John Cena sat down in a recliner in Vince's office, his head hanging low between the palms of his hands. Vince McMahon took a seat at the mahogany desk in front of him and eyed him with a look of compassion.

"Cena…"

"Look Vince, I know what you're about to say but don't. I'm not in the mood. Besides, this injury ain't nothing I can't handle," he replied eyeing the cast wrapped around his right arm and shoulder.

"Alright then. As you wish. I'm just…Cena please forgive me. I should have seen this coming." Vince lowered his head and let out a huge sigh.

"Hey Vince, don't you worry about it man. Being WWE Champ has taught me a lot you know. I'm just damned grateful that you believed in me enough to let me be champ. Besides, it's my own fault that I'm injured. No one could have seen this coming."

"Cena, even when you were a little pipsqueak I always knew you had it in ya. That night you wrestled Kurt on Smackdown, even he, a former gold medalist, had to acknowledge your drive."

"Dammit Vince," Cena growled. His frustration was now getting the best of him. "I just…I know my days as champ were numbered anyway but having to miss this pay per view sucks balls boss. I feel kinda bad that I won't be able to put Orton over."

"Don't be. He'll be alright. And between you and me, your buddy will be back soon." Cena sat up straight in his chair, a broad grin forming across his face.

"Shawn…Shawn is…?"

"Yep. His doctor gave him the ok weeks ago but I made him stay out and rest some more. That old coot." Vince gave a haughty chuckled and shook his head. "You know, you and Shawn have that chemistry that's just…"

"I know…don't you dare say it. I've heard from several of the guys and I tell you there's nothing going on between Shawn and me."

"Yeah, ok. If you say so…don't glare at me that way boy. I'm just kidding but you got to admit that the two of you work magic on the screen."

"Yeah and this makes me feel worse because I would love to step in the ring with him again; not necessarily as an opponent but as his tag partner again."

"Yeah, Shawn said the same thing not too long ago. Oh well. Maybe when you're all healed up you two can work together again."

"Yeah…so what about this Sunday? What's the plan?"

"I don't know yet but Bishoff's been helping us out with the script writing and all. He says he has the perfect solution and you know Bishoff," Vince said casually. "In the meantime, don't you worry about a thing. Everything is going to be all right now. Shawn is back as well as his fellow degenerate. Then we have Edge scheduled to return at Survivor Series so go home and get better."

"Go home…damn," Cena said laughing as he rose to his feet, "it's gonna be weird being at home for a year. I've never been one for staying in one place for very long. One of the reasons I love this business so much is because I get to travel."

"You want to know the real reason you feel that way?" Vince asked softly. Cena reached for the doorknob but stopped anyway, a curious smile forming on his lips.

"Sure Vince. Lay it on me."

"It's because you have no one to go home to."

"What? Vince…" Cena scoffed as he opened the door. "You can't be serious."

"I am serious. Find yourself a woman—a real woman—during your time off. Then show me how anxious you'll be to get back on the road."

"I don't need a woman Vince. I've been on my own for this long. Why complicate things now?"

"Shawn used to be the same way. You two have a lot in common. Funny I never realized it sooner. You could learn a lot from him just by observing."

"Oh I've seen his new lover…"

"Wife…well, fiancé rather. They are due to be married sometime soon."

"Good for him," Cena said grudgingly. "Well if there's anything else call me up. I'll be at my condo in the GA. Later Vince."

"See ya."

JC--JC--JC--JC--JC--JC

Allison let out a sigh as she sat on her bed playing on her laptop. It was a Friday night and as usual she was stuck inside her dorm room staring at the four walls or the bright screen of her computer. Actually, that was only half true. She worked three jobs and tonight was the first night she'd had off in quite sometime. Usually when she got off of her workstudy job, she had to frantically change into her uniform and head over to the local Blockbuster to work on Fridays. Then other nights during the week, she worked a few hours at Sonic. After work, she'd come back to her room to shower and do homework then it was time for bed. Life? Yeah, that's what life is like when you're a 23 year old struggling college student.

Her parents divorced when she was only four. Her mom was left to take care of her and her younger brother Martin who was now entering his senior year in high school. He made good grades and was an excellent basketball player. Because of this, he'd be entering his first year at Georgia Tech without having to pay a cent.

Allison signed off of her instant messenger and closed her lap top. She climbed off of her bed and stretched, yawning loudly.

