"Yo John? Hey…John? Wake up. I brought you coffee." John Layfield raised his head a little, groaning from having slept on his neck wrong.

"Cole, what the hell are you doin' in my house?"

Cole sat on the edge of the desk smiling down at his boss. "Um…this is actually your office and once again, you were here over night working."

"Huh?" John's head shot up and then he cursed loudly.

"Yup. John…you have got to stop working so much. Here." He handed him the coffee shaking his head disapprovingly. "I told you to go home an hour after I left and I even called you to make sure you were leaving. John, this isn't healthy."

John leaned back in his chair stretching and yawning loudly. He casually wiped the drool from around his mouth frowning at his tiny reflection reflected from a cup on his desk. "Je-zuz Christ Cole! I look like hell!" John jumped up from his desk and headed straight for his private restroom at lightening speed. Since this wasn't anything new and quite common of John, he always kept a spare, freshly dry-cleaned suit in the office. Cole shook his head as he took a seat at John's desk. Normally he would sit here and practice scolding John about his unhealthy habit of working to much but John's laptop was too tempting to ignore especially since it was his email account. Cole looked towards the door. He could still hear the water running in the shower so with a mischievous grin, he proceeded to go through his email. Business…junk…junk…Awe Jibble… Cole frowned but then burst into laughter. Awe Jibble? What the hell? I can't resist! Cole clicked on the message and began reading:

Dear Jibble,

Awe…well since you agreed to actually go out with me again, I suppose I can let you do the manly thing by booking the date in its entirety, especially since in the end, I'm the one who'll be doing the manly thing to you. *grins* Yes, John my job requires me to think dirty at all times and if it wasn't for my boss, I'd say the payoff was well worth it. But just so you know, I'm actually taking classes. I don't really care for my job anymore and would rather do something a bit more respectable. Cole frowned. Respectable? He shrugged and kept reading. So what should I wear? I don't have much but I'm sure I have something to fit the occasion. Am I going to need to suit up and what time is my Jub coming to pick me up? I eagerly, as always, await your response.

S.M.

Cole leaned back in the chair grinning. So someone was really interested in his good friend and lord knows John needed the distraction. But just who was this mysterious SM? Cole scrolled down some more looking for contact info but sadly there was none. The door to the restroom opened up and Cole quickly put everything as it were before leaning back in the chair as if he weren't doing anything. John was drying his hair with a towel which gave Cole a little time to move away from John's seat.

"Cole you nosy bastard, why are you still here?"

Cole laughed. "Awe come on John. You know it's my job to make sure you're all set. Enjoy your shower?"

"I enjoyed my shower about as much you did nosin' on my computer." John grabbed the suit that was hanging on the door and started dressing while Cole tried to look absolutely horrified.

"John, how dare you accuse your good friend—

"So what did he say?" John asked cutting him off. He stood in the mirror fixing his tie while Cole struggled with what to do. He could continue on with his lie but then it seemed as if something gave him away. "Come on Cole. I know you read it cuz lord knows you couldn't help yourself. So what did blondie say?"

Cole sipped his coffee. "Er…something about letting you book the date to make you feel manly and um…he wants to know what to wear."

John slipped on his coat and hat shaking his head. "That boy's truly a blonde. I don't have time to reply right now so I'll do it later." He turned to Cole. "Is this alright?" he asked, straightening his tie.

"Uh…yeah boss, but…don't wait too long to respond. He sounds like a winner in my book."

John rolled his eyes. "More like a perve and you're all for perves. Maybe I should let you take him out instead."

Cole grinned handing his boss his coffee. "I'm sorely tempted to take you up on that offer. He really sounds like a good guy. Hope you give him a chance Saturday and don't scare him away like you do all the others."

John shook his head. "You know Cole, for some reason I don't think I can scare him off." He sighed. "Let's get goin'. I'm sure Mick's new proposal is nothing short of epic."

