Disclaimer: See Chapter 35.

Note: *sneaks in* Hey everyone, I'm so sorry for the wait. Life has been pretty fuckin' busy lately. So I'm sorry for that, but hopefully I'll be back to updating more frequently now that I've got this chapter done. Thank you for all your love and support and patience. Please enjoy! -JJ

Chapter 36

Dean grunted as he eased the weighted bar down to his chest before he started pushing it back upwards. He'd decided on an early morning work out since Seth had a few press conferences and a TV appearance before their house show that night. He eased the bar back down, noticing the flicker of black and grey in the corner of his vision. He looked to his left, finding Roman standing next to him. His eyes narrowed as they focused on the bar as he racked it. He laid there on the bench, looking up. "What're you doing here? Seth's at a press conference." he asked, his voice less than friendly. Honestly, he had no real interest in talking to Roman yet.

Roman nodded. "I know," he started, sucking in a deep breath as he looked down at the floor, his hands resting on his hips. "I didn't wanna talk to Seth." He looked back up, watching as Dean sat up. "I just wanted to thank you for what you told Cody the other day. I think that's the only reason he's even talking to me right now."

Dean shook his head. "I didn't do it for you," he muttered, rubbing his hands against the thighs of his shorts, wiping the sweat away.

Roman nodded, swallowing hard. He should've already known that. "Yeah," he murmured, things growing awkward and tense between the two of them. He exhaled loudly, nibbling on his lower lip. He really hated this, hated how him and Dean were.

"So how's it goin' with you two?" Dean finally asked, looking up to meet widened grey eyes. "Seth said you two went out to dinner Tuesday night."

Roman nodded, smiling softly. "Yeah, we had a long talk about things and we're just gonna take this thing slow. We're not together or anything, we're just… ya know, letting things happen." He let out a sigh, swallowing hard as he looked to the floor. "I'm hoping he'll eventually trust me when I say that I like him."

Dean stiffened, watching as Roman's entire body seemed to slacken. He'd never seen Roman act so out of sorts before over someone. Cody had to mean a lot to him. He could see that Roman did want to take things slow for the other man. "You really care about him that much, huh?" he asked, his voice softening.

Roman's eyes lifted, meeting Dean's, a helpless smile curving against his lips. "Yeah, I do," he admitted, his heart giving a hard thump in his chest. It only continued to beat faster once he saw Dean smirk back at him with a slow nod. It was in that moment; that Roman felt the heavy tension between them start to ease up, giving him just a sliver of hope that they could once again be close like brothers. "Anyway, how're you and Seth? He seems happier lately."

Dean smirked, his cheeks smearing with pink. "We're good," he answered, thinking back to the day before where him and Seth had spent their entire day off curled up in his bed together. "We're doing a lot better."

Roman gave a genuine smile. "I'm glad, I really am, for both of you," he said, looking down at the floor once again. As much as he was enjoying being able to talk to Dean again, he didn't want to overstay his welcome and possibly ruin the moment. "Well… uh… I guess I'll see ya around?"

"Yeah," Dean murmured, watching as Roman turned away from him and started towards the door of the gym. His chest tightened, thinking that he did indeed miss his friendship with the other man, even if he was still angry. "Hey Roman!"

Roman stopped and turned, confusion written all over his face. His stomach gave a flip when he realized that Dean was giving him the same only smirk he'd seen so many times before. For a moment, it felt like nothing had ever happened between them, like they were still brothers. "Y-yeah?"

"Thanks for takin' care of Seth when he needed someone. I wasn't there for him like I should've been and it means a lot to me."

Roman shrugged, smiling himself. "I'd do anything for one of my brothers," he answered. "You already know that." With that he turned away and walked out of the gym, leaving Dean alone.

Dean sat there on the bench, Roman's words once again resonating inside his mind. His chest grew tighter as he mulled them over. Even after everything they'd been through, Roman still called him his brother. Dean shook his head, hoping the motion would stop his thoughts. It did nothing. Instead, his gaze settled on the door Roman had walked out of. Roman still looked at him as a brother, but did he still consider Roman his?

