OOC: Thank you so much to Chloe, Dohko and David for finding the time to write this with me. I had a lot of fun :) Hope you enjoy reading it, and good luck to my opponents! Happy WrestleMania everybody!

It was Friday night, and WrestleMania was less than 48 hours away. Zack Ryder had already been busy with Fan Access and a handful of promotional appearances, and although he was technically representing the EBWF again that evening, Zack was treating Dinner With The Divas as a night off. He was there as Kaitlyn's plus one; an event where the divas were the main attraction, and thus Zack was getting far less attention than he was used to. This suited him just fine, and the given that the chance to "double date" with his best friend Trent Barreta was a rare one, Zack was determined to enjoy himself. He had bought a round of Bud Light Limes for himself, Trent, Kaitlyn and A.J. Lee, but in truth he wasn't sure if Trent and A.J. liked Bud Light Lime. Zack was hoping they didn't - that way there would be an extra drink each for him and Kaitlyn. Zack carefully carried the four bottles back from the bar, determined not to drop them and make a fool of himself. As he reached the table where A.J., Kaitlyn and Trent were sat, he placed the Bud Light Limes down and passed them out. Zack sat down and raised his bottle, watching A.J. and Trent closely to see whether or not they would accept the drinks he had bought them under false pretences.

Zack Ryder: As Sam Malone would say... Cheers!

Trent smiled, a bit hesitant about taking the drink. He didn't usually drink.

Trent?: Who is Sam Malone?

Zack Ryder: Are you serious, bro? Didn't you ever watch Cheers? It's one of my dad's favourite TV shows!

Trent turned towards A.J. and Kaitlyn.

Trent?: Have you girls?

A.J. seemed to be staring blankly at her beverage, giving it a poke or two but Kaitlyn didn't appear to have any issue taking a drink. A.J. looked up with a puzzled expression on her face.

A.J. Lee: What's a Cheers?

Kaitlyn: You know what Cheers is! The show Frasier came from.

Again, A.J. looked completely lost.

Kaitlyn: Frasier. Beast from X-Men.

A.J. Lee: OH yeah! THAT Frasier!

Zack couldn't help but laugh to himself. He looked at Kaitlyn and smiled.

Zack Ryder: If in doubt, go with comic books...

Trent smiled, he didn't know Hank McCoy's alternative name was Frasier, or Cheers. He smiled over at A.J.

Trent?: It's amazing that the four of us finally got together... It was as if we lived in different continents!

A.J. Lee: I'm from Gotham City.

A.J. rather plainly added, nodding along with her own statement.

Trent stole a smooch from her cheek before standing up and leaving the table probably in search of beverages for the non-drinkers.

Kaitlyn: ...Yeah. It always seems to be just me. Stuck in a car. With A.J. and Trent. For hours.

Zack took a sip of his beer then put on his best sympathetic voice.

Zack Ryder: You poor thing. How do you deal with that?

Zack smirked to himself as he waited to see how Kaitlyn, Trent and A.J. would react.

A.J. Lee: Heeeey! We're not THAT bad are we?

Kaitlyn: It would be kind of nice to bring someone else along to break up comic book..video game... anime... uh... whatever you call Japanese comic books talk...

Zack Ryder: Well I'll happily ride with you! That way I might actually get to see Trent more than once every two months. Although I'm guessing you're not a fan of Justin Bieber, so we probably shouldn't talk about music...

Zack took another sip of his drink as he tried to find a common ground with Kaitlyn. After putting his drink down, Zack spoke once more.

Zack Ryder: Do you like Star Wars, Kaitlyn?

Trent smiled as he returned to the table with two bottles of San Pellegrino Ice Cold mineral water and a few lime slices in a cup. He handed one to A.J. and looked at Zack, giving him a pat on the back.

Trent?: Strong is the force in this tanned Padawan.

Zack forced a laugh but kept his focus on Kaitlyn, awaiting her response.

Kaitlyn: Huh? Oh. Yeah. Star Wars is fine. I even know what a Padawan is. And Justin Bieber is...

Kaitlyn mumbled something incoherently and A.J. leaned a bit closer.

A.J. Lee: What was that?

Kaitlyn: I said...

Again, Kaitlyn's voice was too low to pick up.

A.J. Lee: HUH?

Kaitlyn: Justin Bieber's new album has a lot of growth from his previous release! We've been over this before!

A.J. Lee: Snnnrkk..

A.J. started to snicker before bursting out into laughter.

A.J. Lee: I caught her listening to him in the locker room once! Dancing too.

Kaitlyn quickly downed one her Bud Light Limes.