-xx-

Shawn overslept that morning. "Shit!" He rolled off the couch and made a mad dash for the restroom cranking on the shower, frantically peeling off his clothes. Once again he'd stayed up most of the night studying even though he knew he had an early day today. But he couldn't help it. After sending that message to John, he couldn't get to sleep. The anticipation of receiving another message from John was enough to make him hit the books again, something he was now starting to regret. He took the quickest shower in the history of showers, changed into his work clothes, and hurried out the door only to get to work and remember that he had the day off. It was a waste of eight bucks and now he was stuck half way across the city with no cab fare. The only good thing about it was that Eric was in a particularly good mood that morning and decided to let him work for a few but refused to leave his club just to give Shawn a ride back home for fear of a robbery despite the fact that his friend Chelsea was more than capable of running the show in his absence.

He sighed as he left the building beginning what was going to be a long walk back to his apartment. He hadn't been walking long; maybe ten minutes tops when he realized he was in front of what looked like a hotel only it was a corporate building. He was shoved around a few times by people on their cell phones discussing business plans, none of them taking the time to apologize for being rude. Shawn shoved his hands in his pockets and continued walking by. He was certainly on the wrong side of town.

"John said he wants another 3 percent increase next quarter for Layfield Energy so make that meeting happen!" Shawn's ears twitched at the sound of John's name. He quickly spun around almost colliding with someone who hurried past him on their phone as if he didn't exist. He looked around again but his eyes finally spotted a beautiful BMW with the license plate that read 'Layfield'. Shawn grinned. This had to be John's work place. He hurried up the stairs to the building hesitating at the revolving door when he realized that maybe this wasn't a good idea. He wasn't dressed properly and he just knew he was being watched so with a heartfelt sigh he turned to make his leave. He'd only gotten a few steps down the sidewalk when he heard someone yelling.

He turned around frowning at the small, moussy looking man running towards him. "Hey! Hey, wait a—God I need to work out more." The man stopped in front of him, his dark hair now messy. He bent over catching his breath while raising a hand signaling for Shawn to stay. "Hey. Just—give me a sec. Didn't…exactly plan…on running this afternoon."

Shawn looked around nervously, stuffing his hands back in his pocket. "Look, if you want an autograph today's not exactly a good day," he mumbled. "I have a long walk so—

"No…wait a second. I just wanted to ask you something."

Shawn sighed. "Alright but make it quick."

Cole flashed him a tired smile. "Sorry I…I just couldn't help but notice you just now standing in front our building. Were you looking for someone or needing help with something?" Cole studied him for a moment taking in how average he looked, but going with his gut that maybe this was the mysterious date that John was somewhat avoiding.

"Not really," he finally answered. "I just thought—I don't really know what I thought. It's nothing so forgive me. I should probably get going now. Long walk," he mumbled. He turned to leave again but Cole stopped him.

"Now—now wait a second! Please…" He grabbed Shawn's wrist stopping him once more but this only angered him.

"Look you creep," he snapped. "I don't have time—do I need to signal for a cop?"

"No, wait. I was just wondering-"

"Good-bye." He snatched away once more storming down the street muttering to himself about how desperate men were getting these days.

"I was just going to ask you if you wanted to see John!" he yelled. Shawn stopped again, a couple of people bumping into him annoyed that he chose to stop abruptly in front of them. He slowly turned around wondering what this was all about considering he didn't recall seeing this guy at the dating game. Once more Cole rushed towards him, taking him by the hand and leading back towards the building.

"Sir…Sir now just wait a second-!" he panicked. "I can't see him dressed like this!"

"It'll be fine. He's not even here right now," Cole answered pulling through the revolving door and leading him inside. They stopped momentarily and Cole left his side briefly leaving him to look around in awe at the ongoings of the room. It was just like you saw in one of the movie. A pretty lady was sitting at a long desk up front talking on the phone handing out tiny slips to men with briefcases as needed. Shawn felt very uncomfortable indeed as he was the only one dressed in wrinkly black slacks and a white shirt which had visible stains from the red wine that was spilled on him earlier that day. He folded his arms across his chest and waited nervously. He was glad that he didn't have to wait much longer. Cole signaled for him to follow leading him to an empty conference room on the second floor. Once inside Cole motioned for him to take a seat smiling like he was some kind of creep.

"Uh…look sir-"

"Call me Cole," he answered taking a seat next to him. He leaned back in his chair watching Shawn as if he was checking him out.

Shawn rolled his eyes. "Look, if John's not here Cole then why the hell am I here? I don't really know John and I sure as hell don't know you so isn't this a little inappropriate?"