Seth let out a pained groan as he laid back on the bed. His entire body hurt, but his back ached the most. Even after an hour long steaming shower, his muscles still ached from his match. "Fuck," he hissed, squirming around against the pillows in hopes of finding a comfortable position. His eyes shut and he sucked in a breath, wincing when he turned just right and a sharp bolt of pain shot up his spine. "Fuck Cena and that chair."

Dean only chuckled from his spot at the desk. He shook his head, watching as his boyfriend continued to squirm around on the bed. He knew it had been Seth's idea for a chair to be involved in the match; play up his and Cena's little feud more. He also knew how much, even the easiest chair shots, hurt. Still, he couldn't help but want to pamper Seth a little.

He'd already taken his shower first and while Seth had been enjoying the scalding hot water he'd been sitting at the desk trying to work out his thoughts about his encounter with Roman. He would gladly take the distraction from his own thoughts as well. "Want me to give you a massage?" he asked, smirking playfully at the way Seth's eyes cracked open in a dark, sultry look. "It'll help you feel a little better."

Seth only smiled and nodded. "Please?" he whimpered, watching as Dean shook his head again in amusement and stood. "Just be easy. He hit me just right across my shoulders."

"I will, don't worry," Dean murmured as he walked over to his suitcase and pulled out a bottle of body lotion. He popped the top open as he walked back over to the bed. This was totally the distraction he needed from his thoughts. "On your belly babe." He waited as Seth did as he was told his bare, purple-and-blue bruised back exposed to the room. Dean winced, yeah, it had to hurt.

"Like hell," Seth muttered, already know what Dean was thinking. He tucked his hands under his chin as he felt the bed dip. He held back a smile as Dean eased up his legs and straddled his hips. Inwardly he groaned as Dean sat himself on his ass.

Dean tried not to put his full weight on the other male, knowing too much pressure on the lower back would only cause more pain. He wanted to avoid that at all costs. He drizzled some of the lotion in one hand before he snapped the lid shut and warmed it between his palms. "Relax," he breathed, leaning forward. "Tell me if the pressure is too much, okay?"

Seth nodded, his eyes closing as he adjusted he turned his head to the side. He slightly flinched as the first hand settled on his shoulder, holding him down into the mattress. His heart lurched painfully, setting an erratic pace as Dean's other hand settled on his other shoulder.

Dean gave a helpless sigh as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss right behind Seth's ear. "Relax for me baby," he whispered, hoping his voice would help Seth loosen up. "Gotta loosen up some."

Loosen up some, you're too pretty not to be used to this

Seth felt trapped, the heat above him making his stomach twist and turn to the point he was sure he'd vomit. He shook, his entire body suddenly starting to fight against Dean's hands. "No!" he yelled, finally rolling to his back and sending Dean off of him and into the floor with a loud crash.

Dean grunted with impact, confused at what had happened. He sat up, irritated with Seth's sudden movements. "What the—" The words died in his throat once he saw how Seth was sitting there with his back against the headboard, his eyes wide and glassy with tears as they wildly searched the room. "Shit," he hissed, moving to his knees. "Fuck, babe. I'm sorry."

Seth shook his head, pulling his knees to his chest as he tried to control his breathing. "No," he gasped out, a desperate whimper following. He sucked in a breath, his hands fisting in his damp hair. "It's me, you didn't do anything."

Dean sighed, his jaw tight as he slowly made his way to his feet. His heart ached seeing Seth like he was. He wanted to crawl up on the bed and wrap Seth in his arms, tell him that things were okay, that he would protect him, but he knew it would only do more harm than good. "Do… do you want me to go?" he asked gently, thinking that last time putting a little space between them seemed to help.

Seth lifted his head, his arms dropping to wrap around his legs. "No, he said, shaking his head. He looked up from his spot, hating the defeated and scared look in Deans' eyes. "I'll be okay in a minute." He wiped at his eyes, watching as Dean's features darkened, a serious look settling on them. He knew something had just hit Dean.

"Seth," he started, looking up to meet Seth's eyes. "Is…. Did he… like that? Face down?" He couldn't bring himself to say it all aloud and he hoped Seth would understand his line of questioning. He hoped Seth would open up to him, let him know so he knew never to try anything like this again.

Seth flinched, his eyes falling to the sheets. He swallowed hard, his eyes closing as he nodded. "Yeah," he breathed, his body shaking harder.

