Flames

Creating and Evolving, part 2

"The crowds are already behind her," Naomi agreed. "Even if their timing is off with the Woos." She let out a few practice Woos, tapping out a rhythm on her briefcase. "And Bayley knows you got her. Maybe you two can tag up after and be all vengeful." Then she gave a sharp, sweet grin. "And whenever you need a third, I'll be your girl."

"You're always our girl." Becky rested her head on her friend's shoulder, careful to avoid the attached razor blades. She assumed they were dulled or at least not metal, but she didn't want to find out the hard way.

"Thank you, Mama Becks." Naomi leaned her head against Becky's. "I'm glad I came back when I did, you know?" Naomi's voice went low. "All these new girls coming in from NXT—I don't know if I would have been given a real second chance if I hadn't gotten in before this wave."

Becky sighed. "They're so good. And they're catching on so fast—to the moves and giving promos and all of it. I mean, I'm glad, because it means when we leave, the division will be in good hands." She was still stubborn enough that she didn't want to think about her eventual retirement, but she knew it was on the horizon. Naomi had mentioned wanting to have kids. A lot of the women from their era were contemplating their futures more intensely now. "But they're sort of exhausting in the sense that Roux is exhausting, you know? So much energy. So much...."

"Yeah." Naomi sighed too. "I'm glad they won't ever experience some of the bullshit we went through. Wouldn't wish that on anybody. But on the other hand, I think this version of NXT is... I don't know." She shrugged lightly, dislodging Becky a bit. "I'm not saying they should suffer, you know? But I think some of them have unrealistic expectations about how difficult it can be."

"I know what you mean." Becky straightened up a bit. "I'm glad I was able to come back after Roux and still be on top, but I don't think a lot of people grasped how tough that was. The girls in the locker room did, sure, but the younger ones, the ones coming up—now they've seen me and Candice and Alexa and they'll just think it's the norm. That's good, but...."

There was a muffled knock on the door and Naomi turned to Becky. "You good?" When Becky nodded, Naomi stood up. "Let's see who's interrupting my GlowFire time."

Becky watched her friend's expression for any hint of their visitor's identity, but Naomi just looked confused. "Hi. Er, is... is Becky...?" She didn't recognize the stammering voice, but when Naomi opened the door wide, Becky vaguely remembered the young assistant who had been helping Seth backstage. "Hi. Um...."

"Seth's looking for me? Becky asked, rising to her feet. "Where is he?"

The assistant breathed a sigh of relief. "B14. It's small," he admitted with a grimace, "but it was close to restrooms and Catering, so...."

"Great. Thanks." Becky waited until the assistant left to look at Naomi. "Up for a walk?"

"Always." Naomi waited until Becky grabbed her belt to wrap an arm around her shoulder. "Where's my girl?"

"Bayley and Roux are catching up on their favourite show, but I'm sure she'll find you before your match." There were a few kids backstage, so Roux was torn between playing with them and hanging out with the aunties she didn't get to see as often. "She's so looking forward to decorating her case. We've bought ten different kinds of glitter already." Becky shook her head and laughed. "Our luggage is going to look like a freakin' disco ball."

"Keep 'em at your place. I already have every colour of glitter you can imagine. And paint. And ribbons. I even ordered some Caution tape from Europe just so I have it in more languages," Naomi replied. As they neared Seth's room, she slowed. "I can catch up with you later if you want...."