Previously: Roman takes care of Dean's injured shoulder while Seth thinks it's a great idea to spam him with text messages. (It's not.)

Did you know that Dean has panic attacks?

you kidding

Maybe Seth is just lying again. After all, it is a specialty of his. Roman is tempted to throw himself at the bruised shoulder in front of him because the thought of yet another sellout fogs up his mind and makes him want to act irrational, to confront Dean about his dishonesty.

Dean rambles a bit about culture and history before he finally admits grumpily, 'It's catchy, okay?' And that's the moment Roman understands why Dean hasn't told him. It's not because he doesn't trust him (or maybe that does have to do with it, because these days they both find it a bit hard to trust anyone).

No, Dean doesn't want even a single person to know about this. Just like he always brushes over his past very hurriedly to evade any further questions. But Roman has picked up enough on last Monday night, has been granted a glimpse into Dean's mind by accident. His brother has never asked how much of their heart-to-heart Roman has overheard, as if doing so would completely break their already cracked brotherhood.

Why would I joke about something like this?

Dean wants nothing to do with that part of himself – he'd have told him about it by now if he wanted to –, so Roman shouldn't ask for it either. Maybe he fears it'd change too much too fast. Well, Seth has taken that decision out of his hands now, so Roman has to be on his guard to never spill anything as long as Dean isn't willing to share.

He can't force Dean to open up. All he can do is wait and hope that Dean will never forget that he can come to him whenever he needs to. So far, Dean has never accepted the offer but Roman knows he's happy it's out there in case he should change his mind one day. (Seth on the other hand always came to him, shared everything with him, which is why Roman had deluded himself into thinking he knew his littlest brother by heart.)

oh, i don't know. how can you do anything you do

All that rational thinking doesn't help. For some reason he still feels left out and hurt. There is already so much Seth and Dean share that he will never have with any of them. He really can't watch the two of them grow even tighter together while he just stand awkwardly at their side until they leave him behind to move on without him.

Not the time, Rome.

'Okay, but shouldn't they be texting you rather than me then?' he manages to follow the original conversation even though he is totally focused on waiting for Seth's reply as soon as he's typed a hasty no, i didn't. how come you know. Because God damn, he wants to know why he's the only one being left in the dark.

It's not like he would go into the ring, grab a mic and tell the whole world how fragile Dean Ambrose's mental state is. (Besides, they already say Dean should be locked away in a rubber cell, wearing a straightjacket and Roman doesn't want to have anything to do with that.)

His hand is still working on Dean's slick skin while the world keeps on moving without Roman being able to keep up. What were he and Dean talking about again? Oh right, Jimmy and Jey. He needs to be more careful before he mixes up both conversations. 'Stop confusing me with your logic, my brain is already asleep. So Seth?'

He had one in front of me last week. Scary shit. Thought he'd die on me.

'Yup,' he breathes relieved, all anger and feelings of treachery gone. It's hard not to laugh; he'd have no clue how to explain all of this to Dean. So, apparently Dean didn't plan on telling Seth either. There was just no way to avoid it and Seth happened to be in the right place at the right time.

He shouldn't jump to conclusions that easily. The bond between Dean and Seth may be special but he and Dean share something that Seth doesn't have anymore. And this is not a contest about who's getting Dean. Roman shouldn't let his emotions get the better of him. He's supposed to be the older brother; the wise and calm, protective one.

'What's he saying? Bad news?' Dean interrupts his thoughts and looks up at him expectantly, the barest hints of confusion flickering in his blue eyes. Roman has stopped massaging him somewhere along the way to stare at his phone while his left hand had gripped the sheets tightly.

He sincerely hopes Dean hasn't seen the disappointment that has undoubtedly ghosted over his face at the thought of Dean keeping secrets from him.

(It's weird how different Seth's treason feels to the one he thought he had suffered at Dean's hands. With Seth it isn't this intense, there's just a lot of sadness and incomprehension, because Seth is his tiny little brother and just doesn't know better. But with Dean it's so personal because they both are cut from the same cloth and they're all they have left.

This is way too complicated to deal with at three twenty-four in the morning.)