Kaitlyn: I'm so glad I have two of these right now.

Zack couldn't help but laugh. He finished off one of his Bud Light Limes as he tried to figure out a way to get rid of Trent and A.J.. As Zack placed the empty bottle back on the table, an idea came to mind.

Zack Ryder: Hey Trent... I think there's a guy over there giving away Pokémon collector cards!

Trent gasped excitedly and ran in the direction Zack had pointed. A.J. quickly followed. Zack grinned.

Zack Ryder: Works every time.

Kaitlyn smiled and Zack started his second drink as he debated whether or not to ask her something. Putting the drink back down, Zack decided to go for it.

Zack Ryder: So uh... I'm going to a Justin Bieber concert in New Jersey at the end of July, and I have a spare ticket. Would you like to go with me? I'd feel weird going on my own, and Trent flat out refused to be my plus one.

Zack had wanted to ask the question and leave it at that, but he'd felt the need to keep talking and make excuses for his offer in case Kaitlyn rejected it. Kaitlyn opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything someone shouted her from across the room.

"HEY KAITLYN!"

The person shouting Kaitlyn was being unnecessarily loud, and as Zack looked over, he understood why. The problem with the "steep" prices for Dinner With The Divas meant that only rich people could afford to go. And where you found rich people, you found rich assholes. The guy that was now walking towards Kaitlyn was the very definition of rich asshole; Zack could tell from the way he was walking that he'd had too much to drink, and he was fairly sure this rich asshole was spoiled by mommy and daddy and would never have to work a day in his life. When the guy reached Kaitlyn, he did his best to put on a charming smile. Zack thought it looked more like a foolish grin.

Rich Asshole: Don't worry, I don't want an autograph or a picture. I'll just settle for your number!

The rich asshole started laughing, and his laugh was so annoying that Zack wanted to hit him. Zack looked over the guy's shoulder and noticed that one of the 230 Fifth bouncers was watching the rich asshole closely. Zack wanted to signal for the bouncer to come over, but he knew enough about women to know that he should give Kaitlyn a chance to deal with this guy herself before interfering.

Kaitlyn: Oh, I would just really love to do that. Honestly.

Her voice was flat and her expression was drab which would suggest the complete opposite of her statement. Although the pompous fellow was probably too drunk to catch on.

Kaitlyn: But I've already got my date for the night.

She slid a little closer to Zack and hooked both of her arms around one of his own.

The guy looked at Kaitlyn, then at Zack, then back at Kaitlyn. Finally, the pin dropped. The rich asshole was so drunk, and so shocked, that the only response he could muster was to use Zack's own catchphrase against him.

Rich Asshole: Are you serious, bro?

Zack wasn't sure but he had a feeling Kaitlyn had grabbed his arm just to get rid of the drunk guy. Secretly, he hoped it was more than that. Either way, he knew how to handle it from here. With his free arm, he moved his hand towards Kaitlyn's right hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He then got to his feet and got face to face with the rich asshole. Zack was so close to the guy, he could smell the beer on his breath.

Zack Ryder: Yeah, she's serious. So if I were you I'd leave before you're made to leave.

The bouncer was still watching the drunk guy, ready to intervene if necessary. However the rich idiot had enough sense about him to know when to accept defeat.

Rich Asshole: Whatever.

He turned to walk away, but before he left he looked back at Kaitlyn.

Rich Asshole: Your loss...

As the drunk idiot staggered away, the bouncer that had been watching moved towards him to escort him out of the building. Zack sat back down with Kaitlyn, more amused than he was angry. The rich asshole had accomplished one thing; Zack felt a lot more comfortable around Kaitlyn now.

Zack Ryder: So does that sort of thing happen often? You must get real tired of it.

Kaitlyn: Well, A.J. is usually around and she's pretty good at scaring off guys. It's fun to watch actually. But your way is fun too. A.J.'s is more like...a spider monkey. But I've never seen you get all, ya know, confrontational. I like it. We should hang out more often. You can chase off douchebags with big bank accounts and we can chat out about questionable taste in music.

Kaitlyn looked in Zack's direction and gave him a pleasant smile. Zack smiled back.

Zack Ryder: Works for me! So, that idiot interrupted us before you could answer my question. Would you like to be my date for the Justin Bieber concert in July? Or if you don't want to be my date, my "plus one"? The ticket is yours if you want it...

One of Kaitlyn's hands came to a rest upon Zack's.

Kaitlyn: Consider it a date.

She even looked to be leaning in a little closer when A.J. suddenly popped up between the two of them, glaring.

A.J. Lee: There. Weren't. Any. Pokémon cards.

