AN: Rated T- For a little foul language and the fact that this is SLASH. Will be an 'M' rated fic later. That you can be sure of.

Synopsis: Well, ok. So I'm sure all you wrestling fans were screaming at the TV when JBL made an unwelcomed appearance during the HBK-ReyRey/MizMorrison tag team match. I know I was. Anyway, my jaw dropped when JBL decided to help HBK in all his glory and I was further concerned when JBL mentioned some 'deal' he'd cut with HBK. Now then, I'm sure this deal is something interesting otherwise HBK never would have taken it. However, since my mind is constantly in the gutter and I am convinced that everyone wants to sleep with Shawn, a plot bunny would not go away and as a result, you have this story. It started off as a OS but now...it must continue. It is a fluff fest as well as a little hurt/comfort/friendship and light humor but that's what I do best. Enjoy!

Pairings: JBL/Shawn, Shawn?. You just never know...Oh and while JBL can be gross, give this a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised by how well this could work.


Shawn was feeling a bit disoriented but that was to be expected. He had been kicked in the head earlier and now he felt himself being pulled to a standing position. The young kid who called himself The Miz was holding him up from behind while the Shawn wannabe was kicking the wind out of him. Shawn felt his face being cupped but then just as quickly the hands went away. A few seconds passed and nothing was happening so he managed to open his eyes a little. Standing before him was the one man that could only make things that much worse. JBL. The man who'd been harassing him for several weeks now was standing before him with that same thirst for blood in his eyes.

Shawn closed his eyes bracing himself for the pain but nothing happened. He heard the crowd erupt into applause and when he opened his eyes, he found The Miz and Morrison knocked out on the right side of the ring. He looked up to see JBL's intense gaze as he slowly backed away from the ring. To everyone else who was watching the scene unfold before them saw this as strange. Just why the hell would JBL want to help Shawn Michaels? Just why would he help the one guy he'd spent weeks getting the better of? Strange though it was to the audience, to Shawn, he pretty much saw this coming. After all, it was all part of the deal.

"You do this for me Shawn and I'll make sure nothing ever happens to you again." They were all alone in the locker room. Shawn had just changed into his wrestling gear and was standing with his back to JBL as he combed his hair.

"I can take care of myself John. I don't need…"

"Really now? So every time you get yourself in a bind you're just going to go running off to that ex-lover of yours Hunter right? The guy that left you more times than a pimp leaves his whores?" Shawn turned to face JBL, a frown on his face.

"You don't know anything about me and Hunter," Shawn snapped.

"I know enough to know that you're suffering big time right now." JBL took a few steps closer to the blonde stopping inches from his face. He placed both hands on the lockers trapping Shawn in front of him.

"Suffering? What makes you think I'm suffering?"

"Because I can see it in your eyes hotshot. You think everyone don't know about your fling with Mr. Assclown himself Chris Jericho? Your whole feud reeked hurt lover. I'm guessing Chris wanted something more than a fling but you just couldn't give it to him because you were still hoping – praying even – that maybe, just maybe Hunter would quit obsessing over the young daredevil that is Jeff Hardy and come back to you," he answered slowly, his voice oozing with menace.

"I…I don't need this right now. I have a match to get ready for so move…"

"Wait a second Shawn. Just hear me out. You didn't give me time to explain the deal. You know I'm a business man and I'll make it worth your while."

"Alright. Talk. What exactly can you do for me?" Beautiful blue eyes stared back defiantly into dark grey ones waiting to hear his response. JBL smirked at the smaller man before answering.

"Well for starters, I can get that prick Chris Jericho off your back."

"I can do that on my own."

"Sure you can," he sang. "That threatening voice mail he left you the other day means he off your back right?" Shawn rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath that sounded like 'so what' but he was ignored. "Also, you'll have a friend in me."

"A friend?" he asked quizzically.

"Yeah a friend. I see you walking around here all by yourself. You're all alone now that Hunter's gone and without him, you have no one. Randy hates you. Dave wants to hurt you. Face it Shawn. You have no one and I know it's got to be tough having to fight all your battles all by yourself. Trust me. I know the feeling…or well, I used to anyway. At this rate you're going to end up with an early retirement and we both know you don't want that."

"Yeah but…" Shawn thought about JBL's offer for a second. While he knew it would be nice to have a partner, he knew with JBL all of his services came at a costly price, but so far JBL had yet to mention his price.

"So… So suppose I decide to take you up on this offer. I'll admit that I am tired of having to fight against the entire locker room week after week all alone and yeah, Ok. I'll admit that things with Chris are bad but what's your price? You've done all this talk about what you can do for me but what am I going to have to do for you in return? What? Am I going to have to forfeit all my title opportunities to you? You know full well I don't do that kind of thing anymore." JBL took a step back smiling his signature smile.

