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While Sami was with the bloodline, Kevin was doing his own thing. It was normal in their strange relationship: best friends, lovers, then zero contact, exes and enemies. It was a dynamic that had been going on for so many years that even they didn't question it; they just followed their emotions, which ended up constantly clashing. So, it was no surprise that they weren't talking again, both distant. Sami with "his new family," as he called them (something that bothered Kevin intensely), and for his part, he was having his matches, kicking people's asses, and, as always, trying to get back on top and beating everyone in the process, that was his plan as always.
Kevin always thought about himself and his own convenience, but there was something that bothered him a lot, something that wouldn't leave his mind and made his jaw clench and made him angrier than usual, even for someone as short-tempered as KO that being more mad than normal seems diffcult. He hated Sami, yeah. But he always was Sami's tormentor because Sami was his enemy, and from Sami's point of view it was the same history. Kevin was the one he hated, the one he insulted, the same who never left his mind, and Owens loved being able to find Zayn backstage and bother him, looking at the anger on Sami's face, he really enjoyed it, it did satisfied him. But now? Sami was never alone, he could never see him like in the past. Always following the Usos, Roman, or Solo, always with them and he seemed so busy with them that he no longer paid attention to him. Sami didn't text him, not even to insult him. They no longer confronted each other in the parking lot or by gorilla where they used to shove each other's shoulders. There was no longer any kind of hatred present because Sami Zayn was now a Uso, following them around like a lost puppy. Uso, Sami was no damn Uso because that meant be belonged to them and Kevin needed to have again the possibility of hitting his ex-partner again, to insult him, to cause him pain because that's how they understood each other, that's how they treat the other.
In the past, Sami was always available for Kevin as if they were mutually waiting to start shouting and throwing punches. That dynamic was what Owens wanted back. He wanted his stupid, crazy and pathetic ex-boyfriend back just to scream at him and make that blockhead of his understand that he wasn't a Uso. And if he so badly wanted to change his stupid last name, Owens was available, no other option, not Uso, only Owens. So, that became his goal, his new obsession. And when Kevin Owens became obsessed with something, he would achieve it with brute force because he always did like how he won all his titles, everything he had achieved up to that point in his career, it was all because his eyes were fixed on the prize like a bear hunting fish in the river. He already had a new prize in mind, something his hands desperately wanted to grasp, and it wasn't a shiny object, it wasn't a title, he didn't need one at that moment, he wanted Sami, that was the big prize he needed. And, he knew the perfect way to get his chance because he knew Roman wouldn't give him a match if he just asked. But he wasn't worried, he knew how to treat with people like Roman because Kevin was violent, he moved with his anger and rage amplified. But, he was intelligent, pretty damn intelligent, and he knew perfectly well how to anger people in the right way, how to push specific buttons to get closer to what he wanted.
And that whole bloodline was like a short fuse, a bomb ready to explode, and he knew how to use that. All it took was meddling with their plans, moving things around, sticking his toes in their business slightly, not fully, he wasn't looking for a months-long rivalry, hell no, just enough to get the bloodline's attention and annoy them so much that they ended up going after Kevin. First, Jimmy and Jey issued the warning, then Heyman, and by order, the next person to approach him should have been Solo, he was the enforcer and all that stupid shit at the end of the day. But no, Roman called him on SmackDown, out in the ring with his family of clowns around him. Roman was ready to just humiliate Kevin, tired of dealing with him, and Kevin came out grinning because it had been pretty quick, it only took him three weeks and poking the bear with a stick a bit. As always, the whole bloodline was there on the ring (or well, not bloodline, they weren't all blood-related, that was stupid).
And he should have been focusing on Roman, having that moment of tension with the biggest man of the faction as he walked to the ring to get the crowd attention, to make them already excited for their tension, but, his full attention on him. His eyes kept glancing at Sami, who was behind Roman and slightly to the left, between Jimmy and the Tribal Chief. From his view point outside the ring, he could see Sami's loose hair and a bit of his posture, his hands clutching the bottom of his shirt, a bit nervous, fiddling with the fabric. Kevin knew all about Sami's mannerisms, his expressions; he was nervous, and that ignited a fire in his chest. Oh, he was so ready for this.
— So Kevin, what you want huh? You looked so desperate for our attention, you want a bit of our spot light? So get it if you want it so badlyI'll give it to you. So tell me, tell me what the hell you want. Come on big guy, tell all of this people what was your point all along. — Roman starting talking not even a second later after Kevin put his feet on the ring, mic already on hand. Roman had that lazy smile on his face, feeling like he had all the power in the conversation, and he continued.
— Fight Owens Fight, right? You want to fight? You got it if you want it this bad. — The Usos cracked a small smile, while Solo remained with his usual face and Sami had a slightly tense expression. Zayn and Owens' gazes met for a few seconds, until Kevin looked at Roman, finally talking.