'Just telling me about some plans of the Authority,' he lies and rolls his eyes for good measure, as if Seth is annoying him. Which is kind of the truth. It really pisses him off that Seth won't share all of this with Dean. That kid is a genius and comes up with the best plans on earth and Dean is always willing to execute them – as crazy and dangerous as they might be.

So why is he coming to Roman, who still ignores him whenever they meet? Why is he trying to use him as a fucking Cupid while spilling secrets he shouldn't even know of? (Seriously, how the hell did Seth manage to weasel his way this deep into the Authority even though he uses to appear everywhere either alone or with his new buddy Kane? Like how fucking good and cunning is Seth to accomplish that in no time?

If he wouldn't be so angry and disgruntled by Seth's backstabbing, he'd be proud as hell.)

'So we can prepare ourselves better for the war.' Dean nods, his eyes still radiating suspicion but then he smiles at him – not happy or understanding, but a bit sadly (he fucking knows I'm not telling the truth, Roman thinks petrified) before he forces it into a carefree one. 'Like to share the madness?' he offers him an easy way out – at least for tonight – and Roman could kiss him for the rest of his life.

'I fucking love you, you know that, right?' Roman says and he really means it. Dean could have called him out on his bullshit, could have gone down the crazy lane and attack him, leave him like Seth did because there is so much mistrust and secrecy between the two of them; but he always decides to stay at his side (even though Seth would be the logical choice), to stay loyal to him. Not because Dean is a creature of habit – as weird as they may be – but because he wants to be with Roman.

He really has no idea how the smallest things can make his resolve waver, can shake his trust and turn him into a blind, raging monster. He doesn't want to be like this.

Dean chuckles and averts his gaze, practically throwing his face into the pillow again. 'Shut up,' he murmurs into the pristine white cushion, all flustered and suddenly unable to keep still. Roman loves how restless Dean gets whenever he expresses his love.

He's never heard Dean say it back and Roman doesn't expect him to. Even before he knew about Dean's past it was clear that he isn't the type to wear his heart on his sleeve if it's about his personal life.

This reaction alone tells Roman all he needs to know. Dean might not be able to say it, but he shows Roman (and Seth) with his actions – a little kiss to the head, a light pat on the hair, an unguarded smile (these are Roman's favorites) – what's going on in his head.

It's not what Roman is used to from his really expressive family, but it's still refreshing to have someone like Dean around.

why are you talking to me about that

He sets the phone aside as soon as he's finished the text and concentrates on Dean's shoulder again while he thinks hard about what to tell him now. He knows that Dean hasn't seen all the messages Seth has sent him, because Roman has deleted most of them instantly. Even before he found Dean snooping around.

So there is a lot Dean doesn't know yet. It probably is time to finally share these things anyway. Dean might be the type who can live without a game plan, just crossing his bridges whenever he gets there, but Seth has planned everything ahead and Roman should accept the fact that it's a good strategy, even if it means that he has to let go of Dean for a while. At least during work.

He hasn't even had to live without Dean for a long time yet but he can already understand the depressing loneliness Seth has to endure each day since his departure. (And even after three weeks he and Dean haven't gotten a good excuse. They still pretty much know next to nothing. It's really frustrating.)

Seth replies not a minute later (I can't stop thinking about it.) and Dean's body stiffens for a second before he lets go of all his inner tension. There is no use in wanting to escape Seth Rollins – and they have tried everything –, so it's better to just accept that their little brother won't let go until he's satisfied with the end result.

It should be annoying (and it is to a certain degree) but Roman is also kinda glad that Seth doesn't give up that easily. He's never backed down from a challenge and getting his brothers back is by far the biggest and hardest task he has yet to cope with. Roman enjoys to see him struggle and fall down on his way, revels in every backlash the other has to suffer. He knows for a fact that Dean does too.

you're texting me cause you're lonely

He doesn't even get a chance to put the phone down this time. Seth answers at the speed of light, telling him that yeah, he is. Roman wishes he couldn't care less. But the good thing about texts is that he can lie all he wants to. And Seth will never know how much of it is real.

stop

'So?' Dean wants to know after the silence has stretched on for too long. 'Sorry,' Roman mumbles and starts massaging Dean once again. He's really doing a piss poor job. Seth would kick his ass if he could see how he singly-handedly destroys his legacy as the best masseur in (Dean's) history. And Roman would kick his ass just because he would be here.

