It had been a few months since Jessica Rushing's promotion had been announced via EBWF Press Release, and the reaction had been more positive than she'd expected. Her new title was Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, which also gave her a vote on the EBWF Board of Directors. Her career trajectory was moving faster with EBWF than she had ever expected, but she was happily more than qualified. Her marketing degree had already paid for itself, and that was way more than most thirty year olds could say. Chicago was finally enjoying some warm weather, and she was having dreams of getting out on the lake. She found herself standing at the large bay window in the dining room, just steps from the kitchen, viewing that lake. The sun shone brilliantly off of the sculptures in Millennium park. She liked it here. She always had. She pulled her drape sweater a little closer, and took a sip from her mug. Then she heard a slight chime from the kitchen and it caused her to leave the pristine picture she'd been examining, and return to the stove. She slipped on an oven mitt to remove the broccoli and cheese casserole she'd made. Then she removed the mitt and turned to the cabinet. She saw the bowl she wanted, high above her head, and she strained to reach it. Her fingertips grazed it, but she couldn't see beyond the edge of the bowl. Afraid she'd pull something down on top of her head, she called out.

Jessica Rushing: Hey, Phil?

CM Punk: Coming!

His voice could be heard coming from the room they shared. In a matter of minutes, he was in the kitchen with her. Wearing a black “RANCID” T-shirt, raw denim pants and red Chuck Taylor sneakers, he was leaning against the doorway of the kitchen, his lips curved up in a smile before he ran a hand across his beard.

CM Punk: Didn't you learn how to use drawers to get the cookie jar when you were young?

He walked behind her, reaching out to grab the bowl which rested high above the gorgeous blonde, clasping it between his fingers, he still held it above his head and hers, obviously, the smile still present on his bearded mug.

CM Punk: What do I get in exchange for this?

She leaned into him and gave him a sweet, albeit brief kiss. Her smile lit up her whole face.

Jessica Rushing: Pretty please?

He placed the bowl back in the high spot where it was, shooting another playful look her way. She cocked an eyebrow.

Jessica Rushing: Ah, hard ball. Alright, name your price, Phillip.

He leaned in without a hint of a warning, pinning her lower body firmly yet carefully against the kitchen counter to steal another kiss from her.

CM Punk: I just love it when you cock your eyebrow... I do smell what the Jess is cooking.

He reached for the bowl and presented it to her. She smacked him in the chest, laughing all the while. She took the bowl from him and turned back toward the counter. She'd cut vegetables for a salad, and she washed her hands again before beginning to toss everything into the bowl.

Jessica Rushing: Seems like people were pretty receptive about your match with McIntyre. Settling back in pretty well? How are you feeling?

He fought his deepest and most feral desires by trying not to lay hands on that tasty looking salad just yet. He placed his hands behind his back to keep them off the delicious greens.

CM Punk: Well, you make it a lot easier... If only Cabana could fit in my bag I would be all set to be on the road 24/7.

He shrugged a little.

CM Punk: How about you? How's life as a big corporate fish? Can you give me that 4 year world title reign yet? Preferably without defenses like Nemeth did.

His attention shifted between her porcelain doll-like facial features and the salad she was tossing around. She grinned, finishing up her preparation of the salad. She handed him the oven mit, and pointed to the stove again.

Jessica Rushing: Grab that Salmon for me.

She reached up for two plates.

Jessica Rushing: I'm having a lot of fun. Board meetings are strange, and I think Nicole and I both struggle with the same thing. It's hard not to always be suggesting you and Randy for things. They told me going in that you're a huge star and they won't think anything of it if I promote ideas that include you, but I'm still getting my feet wet. Nicole said she still feels that way about Randy sometimes.

He attentively listened to her reply while he turned towards the stove, where the salmon was resting. Taking the salmon off the stove and placing the fish carefully on a dish next to it.

CM Punk: The funny thing is that I get to say you're astoundingly gorgeous to my friends and coworkers like, you are a perfect 10 of a gal... And they won't feel like I'm saying that because you're my boss... Or won't believe I am sucking up to you.

Jessica had placed the salad on the plate, and grabbed a large serving spoon for the casserole. Phil grabbed a pair of tongs and helped distribute the two filets of fish between their plates.

Jessica Rushing: You're being awfully complimentary today.

CM Punk: Maybe I just want a big load of salad. How is one awfully complimentary, anyway? Or maybe I am just in a good mood. This is going to sound extremely weird, but despite hanging out a lot, I feel like we haven't spent quality time in a pretty long while.

He gave her the biggest filet of fish, not being much of a fish kind of guy. He shook his head and chuckled.

CM Punk: How stupid does that sound?

Jessica Rushing: Not stupid. I'm sorry, I know I've been very busy.

She put a lot more salad on his plate. He could feel his mouth watering at the sight and scent of those greens before his eyes.

