Chapter Text
Making his way up through the crowd of fans who had remained to shower him with praise and support, during his post-match interview with Jackie Redmond, Jey Uso was still overcome with emotions from winning his first singles championship. Despite naysayers, Jey knew he would win. He demanded and expected it because he owed it to himself and no one else. Not his father. Not to his brothers or cousins especially Roman or Jimmy. He paused at the thought of Jimmy. Jey hadn’t allowed himself to think of his twin brother in recent months. The thought caught him off guard causing him to mildly panic and deepen his breath, but only for a moment, before he recovered.
As Jey strolled through the doors, he was greeted by flashes of light, pats on the back, and adulation from more fans standing by. He turned to give a wave and show his gratitude but it was getting late and he needed to get back. After a few more promotional pictures and videos, fatigue began to set in but he could hear a voice calling for him. It was Jackie wanting one last statement telling the world how he would be celebrating that night. An innocent question but Jey gave her a knowing look letting her know it was a secret and walked off. He laughed to himself and threw Jackie a peace out sign.
With all his focus being on preparing for his championship match, Jey hadn’t left much thought to celebrating until this moment. Oddly enough, Jey wasn’t up to having a boy’s night out. His number one supporter quickly came to mind instead. A Miss Rhea Ripley. In excitement, Jey clapped his hands together. He briefly scolded himself for not thinking of her sooner but the thought of Rhea gave him all the motivation he needed to get dressed and find her.
~
The hot water felt good as it ran its course over Jey’s sore muscles, relaxing not only his body but his mind as well. As the water ran through his hair, he let his mind wander again to Rhea.
He couldn’t hide his slight disappointment when he didn’t find Rhea waiting and greeting him with open arms. He had kept his eyes open searching for her on his way back to the locker room, but Jey couldn’t find her. Tension began increasing in his shoulders from his frustration. As Jey roughly shoved his hands through his hair, his mind began racing. Rhea wasn’t the type of girl to just wait 2 hours around for a man. He understood that and even loved her for it. Love? Nah that would be crazy. Her confidence in herself, ability, and her beauty was why he was drawn to Rhea. Self-doubt managed to creep in. Jey desperately fought against it but his mind was working against him. Maybe Rhea didn’t believe in him after all. His breath quickened. He had many naysayers, worse were members of his own family. He was good enough. Wasn’t he?
~
Jey headed back into the locker room letting the cool air hit his damp skin. All of a sudden, he felt alone despite being surrounded by many congratulators. Grabbing his phone from his locker, he was greeted with notification after notification that continued to pour in.
The amount of support was mind-blowing. Jey couldn’t believe people actually gave a shit about his success. He cursed himself for letting negative self talk get the best of him. So many people were showing him love online and in his messages. None from Jimmy, Solo, or Roman though. Not that he expected it but deep down he still hoped his brothers and cousin cared even if only a little bit. Whatever. If they didn’t give a shit then neither did he. Then he came across them. All of Rhea’s posts wishing him luck, congratulating, and all around supporting him. Jey couldn’t stop grinning while pumping himself up with excitement. She even left him a voicemail.
“Hey Uce. Sorry I couldn’t stay and celebrate with you but I had to get ready for my early flight. I just wanted to tell you how happy and proud I am for you. You deserve this so much. I know you probably have big plans tonight but hit me up when you make it back to the hotel. I’ll probably still be up.”
~
The trip back to the hotel took longer than Jey expected. It was late enough he almost thought it wasn’t worth bothering her but his desire to see her outweighed his concern. With his new IC championship in hand, he knocked on her door. As if she had been waiting for him, Rhea opened the door before he could finish. She stood in a black sports bra and gray short with her hair pulled back in a high messy ponytail. Jey took a moment to take in the sight of her allowing his emotions to stir within him. She was beautiful and he wanted nothing more for her to be proud of him. Jey struggled to find words to speak. All he could do was hold out the championship belt for her to see. With his voice heavy with emotion, he managed to utter out, “I really needed this and I finally did it.”
Rhea reached out to hold Jey in a deep embrace allowing him to let go of some of the tears he was still holding onto. She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and whispered into his ear, “I never doubted you. I always knew you would.”