It was almost three months into their relationship before the changes would affect them both personally and professionally. The stress of what was not being said out weighed what was, until finally nothing could be said without it turning into a fight.

"So, we still have plans tonight or no?" A.J. glared at the pale back, anger churning in his stomach. Chris had started coming in covered in hickeys, clothes and hair mused and instead of coming to bed he'd head straight for the bathroom. A.J. knew the signs. Knew that getting involved with Chris had been a bad idea. Especially since he was still so obviously not over Seth. But Chris had sworn his feelings for A.J. were more than friendship. That he'd never hurt him no matter who it was or how it might happen. A.J. found out that in the end, everything he'd been told...had been a lie.

"Don't start Allen, I said we'd go out and I meant that." Chris turned to face the angry brunette, aware that he hadn't been completely honest with him. He hadn't planned on Seth coming at him full force to get him back. From small gifts to actual physical ambushes, Chris was struggling to keep his head right and focused on A.J. "Look, I know that things haven't been right between us and I'm sorry. It's not your fault, honestly I've been distracted with some things a-and I haven't really been treating you right." He could feel his stomach twisting as he thought about all the times he'd had to fight Seth off so far. He wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to do it, but until things with A.J. were a complete mess, he wouldn't give him up. "Maybe we can sit down and talk without it becoming a fight?"

A.J. watched as Chris moved around the small locker room. He knew all the tells, could see the signs for himself that things between them were not going to last. Shaking his head, A.J. stood up and headed to the door. "Sure, I'm up next but give me enough time to finish this match then we can go. I'll shower later on, if that works." At Chris' nod, A.J. grabbed his hoodie, gave Chris one last look then left. He knew what to expect when he got back, Chris flushed and nervous and Rollins' scent all over him and the fucking room.

Absorbed in his thoughts, A.J. didn't see the broad shouldered, salt and peppered haired man until he'd literally run right into him. Looking up, an angry retort on his lips, A.J. paused. This man looked at him like no one else had, not since he'd started with the WWE. Frowning, A.J. glared at the silent man, wondering who he was and why he was standing around backstage. "Why don't you look where the fuck you're going?"

"Oh, well excuse me, Mr. Styles, I was unaware that the hall belonged solely to you."

Blue gaze narrowing, A.J. watched the smiling man, his expression open and unguarded. "Who the hell are you and how do you know who I am?"

"I make it a point to know everyone that works for my family. Helps improve relations with the wrestlers if I show my face from time to time."

"Who works for your family? You're a McMahon?" At Shane's small nod, A.J. laughed, a hearty sound that hadn't been heard in a while. "Well ain't this something? One of the almighty McMahon's slumming it down here in the pits with the rest of us common, working folks."

"Damn A.J. chill out, you know who you're talking to?"

A.J. turned to see the surprised looks on a number of faces. Ignoring them, he turned back to the amused McMahon in front of him. Giving him a quick once over, his curved in a small grin. "Well, well, well, Shane McMahon. Look, I'm sure you're hot shit to everyone else but to me, you're just as good as the rest of us. Now folks around here may be scared of you, Vince, and Stephanie. I, for one, am not. So if you would get your ass out of my way, I have a match I'm supposed to be in!" A.J. watched as Shane moved from in front of him, surprise clear in his dark brown eyes. Walking past him and his companion, A.J. headed to the ramp leading to the stage, ignoring the whispers and murmurs from those around him. He looked back once at the man watching him and grinned. A.J. knew who Shane McMahon was and what he and his family was all about. Still, that didn't mask the fact that he found him and his power attractive, even if he and Chris were still technically dating.

The match had gone as expected, Dean was as much a lunatic as he billed himself and A.J. made sure he was just as phenomenal as he claimed. It hadn't been an easy match though. Dean seemed intent on busting his chops about something and A.J. had a pretty good idea it had more to do with his best friend, than anything else.

Heading back to the locker room he shared with Chris, A.J. paused at the sound of two angry voices echoing down the hall. He recognized both as his stomach churned in apprehension. Chris has never let him find Seth alone with him, not since they started dating. "Well, guess there's a first time for everything." A.J. muttered to himself. Walking closer, he paused outside the room, listening to the argument inside.

"I don't have to explain anything to you, Seth. I've been telling you I'm with Allen, what part..."

"Come on Chris, you keep saying that but you don't really seem to put up to much of a fight when I touch you. What the fuck can he give you that I can't? What is it..."

"He's honest with me, despite how brutal Allen can be about it, at least he's truthful! He's not out here fucking someone else just to get his kicks or..."

"I've told you more than once I can't explain everything yet! Give me some credit Chris! You think I would intentionally cheat on you?! Christ, that's the last thing I'd ever do and especially to you! We've been together..."

"We've been together long enough to know the consequences of our actions! You knew that if I caught you it would end up like this! I don't understand..."

