#production!reader

Clearing his throat for a second, Joseph finished adjusting that hair and walked shirtless, pairing shorts with black shoes to answer the door.

“Yes, Ma'am?” Offering kindness, Joe wouldn't pull his character yet and smiled when you stood wearing this headset for the production team.

“I'll join our camera crew, but I wanted to show my face before we start rolling.” You grinned and nodded, keeping Joseph aware before the match.

“No problem. It's nice to meet you.” Joe understood pleasantries, but his heart started to race.

Even while you dressed to handle work backstage, Joseph almost turned flabbergasted.

You're so pretty, it's unfair.

“See you out there.” Leaving that door open, you gave Joseph his last few minutes alone before the match started.

Soon enough, monster Roman Reigns would burn this place to the ground.

****

Defeating opponent CJ Parker, Joseph Anoa'i channeled his dangerous persona and quickly shook the world beyond NXT, encouraging noise.

When Roman inked that main roster beside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, you helped large-scale cameras with the biggest smile on your own face.

The Shield was born.

_____

As “wreckage” plummeted the Survivor Series event, you found Joseph in person and grinned while this cleaning staff hustled.

“Congratulations.” You genuinely respected this man.

“Thank you.” Wearing black and sporting new pants to replace shorts, Joseph nearly towered beyond height when compared with your stance.

Uh-oh. Joe realized.

Whenever facing you, butterflies almost swarmed his stomach like the movies.

Before this man could speak again, security arrived to escort teams home.

“Take care.” You bid farewell and Joseph watched your footsteps leave the tunnel, already protective.

Damn.

*****

While big-time events continue hitting the famous schedule, every single wrestler kept fighting various opponents throughout televised chaos.

Even interviews became different.

One night, SHIELD gathered for this post-match conference with media platforms and the Reigns character pulled back up, showing off an attitude.

“Catch my good side.” His strong voice would settle anger and everyone laughed when your camera zoomed toward his own face.

“In all seriousness, I just wanna thank everyone for welcoming our squad near the WWE family. Good night and stay safe, y'all.” Joseph returned and broke the fourth wall to meet reality again.

Finding your presence, Joe winked after leaving the press table and moved forward, yet those invisible butterflies would rattle once more.

“You're bold.” You nearly whispered, but Joseph caught on and walked toward the camera.

“Let somebody else film until we leave.” Joseph answered this time.

“Okay. Is something wrong?” You squinted, definitely concerned.

“No, but we should talk in private.” Joseph no longer pulled the character idea.

“All right.” You agreed, led down the corridor near dressing rooms for this program.

_____

“Whatever you need, I'll do it.” Joseph attempted to explain himself without saying too much.

“I appreciate your respect.” You understood his generosity.

“Thank you for everything.” Joseph moved away, before you could respond, but your mind stood puzzled now.

What happened?

=====

2014

Two years later, everything changed.

With SHIELD now lying dead in the name of cinematic betrayal, WWE started to promote Roman Reigns as a solo act for the first time.

Despite facing changes, you would stand right there and keep composure while millions of disappointed fans still loathed this outright turn of events.

Meanwhile, Joe still looked out for you.

*****

Before his match against Mark Henry would take place, Roman knocked in full costume, but smiled off camera.

“Don't I look good?” His strong voice nearly flirted as footsteps marched closer to you.

“Yeah.” You almost giggled, excited to witness the broadcast. “Now, get out there. Everyone's screaming through the walls already.”

“Yes, Ma'am.” Biting his lip, Ro smoothed back perfectly long hair and turned down that hall, ready for war.

*****

“Welcome back. We are here broadcasting live for Monday Night Raw! Roman Reigns has readjusted his momentum and will now stalk legend Mark Henry.” Pundits described updates following one of the commercial breaks.

“Hold on. What's this? Oh my! Reigns bolted forward and locked down this hefty spear maneuver to defeat the world's strongest man right now!” Announcers kicked up shock while fans lost their minds.

“I did that. Me!” Reigns nearly sprinted to your camera and showed out while celebrating this victory. Even footage began to shake up.

This is my job? Awesome! You couldn't help smiling regardless.

Ooh-wa!