CM Punk: Well, you haven't been deliberately busy. And I wasn't on the road much after Wrestlemania... But everything will pick up from now on, right?

She nodded.

Jessica Rushing: Do you want me to have all of our accommodations booked together this month?

He couldn't help himself, already having forked a good amount of salad and putting it in his mouth before she asked the question. He instinctively nodded his head a couple of times. Of course he wanted to ‘bunk' with her. Once he could talk he placed the utensil back on the plate.

CM Punk: Why wouldn't I want that?

Jessica Rushing: I just want to make sure that you don't feel like we're getting carried away.

She picked up her plate and started toward the small breakfast nook, just perfect for two. He followed her with his plate in his hand, carefully laying the dish on the table as he sat across from her.

CM Punk: Carried away? As in, are you worried I'd feel smothered from having you around too much?

While he awaited her reply, he reached for the fork and went for another bite of salad. She flaked off a piece of fish.

Jessica Rushing: I know we've been back together, wow, I guess it's been eight months now, but we had talked a lot about just moving at our own pace. I want to be sure I'm not hurrying anything along.

Eight months could sound like a lengthy period of time. “Has it really been eight months?” Was the first thought that crossed his mind. However, he thought something might be troubling her mind, already baffled and suffocated by work.

CM Punk: I don't feel like we're rushing things. Is there anything you'd like to tell me?

She took a drink from her glass of water, and met his eye as she put it down. She smiled slightly.

Jessica Rushing: I'm very happy.

Jessica could see Phil's fingers with the inked letters “L”, “O”, “V” and “E” wrapping around a glass of water, which he raised as he smiled back at her.

CM Punk: Let's drink to that then. A straightedge toast.

She chuckled a bit, raising her water glass to clink against his.

Jessica Rushing: Was there something else on your mind? You're being very coy.

He shrugged for a moment as he placed the fork down.

CM Punk: I'm just a little nervous, that's all... It's not easy to get motivated after signing a new contract if your last run was a complete dud. Sure, injuries played a big part on my last year being a blunder, and I'm cleared to compete now... But I don't know.

He shrugged and went for a sip of water.

Jessica Rushing: Is Phil Brooks not feeling so confident?

CM Punk: I'm 37. Wes just hired Shinsuke Nakamura, Tyler Breeze, Dalton Castle... It is not lack of confidence. It's been a while since I last had to tell myself “Alright Punk, it's all in or nothing”. Dana White has been calling again.

Jessica Rushing: Would you rather be doing that? Something with UFC?

CM Punk: It is a pretty cool sport. But I'd have to prepare for it, train and whatnot... I'd end up being like that Guns n' Roses album everyone waited for, for over 10 years. and it didn't deliver. I still have a lot to accomplish between the ropes. When I said I wanted to headline Wrestlemania, I thought it was also implied that I wanted to win.

Jessica Rushing: I...

She trailed off. This didn't feel like a conversation to have over dinner.

Jessica Rushing: There's time for that.

CM Punk: Of course there is. You know me, I wouldn't have signed if I didn't believe it was still possible. I just... Don't want my body to give up on me before I can accomplish that.

Jessica Rushing: Have you not been feeling okay, or is this premature worrying?

CM Punk: Doctor says I'm fine, plus the MRI of my spine turned out to be alright, just some minor knacks here and there, nothing I cannot work through and go over by doing some physiotherapy. Its funny... I know what I have to do if I want to be the face of this company... I know I am capable of doing that, plus more... I just, wish I could close my eyes, open them and magically appear in that very moment... Pointing at that big ole' sign, hung from the ceiling.

Jessica Rushing: You sound like me, only I'm usually talking about a wedding.

She chuckled, and then as if she realized she probably shouldn't have said that out loud, she blanched and went back to her fish.

Jessica Rushing: As long as you know what you have to do, I'm sure that's a dream that can come true for you.

He reached out, his inked hand and forearm slid across the small table, fingers entwining around the smooth skin on her wrist ever so carefully.

CM Punk: I know it is important for you... Because of that, it is important to me too. Don't think I've forgotten about what I said that night at your place.

Her eyes trailed from his hand, up his arm, until she finally met his gaze.

Jessica Rushing: I don't think there's much that you forget where it concerns me.

Her thumb grazed the skin on the back of his hand.

Jessica Rushing: I just want you to have everything you want. And I want to help you make all of it happen.

CM Punk: I have almost everything I want... One day I'll have a beautiful bride.

He squeezed her wrist softly, his eyes looking straight into hers. She chuckled a little, and reached again for her fork.

Jessica Rushing: I'm sorry it looks like you'll have to wait another year, but I'm sure if you can stay healthy this year it'll all be worth it.

CM Punk: Everything happens for a reason. I have a whole year to show everyone I still got it. The focus. The determination. The thirst of being the best of the best.