"Because he can't have you, damnit! You belong to me not him and I won't just stand by and lose you to someone who doesn't..."

"Who doesn't what, Seth? Meet your fucking standards as far as relationships go? He's not supposed to meet your standards. You're not the one fucking dating him!"

"You're fucking him not dating him. There's no way in hell I'll allow you to date someone else when you know full fucking well you still love me."

"Fuck you, Seth. You can get out and not come back. Who do you think you are telling me who I can and can't date? Where do you get off..."

"You belong to me sparkle crotch not Styles. I wouldn't care if he were Vincent Kennedy McMahon himself, no one can have you but me!"

"You can't make that claim and you're fucking some..."

"That's it, I've had it with you deliberately misunderstanding every damn thing I'm saying to you! You used to give me the benefit of the doubt, Chris! You've never accused me of cheating on you! What the fuck changed? What happened to us for you to think I'd go that far..."

"I saw the messages in your phone! All the fucking late night calls Seth, seriously, what the actual fuck! I'm laying in bed next to you when your fucking boy toy calls, you idiot! At least Allen and I don't put each other through that!"

"You're right! That's because usually when I call, you leave the room! So don't stand here and act like you're not fucking up because you are, Chris! Big time, you think I don't see the issues between you two? Think I don't know that he blames me for how you're acting? You're not happy Chris, I can see you're not happy."

"Don't fucking touch me Seth and don't pretend to care about how I fucking feel. You talk about love, what the actual fuck do you know about it?! If you weren't cheating then you should have proven it along time ago!"

"One month, Chris, that's all I'm asking you for. One more god damn month, please. "Give me that much, after that I'll explain everything I swear it."

By now, A.J. was standing outside the door watching the two men. He could feel his stomach twisting as he looked from Chris to Seth, taking in the distance between them. He'd known Chris was still getting calls from Seth. Had caught him in the middle of more than one late night conversation, only to be told that it was nothing, a simple issue that he needed to take care of. On the literal outside looking in, A.J. could see where the issue was. Better than he would have if he were standing right next to them.

"I love you, Chris seriously, I love you. There is no one else for me, you know that. With everything we've been through how could you think I'd cheat on you?"

"Look at your actions, Seth. They don't really say you're being faithful or trustworthy."

"And he is? He's so faithful and trustworthy..."

"Allen wouldn't cheat on me! He wouldn't hide shit from me either! He likes me just as I am, flaws and all."

"Ok, he likes you but I love you, honey. You know I do, I can see the answer on your face every time you look at me! Chris, please, just...give me a month to clear all of this shit up, ok? That's all I'm asking, one more month."

"You've had enough time to clear up whatever the hell you needed to clear up, Seth. I'm dating Allen now, I'm not just..."

"Fuck him and what ever you two have going on! You belong to me, Chris! Every single hair on your head, every skin cell on your body, every part of you that makes you Chris Jericho belongs to me! If you think I'm going to sit here and let you two continue this shit show you got going on, you can guess again!"

"Fuck you Seth! This isn't a show for you and your fucking friends! This isn't one of Wyatt's many campfire stories about love and forgiveness! You fucking cheated..."

"Damn you I did not cheat on you! For eight months I have been trying to prove that to you and you still won't listen! Well your sparkly ass is going to listen to this!"

"Back off Seth, I mean it don't fucking touch..."

"I will touch you when I want, where I want, how I want, and damn any and everyone who has an issue with it!"

A.J. stepped back from the door, shaking as he looked away from the two men. He'd known Chris was still trying to get over Seth but they'd pretty much been able to work around that. Up until about three months ago when Seth decided he needed Chris to help him through his physical therapy. A.J. had known then that it was all a fucking game, that Seth had no intentions of letting Chris go.

Backing away from the door, he wasn't aware there was anyone behind him until a pair of strong hands wrapped around his biceps. Looking up in surprise, he silently cursed himself for having run into Shane again. He wasn't sure what his face showed but from the immediate concern on Shane's he knew it wasn't good.

"Mr. Styles, are you alright, you look a little pale?"

"I, uh, I-I'm fine, just need to get some fresh air, that's all. If you would let me go...please." He looked down at the hands still holding him in place. Letting out a soft sigh of relief when he released him, A.J. looked up at Shane, mouth open to say something until Chris' voice stopped him.

"Allen?"

Turning, A.J. saw the brunette standing behind Chris and their conversation replayed in his head. Turning away from him, A.J. glanced back over at Shane. "Sorry, didn't mean to run into you again." He said as he turned and fled the area, heart racing as he tried to forget what he'd seen and heard. It would do him no good to break down in front of the owner and other superstars. He ignored the concerned voices that tried to stop him, brushed off the hands of those who only wanted to help.