—Well, that was easy. I want to fight? Yeah, I want to beat you ass up, Roman. — Simply, the challenge put in front of the crowd that was pretty excited about it. And Roman brought the microphone closer to his mouth again, but Kevin spoke again, interrupting him. He wasn't done. — Ah, but you already know me, Roman. You know I always fight for a prize. And I have that prize in mind. — Kevin looked Roman in the eyes, his gaze drifting to what he truly wanted.
But his blue orbs didn't go to the title, to the shiny belt that had represented the power of the faction and its leader. He didn't want it, not knowing that if he went for their gold, he would lose that match due to interfence by either of the Usos or Solo getting their way in on the match, He had learned it from the past and now he was interested in something else. In someone. His free hand rose slowly, pointing behind Roman, where Sami stood looking at him. He wasn't beside the others, but behind them as if protected by a human shield of Samoans, and Heyman next to Sami. His finger pointed at the redhead, his gaze fixed on him. His other hand held the microphone close to his lips, but he didn't say anything for a few seconds, making his point clear. The loud ooooh from the cround echoed through the place, some people excited, others booing. Five pairs of eves quick looked at Sami, Jey head snapping abruptly backward, he looked at Zayn as if he were somehow responsible for the situation. Sami had his hands up, demonstrating his innocence, his wide eyes scanning the rest of the bloodline. His gaze finally settled on Roman, who slowly turned his torso toward him. Roman's expression was sour. There was no mocking smile or smug smirk. He was pissed, his jaw clenched, his eyes darkened by the way his head was slightly bowed. Sami looked back at him, desperately wanting to talk, to let them know he wasn't part of this at all but Roman turned his gaze forward again, toward Kevin, Roman knew Sami had nothing to do with this. Sami wasn't smart enough, he didn't have the capacity to plan something like that, especially when he was always seeking his approval. He wouldn't go back with Kevin so easily. So Reigns knew this was an all-alone plan, and he didn't like that. He didn't like the possibility of having Owens around, of him wanting to create tension within his family again. Now that everyone was finally at peace and he finally had everyone under control, he didn't need a KO problem anymore.
Now it wasn't so fun anymore, because there was a direct threat to his control. Roman had worked pretty damn hard on getting Sami comfortable, on not making him hesitate to obey. He had already generated enough trust and had fueled the redhead's desire to seek his approval. And Kevin was a direct threat to all that hard work, but. Sami wasn't as important as his title. Did he want to put his title on the line instead of Sami? Yeah, no, that wasn't happening. It wasn't a match he wanted, but he was pretty confident that with his cousins, Sami's help, and his own strength, he could squash Kevin like he did in their last feud.
So, with a slow sigh that escaped his nose like a snort, and still that tense expression on his face.. — This is a kind of joke? You want Sami? Don't make me laugh. — He spoke sarcastically, even chuckling a bit, and Roman didn't notice how Sami's shoulders slumped slightly, but Kevin did, he noticed everything about him.
— You want to recreate Mysterio's and Eddie's ladder match for Dominik's custody? You got it, a ladder match for money in the bank, Paul will make it oficial tonight. — Roman said simply, shrugging his shoulders and extending his free hand as if downplaying the match. And that hit Sami hard. Was it that easy? No denial, nothing, as if he weren't important, as if it wasn't worth a second of hesitation from his Tribal Chief. That was a punch to his gut. A grimace appeared on his face, but nobody was looking at him, not even Heyman, who was standing next to him. He didn't matter.
Kevin smiled contentedly. He had his match, his opportunity to claim his prize back, so he didn't needed more of Roman. He tilted his head to the side, looking directly at Sami and ignoring Reigns, who didn't like being ignored at all; he was right in front of him. — See you at the money in the bank. — Kevin dropped his microphone, leaving the ring without looking back, already looking forward to the match.
[ ... ]
— Go guys, don't worry, I'll change myself up. It's a bit chilly in here, isn't it? — Sami said to Jimmy, smiling at them and playfully punching Jey on the shoulder. Smackdown had ended, and they were ready to leave. They would all go to dinner except for Roman and Heyman, who had already left for the hotel, never very interested in the Waffle House dinners.
— You got it, Uce. I'll see you in the parking lot. Don't be late. — Jimmy smiled back at Sami and gave a small nod, him and Solo heading for the parking lot. Sami watched them walk away as Jey placed his hand on the Canadian's shoulder.
— Don't worry about the ladder match, Sami. You know the Tribal Chief has your back, and he'll win. You'll stay with the family. — It was weird to hear Jey so calm, so sure of his words, not because Jey was insecure, not at all, but because it had taken so much effort for Sami to become friends with Jey that the redhead was seeing a completely different side of him. This strange friendship they had formed was much more comforting than Sami would admit, so he smiled at Jey and hugged him. He needed it more than Jey did, but a hug never hurt anyone.
