Dolph is cursing darkly next to Zack, holding his neck and looking grumpy as the broski tries to breathe through the throbbing pain inching up his spine from impacting with the ring so harshly. "Dammit!" Dolph snaps, slamming a fist against the cot. When Zack groans, some of his anger is overwhelmed by worry and he turns gingerly to look at his boyfriend. "Hey, kid," he whispers, resting his hand on Zack's shoulder. "Are you ok?"
"Never better," he says sarcastically, reaching out and wrapping an arm around Dolph's waist. Neither of them move, even when the trainer comes in and checks on them. Once he clears them, they both slowly climb off of the cot, the room too full of competitors after Big Show's rampage during Piper's Pit to let them all have individual places to sit or lay while they wait their turns. Supporting each other, they walk painfully slowly and awkwardly down the hall to get their things out of the locker and head for the car. Zack pauses at the car door and glances over at Dolph. "Who's driving?" His back is killing him even more now, his prior injuries coming back to haunt him yet again, and Dolph looks worse for wear, too, but...
"I'll drive," Ziggler finally sighs, reaching out for the keys. Zack is almost relieved for the offer, not feeling up to waiting for a taxi, but once their hands meet, he holds onto the keys and squeezes Dolph's fingers, staring at him. "Kid-"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. C'mon, I'm in pain and I'm tired, just give them-" He shuts up when he realizes that Zack's hand is gone, the keys safely held in his palm. Grunting, he unlocks the door and slips into the driver's seat, sighing softly. The drive to the hotel is quiet, tense, neither even moving to turn the radio on as they stare blankly out at the street. Zack has to remind Dolph a couple of times when the light turns green but all in all, the drive is uneventful, both men releasing sighs when they spot the hotel. The walk through the arena had been torturous, but traipsing through the hotel is almost enough to bring tears to both of their eyes, especially when they realize that the elevator is broken.
Zack curses hard this time, his head dropping against his chest. Dolph glances over at him before resting a hand on his neck, gently kneading his muscles for a few moments before guiding him to the stairs. Each step is fresh torture on their rattled bones but, thankful with each inch of progress that they make that their room is on the second floor, they finally make it and Dolph unlocks the door quickly as Zack presses his forehead against the wall, desperate to remain standing on wobbly legs for a little longer.
"Oh COME ON!" Dolph yells, glaring at the card as the light flashes red and refuses them entry to their room. Zack looks over, takes the keycard and tries it himself, just for it to flash green. Dolph grabs the handle and opens it roughly, waiting until Zack enters the room to follow him inside. He watches as Zack lets his bag slip from his fingers before kicking it halfheartedly and collapsing face down on the bed.
Dolph hesitates, considering going to the bathroom and doing his nightly absolutions... but ultimately, the bed looks so comfortable that he follows Zack's cue and soon lays next to him, reaching over and tugging his face out of the pillow so he won't suffocate himself. Their eyes meet and Dolph smiles wearily at him before inching closer to him and lightly rubbing his back. "We should get ice."
"Yeah, bro. I'm not moving though."
"I don't want to either," Dolph mumbles, pressing his forehead to Zack's shoulder. "Whoever wakes up first has to go get ice?"
"Sure," Zack whispers, succeeding at sounding insincere even half-awake.
Dolph smirks and shakes his head, watching Zack fall asleep through half-lidded eyes. "Night, broski."
