Chapter 21 for your reading pleasure, I am away all weekend now so I won't be able to update till Monday - sorry!

xoxoxox

Shannon glanced around the locker room, spotting a space to change into his ring attire he made his way over. His match wasn't until the last half of the taping so he had a while yet, placing his bag down on the bench; he pulled his iPod out and flopped down onto the sofa.

Tonight was his first match for three months, Vince had been good enough to give him some time off to recuperate after what had happened, but he had phoned him as soon as he posted the package on Tuesday insisting that he was ready. Things weren't any easier, he still felt like he was just drifting through his life with no purpose since she'd left, but he'd promised himself that enough was enough now and he was hoping that getting back in the ring in front of all those fans would bring back the old passion.

Shannon opened his eyes and smiled at the man who had tapped his shoulder; removing his earphones he extended his hand.

"Hey Jimmy, how's it going? Listen I'm real sorry that I've been gone so long, I know it's kind of put our tag team title chances on the back burner"

"Don't worry about it man, I heard what happened from Matt…I'm just glad that you're okay"

"Matt told ya huh? So I don't need to pretend that it's all good then?"

"Dude, you don't need to pretend around me, you should know that by now. I see you're physically fine...but how are you doing here man?"

Jimmy placed a hand over Shannon's chest where his heart lay; Shannon felt a lump rise in his throat at the concern. Shannon fought back the tears threatening to escape and shook his head, turning his head away from his partner, Shannon finally found his voice.

"It hurts Jimmy, it hurts like hell… but it'll heal, I just need to give it a little time"

"Take all the time you need Shannon, in the meantime let's see about winning this match tonight. I know there's a lot of people out there that can't wait to see you walk through the curtain, not to mention the millions of girls at home"

Jimmy smiled at Shannon and winked. Shannon chuckled at Jimmy's words and put his hands up to cover his burning face.

"Aw shucks Jimmy, now you've made me go red"

"Ah bless little Shan's all embarrassed…come on man let's get ready for the match, we're on soon"

This next match is scheduled for one fall, introducing first the team of Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore!!

Shannon's heart was in his mouth as his name was announced; taking a deep breath he made his way through the curtain. Looking up at the thousands of faces, he spotted a sign with the words 'Shannon I wanna share your mooregasm', his face flaming again he smiled at the crowd and danced along with Jimmy, they were a strange pairing and Michael Cole was always saying he didn't see what they had in common, but Jimmy was a good friend to him and he wasn't as strange as everybody thought.

'One, two, three'

The bell rang signalling the match was over, Shannon had just got the pin on The Miz after a very hard fought match. Jimmy helped him up from the mat and the referee raised their hands in celebration. Standing side by side, he mirrored Jimmy's actions, letting the tag team champions know they were after their belts. They were scheduled to win of course, but it was exhilarating all the same. They began to make their way back up the ramp towards the lockers and Shannon felt better than he had for weeks, but the feeling of loneliness hadn't completely gone and he knew this was going to be a long road.

"Good match bro"

Matt hugged Shannon as he came through the curtains to the backstage area.

"Thanks Matt, it's good to be back…A bit strange, but good all the same"

"I'm glad, listen my match is up next so I gotta go, but stick around and I'll give you a lift back home if you want?"

"Okay, thanks Matt. Good luck"

Shannon awoke in time to see his house come into view, he must have slept the whole drive home, probably because he averaged about two hours sleep a night ever since Danielle had left and he was so tired.

"Sorry Matt, I must have been more tired than I thought…some company I am huh?"

"It's alright Shan, you needed it. You're coming to the pool party tomorrow aren't you?"

"I don't think I have the choice do I?"

Matt chuckled at Shannon.

"Not unless you want to wake up to Jeff dragging you out of bed by your ankles, no"

Shannon smiled at his friend, he'd enjoyed being around his friends tonight, Jeff was right getting out and about was helping. He would be there tomorrow and enjoy the time with his colleagues; he could do his moping in his own time.

"See ya at twelve thirty sharp then, I don't wanna suffer the wrath of Jeff"

"Catch you tomorrow Shan…oh and Shan, it'll get easier you know, you're doing real well"

"Thanks Matt"

Shannon closed the car door and walked to his front door, turning the key in the lock he walked straight through the house to his bedroom. Shannon removed his shirt and shoes before crawling into his bed, pulling the covers up to his chin, Shannon curled up into a ball before giving into to the heart wrenching sobs that came every night.

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Have a good weekend x H