Dean eased to sit on the edge of the bed, his hand slowly sliding over the mused sheets to rest on Seth's foot. He didn't dare reach any higher. He bit his lower lip, inwardly cursing every bit of Moxley for ever hurting Seth.

"Hey," Seth tried, reaching out and taking Dean's hand in his. He gave it a weak squeeze. "I don't wanna think about it. I just wanna forget." He tugged Dean closer until the strong arms were wrapped around him and he could relax into the broad chest. "Just hold me for a little while?"

Dean only nodded, holding Seth a little closer in his awkward position. "If you want me to, I can still rub your shoulders at least," he said after few tense moments passed. "I'll just sit behind you."

Seth smiled and nodded, thinking that sounded wonderful. "Yeah," he murmured, moving away from Dean and letting him sit behind him. Once they were settled and Dean's hands were on his shoulders did he finally relax.

"So, uh… I talked to Roman this morning," Dean started, thinking that change in topic would do good for the both of them. It would also get some of his own jumbled thoughts out in hopes of being understood.

Seth perked up, looking over his shoulder, noticing that Dean's eyes were focused on his moving hands. As much as he was enjoying the deep massage, his heart gave a lurch at the idea that maybe Dean and Roman were on speaking terms. "Y-yeah?" he returned, smiling as he turned to face forward, his head hanging as Dean went to work on his neck.

"Yeah." Dean's hands paused, his jaw tight as he swallowed hard. "He came to thank me for telling Cody."

Seth nodded, listening intently.

"And to check up on us."

Another nod. Seth was trying hard to stop the rapidly rising hope in his chest.

"He called me his brother," Dean whispered, his hands sliding down to wrap around Seth's waist, holding them close together. He rested his chin on Seth's shoulder, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "I don't know how I feel about that."

Seth felt his heart fall from his chest into the pit of his stomach. "You don't wanna be brothers?" he asked, resting his head against Dean's.

"I don't know anymore."

Seth hated the uncertainty in Dean's words. "You know, you're his closest friend. He'd do anything for you," he started, his hands sliding down to cover Dean's. He pulled them around his waist and smiled as he took in Dean's warmth. "Even after all the shit he's done, he'd still take a bullet for you."

Dean's entire body tensed. "Only if he took one for you first," he muttered, still clearly irritated with their previous problems. It wasn't like he didn't want to let it go, it was just hard. Roman was supposed to be the one person that was never gonna hurt him.

"Hey," Seth muttered, pulling away from Dean completely just so he could turn and lock their eyes. "This isn't about me." His frown deepened and his voice lowered. "He's trying really hard Dean. He asks me about you all the time, sometimes even just to check on you after a really tough match. He wants to be your friend again, but he doesn't' wanna push the issue." He sighed, his eyes falling to the bed. "I'm really surprised he went to talk to you today."

Dean sat there in silence, his own mind rolling over everything. He let out a soft, frustrated sigh. "It's hard to wanna be his friend after this," he said, swallowing hard. "I know he's apologized, but that doesn't make what he did hurt any less."

"I know," Seth tried, leaning into Dean's chest so that he could nuzzle into his neck. He smiled softly, those strong arms wrapping around him.

Dean grit his teeth, holding Seth a little closer to him. "I don't think you do babe," he breathed, resting his cheek on the top of Seth's head. "That day when he told you how he felt, that morning I told him that… that I thought I loved you."

Seth eased back.

"And just the fact that I ever told him that and then all this, it still fuckin' hurts. I trusted him with everything and then he goes and—"

Seth hushed Dean with a gentle kiss. He felt the other man's lips mold to his in a brief, chaste kiss before he pulled back, his and Dean's forehead's pressed together. "I'm sorry," he breathed, brown meeting blue. "I just want us to be close like we were again. I didn't completely think about what happened with you two."

The corner of Dean's lips curled into a smile. "I'm not saying it's impossible babe, just give me a little more time okay?"

Seth nodded, returning Dean's smile. "I can do that."

Seth hummed happily as he laid with his entire body pressed against Dean's naked side, his leg thrown over Dean's as his head rested on his chest. His hand rested on the taut belly, brushing over the fine hairs of Dean's happy trail. He wished the other man would let it fully grow in again.