Trent would pop right next to A.J.

Trent?: Who brings Pokémon cards to a bar anyway? I tried to question some dude like Batman does in movies... He handed me some oddly packaged balloons...

Trent pulled out the handful of Trojans and showed them to Zack and Kaitlyn. Zack and Kaitlyn looked at each other and shared a knowing smirk.

Zack Ryder: You should hold onto those, Trent... they might come in handy. Anyway, I think I'm gonna get some air. Fancy a walk, Kaitlyn?

Neither Trent nor A.J. seemed to have noticed that Zack and Kaitlyn were holding hands.

Kaitlyn: Yes please.

Kaitlyn had been rubbing the corners of her eyes at the sight of Trent's balloons before heading off with Zack. A.J. was too busy explaining to Trent the nature of the Trojans.

A.J. Lee: See, these aren't really. Balloons are for parties. And these aren't. Well, actually, they CAN be used for parties but in a different way. I'll explain. First...

Trent nodded along slowly at A.J.'s words as Zack and Kaitlyn headed off together.

**********

The run up to WrestleMania had been exciting for Zack, and he had enjoyed himself far more than he had last year. Maybe it was because WrestleMania XII was being held so close to his home in Long Island, but it felt like more than that - Zack felt far more involved in the EBWF than he had done twelve months prior. Attending Dinner with the Divas as Kaitlyn's date had been a particular highlight, and although he hadn't won any Slammies, Zack had been thrilled to see his best friend Trent Barreta pick up two awards. Zack was excited to be involved in the opening match of WrestleMania, although even he had to admit that it was one of the strangest matches he'd ever been booked in. Still, it was a match Zack wanted to win; and to do that, he knew he needed to get on the same page with his reluctant partner, Christian. With that in mind, Zack headed to Christian's locker room to try and find a middle ground with him. Christian was warming up in his locker room when Zack knocked on the door. Christian moved towards the door and opened it, finding Zack Ryder stood on the other side. There was obvious tension between the two superstars, and neither man smiled at the other as their eyes met. Zack spoke first, with little warmth in his voice.

Zack Ryder: Hey. We need to talk. Can I come in?

Christian rolled his eyes and signalled for Zack to come in. He was none too pleased with this visit, and it showed in his voice, which gave away frustration.

Christian: Go ahead. What do you want?

Zack Ryder: I wanted to talk to you about our match tonight, bro. I know you don't like me, and I know you don't want to team with me. And to be honest, the feeling is mutual. But this is WrestleMania, and I want it to be special. So how about we put our differences aside for one night, and make sure we come out of this match as the winners?

Christian: A special Wrestlemania? This isn't losing your virginity, it's a Pay-Per-View, and it's also not your first, kid. And Winners, Zack? Trust me, there are no winners in this match. What does winning this crap get me? Hearing my theme play at the end? No, thanks.

Christian's response frustrated Ryder, and Ryder couldn't help but raise his voice slightly as he responded.

Zack Ryder: Are you serious, bro? You're right, it isn't my first pay-per-view... it isn't even my first WrestleMania. But I lost at WrestleMania last year, and I'd like to put that right this year. This match might not be anyone's dream match, but I still want to win it. I want to win every match I compete in, and if you don't feel the same way... why bother even showing up tonight?

Christian: I said it when I returned in July, for better or worse, I'm EBWF for life. But that doesn't stop me from hating some of their decisions, and most of their staff... Bro.

Zack Ryder: I can understand that, bro... even if I don't agree with you. But what I can't understand is why you'd go into a match and not want to win - if you aren't gonna try and win, surely there's no point in you even being in the match?

Christian: Who says I'm not going to try? I said I wasn't going to put our differences aside. I am going to win this, just don't complain if I accidentally punch you instead of tagging you in.

Zack Ryder: You can't win this match on your own, Christian. Just like you couldn't beat CM Punk without a fast count.

Zack smirked.

Christian: You think you're so funny, kid. Tell me about your eight World Championship reigns... Oh wait, that was me.

Christian gave his traditional smirk and patted himself on the chest three times.

Zack Ryder: You're an eight-time World Champion, I'm a two-time Breakout Champion. And yet, here we are, opening WrestleMania as "strange bedfellows"...

Christian: And that doesn't upset you, Zack? Come on, you see the injustice here, as well as I do.

Zack Ryder: Of course it upsets me, bro... the difference is, while you're feeling sorry for yourself, I'm making the best of this. I want to win so that I can show Chris Jericho or whoever it was that booked this match that I deserve better. You almost got kicked off the show for complaining so much, and yet you still not willing to listen to reason. That upsets me far more than being in this match!