______

In the tunnel, Joe dashed beyond his adrenaline and lifted your weight out of nowhere, then spinning this joyful moment round and round.

Even when your stance reached this floor again, Joe stepped back and offered distance.

“Sorry. I'm still excited now.” While Joseph glanced down to meet your eyes, his Southern accent pulled forward.

“It's all right, that was fun.” You smiled and his heart flipped again.

Good Lord. Joseph thought.

Right before Joe would talk again, your work phone rang and its noise echoed in the tunnel.

I'll go.” Joseph pointed backwards and planned to exit with security guards.

You nodded before picking up the call and your voice still lingered when Joe began to leave.

“Hello? Colby, what's wrong?” You greeted wrestler Seth Rollins by his real name, Colby Lopez. “Flat tire? Shame. I'll contact someone right now.”

Watching frustration reach your eyes, Joseph stood with guards while other professionals helped, moving to the lot found outdoors.

_____

Waiting in this dressing room just in case, Joseph stood up immediately when you knocked on the door again.

“All set.” You offered the update. “Everyone should be good to go with transportation and security’s waiting for you.”

“Thanks.” Joseph didn't even think about personnel, but excused himself anyway, grateful as you joined the parking lot to depart.

Everyone is safe, especially you.

*****

As time moved along, Ro would take charge beyond words.

“I'm not talkin’ to Renee. Look at me.” Roman locked down brutal eye contact with your camera and the fans whistled, seeking his next move.

“Woo!” Spectators encouraged Reigns more and more.

“You're not slick here. Stop flirting before I do something too hot for TV.” Reigns bit his lip and stepped right back.

Even commentators laughed before the program ended.

Your thoughts know exactly what Roman meant tonight.

Before filming, you dressed in black for work as usual, but the outfit teased your curves without pushing boundaries regarding this important job.

Off camera, Joseph nearly couldn't stand your presence this time. Even as you clicked heels in all directions, his firing glare would keep its torch.

“Where are you going?” Joseph peeked around the corner later and noticed you, trailing your footsteps near his dressing room.

“Ah - Put me down, Joe!” Yet, he caught up just in time and carried you over his shoulder, stomping in the tunnel when your laughter nearly howled.

Happy birthday to me! You thought.

His silly behavior lasted all night and this special card waited.

Boss,

Best wishes to my favorite camera expert. 🫂

Always,

-Big Dog 🐾

====

2017

Years would leave calendars once more and you secured different experiences many times, still working with that famous company nowadays.

But when The Undertaker loomed between shadows for “Wrestlemania,” you made popcorn and gathered everyone, just awaiting madness.

Ouch. Each passing strike crossed Big Dog as an icon marked danger.

Dueling back and forth, each competitor slammed this movie in real time.

“Watch this.” Grabbing this chair, Ro acknowledged your main camera and threw down the tough prop with all of his might, fighting back.

“No!” Thousands of people would shout with disbelief.

“Stay down, this is my yard!” Roman barked at The Deadman and knocked out one last spear to beat this legendary monster.

“Roman Reigns has defeated The Undertaker at Wrestlemania!” Announcers revealed that impossible finale as Deadman centered this ring.

_____

“Are you serious?” You still couldn't believe what happened.

Joe stuck out his tongue and left with security guards, never answering.

When you jokingly casted both eyes toward the ceiling, your coworkers just laughed beyond this special venue to leave another spectacle marked.

Ro still took care of business.

*****

Months later, John Cena would line up for the “No Mercy” event.

“I've heard rumors about the cameras. What's going on, Roman?” Cena walked forward in this ring.

“Don't start. Wanna get your ass beat?” Ro shook his head and defended you in silence.

“There it is.” Cena caught how venom struck Roman's glare and the crowd watched in shock.

“I will knock you out right now. Just keep talking, John!” Ro paced back and forth, heating jealousy to fuel the match this evening.

“Make a move, Big Dog! Somebody else could get her phone number.” Cena struck one more comment right before this duel would kick off.

Ding, ding, ding!

The massive audience erupted throughout another venue. Even Roman headlocked Cena first and quickly started the battle right now.

“C'mon! Get him, Ro.” Even when Reign failed different maneuvers, you kept shouting behind the camera.