— Thanks, my dawg I know, don't worry, Roman got this. — He said, but his face told a different story. There was a doubt that Jey couldn't see because when they separated, Sami had the biggest smile on his face. — Go with the other Uces, I'll be there in five minutes. — Sami entered the locker room, his joyful expression slowly fading, replaced by tired eyes and a grimace on his lips. He let out a heavy sigh and ran his hands through his hair, walking to the wooden bench and his locker. He opened it and pulled out the sweatshirt with the bloodline logo, but beneath all his clothes and his wrestling boots was his old zip-up hoodie, the "never be the same" jacket he'd worn for years, his old merch that he'd left behind, now a reminder of the past.
He picked up both garments and looked at them in silence. He had fought hard to be where he was now, to find a family. He'd been rejected from all sides in the past; his friends had left him, Kevin had broken up with him the last time, people had drifted away, his fans had turned away. But now, he was a Uso, he had friends, family. Right now, he was having a mental battle because Kevin Owens was that ghost from his past he couldn't shake, and being away from him, he'd tried to focus on other things, but now he looked into his eyes, that intensity that characterized Kevin. He could read his face perfectly and he could that Kevin was pretty serious about everything he said, Sami was his prize. And it shouldn't had happend, but his heart skipped a beat in his chest, pounding as if he'd just learned how, as if that love for Kevin had returned with just one look. And probably he was naive and stupid, but some feelings never truly disappear, they only fade temporarily.
The wooden bench creaked slightly under the weight of the other person who sat near Sami, but maintaining a clear distance. Sami shouldn't even turn around, he recognized that scent anywhere, and not only that, he recognized the sound of the footsteps pretty quick. They both remained seated next to each other. Kevin was staring straight ahead, his gaze fixed on a specific place, his back against the lockers. Sami was hunched over, his arms resting on his thighs, looking at the old hoodie with the pattern slightly faded from so much use and time, as if he were reconsidering which hoodie to wear.
— You know I'll get you back, right? — Kevin spoke, as confident as ever. But Owens never spoke without thinking about it, if he was sure about something, it would happen, and Sami knew it firsthand. So, he sighed slightly, his eyes darting upwards and glancing sideways at Kevin.
— Yeah. I know. — Sami answered curtly, not really happy about it, and Kevin knew it, but he wasn't asking if Sami wanted to. This was a free pass out of the bloodline that Kevin knew Sami would need sooner or later when Roman realized Zayn was no longer useful and they kicked him out of the group. He was actually doing Sami a favor, getting ahead of the cruel and violent way they'd remove him.
— You should thank me for helping your delusional self be free of their weird, non-blood family cult they have going on, because if you didn't already know, you aren't related to them. — Sami looked at him with a frown. Even after two decades of friendship, he was surprised by how absurd Kevin could be.
— I really hope Roman breaks all your teeth on that ladder and humiliates you, maybe you'll learn not to talk so much with that fat mouth of yours just like you are. — Sami snapped back and Kevin was mad now, the anger visible on his tense face and the snort that escaped from his lips, now his hands closed in fists.
They locked eyes but Kevin moved first, quickly, a hand straight at Sami's hair, gripping it tightly, pulling at strands of red hair. Sami groaned loudly, knee going up to Kevin's stomach, who grunted in response but roughly pressed their lips together, biting hard on Sami's. Sami didn't back down, grabbing Kevin's cheeks, digging his short nails into the skin of his cheeks, the area reddening rapidly from the pressure, But they didn't separate, they never did. They hurt each other, they caused each other pain, but they knew each other so well that it was never a pain that crossed the line, just enough, the necessary, what they liked. When they separated for the need of air, Kevin breathed heavily and like his old habit when he didn't go by Owens, stuck out his tongue and ran it in a long line across Sami's face, the entire length of his cheek. Sami let out a disgusted sound, shoving him hard in the chest with both hands, and slapped Kevin across the cheek. The impact echoed in the small room where they were the only ones present.
Sami's hand burned, Kevin's cheek burned, already red from Sami's nails, but he just got up, smiling big and proud. He didn't say anything when he left the lockroom, but words weren't necessary because Sami knew. They would see each other after Money in the bank when Kevin won that match, and finally, they would have more time to work out their problems because Sami knew of he left the bloodline, Kevin would become that ghost of his past and still, the ghost of this present. Sami left the locker room a few minutes later after combing his hair and trying to look as normal as possible, even though his lips were swollen and his cheeks were still flushed. He closed his locker, leaving the Bloodline hoodie inside, and walked out to the parking lot wearing the old merch, already making up his mind about his future in just a few weeks.