Pushing the doors open to the outside, A.J. paused. His phone, wallet, and clothes were all back in Chris' locker room. Cursing himself for not just getting his things then leaving, A.J. started at the sound of footsteps behind him. He didn't turn to see who was approaching, choosing to ignore them instead. It wasn't until they were standing behind him in silence did he turn to see who it was. He blinked in surprise to see Shane standing behind him, his bag and clothes in his hands.

"I don't know what's going on with you and Jericho but I wanted to make sure you got your things before leaving."

"Your not going to try and stop me." A.J. looked from his clothes to Shane, a frown curving his lips down. He'd heard the rumors about the McMahon family. Had heard how Vince and Stephanie were ruthless when it came to business but he'd never heard anything about Shane. Not really and anything he had heard was pretty much hear say. He gave Shane another quick once over, surprised to see he was in much better shape than he'd initially thought.

"The look on your face said you didn't want to be here. If I try and stop you I'm liable to be put on my ass." Shane gave him a small quirk of his lips, watching as A.J struggled not to laugh.

A.J. fought back the laugh bubbling up in his chest. Shaking his head, he took his clothes and bag from Shane, their fingers brushing against each other. Sucking in a quick breath, A.J. pulled back, surprised at the sudden flare of heat that shot through him. Looking up at Shane he looked just as surprised as A.J. felt. "I, uh, y-you didn't have to, uh, my stuff, I would have gotten it later."

"I'm sure but it makes it easier to leave if you don't have to track down all of your stuff." Shane looked out over the empty parking lot, a frown curving his lips down. "Do you need a ride or were you going to call a cab?"

A.J frowned at the question, he hadn't thought that far ahead. Looking out over the parking lot, he sighed, wishing he'd brought his bike. "I guess I'm calling a cab, I rode in with Jericho." Pulling out his cell, A.J. flipped through a list of numbers, looking for a cab service until Shane spoke behind him.

"I can have my driver take you to the hotel. I have to stay here for a meeting so you'd have the chance to calm down before..." Shane stopped, brow furrowing in worry.

"Before I have to deal with this shit storm. Another one of many, to be honest." A.J. sighed, thinking about Shane's offer. Glancing up at him from beneath his lashes, A.J. frowned in indecision. "You're sure it won't be a problem?"

Shane sucked in a quick breath as he scanned A.J.'s face. Taking a step forward, he gave him a small smile. "The car is already waiting to take you to your destination." Leaning forward, Shane opened the door, waiting for A.J. to get into the back seat. "Alistair will put your bags in the trunk. Let him know where you want to go and he will make sure you get there safely."

"Why are you doing this?" A.J. looked at Shane, suspicious about his motives. "You don't know me or owe me anything?"

"Maybe because I don't want one of my most valuable superstars running around the city with a hot head alone."

"If that's the case, then it would make more sense for you to make sure I get there yourself." A.J. froze as he realized what he'd just said. Glancing up at Shane, he felt his breath stutter in his chest at the look on his face. "I, uh, s-sorry I shouldn't have said that, it was..."

"It's fine, really and if I could, believe me I would but I still have a previous engagement and I trust Alistair to see you back to the hotel safely." Shane watched the brunette in front of him, confused at his reaction to his words. "Here, take this, if you feel the need to talk to someone you can call me. I may take a minute answering if I'm sleep but I will answer."

A.J. took the small slip of paper, looking down at the set of numbers scrawled across it. "Which, umm, wh-which one do I use?" This was probably the worst idea A.J. has ever had in his life but the fact that Shane approached him first made him curious. He wondered if Shane would really keep his word or if...

"The first is the office, the second is my cell. If I'm not in the office all calls are forwarded to my cell by my secretary or P.A."

Nodding, A.J. started at the sound of the trunk being closed and a low voice speaking behind him. Turning he was surprised to find a pair of bright sea green eyes watching him.

"The bags are in the trunk, Mr. McMahon, anything else before we leave?"

"No, just make sure Mr. Styles gets to where he needs to go. I'll have Alex call you once we're ready if you're not back by then." Shane looked from his driver back to A.J. "Have a safe trip, Mr. Styles. I'm sure I'll be seeing more of you soon." He brushed a hand across A.J.'s back, a light touch but it was enough to send fire shooting up his arm.

A.J. forced back the shiver that threatened to move over him at Shane's touch. Stepping back from the taller man, he nodded, gaze held by the dark one in front of him. "Yeah, we, uh, I-I'll see you later." At the small curve of Shane's lips, A.J. turned away, hands shaking as he climbed into the back of the car. He looked up as Shane closed the door, entranced by the hot look in Shane's eyes. "Shane?" He wanted to know what that look meant and why Shane McMahon would be giving it to him.

"Have a good evening, Mr. Styles."

All he could do was nod as the door was closed, hands shaking at the promise he'd seen in those dark eyes. Looking at the tall, broad shouldered man on the outside of the car, A.J. couldn't help but wonder. Until a familiar figure materialized behind Shane, sky blue eyes wide with worry an something else. Something that this time was not mirrored in his own.