'There's gonna be a second ladder match at Money in the Bank and guess who the first entrant is.' Dean laughs sarcastically, but doesn't even care to turn his head around so Roman can hear him speak properly. He's yawning into the pillow before he asks a question first. 'For the contract?' They probably both have the same thought spinning around in their head: Dean needs a way into this match, no matter what.

'Yeah,' he adds and watches how Dean cracks a sadistic smile. They definitely are thinking the same thing. 'I'm gonna make a bold prediction here,' Dean mutters, voice dripping with sarcasm and a tiny bit of exhaustion. 'Our one and only Seth Rollins.'

'You're not mad?' He really is slightly surprised that Dean doesn't flip his shit because Seth sneaked his way into a very important (and probably career-changing) match, evading the confrontation everyone – especially Dean – is waiting for once again. Dean sighs and shakes his head minutely. 'Way too tired for that. Ask me again in the morning.'

Oh no, he won't. He's so proud that they haven't wrecked any hotel rooms in the past week (even though they have been fighting) and he won't be the one ruining their small lucky streak.

'They're gonna announce the other participants on Raw next week. So, technically Seth doesn't get the same treatment as Orton.' He probably constantly stands his ground and defies Triple H as much as he can without raising any suspicion. So that Hunter thinks he's on his team but kind of a free, uncontrollable spirit. Dean puffs his cheeks and hums, 'Remember me to get him a medal for that.'

A quick glance at the clock tells him it's getting really late but Dean looks so at ease. Roman hasn't seen him like this for a long, long while now and he's pretty thrilled by the fact that he managed to put that smile on his brother's face all by himself.

How's Dean?

As if he somehow could sense whenever they stopped talking or thinking about him. It wouldn't surprise Roman if Seth is lurking around in front of their hotel, supervising their every step. Thank God they're staying on the third floor.

Sore, he types back with slick fingers, already annoyed by the messy state of his display. He will probably never get rid of all the oil smeared across it. When the phone chirps up another time, Dean doesn't even react and Roman pinches him slightly to make sure he's not fallen asleep. There is no way he'll let Dean stain the sheets when he has to shower every god damn time because Dean bitches about it until he stomps off to get cleaned up.

Triple H has planned a wicked week for Dean. Plans to unleash Kane on him. Ordered me to do commentary for their match on SD. Warn him, okay?

Who does that little shit think he is? As if Roman will let Dean run into his demise. Even though he's sure Dean doesn't want this kind of help. He likes to fight his battles on his own because that makes the victory even sweeter. (Though playing a little dirty here and here can't hurt.)

he'll be fine

And Roman really does believe that. Kane might be bigger and stronger than Dean but what his brother lacks in those compartments he makes up with aggression and unpredictability. The only problem might be Seth at ringside. It'll drive Dean crazy and he'll get sloppy, no matter how many times Roman will remind him of staying level-headed.

He'll definitely watch that match backstage but he won't interfere; no matter what happens. Not only because Seth's plan doesn't involve it but also because Roman is sure that Kane won't harm Dean as long as Seth is there. His little brother will make sure that he is the only one attacking Dean once the match is over – claiming (not so subtly) stake at him and riling Dean up even more.

It's all part of the secret design while the whole world and especially Big Daddy Hunter are forced to believe Seth is on their side, destroying Dean with mind games and brutal attacks. And Roman will be in the back, watching his two brothers fight each other, listen to Seth talking some bullshit about Dean while he can see the lies and worry written all over Seth's face because he now knows where to look for them.

Seth is playing a dangerous game to keep up his charade. One day he won't be able to disguise his emotions and the whole world will see it. And the worst part? Roman can't help him. Even if he wanted to.

No one can come to Seth's aid anymore. He's standing with his back against the wall and even though he's doing one hell of a job to play his role as a traitor, he'll mess up at some point. That's the thing with feelings like love and hate. They always get the better of you.

Could you please stop being so cold?

