Shine On

AN: So here’s my new Jeff/Maria story. It was originally titled “Hate Every Beautiful Day” but I decided to change the plot, the title, basically everything due to the draft. The title of this and the general plot is based after “Shine On” by The Kooks. It’s an amazing song so check it out if you get the chance. Last but not least, enjoy! :)

Summary: Maria felt like the new kid in school again. After being drafted to Smackdown she has to start all over again, but at least she has the support of another newly drafted superstar. Jeff/Maria.

Chapter One: The New Kid

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I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be here.

It wouldn’t matter how many times Maria told herself this. She would still be a new Smackdown diva as opposed to being a member of the Raw roster. There was nothing more she wanted to do than stay with the friends she had made there, to wrestle every Monday night and just feel at home.

Unfortunately, she would have to make do with the blue roster.

“This sucks.” She muttered to herself in a whiny tone, not even caring if anyone was around to hear her. “I don’t want to be here.”

As people around her kept glancing over to her, Maria zipped up her sweater quickly, pulling her hood up to cover as much of her face as she could. She felt just like the new kid again, a feeling she absolutely despised. What had she done to deserve this? To be ripped away from her closest friends was proving to be a nightmare so far and it seemed as though she would have to earn trust from all the other superstars.

“Maria, hey.”

Hearing an unfamiliar voice from behind, a subtle weak sigh escaped from Maria’s mouth as she prepared to find out who it was. So far all she got for a welcome was grunts and groans, and she didn’t expect this greeting to be any different.

“Oh, it’s you.” The brunette greeted back a little rudely, but out of surprise. “Cherry. Um, how are you?”

“I’m good.” The shy blonde nodded, tucking stray strands of her hair behind her ear. “I spotted you and just thought I would welcome you to Smackdown so...welcome. I’m sure you’ll fit in right away.”

“Yeah.” Maria nodded, trying not to frown.

Fitting in had never been a problem for her, in fact, that was the easiest part. The only problem with that was becoming invisible in the crowd. As far as she was concerned, she was plain and boring. A pretty face no doubt, that was proved when she posed for playboy – but other than that, she felt nothing made her stand out.

“Well I have to go now.” Cherry quickly added, prompting her to crash out of her thoughts. “I’ll talk to you later.”

The diva hurried past her and Maria was left on her own yet again to continue traipsing around. This was torture, no, worse.

But then, for the first time since she found out she would be drafted to Smackdown, a smile, though small, crossed her face. She stopped walking to search around for her iPod, and was positively happy when she found the small green item.

Music would always help her, no matter what mood she was in.

I hate living without you
Dead wrong to ever doubt you...

With the sound of Skillet filling her ears, Maria felt more at ease. Usually, she was able to become lost in the lyrics and dream herself into another scenario. It was fun but more importantly it helped her forget whatever troubles she had at the time.

As long as she had her music it would be easier to cope with the sudden change in her life. Smackdown was her new home whether she liked it or not, and that was that.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Unlike Maria, Jeff was more comfortable with the idea of being on the blue roster. He would have liked to stay on Raw but he welcomed any challenge put his way. Seemingly, the next challenge of making friends on Smackdown was a difficult task and in all honesty, he had made more enemies than friends. That was okay, he was used to being an outcast anyway.

Many were threatened by him because of his skills in the ring. Many were threatened by him because of his looks. The most common reason though, was because of how he just didn’t fit in with any group.

Jeff Hardy was born to stand out after all.

As he rounded the corner, a familiar diva, and more importantly a friend, came into his view. He wouldn’t have known who it was had it not been for the baggy sweater she was wearing, the sparkly printed word “MARIA” on the back of it.

He chuckled lightly. “At least there’s someone I know.”

The rainbow-haired warrior followed her footsteps at a quick pace until he finally managed to catch up with her. A slight smirk played on his lips as he heard the sound of rock music. She obviously wasn’t having such a good day.

“Maria.” He called out. Just like he suspected, Jeff got no answer. “Maria!”

Still no response.

Tapping her on the shoulder, the reaction he got was very amusing. She jumped suddenly and when she finally looked around it was as if she had seen a ghost.

“Oh Jeff, you scared the hell out of me!” The diva exclaimed, bringing one hand up to her chest and using the other to press pause on her iPod.

“You have a problem?” He questioned shortly, pointing to the device.

“Just a little one. I just, ugh, can’t believe I’m here. You know what I mean? No disrespect to anyone else here but I don’t want to be here. I want to be back on Raw.”

Jeff smiled sadly. “I know the feeling but hey, at least I know one person now who’s not going to look me up and down as if I’m a piece of dirt.”

“I understand.” Maria nodded. “I feel like the new kid in school. It sucks.”

“Definitely.”

“Anyway, I should go now. This sucks...”

“Alright. Bye.” He smiled again.

She offered one last smile before she walked away, but not before she pressed play on her iPod again.

Jeff simply stood there and watched as she walked away from him. She was one of the few divas he had really grown close to on Raw and he was glad she was on the blue roster now, even if she wasn’t.

He turned around swiftly to walk back in the direction he came, ignoring the glare he received from John Morrison.

That same smile was still on his face. The reason for this smile despite his outcast status? Why, of course it was all due to Miss Maria Kanellis.

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So there’s the first chapter. Please review and tell me what you think (not just add it to alert!) :)

In the next chapter:

Maria thinks she’s found a friend in Michelle McCool while Jeff continues to stand out more than ever.