Zack sighed.

Zack Ryder: Look at our opponents, Christian. Santino and Cody Rhodes... Val Venis and Bray Wyatt... Mark Henry and Dolph Ziggler. You're not gonna be able to beat all six of them on your own. But if we work together, I know that none of those teams will be able to beat us. So why don't you swallow your pride and agree to work with me rather than against me? If we win, we'll be setting up a match against each other and we can settle our differences then. Tonight, let's just focus on showing the world how good we are.

Christian nodded. Something Zack had said seemed to have won him over.

Christian: I can see why you're working at EBWF. Thinking like that, you'll go places. And you're kind of right. I guess you and I can stop arguing long enough to beat those guys. Then again, it really won't take much effort, will it? The biggest threat there is probably Henry, and that's only if he falls over on top of you or me.

Zack Ryder: Thanks bro. I've had nightmares about Mark Henry hitting me with the World's Strongest Slam multiple times... he's definitely our biggest threat. So if we take care of him and Ziggler first?

Christian: Knowing what he ate at the Slammys, trust me, he sure as hell isn't going to have a lot of fire power tonight. Ziggler, on the other hand, can be considered relatively dangerous... I'm going to be honest, I don't watch Ziggler's matches. He's... just. So... annoying. For some reason he "duckfaces" a lot!

Zack Ryder: I've dealt with Ziggler before. He took Princess Leia away from me... that's all the motivation I need. Bray Wyatt scares me a little, but the bigger they are the harder they fall, right?

Christian: Bigger? First time I saw his name under Henry's on the match card, I thought why the hell was there an eating competition opening Wrestlemania! Wyatt's just a little rookie, nothing I haven't seen. He's a wannabe Gangrel opposite, plus he has Venis as his partner!

Zack Ryder: Yeah, Venis... one of the only two guys in this match that are older than you!

Zack smirked again, but this time there was more humour than tension.

Christian: Hey! It's a promo on them, not on me!

Christian said, jokingly, keeping the humour.

Christian: And what can we say about Venis that hasn't been said? Old, censor turned pervert. Not that good in ring or on the mic, and really overrated. All that's left is Cody, and Santino...

Zack Ryder: Santino uses the Cobra... a poor man's Mister Socko. And I know I'm not the most fashionable superstar in the EBWF, but what's with the unibrow?!

Christian: Now, bro, don't sell yourself short, you did get rid of the half tights, and the spiked hair is TOTALLY IN! And that outfit he wears is just so out of style! Does wearing that make him feel like he is doing amateur wrestling at the Olympics? Well, he IS an amateur, but that is on a daily basis, not just wrestling.

Chuckling, Christian patted Zack on his chest, with the back of his hand.

Christian: But that's not the most ridiculous thing in that match, have you seen Rhodes' sample of facial hair?

Zack Ryder: You mean the pornstar moustache? Don't get me started! Maybe he's just jealous because he can't grow sexy stubble, like you and me...

Zack patted Christian on the shoulder. Their differences seemed to have well and truly been forgotten, if only temporarily.

Christian: That stubble's gotta get you over... With the ladies! Yeah, I call it the paedo moustache, because we both know the closest Cody has ever gotten to a woman was when he was born. And even then he was bazooka'd out like his mother didn't want anything else to do with that mess!

Suddenly, Zack felt a little awkward.

Zack Ryder: ...too far, bro.

Christian took a step back.

Christian: Yeah, in hindsight, that was horrible...

Zack nodded.

Zack Ryder: You should have just pointed out how ugly Cody's father is... and the fact that he's related to Goldust. It's a family of weirdos, for all we know Cody's mom is the one sane one...

Christian: The apples really don't fall too far from the tree there. What about his so-called talents? What ARE his talents?

Zack Ryder: Ummm... I really don't know, bro. Here's what I do know, though. We're going to win tonight, Christian. And it's going to be.... SSSIIICCCKKK!

Now that he had found common ground with his partner, Zack felt confident about his chances of a WrestleMania victory. Pushing his luck a little, Zack raised his fist, inviting Christian to fist pump with him.

Zack Ryder: Woo Woo Woo!

To Zack's surprise, Christian raised his fist as well, and fist pumped with Zack!

Christian: You know it, bro!

Zack and Christian laughed, then Zack turned to leave the locker room.

Zack Ryder: I'll see you out there, Christian. Let's make this a Mania to remember.

Christian nodded. Smiling, Zack made his exit.

Awesome fun writing this with you, Ben. Best of luck to everyone in this match-zee-doodles!!