Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I am not affiliated with WWE or the characters mentioned.

I couldn't get this out of my head so I quickly wrote it. I hope you all like it. :) Merry Xmas!

Hunter turned around to face Dean, he had a smug look on his face and his hands were in his pockets. Now it was Dean's turn to approach and circle Hunter as if he were his prey. Hunter said nothing as he watched Dean, he wondered what was going through the mind of The Unstable. Dean had his best poker face not revealing a thought or an emotion. Once he was done he stood in front of Hunter, tall and proud with chest out and his hands ball in fist at his sides. Dean felt insult that Hunter thought he could manipulate him so easily that he had chosen him to approach first. He knew that if Hunter had said anything to Roman or Seth, they would have said something.

"Look old man, your time has come and gone, so just accept it and move on. You want me to believe you have some say as to who is the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, then why does Bryan hold the title? You and your wife have made a big production how you think he doesn't deserve nor is he good enough to hold it. And yet, despite all your attempts he is still the champ." Dean said scornfully.

Hunter remained calm as Dean insulted and challenged his authority. He had to think of the big picture and what he hoped to accomplish by getting Dean on his side. Hunter folded his arms behind his back in a non-threatening manner as he responded. "That is true but like all great leaders we sometimes have to eat crow, in order to do what is best for business. But don't delude yourself like Bryan into thinking I have no say. I don't understand why the WWE Universe wants that short, goat like, yes saying idiot as their champion but I will appease them for now.", Hunter said with disgust. "I am not here to talk about Bryan, I am here to talk about your aspirations, your goals. I imagine that one of them is to become the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion. I can help you reach your goal if you let me."

"And why would you do that Hunter?" Dean mockingly tapped his temple with his index finger and said, "Mmmm could it be that you are tired of getting your ass kicked by the Shield? And you have realized there is no chance in hell you can beat us?"

"Yes" Hunter said simply. He knew he could not bullshit Dean. He had to be honest and show him why it would be to his benefit to side with him. Dean was as ambitious as the next person, even though he may not want to admit it.

Dean was surprised by Hunter's admission. He had not expected Hunter to agree with him, but again this was all part of his game.

"You can be an asset to the Authority. And you are right, my time has come and gone, but not my influence. What I said earlier about you having the whole package is true. I see you as the future of the WWE and most importantly what is best for business. The question is, are you going to let your friends hold you back? Or are you going to reach out and grab the opportunity that is in front you? Are you satisfied with being a front man to group that will never let you reach your goals? I mean everyone saw how Seth stopped you from taking out Roman at the Royal Rumble, you could have been a contender for the Championship. Of course everyone saw how Roman speared you. Their jealous of you.", Hunter slyly said.

"It was an accident." Dean said softly as he looked at Hunter. He never thought that Seth and Roman could be jealous of him but he remembered how they we always pointing out how good he was on the mic. and how the fans loved him more.

Hunter could see he was wearing Dean down because his words lacked conviction. He decided to use Dean's insecurities to shake him further. " Or how Seth left you hanging when you needed him to be tagged in during your match with the Wyatts. Seth is always telling you to calm down and that you are the one blowing things out of portion. Aren't you tired of him always defending Roman? They are getting tired of you Dean and sooner or later they are going to cut you loose like your mother and everyone in the foster care system did."

Dean grabbed Hunter by his suit jacket and slammed him up against the wall. Hunter saw what Dean was about to do and allowed him to put his hands on him, he offered no resistance. His breath was taken from him momentarily, he put his hands in the air to show he was not a threat, physically anyway. Internally, Hunter was jumping up and down because he knew to elicit such a reaction he had to have hit a nerve.

Dean had had enough of Hunter's mind games. He knew Hunter was trying to turn him against his brothers and he hated himself because he felt himself agreeing with him. "You stay the fuck away from Seth and Roman. We will see you at Extreme Rules and we will kick your ass and show that you guys are the past and we are the future of the WWE." Dean released Hunter and turned to leave. Hunter had a lopsided grin on his face as he taunted a retreating Dean. "And do I stay away from you, Dean?"

Dean paused with is back to Hunter and looked like he wanted to say something but thought better of it and continued to march down the hall. He needed to get away from Hunter and the horrible thoughts he had put into his head.

Hunter could see Dean was not going to be so easy to bend as he had first thought but eventually everyone did as he wanted them to. He would not approach Seth or Roman, he wanted Dean, he wanted the challenge of breaking him to his will. Yes it was arrogance. Yes he was taking a big chance. Everyone always doubted Hunter but he always managed to come out on top and this was no different. Dean was The Unstable and you couldn't force or corral the unstable, no you had to lead them, direct them, Hunter thought. He had to lead Dean to the conclusion that he did not need Seth or Roman, but Hunter to reach is ultimate goal.