day, sunshine? Sorry I've been MIA all of this traveling distracts me sometimes.

You don't have to apologize, it's fine. My day has been 'meh'. Dana is currently sitting across from me in hair & makeup and it's super awkward taco.

Dropkick her in the face…

Seth, no.

When I'm officially back I'll be sure I have a match with Ziggler so I can take care of him for you. I can't do anything about Dana, though…recruit Becky.

Oh she's ready and waiting.
How is the 'official return' looking? What's the word? When is it happening? You haven't told me shit and I'm on the edge of my seat over here!

Don't fall off :)
It's happening soon but I don't know for sure yet.

But it's definitely happening?

It's definitely happening.

Carter paused for a moment to look around the arena around her, take in the people that were around. Dana was still across from her. She could see Big E and Kofi talking to Nattie down the hallway, Sasha and her husband were hovering over her latest wardrobe piece for that night. No Renee or Becky, no Bellas, no Cena; she was kind of lonely at the moment. Having Seth back on the road was going to be nice; a good change. She just hoped it wasn't weird. Their few moments that they had been in the same place with each other had come with it's share of complications and weirdness, but they had also had a couple of really good nights, like their dinner two nights before in Orlando. She could use that right now.

It'll be weird to see you every day. She finally responded to him.

You probably won't want to be friends with anymore and I wouldn't blame you for that.

Are you back on the whole 'I'm a bad guy. I'm an asshole.' thing again? We've been over this…
Besides if Wrestlemania didn't ruin things I don't see what would…

No changes to the pre show? It's still Amy and not you?

No changes…

Are you going to be ok?

I feel very out of place right now. I don't feel like I belong but I'm not sure if it's because I really don't belong or if it's just because I'm in my feelings without the twins around and Renee. I think I'm just going through a phase…I'll blame the moon cycle or something. It's all just really weird.

I'm sure I'll probably have some moments like that when I'm back on the card permanently too.
Keep your head up sunshine. You're where you're supposed to be, I promise.

Thank you

He didn't respond to her right away and that was fine. She needed to turn her attention on her present moment and let Lindy finish glamming her up for the night.

She knew she was right in telling him she was just going through a thing and it would pass; it happened. She really felt she just needed one good thing to fall in to her lap, one little moment, and it would snap her right out of it. She was thankful for his support, though. Things had certainly changed for them.

"Carter Kelly."

Carter heard her name come from behind her and she turned in her seat, seeking at the voice that had summoned her. Her eyes landed on Mark Carano and she inwardly cursed.

"Yes?"

He motioned his head down the hallway. She was seated next to Becky and Charlotte, watching the end of the night's pay per view, waiting to wrap up her time on the clock and head to the next city.

"Come take a quick walk with me."

Carter inhaled deeply and cast a look at the two girls and then stood from her seat, heading towards Carano. They walked a few feet in silence and he stopped next to one of the empty equipment cases that was pushed up against the wall.

"How are you doing?" he asked her.

"Oh, I'm good," Carter smiled. "I'm tired now but pay per view days are always tiring."

"You're really doing good?" he asked.

"Yes, I am. I have no complaints."

He studied her quietly for a moment, narrowing her eyes at her and then nodded, "okay, well, I'll let you enjoy the rest of the show and tonight but tomorrow morning Stephanie and I want to meet with you. Can you do nine?"

"I'll make sure I can do nine since it's my bosses requesting it."

"Good girl, I'll see you in the morning."

Perfect Carter thought to herself as she watched Carano walk away from her. She sighed deeply and let her body lean against the wall. A meeting with Carano and Stephanie; how did she managed to get so lucky? And when was she supposed to start obsessing over if it was a good meeting or not? She ran her hands through her hair and exhaled, letting her cheeks puff out as she exhaled, and pushed herself off the wall with intentions to reclaim her seat and watch the end of the main event match.

She paused before she even took a step when she caught movement of a group of people walking down the hallway towards her. She studied them for a moment and then laughed lightly when she realized who it was.

Seth Rollins. Seth was with them; his ring gear on and the hood of his jacket covering a hat that was pulled low over his eyes.

He gave her a discreet wink as they passed by her and all she could do was let her mouth drop slightly at the fact he was there, he was in his ring gear, he was making an appearance that night.

"That little fucker…" she mumbled to herself and scoffed. She couldn't believe he hadn't told her; she had been talking to him all day.

She quickly made her way back to her seat and to her chair, soon enough to watch Roman spear AJ out of mid air and pin him to win the match and win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Then there was Seth, running to the ring and sliding in to it to pedigree Roman and lift the championship over his head; his championship. Seeing the look on his face and hearing the way the entire arena was reacting to him, there was no way she could be upset with him for not telling her. She was happy for him; she was happy he was back.