Yeah, sure he could. Seth could also just apologize or finally get in the ring with Dean to settle this once and for all. So far, Roman hasn't seen him doing any of that, so no. It's also kind of his payback and he enjoys it way too much. Dean is totally rubbing off on him.

can you stop being a dick

Dean stirs under him the moment Roman accidentally brushes over the scar on his back. That's Seth's territory right there but Dean is thankfully too far gone to get up and sleep on the couch. (His scars are a touchy subject even though Dean thinks they and their history are cool. It's just that he's probably still used to Seth trace them while Dean's half-asleep and they're both cuddled up to Roman.)

'What're we gonna do?' Dean mumbles drowsy, his eyes too heavy to open them completely. The sight is really cute and helps Roman to prepare himself for what follows now. It's actually quite good that Dean isn't completely lucid right now, so he can sleep a night over Seth's plan.

'He says that we should continue what we unintentionally started tonight on Raw,' Roman whispers a bit hesitantly, going through the text in his mind again to see if there's any flaw, but in the end he has to admit that Seth has some good arguments. Why must that kid always make so much sense?

'Wha's that? Druggin' people?' Dean asks and closes his eyes again, head turned to the left so Roman can understand him better. 'You know, you in street clothes, us not working together.' He speaks softly to not upset Dean or rouse him from his almost slumber. It works. Kind of.

'Not leavin' you,' Dean answers stubbornly, eyes snapping open but Roman can see that they're already glazed over. He should talk with Dean in this state more often. His brother is way more responsive and forthcoming like this. That he's constantly easing the pain in Dean's shoulder is probably an important factor too.

(Usually, Dean would have protested loudly by now. Would have started a tantrum and insulted Roman and Seth for thinking he would be so stupid and leave his last remaining brother behind. There would have been broken furniture and an exasperated Roman trying to come up with a decent apology for the owner.

But there is no fight left in Dean; at least he's physically not able to start one.)

'Just listen, okay? We only have to appear as if we're going our separate ways. So that Hunter thinks The Shield is completely broken; that he has won. Or that Seth has won. Whatever.'

Dean sighs, not convinced in the slightest, so Roman pushes on. 'Look, it makes sense. Seth thinks it's better if I concentrate on pissing off the Authority, going after the title and Randy while you hop on the crazy train, trying to destroy Seth. And only Seth.'

'Not gonna leave you,' Dean insists and juts his chin forward to make a point of his own. Roman is kinda flattered by his persistence to never let go of him but this isn't about them breaking up their family. Roman won't let Dean go anytime soon, won't even give him the chance to disappear out of his life again.

But Seth is right. If they want to get rid of their enemies they have to plot a bit too. Seth did the first step and betrayed them while the whole world watched and now he's helping Dean and Roman to play their parts. (Now that Seth has realized he can't go on without Dean, he's including them in his master plan, but Roman is too tired to be irritated by that.)

'You don't have to,' Roman soothes his brother's worries and rubs his shoulder gently in circles, planning on lulling Dean into sleep with the repetitive motion. 'But you have to admit that it's a good diversionary tactic.'

There's still a lot of defiance brooding inside of Dean and even though he hasn't opened his eyes for a while, his mouth still works perfectly fine. 'Doesn't make a lick of sense, Ro. We just stated, what, last week that we're still together, still strong and all that blah-blah.'

Great. Even a tired Dean has enough presence of mind to understand that. Roman hasn't even thought about it; still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he drugged someone, probably got Vicky fired and planted the idea in her head that he might be interested in her – all thanks to Seth. There's only so much his brain can deal with at four am.

He decides to pretend he hasn't heard that. 'We won't split, Dee. We're still brothers, we keep traveling together, we're still friends. There will be no backstabbing with us; Seth has explicitly begged for us to part on good terms. We just fool the world into thinking we've split to have different agendas. Because our goals aren't the same at the moment, even you have to admit that.'

Dean stays silent but Roman can see his mouth turn downwards the moment he realizes that Roman is right. 'Seth also asked if you could keep your casual clothes as your new ring attire.' Dean scoffs, murmuring, 'He asks for a lot, don't ya think?'

Roman smiles and concentrates on a particular hard spot on Dean's shoulder. Now comes the tricky part. 'You should get a new entrance music too.' Dean grunts annoyed and turns his head around, so Roman can't read a damn thing in his face anymore. 'Seth's idea. Says that makes it more real.'