"Tickles," Dean chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Seth's head, his arm tightening around his shoulders. Once again Seth's fingers eased through the sparse hairs and his stomach muscles jumped under the light touch. "Stoppit."

Seth only chuckled, his hand moving a little lower resting right above the neatly kept blond pubic hairs. "You really want me to?" he teased, earning a deep, frustrated groan. "I mean, after just a few minutes ago?"

Dean only groaned. "Tease," he grunted, Seth's hand sliding back up to his chest.

"Only for you baby," Seth returned, shuffling to his stomach. His eyes met Dean's in the dark room. "Hey, can I ask you something?" His smile started to fade, his focus settling on a few lingering thoughts that had been plaguing him.

Dean shrugged, tucking both hands behind his head. "Yeah, what's on your mind?" he asked in return, wondering if he should reach for the light and turn it on or not. When nothing but silence answered him, he cocked his head to the side and moved to slide his hand through Seth's hair. "Babe?"

"Have you ever, ya know, tried to communicate with Moxley?" Seth murmured, swallowing hard as his heart started to beat faster. "I know it's a weird question, but I just… I don't know, I think things would be different if you somehow knew how he thought or felt."

Dean's entire body stiffened before he pulled away from Seth completely. He sat on the edge of the bed, his jaw tight. The note Moxley had left him flashed in his mind.

Seth sat up, terrified that he'd angered his boyfriend. He could see the tension in Dean's shoulders. "Dean, I didn't—"

"No," Dean hissed, swallowing hard as he reached for his forgotten shorts and pulled them on. "We don't communicate."

Seth knew it was treading on dangerous waters, but he couldn't stop himself. "Would you ever wanna know?"

Dean shook his head again, letting out a heated growl. "No, I don't wanna know shit about him," he hissed, turning to Seth with his arms crossed over his chest. "Honestly, I'd be a whole lot fuckin' happier if he'd just fuckin' leave. I don't trust him at all, not now."

"Oh."

"Why would you even ask about him? He's put you though hell Seth. I figured you'd be the first person that would want him to vanish!"

Seth stiffened, his eyes falling to the mattress to keep from seeing viciously flashing hatred in those blue eyes. "I… I just… I don't know. He's a part of you, so I just thought that maybe you'd want to know him better."

"After all the shit he's put you and me though, if he was a real person, I'd kill him myself." Dean turned away from Seth and walked over to his suitcase, cursing when he stubbed his toe against the edge of the bed.

"Where are you going?" Seth asked, scrambling to the end of the bed, trying to keep his eyes on Dean. "Babe?"

"I'm goin' do to the vending machines for a drink," Dean answered, the venom in his voice starting to die down. "I just wanna take a walk and think for a little while. I'll be back in a little while."

"Dean…."

"I'm not leaving the floor and I have my phone," Dean answered, grabbing the device from his suitcase and shoving it into his pocket along with a few loose bills. "Just try and get some rest babe." He forced himself to smile before he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Seth's cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," Seth returned, sighing once Dean walked out the door, letting it click shut behind him. He flopped back onto the bed, inwardly cursing himself for ever daring to try and talk about Moxley. He hadn't meant to upset Dean, it was just something he couldn't get himself to stop thinking about.

Seth didn't know when he'd fallen asleep, but the gentle, soothing motion of fingers sliding through his hair made him smile in his half conscious state. He could feel the other man's heat next to him; hear his soft breathing. In that moment, he was just happy and thankful that Dean was back and next to him. He felt those fingers still and a shudder ran down his spine. For a moment, it didn't feel like he was with Dean.

(A/N): Hi everyone. I'm sorry for the late (like Hella late) chapter. Work and life in general has been fuckin' nuts and I'm just over it. It's also summer now and I'm just not cut out for working in the heat for 9 hours without real breaks. But anyway, that's all besides the point. I'm not happy with this chapter, but I feel like it does give a lot of information on how things are progressing. So there's that. Thoughts are always appreciated, so please let me know what you're thinking! Thanks for sticking with me guys, you have no idea how much it means to me. Onwards and upwards.

JacktheSinister_JaketheJust