"What a night," she mumbled. She slipped on some shoes, grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

AB--AB--AB--AB

When Cena reached his condo in Lithonia Springs, he was not in the best of moods. He hated having to have a chauffer drive him around like a servant. He was never big on riding in limos and having servants. With all the money and fame he was still just plain old Cena. He thanked his driver as he helped him carry his things into his house. The inside of Cena's condo was not what most would have assumed it looked like. In fact, it had a very motherly vibe to it. When you first walked in, you entered a huge living room with pale pink carpet. His living room set was made of cherry wood, the fabric white with patterned flowers of pink and white. The coffee and corner tables were circular shaped and made of glass. They were topped with either beautiful frames of family and friends or vases filled with the nicest assortment of flowers. In the kitchen was the same; the dining set matched the living room set and his long glass counter was topped with nothing but a phone and candy dish. The house was livable but anyone could easily tell that the house had not been lived in for quite sometime. With Cena being on the road so much, he honestly couldn't remember the last time he had been home.

Cena walked down the short hallway and into his bedroom to drop off his things. Just seeing his room draped in WWE gear made him want to break down and cry. He had not been home five minutes and already he was missing being in the ring. He quickly left the room and headed back out the front door.

"Driver, I need to get out for a while. It's…I don't feel like being alone right now."

"Yes, sir. Where to?" asked the driver, closing the door behind him.

"Uh…I don't know…a drink…I need a drink."

"Yes, sir."

JC--JC--JC

A few minutes later, Cena was sitting at a booth by himself, drinking a hot latte from Starbucks while staring out the window. It was now pouring down rain but it was still a beautiful night. The city lights seemed to shine on through the murky weather. Some loud voices brought Cena out of his trance. He looked up to see two guys who looked no older than about 20 or 21, arguing with some brown headed female. It looked pretty serious. He took another sip of his coffee and decided to watch the show. He was not one for letting people get hurt, especially women but since they were only arguing he decided it was best not to get involved. After all, he didn't want or need to be recognized.

"Allison, come on. Why are you trippin'?"

"Look Jared, I'm not doing this anymore. I don't want to date you or do anything else for that matter with you anymore."

"But we were getting so close," he said grinning.

"Jared, you only want to sleep with me. I told you that I am not interested in sex with you or anyone else. I only want to finish my studies and then get up out of here."

"That's why she's so lame. Jared, let's get out of here. The ladies from the Ra sorority are having a party tonight and you know Jessica's gonna be there." Allison dropped her spoon in her glass as she stood up. Glaring angrily at Jared, she picked up her keys and attempted to leave but was pulled back by Brandon, Jared's buddy.

"Let go of me! I knew he was seeing someone else!" Brandon just laughed as he continued to pull on Allison's shirt.

"Oh sit down babe. I can explain…"

"Oh now you want to talk. I have to go. I have to work in the morning unlike some people." She jerked away from Brandon and quickly headed out the door. Jared and Brandon jumped up and ran after her. The rain was still pouring and Allison got soaked as she headed to her car. She got in and turned the key but the car would not start.

"Oh no," she groaned. She turned the key a few more times but it still would not start. "Dammit! Of all the nights…" She jumped at the sound of Jared's banging on her window. Why won't he go away…

"Aw come on Alli. Let me make it up to you. How about a ride home?" Allison sighed as she removed the key from the ignition. I get the feeling that I'm going to regret this…She got out of the car and stood in front of a grinning Jared. Her jeans and red tank were now sticking to her body as the rain continued to drench them.

"I'd like to get that ride sometime soon before I catch a cold," she mumbled.

"Okay, but we're going to make a stop first."

"Stop? Where?"

"My place," he replied casually. "You know gas ain't cheap and ain't nothing free in this world sweetheart."

"Oh you…figures. I'll walk."

"No, I don't think you understand. Either way you owe me babes." Brandon grabbed her from behind, pulling her arms back.

"LET ME GO YOU BASTARDS!"

"You heard the lady…let her go." All three turned to see Cena standing outside of Starbucks glaring at them menacingly. Both Jared and Brandon looked at each other then started laughing. "I take it I missed the joke cuz there ain't nothing funny about what I said. Let the lady go."

"Or what? You got one free arm and a broken arm. There's two of us so the odds are against you," Brandon said, tossing Allison aside.

"I'm used to the deck being stacked against me. Anyway, you can go on now. All I wanted was the lady not you two prima donnas."

"You're asking for a beat down. Just who the hell are you? She's my woman…"

"I'm not your woman you bastard!" Brandon turned around and slapped Allison in the face causing her to rear back and hit the side of her Honda. He didn't get a moment to enjoy it for next thing he knew he was tasting gravel. Cena had punched him in the back with a fist causing him to plummet to the sidewalk. Cena sat down on top of him staring up at Jared who was too scared to do anything.

"Aren't you gonna help your friend?" Cena asked. Jared studied Cena carefully for a few seconds but decided that Cena was just too big to pick a fight with. He flicked him off before breaking off into a run down the sidewalk. "That pussy," Cena mumbled. He stood up and then pulled Brandon up by the shirt.