“I got it.” His Southern accent pulled beyond the rasping voice just before Roman knocked out victory again!

“Oh my goodness. What an incredible match tonight! Ladies and gentlemen, The Big Dog Roman Reigns just took down John Cena.”

****

For the first time since crossing the NXT match, Joseph whispered to you in private and held hands while walking right through this tunnel.

"Too much?” He offered kindness to help you feel comfortable.

“No.” You welcomed his gesture, but paused near the dressing room.

“Oh, right.” Joseph realized the point of you stepping back and cleared his throat for a second.

“See you next time.” Your heels clicked once more, but Joseph couldn't help answering differently.

“Baby…” Sighing, Joe slipped that nickname for you and no longer kept up with his Roman Reigns persona.

Turning around, you looked up to face his nearly pleading stare.

“What's going on, Joe?” You offered this burning question.

Peering down beyond towered height, Joseph bit his lip and moved closer, fading proximity for you b

“I want…” His strong voice revealed genuine truth here.

Your breath hitched while his power nearly shook up thoughts. Tempting lips almost met inches away.

Before you'd consider this point of no return, sother voices interrupted.

“Time to go, everyone!” An announcement signaled the building for departure.

Pulling together several emotions, you know much better and stepped away from Joseph, leaving this place like nothing happened.

====

The Announcement - October 22, 2018

“My real name is Joe and I've battled leukemia for the past eleven years.” Joseph Anoa'i revealed his personal medical condition to the world.

Backstage, loved ones arrived to give l and offered support before Joseph would begin his lifesaving treatment.

You nearly sobbed alongside Paul Heyman, unable to smile past true feelings. The spectacle of WWE no longer made a difference tonight.

“Hey.” Joseph opened both arms to hug you despite everything.

The embrace nearly squeezed beyond comprehension, but you didn't even care.

“You got this, okay? If you need anything, let me know. Take care, all right?” You sniffled through remarks and still faced him.

“Thank you. God bless.” Joseph's kindness never wavered and you watched him leave to fight such an unbelievable illness.

=====

The Return - February 25, 2019

“I'm in remission, y'all.” Everyone cheered when Joseph returned to WWE and revealed the most amazing news.

Once Colby Lopez, also known as Seth Rollins, welcomed back Joseph another voice, while echoed throughout the large-scale space.

“What's up, Big Dog?” Spotlights beamed as your favorite color changed the show.

That unexpected greeting crossed lively music while the audience sent this night into a frenzy and Joseph couldn't help looking for you.

Even working behind the scenes, your own legend stood high among this WWE platform.

Within seconds, this entire space darkened and one effect with clicking heels reminded Joe of countless memories. Fans only wailed louder.

Another light revealed your silhouette and when this room brightened, cheering almost shook when you stood across from Joseph in person.

“Thank you so much. Thank you!” Emotions ran high no matter what as Joe whispered on camera.

“Welcome back, I'm so proud of you.” Your tears reached smiles this time.

“Baby Girl, you have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you.” Joseph held your hand in the most subtle manner despite footage.

The overjoyed crowd screamed beyond words to kick off another broadcast while Joseph looped his arm around your shoulder, reunited for good.

=====

2022

“Careful, Sweetheart. Don't forget who's in charge here. Huh? Ten years with your pretty self. You know I'm right.” Even while fighting opponents, his matured yet classic voice still offered habits for you during trash talk.

Complying, you nodded behind the camera and smiled, accepting his chances to flirt again.

“Locked the vice grip around this guy.” Roman continued battling someone and you caught on.

“You haven't met my clutch.” You snuck this opportunity right back.

“What did you just say?” His Southern accent pulled even further regardless of the match.

“You heard me, Ro.” Your next comment shortened his ring nickname as Roman scored this victory on purpose.

****

“Get back here! Stop running.” Joseph Anoa'i finally won you over.

Nearly chasing your steps down that tunnel this time, Joseph no longer held back and felt spurred by your laughter. The sound just echoed again.

No better feeling in the world.

“Look.” Setting your bum on top of this private table in his dressing room, Joseph lifted your chin and knelt between your legs.

“Yes?” Your gaze would still offer undivided attention.

“If you'll have me, I love you.” His rough tone settled down with this confession.