"Well…not exactly. You see Shawn the thing I want in return for helping you is well…you."

"Come again?"

"You. Y-O-U."

"You want me?"

"Well yeah. You see Shawn, I've watched you all year and have decided that a businessman like myself could treat you better than these losers. So here's the deal. You let everyone think we're a couple and you'll have it made. No one will dare bother you if you're with me and all I ask is for you to play along."

"That's it? That's all I have to do?" he asked raising an eyebrow curiously. It sounded too good to be true and yet… JBL walked over and started twirling a finger in his hair. He met Shawn's curious gaze as he leaned closer placing his lips on his for a quick, soft kiss.

"Well…when I said I wanted you, that meant all of you," he murmured. He stepped away from the shocked blonde smirking. "I'll give you a week to think about it. Good luck tonight against those tweeks."

x-x-x

Shawn hobbled back up the ramp thinking only of getting the hell out of the arena as soon as possible. He needed to get away to clear his head and think about JBL. Though he hadn't taken the deal just yet, JBL seemed very adamant about keeping his side of the bargain.

Shawn wasn't watching where he was going and ran straight into somebody.

"God, I'm so sorry…Cena?" Shawn could feel his face heating up but he chose to ignore it. He had more pressing matters to think about rather than his fondness of an ex partner.

"Shawn? Oh man…you really got beat up out there. You can barely stand." Cena threw an arm around Shawn and helped him to the locker room. He's as caring as ever… As soon as they were inside, Shawn sat down on one of the benches to relax. His sides were killing him and his back was a little irritated as well. Cena took a seat next to him and sighed. "I'm gone for a few months and I come back to see my partner all beaten and bruised up." I have a few people on my hit list too…bastards…

"Oh cut me some slack kid. You know how rough it is around here. Besides, I'm just like you. A loner. So therefore I have to do everything on my own." Which is why JBL's deal is sounding real good right about now, though I really don't think I could stomach his lips on mine again…then again, I'd get over it eventually…

"Yeah and I'm sorry about that Shawn. If I never would have been careless…"

"Hey! Whoa. Don't beat yourself up about me," he chuckled. "Besides, we technically aren't partners anymore so you really shouldn't worry about me so much." But it really feels good to know someone cares…just another reason to stay fond of you.

"Yeah. I…I guess you're right." The words escaped Cena but he didn't mean it. In his heart he just couldn't bring himself to forget about Shawn. Shawn can say what he wants but he would not be hurting like this if I would have been here for him. The fact that anyone could even think to hurt such a selfless person… Bastards.

"But I will…admit that it…kinda feels good to have someone worry," he added softly. Shawn leaned forward and stared down at the ground. He didn't know why but his face was starting to feel flushed. Cena leaned over and nudged his former partner in the side. Shawn looked over at him, smirking that signature smirk of his before they both burst out laughing.

"Finally. A genuine laugh and a smile." And it's as beautiful as I remember…

"Well before you decided to help an old man out I didn't feel like smiling. In fact, I didn't feel like I'd ever sincerely smile again but I guess that's what makes you special. You always find a way to bring those close to you some cheer. Thanks Cena. I really needed the laugh." Shawn stood up to leave but Cena clasped his wrist stopping him.

"Shawn." Shawn looked down at the man, his beautiful blue eyes softening at the younger man.

"I just…if you ever need anything…I'll be there for you."

"That's noble of you Cena but I'm fine. Really. I can take care of myself." I can take care of myself but a part me still longs for something….

"Alright but…promise me something."

"Alright kid," he laughed. "What do you want?"'

"Promise me," he started as he stood to his feet. He clasped Shawn's shoulder lightly staring into his eyes with a deeply concerned expression. "Promise me that you won't take that deal from JBL."

"Wha…How do you know about that deal?" he stammered.

"Because the fool had the nerve to threaten me about you. Stupid bastard. As if I'd ever hurt the man I care about more than anything in this world. I almost fucked him up." Shawn just stared at him with his mouth wide open from shock. Just who else had JBL told about the deal?

"Oh God…I…what is he playing at? He's only going to make things worse for me if he…what exactly did he…does everyone know about the deal?"

"No I don't think so. I managed to get him to tell me after I threatened to kick his ass all around this arena."

"Oh well uh…"

"Don't do it. It's not worth it. Besides, you have me now. Your partner and I promise to be there for you no matter what."

"I…like I said John that's really noble of you but I just can't rely on you."

"And why not?" he frowned.