Cole gave him an apologetic look. "I'm—I'm sorry. I just—I saw you standing at the door and I just think it was my lucky day. Please don't take this the wrong way. You see I'm a friend of John's. One of the few he trusts and a business partner. John and I had a meeting this morning and immediately following that meeting, John had to rush off to another one."

"But his car's just outside," he frowned. "The BMW."

"One of several," Cole said with a chuckle. "No, John's in a limo and I'm afraid I have no idea when he'll be back but maybe you'd like to leave a message for him? No wait." He sighed. "John still hasn't replied to the one you sent last night—you are the one he's been e-mailing right?" he asked, hoping he didn't just make himself look like the biggest fool the world over.

Shawn looked down mumbling. "Yeah. It's me."

"S. M.?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Shawn. Shawn Michaels."

He let out a relieved sigh. "Whew. Just checking."

"So…he told you about me?"

"Well, not exactly," he winced. "I kinda caught him reading an e-mail at a meeting yesterday and it all but made him blush."

Shawn perked up at this. "Really?" he asked. "Like, he blushed?"

Cole wasn't sure what he was expecting from the mysterious S.M. Maybe apart of him hoped it was a big joke or maybe he just didn't figure anyone could get genuinely excited about John. Fact is, John was not a nice guy – at least not in the sense that you'd want to date him. If he was in a good mood, which was rare these days, he was okay to hang out with for drinks but aside from that no one in their right mind would want to consider being with him all the time. John was rude, moody, pushy and mean as hell, but Shawn didn't give the impression that he cared about any of that. Cole stared at him for the longest time taking in his eyes, which were lit up like a child's on Christmas and his smile, which was so breathtaking that even he was having a hard time looking away. His hair was tied back and messy looking, but it didn't take away the natural beauty of the blonde. He was in fact, gorgeous and he could see just why John was one lucky bastard.

Cole shook his head. "I'm…sorry Shawn."

He grinned. "It's okay. I get that a lot actually – the staring. But never mind me. I wanna know more about John. So…so tell me about him. What does he like? Why doesn't he like pushy blondes? Was he ever married?"

Cole laughed out loud. "John? Married? Who in their right mind would want…" But then he stopped himself after seeing the flash of anger in the blonde's eyes. "Whoa, whoa," he said holding up his hands defensively. "Now I wasn't—you haven't been around John long enough. Seriously. The guy's like the moodiest person on the planet and he doesn't do the dating thing which is why I just had to meet you. Your e-mail—I read it and you seem to like John a lot even though you hardly know him."

Shawn rolled his eyes. "So what? You're supposed to be his friend and yet you're bashing him behind his back. Some friend you are." Shawn made to stand to his feet but Cole stopped him.

"No, Shawn please…wait. Don't—don't go. It's just I've never met anyone who genuinely liked John and not his money-"

"I don't want his fucking money!" he snapped. "I have a job! In fact I have two crap ass jobs but it pays the bills! I never—I didn't even know about this company until-"

"Shawn please," he said calmly. "Don't—I didn't mean to offend, but you have to understand from my perspective that with John having all of this money he's an easy target."

Shawn leaned back in his chair looking rather cross. "I don't want his money Cole. I just want to know more about the only man who didn't faun over my looks or treat me like I was a piece of meat on our first date. Sure he was moody as hell but I think he likes me and…I like him too. I know he's going to be a challenge but I like him enough to fight for him."

Cole listened to Shawn's words carefully noting how genuinely hurt Shawn sounded at having been accused of being a gold digger. He reached over and touched his arm. "I apologize Shawn and I think you're right. John does like you. He just won't admit it – at least not now."

Shawn smiled again. "I don't know," he said thoughtfully. "He did allude to me on our date that I was very attractive. What do you think Cole?"

Cole blinked a few times, stammering. "I-I well you're-"

Shawn leaned back sighing again. "I know Cole. I really don't fit in his world. I mean just look at me." He pointed to his messy hair and his wine stained shirt shaking his head. "If we don't hook up, it certainly won't be because I wasn't very nice to him."

"Oh don't be so down on yourself Shawn. John was blushing like a cherry while reading your e-mail and I'm sure he replied since well, you messaged him back."