"Don't…don't beat me…I didn't…I was just going along with…"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, go join your little pussy friend. If I see you pushing other women around again, I'll finish the job. Got that?"

"Yeah…yeah." Cena let him go and Brandon wasted no time taking off down the street. He turned to Allison who was now standing with her arms folded trying to keep warm. The rain had not showed any signs of letting up and both were soaked. "Hey, are you alright?" She looked up at this stranger but was too frightened to speak. After all, he did take down two guys without breaking a sweat. She guessed that he sensed her fear for he took a step back and lifted his free hand.

"Hey…I'm unarmed and everything. If you're upset because I butted in then I'm sorry. I just don't like seeing women being pushed around. I grew up in that kind of environment and I just refuse to let it happen when I'm around."

"No…no…it's…thank you," she replied through chattered teeth. Cena chuckled and then extended his hand.

"I know you don't know me but I promise I won't hurt you. Let me give you a ride home. I saw that you were having car troubles but my driver can give you a lift." She hesitated for a moment but then assessed the situation. She was cold, lonely, and broke without a working vehicle. Could it possibly get any worse?

"Th…thank you." She took his hand and he led her towards a black Explorer. A guy dressed in a navy suit greeted them as he opened the door for them. Allison climbed in back first and Cena followed. The driver closed the door and then got up front.

"Where to sir?"

"Uh…" Cena glanced at Allison but he figured she hadn't heard the driver. She was still running her hands up and down her arms trying to get warm. "Psst…hey."

"Oh…I'm so sorry. Did you say something?" Cena laughed and nodded his head.

"Yeah, where do I drop you off?"

"Oh I go to the college just a few blocks from here."

"I'll have you there in no time maam."

"Thank you." As the driver pulled away from Starbucks, Cena chanced a glance at Allison. She was staring down at the floor apparently lost in thought. "Uh…sir…I just…I appreciate this. Not many people would give a complete stranger a ride home in their new car especially when their clothes are soaking wet."

"Oh, it's no problem. This car…it's just a car. A little rain won't hurt it. So uh…what's your name? You don't have to worry about me seeking you out or anything like that. It's not my style."

"It's…Allison…Allison Brody," she said faintly.

"Allison…pretty name."

"Thanks. What's yours? I promise not to seek you out either even though I'm sure…never mind."

"Uh…" Cena did not think about the situation in all its entirety when he offered to give her a ride. Name…he hadn't planned on giving out his name to anybody. He was here on sick leave and didn't need to be hassled by WWE fans while trying to take a break and relax. "It's…Shawn." A lie…a big one but that was the first name that popped into his head.

"Nice name although you don't really look like a Shawn."

"Oh really now?" he chuckled. "Why you say that?"

"When you say Shawn, I picture a scrawny little man." Cena snorted trying to hold back a laugh. It was then that the Explorer came to a stop in front of a building that looked like a small apartment complex.

"Thanks for the ride Mr…"

"Michaels, but you can call me Shawn. Oh, hey…take this." He reached up front and grabbed a black jacket from the passenger's side. "Put this on and don't worry about trying to get it back to me. You more than likely won't ever see me again so as my last act of chivalry you take this coat of armor. It will protect your head against the rain and repel the cool night air."

Allison couldn't help but to laugh. She looked at Cena and grinned. He just didn't look like the type to be so…romantic. She highly doubted that he knew what he was doing could be taken as a romantic gesture. She put on the coat and noticed that it had all kinds of things embroidered on it. She made a mental note to check it out sometime tomorrow after getting some sleep.

"Thank you so much. I'll…this means a lot."

"Glad I could help. You be safe and don't let those goons get you down."

"I won't. I'm pretty sure you scared them off being as you're so huge and everything."

"Yeah well I may be huge but you can take care of yourself. You just need some encouragement. The ladies I normally hang around with are a force to be reckoned with. Even I won't tread those waters lightly."

"That's hard to imagine," she laughed. "Anyway, I'll be going now. Thanks again for everything and um…well, since I won't be seeing you again then I hope…well…" She leaned over cupping his face and kissed his lips slowly…gently. She hadn't really expected him to respond but he did, his tongue entering her mouth setting her on fire. She pulled away quickly, opening the door and then speeding off towards the complex wrapped in her newest gift. Cena watched her disappear through the rain and then leaned back as his Explorer drove away into the night.

AN: Okay. So because fanfiction updates are so gay, I am having to go back and reupload every chapter of every damn fic that I've written on here because of the way I seperated my sections. That's so fcking lame! Anyway, I hope this chapter was exactly the way I had poted it the first time. Sometimes, I make major changes after I upload a doc so I have no idea half of the time whether or not I am going to post what I had originally typed. So new readers, please bare with me. I'll try to have every chapter fixed by the weekend. Gahh!!