"Because…I just can't. Hunter and I were partners for years but look at us now. While I know that he'll come if I call, I can't call him like that anymore. He…but that's beside the point John. I have to learn to stand on my own two feet…"

"And you are. You've been doing it all for months now but just because you're independent now doesn't mean you can't accept a little help every now and then. Let me help you Shawn. I promise not to get in your way…"

"John I'm fine and I don't need…"

"DAMMIT SHAWN, WILL YOU STOP BEING SO DAMN STUBBORN?!?"

"Oh boy. Here we go again," Shawn muttered. "You're back ten minutes and already you're on that kick again. Look. I told you once when we were partners that I don't need help, especially when it concerns my private life. Nothing's changed John. I don't need your help and I won't accept it either." John was at his breaking point now and he was having a hard time controlling his temper. Why can't he see that I really care for him?

"Alright. Fine then. If you won't accept my help then at least promise me this." Shawn rolled his eyes and leaned up against the locker.

"What now?" he scoffed.

"You…you can't…don't let him…the thought of him…"

"Dammit Cena will you just spill it? I'm tired, sore and would really rather get out of here before it gets too late so I can get a good night's sleep for once."

"Don't sleep with him."

"What?"

"Please. Don't let him touch you." Shawn stared at the kid in disbelief.

"Are you serious?"

"I'm dead serious."

"I…wow," he laughed. "You know, you've taken noble to a whole new level. I never said I was going to sleep with him and besides Cena…" Shawn walked over to his former partner and stood toe to toe with him. "It's my life and I can do whatever I want."

"Yeah well I might can't stop you from sleeping with that greedy bastard but you can't stop me from helping you. You take that deal and I will hurt him. I swear to God I'll hurt him."

"Why Cena? Why can't you mind your own business for once?" Shawn snapped. Cena gripped his shoulders and shoved him back against the lockers. He got right in Shawn's face so that their mouths were almost touching.

"Because the thought of that freak touching you is just too much for me. You know," he smirked. "I told myself that I'd forget about you and let you live your life but dammit Shawn…I refuse to let you do this. I can't. I won't. Not you. Anybody but you."

"Cena…"

"Can't you see it Shawn? Don't you know? You've got to know. The awkwardness between us…Why is it that I look at you with these eyes Shawn?" Cena's face had now softened and he looked almost sad.

"I…I don't…" he stammered.

"Why is it that when we were partners I could barely keep my hands to myself?"

"I don't…"

"Why is it Shawn, that every time I am near you, my heart races and I want to throw my arms around you…to kiss you…to make all your problems go away?" Cena stared down at the ground letting the silence fill the room. The awkwardness that he spoke of crept over the room and it was driving both of them insane. Cena was startled when he felt Shawn's soft hands cupping his face. Cena closed his eyes leaning into the touch and just as quickly felt arms embracing him. Shawn rested his head on Cena's chest and they both just stood there clinging to each other in silence, each enjoying the company of the other.

"Hey John?"

"Hmmm?"

"I wasn't going to sleep with JBL."

"Oh good."

"And John?"

"Hmm?"

"I think JBL's really gross."

"I do too."

"Hey John?"

"Yes dear?" he laughed.

"I didn't know. I really…didn't know you…" He paused for a second trying to find the right word but Cena cut him off.

"Loved."

"Loved?"

"You really didn't know that I loved you. Loved was the missing word in that sentence." Shawn looked at Cena opening his mouth to protest but Cena cut him off with a kiss. He drew Shawn closer and they clung to one another as they slowly explored each other's caverns. When Cena gave out of breath, he pulled away smiling.

"Does that mean you're going to ax JBL's deal and get with a real man?" Cena teased.

"No. It just means that I have to put up with your constant worrying since you really care."

"O…k. Well how about this. Does this mean you're going to keep your promise?"

"Tch. Well duh! I always keep my promises."

"And I always keep mine. I promise you Shawn that as long as I'm alive I will have your back…and front if you let me," he added thoughtfully.

"Cena!"

"Oh yeah. And I promise to love you because…well hell, it's hard not to love you. Believe me. I've already tried."

"Well aren't you just full of promises."

"I tell you what. You let me love you and I promise to do all those things plus anything else that you ask."

"Hmm…well…the offer is tempting…" he replied. He ran a hand through his golden locks and stared down at the floor. He remained silent for several seconds while John looked on nervously.

"Shawn? Shawn are you alright? Say something! Anything!" Shawn quickly looked up with a big grin on his face. He threw his arms around Cena playfully nuzzling his head in his chest. The he looked up at the surprised young man and grinned.

"Deal."


AN: I just wanted you all to know that a Mike Adamle/Randy Orton muse has been instilled in my brain ever since their 'encounter' the night Orton made his ultimatum. I realize that Mike is no longer with the WWE. However, once a WWE superstar, always a WWE superstar and believe me, that story is coming soon. Okay. Now you can hit the review button and laugh at me. I can't help it if I liked Mike Adamle.