"Yeah, but he hasn't message me again," he said sadly.

"Oh but he will. I'll make sure of it," he promised. "So…I hear you two are going on a date."

"Yes!" he grinned. "I'm so excited! I can't wait! But, tch, that's why he needs to message me back so I can know what to wear!" He sulked for a moment but then he suddenly looked thoughtful again. "Say—say Cole, would you by chance know where we might be going on said date?" Shawn asked. Cole hesitated so Shawn crank up the charm. "Awe…come on Cole," he pouted. "I really, really wanna make your friend less grumpy – for your sake too ya know?"

Cole rolled his eyes looking away to hide his coloring cheeks. "He didn't say Shawn. I'm sorry but…I can tell you that you'll probably end up outdoors at some point as he's a big fan of sports and other outdoor activities. He doesn't get to do them often so even if you hate them, go along with it because he'll do whatever you want to do afterwards – if he likes you enough."

"Oh Cole! You're just amazing!"

"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled. "So…" He turned to him smiling. "Where were you headed? I have another meeting in an hour but I have time to run some errands."

"Oh…I was on my way home."

"Well come on. Let me take you home. Where is home actually?"

"Way on the other side of the city."

"And you were gonna walk?"

Shawn shrugged. "To make a long story short, my boss is a dick. I didn't have the cab fare to get home and I showed up for work today only to find that I'm so over worked that I didn't realize today was my only day off this week aside from my date day."

"You two just might be a match made in heaven." Cole patted his back leading him out. "To the BMW and no, it's not mine but I can borrow it for emergencies."

"But-"

"You're not walking. Now come on. I insist."

Shawn smiled warmly then gave Cole a big hug that made him blush. "Thanks Cole. You really made my day."

"It's—it's cool now let's get going. You have to plan for your date." And for your sake I hope John doesn't disappoint you…

-xx-

By the time John got out of his last meeting, he was too tired to do much of anything. He was supposed to go back by the office and get some papers, but he just did not feel like it at all especially since he wasn't sleeping a full eight hours lately due to late working hours. John asked his driver to take him straight home and as soon as he was in the vicinity of a couch, he dropped down face first quickly drifting off to a hard sleep.

-xx-

Shawn was debating whether or not to call John. He still didn't get a reply from him about their date and he was starting to worry that maybe John had changed his mind. He'd given John, in his mind, plenty of time to reply but it was nearing mid-night and Shawn couldn't help but want to check on him. In fact, ever since Cole dropped him off he spent hours doing pointless housework trying to take his mind off of John but nothing helped. He found himself checking his messages every hour but each time there was no reply, his heart sank a little more. Shawn rolled over grabbing the cordless phone. He couldn't take it anymore and here he was lying in bed at a decent hour yet couldn't bring his mind to rest without hearing from John. He dialed his cell number but after getting his voice mail three times in a row, he gave up. He left him a quick message apologizing for being so pushy then hung up. He grabbed his other pillow clutching it tightly; it was the only thing soft enough to comfort him right now.

He wasn't exactly sure why he was so sad since really, he didn't know much about John at all. All he knew that he was a really nice guy, handsome with lots of money with an aura that was still with him since that first meeting. Was it possible that he loved John even though he knew so little? He was a hopeless romantic and often would imagine falling in love at first sight. He knew fairly tales weren't real, but with John, it had the makings of the fairy tale story and ending he always wanted. An hour later he finally drifted off to sleep, still clutching his pillow and dreaming of a life with a man he hardly knew.


AN: Long delay I know but seriously, I needed the break. Still may feature the other couples though right now I'm not entirely sure. Hope there wasn't very many mistakes and just so you know, roleplaying is addictive and life altering. My Shawn muse is nodding as we speak. One day H2H will be updated again but in the meantime, friend me on LiveJournal or Twitter for extra madness. Questions? Concerns? Or you just wanna fuss me out about the lack of updates? PM me on MY account. Not this one as I rarely check it. I share this account with others but none of is actually check it unless we're updating. Hmmm...I think that's all then. Hope you missed me. LOL :D

Oh last thing, I know some of the chapters are fucked up because of the upgrades to this site. When I get some time to kill, I'll go back and make the previous chapters easier to follow.