A/N: After a VERY long break from writing fan fiction, this idea popped up and begged me to write it. I haven't watched wrestling in about four years, but since this is an AU, it shouldn't matter that much. I hope it's half as amazing as it sounds in my head. I'm not sure if it's going to be slash (it's leaning that way), but I usually stick with het pairings, and I don't write anything graphic, so we'll see where it goes. Enjoy! :D
A/N: I don't own the wrestlers.
Ghost
Prologue
(Two Years Ago)
"She's in a better place." Tyler was so sick of the words. He nodded and didn't meet the eyes of the pastor who had performed his mother's service. What would be the point? The man believed the words, and Tyler didn't.
"Ty," Austin said, touching his friend's arm. "I'm sorry, man."
"It's okay." Even though it wasn't. But what else could he say? "I think I need some air."
"I'll come with you." Tyler shrugged. He and Austin fell into step, moving through the now empty church toward the heavy doors. Tyler could see the people outside- the ones who had parroted the words of comfort to him in the receiving line at the start of the service. "Maybe there's a back door?" Austin asked, seeing his friend's gaze on the mourners.
"It's fine," Tyler said. Then he took a breath and pushed the door open. People milled around, but they barely paid the boys any mind. Tyler's exhale of relief was soft. The two boys wound their way through the mourners, toward the old oak that sat at the edge of the lot. Tyler let his fingers trail the trunk, his gaze travelling up into the leaves. "We spent a lot of time climbing on this."
"Yeah." Austin cleared his throat. "I talked to my mom. She said you could stay with us."
"I can't." Tyler continued to stare into the tree's leaves. "My aunt and uncle wouldn't let me. And I don't think I could stand to be here without her." He let his eyes fall to his friend, and Austin saw that Tyler's were full of unshed tears. "There's too many things I'd remember, and I just want to forget."
"Okay." Austin looked away. "Sorry. But I can come and visit. It's not that far to their house, right? A couple hours?"
"Yeah. But honestly, Austin, I just want to forget. I need some space, okay?"
"Sure. Okay."
Tyler nodded. "I'll call you in a couple of weeks. We can see what's going on then."
"Sounds good." Austin sighed. "I'm going to miss you, Ty."
"Yeah." Tyler managed a weak smile. "I'll miss you, too. But don't worry. It's not going to be that long, and then we'll hang out again. We'll find a way."
"We always do," said Austin.
Tyler nodded. "Tyler!" He turned to see his aunt beckoning him from the front of the church.
"Ah, hell. Time to go." He started for the church, but Austin grabbed his shoulder.
"Wait a second." He grabbed his best friend in a hug. "I mean it. It's not going to be the same around here without you."
"You'll survive," Tyler said.
"We both will."
"Yeah." Tyler sighed. "I have to go."
"Okay." Austin released his friend. "Don't get into too much trouble without me."
The smile Tyler gave him was a ghost of itself. "You either. See ya around, Aries."
"Yeah. See you, Black."