'Yeah, he should know,' Dean whispers, a bit offended, and Roman can feel his heart skip a beat while a wave a nausea hits him. No matter what Seth said, how much he promised him that it's not the end, it still feels like it. The end of an era, to be honest. Roman is not ready for that yet.

'I carry on everything of The Shield to go after the title. We're still going strong, it will live on. I promise.' Dean stays silent for a long time, fighting a battle in his mind all by himself and Roman isn't sure the outcome will be a positive one. Worst case scenario: Dean leaves and never comes back.

He tries to breathe through his nose but panic creeps its way into his mind, making it hard to swallow. He might look like a human version of Hulk, might be called the Powerhouse but at the end of the day, it's Seth (not Roman) who is the daredevil. Roman usually likes to know what awaits him at the other side before he gets there. It's why they completed each other so perfectly.

'Okay,' Dean eventually whispers, brokenhearted and gloomy and it has nothing to do with him being on the verge of falling asleep. Roman's body freezes for a split second and he digs his fingers painfully in Dean's shoulder. 'Jesus, Ro,' he hears the faint complain and lets go, way too dumbfounded to say he's sorry.

'You're okay with it?' He can't really believe it. Being the WWE World Heavyweight Champion is everyone's ambition in this business; the ultimate goal and yet Dean is not even a bit irked by the fact that he is stuck with Seth who – as a part of the Authority – will end up with singles gold one day while Roman gets to fulfill his dream.

'Hell yeah. You deserve it.' Dean does too. Roman would even go so far as to say Seth does. Maybe not as a person, but as the skilled and amazing athlete he is. Everyone in that match has a right to climb that ladder and become the new champion.

(And even though Roman is going to make sure it won't come to this, he still likes to imagine what would happen if Bray Wyatt wins the title. It's definitely something he'd fear and be excited about at the same time. He just really hopes that his cousins will be able to defend their titles against the rest of the Wyatt family. One title would be bad enough, but them having two? Hello, Judgment Day.)

'I'll find a way to sneak into the other ladder match and get the contract. And then you better watch out,' Dean jokes half-heartedly, and both of them are well aware that, if it'll come to this, neither of them will back down just because they're brothers. 'Anytime, kiddo,' he promises and keeps moving his hands a bit to the right to massage Dean's back.

While he eyes the two long scars on Dean he manages to fool himself into some kind of happy illusion. He convinces himself that Seth is sitting on the other side of the bed, watching Roman do his job, nodding with a satisfied smile to tell him he's doing it just perfectly fine.

There's a tiny moment when Roman wants to say something to a Seth that isn't there, but then he blinks and only sees the empty space next to Dean. It's all gone again. And there is no one who can predict if it'll ever be the same again. If they will be able to go back and start over as a family.

'You worried about Seth? I mean, he's never been in a ladder match before.' He's speaking in a hushed voice, not sure if Dean is still responsive and awake. There is still a lot he wants to talk about tonight. Maybe (no, most likely) because Dean is practically at his mercy right now and as calm as he can get.

'Nah, he's smart 'n nimble. He'll be fine. Long as I'm not in the match,' Dean chuckles and presses his face deeper into the pillows. Maybe Roman can text Seth and ask him if he can convince Triple H to put Dean into the match. The kid owes him a favor; actually a lot of them after everything he did. And if someone can do it, it's Seth.

Roman would love to see them fight against but with each other at the same time. Or no, he should be more precise. Dean would fight with all his power to get some revenge and mess up Seth's big night. And Seth would try very hard to make sure no one in that ring will hurt Dean, while he simultaneously has to appear as if he wants to bury Dean alive and climb that ladder to win.

He'd definitely be in the wrong match then. All the fun would go down in the other one.

'What are you gonna do if you don't get a spot?' As soon as the question leaves his mouth, he wants to roll his eyes at himself for being so foolish. As if Dean would ever take a no for an answer. 'You really need to ask?'

No, he doesn't. Dean will interfere in the match anyway, fucking up Seth's chances to retrieve the contract. No matter how many times Seth will protest and state that he's not really trying to drive Dean crazy, that it's all show, Dean still has only this one goal at the moment. And that's making Seth's life a living hell. Just because he can.

And because Seth made theirs one too.