He took a sip of water and smiled, a little relieved that was off his chest.

CM Punk: What about work? You're sure you're liking it?

Jessica Rushing: I love it. There's so much I can do from the road, and it means I can divide my time between here and St. Louis a lot better. I'm learning so much about the product, and how to do live TV. It's better than I ever could have imagined.

CM Punk: You know, it is amazing. Back when I had my big break, the first thing I took notice of was how cool and interesting live television dynamics worked, I loved the whole concept and Paulie was nice enough to give me a pointer or two when he ran OVW. I'm sure you and Wes have something like that, he sees you like a little sister after all.

Jessica Rushing: He does. You gained a lot of points with him, accompanying me to their wedding and everything.

CM Punk: Points as in, redeemable frequent flier miles?

He chuckled.

CM Punk: The only points that are important to me are the ones I gain with you. However, it's good to know he finally realizes I care about you... A lot.

It was her turn to chuckle.

Jessica Rushing: He's always know that. You may not know this, Phillip, but you have something of a reputation.

CM Punk: You know more than anyone that CM stands for Chicago Made, not Chick Magnet.

His cheeks turned a little flushed as he looked away. She reached for his hand again, still smiling. Her touch was gentle in his palm, and he glanced up at her.

Jessica Rushing: I don't care what it stands for. And I don't care what anyone thinks. But I know you can appreciate it when people want to protect me.

He gently tugged on her arm until she was persuaded to move from her chair. She moved to his lap until she was as close as humanly possible to him. His tattooed arms slowly wrapped around her smaller frame in a loving embrace.

CM Punk: That's all that matters.

She pressed her forehead to his and closed her eyes.

Jessica Rushing: Do you think it would be a bad idea if we... if I...

She trailed off.

Jessica Rushing: Nevermind. I don't know.

He ran both of his hands across those taut, yet feminine silky arms, stopping at her elbows to bring her close to him, whispering a couple of inches away from her lips.

CM Punk: I love bad Ideas.

He chuckled, his tongue pressing against his lip ring, a gesture he usually made when he was anxious. It was her turn to laugh.

Jessica Rushing: A bad idea, that's quite how you ended up with me, isn't it?

He spread his arms out wide, shrugging as his eyes met hers. 


CM Punk: I don't believe in bad ideas... I don't believe in good ideas. So hit me.

She balked, and he thought for a moment she was trying to think of something else to say. She became aware of her pounding heart in her chest, and she leaned forward a little more. His arms found their way around her again, and she exhaled, instantly feeling much more calm. Her right hand moved upward, and her index finger extended to graze the “31” tattooed just behind his left ear. He was studying her face when she finally spoke again.

Jessica Rushing: I want to come back home, Phil. For good. I'm tired. I don't want to keep traveling back and forth, and... I haven't really had a home since I.... well, since I...

left.

That was the word on the tip of her tongue, but she didn't say it. She didn't have to. He knew. He knew there was a long period of her life that had been suitcases, hotels, Dan Cena's house, and apartments she'd never really fully unpacked her boxes in. He slowly rested his hand over the back of hers, guiding it over his left pectoral, where his heart is anatomically located.

CM Punk: Well, someone once told me “home is where the heart is”... And I guess it is time to confess where my heart has been all these months, all these years. Everywhere you went, every place you went, whether on good terms or bad terms with me, a piece of my shriveled, probably tattooed and scrawny heart was following right behind you.

He paused for a moment.

CM Punk: I know we have agreed to take things slow, but watching you leave every time isn't fun. You know you're welcome to move back in with me here... We can find a nice place back in St. Louis and we can travel back and forth as we need to. Then we would have two homes.

Jessica Rushing: Really? You'd do that for me?

The back of his hand felt coarse compared to the silky skin of her left cheek. He nodded.

CM Punk: I would do anything for you.

She smiled, reaching up to grab his hand where it touched her face. She leaned into it, studying his expression for a moment.

Jessica Rushing: Chicago is your home. I don't want you to do anything that makes you unhappy. I don't want you to compromise so much of yourself away that you're miserable. This wasn't something you wanted before, have things changed that much? I can't lose you again.

CM Punk: I've given it some thought, and who doesn't love home? Fortunately we can work something out, spend a couple of weeks in St. Louis, a couple of weeks here... That way we'd both be home, and be together.

She kissed him tenderly, her eyes were glassy with unshed happy tears.

Jessica Rushing: I would like that. Let's do that.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead as he held her in his arms. She stayed there for a moment, comfortable against him.

Jessica Rushing: I'll talk to Nicole and see who her realtor is when I go back to work next week. This is real. We're doing this?

CM Punk: We are. As for right now...

She was still in his arms when he leaned forward, reaching for his fork. She let out a squeal of surprise, and then they were both laughing.

CM Punk: I'm going to eat this salad.