Dean went to the desk to inquire about John. It took a while before he finally found out he was moved to one of the admittance floors. They headed for the elevator and up to the instructed room.
When they reached the room John was awake and his head turned as they walked in. His normally happy eyes looked older and almost haunted, warm compresses covered his badly bruised neck and throat. "Hey, John Boy." Dean greeted him. "Before you ask, we haven't heard from him yet."
"Okay." John's voice sounded pained and hoarse. "They said...don't talk much...it hurts to even swallow."
"Fuck, Man." Dean exclaimed. "Did they give you a notepad or something?"
John nodded, the pain evident in his eyes as he tried to reach for the small tablet and pen on the nightstand. "Here, John. I've got it." Seth told him as he moved to hand it to the older man.
"Arms hurt too?" Dean asked.
John shook his head no before writing on the paper. #Throat just hurts with any movement and my shoulders. I could hardly drink.#
Seth read the note and shook his head. "Damn...sorry, John."
"Well, Hunter and Randy knows you were attacked. They came to your room as we were leaving." Dean informed him.
John actually cracked a small smile at the mention of Randy. #Hope he comes to see me.# He wrote out. There was something so comforting in the way Randy always had his back like a big brother.
"Well, Hunter said keep him updated. Want me to call and let Randy know you would like to see him?"
John nodded again and wrote #Please.# Seth patted John's head in a reassuring manner.
"Okay." Dean placed a call to Hunter, filling him in. He then asked if Randy was still with him then passed the message on before hanging up. "He said he would when he can."
John nodded. #Thank you.# He whispered. "Ran is like my brother. He is always there..." His voice trailed off as he gave a cough. He wrote on the paper. #I thought of him when I thought I was dying. How upset he would be.#
"Well, of course we're glad you didn't." Dean tried to joke. "Guess you won't be cutting promos for a while."
John cracked a small smile at Dean, a hint of his dimples showing. Seth was glad Dean could distract John from his pain and sadness. "Hey, we're here for you, Man. You're a good friend. Anything you need just let us know."
"Yep...we'll be your good errand boys." Dean smirked. "No point bothering the old crones of the nurses right?"
A small chuckle left John's lips. There was so much he wanted to say to them but couldn't talk much and he feared writing something down that could lead the cops to Roman. Dean could almost see something on John's mind. "Seth, did you happen to grab John's phone?"
"Uh yeah." Seth fished out John's phone from his pocket. "Why?"
Dean looked at John. "Would it be easier typing what you want to say then writing it?"
John nodded and took the phone. He was just grateful to be alive even if his throat was sore and swollen. He opened a text and typed #I didn't know but the demon only goes out for one reason. To kill people. When I asked Roman not to go out it took over and pushed me to the bed. It had nothing to do with sex. It talked about how it loves seeing a person's face before they die and it started to strangle me. I begged for my life but that only made it laugh. Before I passed out I begged Roman to stop it. I guess he did.# John held up the phone so they could read it, trying not to shudder at the memory.
Dean started reading it. He even took the phone from John to look closer to make sure he read it right. He gave a shaky breath, remembering faintly what may have been his own close encounter. Seth read the message after Dean before handing the phone back to the older man. "Fuck, John. I never thought it was this bad." John typed. #Me either but that demon is pure evil. I saw it. It's not Rome's fault though. He's a victim in all this. He saved my life or I would be dead.#
Dean got up, walking to the doorway to look to make sure the coast was clear before going back over. "Fuck, John." He tried to whisper. "It's done this twice...well tried to in only the few months you been with Rome…" Dean shuddered, lowering his head not even able to finish voicing his thought.
Seth put his hand on Dean's shoulder to soothe him. "Twice?" John croaked out, his eyes questioning.
"You said you realized when he goes out alone...that is what it's after...he went out a few months back. Then he was planning on tonight...so twice. So what...maybe four or so times a year?" Dean was shaking a little, a slight mix of panic and feeling ill as the math tried to work its way through his head.
"Damn." Seth gave a hushed whisper. "How many people has it killed and we had no idea?" He rubbed Dean's back. Fear was reflected in John's eyes as he typed. #But what can we do? If anyone found out they would blame Rome not it. He would be put in prison or a mental hospital.#
"Yeah...but can any of us really sleep peacefully with this information and just standing by while it kills again and again? How can any of us be expected to keep a blind eye?" Dean wondered.
John's head pounded from a mixture of pain, stress and sadness. He knew Dean was right he just didn't know what to do. He loved Roman more than his own life and couldn't watch the innocent guy be put away. "I c-cant say anything." He whispered.
"That's fully your choice, John. We need to talk to him or something. Like how sure is he that we can't get rid of it?" Dean replied.
John nodded and mouthed "Talk to him."
Seth looked at Dean. "Dean, maybe we should go for tonight so John can rest. I think he's had enough stress for one day."
"Do you want us to go...or stay until Randy gets here?" Dean asked.
"You can go." John forced out. He pointed to his beloved dog tags that had been removed from him by the nurses and were on the bedside table. "Give...those to...Rome to hold...Tell him...I love him...and need him." He wanted his boyfriend to have a connection to him.
"Okay, John...we will try to reach him again. Don't forget to delete the messages." Dean stood up and went to grab the chain. "Now, send us a message if you need anything or when we can spring you."
Seth gave John a pat. "Feel better soon, Man." John nodded and went to delete the messages from his phone. The two men left and headed for the elevator.
Dean waited until they were in the car. "This has got to stop somehow."
"Yeah." Seth agreed as he pulled the car out of the hospital driveway. "I didn't say anything in there because John was stressed enough. We came within inches of seeing him at the morgue."
"I know...I don't know if he knew he wasn't even breathing when we got there. Roman left like that. How many innocent people has this thing killed?"
"I know. I know." Seth sighed as he drove. "But John's right...they would lock Roman away in a straight jacket...and us too if we insisted it was true."
"Well, something has to be done." Dean sighed as he pulled out his phone. He called Roman and got his voicemail again. "Damn it, Rome! Call us the fuck back. We know what happened. John said it isn't your fault. He's worried about you and either wants us to see you are okay or to go see him." Dean hung up the phone, sitting back.
"Shit...still not answering." Seth sighed as he drove. "I know he must feel bad but isn't he wondering if John made it okay? "
"He's either hiding or...well...or it didn't get what it wanted and went out looking."
"Fuck." Seth groaned. "I hope not." They rode for awhile in silence.
Xxx
About fifteen minutes after they left there was a quiet tap on the frame of John's door as Randy peeked his head in. John had been sitting with his thoughts and jumbled emotions so he was thankful to see his best friend there. He mustered a smile and motioned Randy in with his hand. Randy walked in and over to the bed. "Hey, Buddy...I would have been here sooner. Hunter tagged me for something first."
John nodded then spoke slowly, his voice of course sounding hoarse. "It's okay...thanks for...coming."
"Fuck, John, any clue who the attacker was?" Randy asked as he looked.
John hated lying to his friend not to mention he wasn't good at it but he knew he had to so he shook his head no. "Happened...so fast..."
"Damn. I know you're not the most liked with fans...but to have one jump you in your room?"
John wanted to be honest without revealing all. "Not...a fan. I don't think...he said he enjoyed killing others...watching their faces as they die...I think he just wanted to kill someone." His voice was a hard whisper.
Randy's brow knitted together. "Wait...it happened so fast...yet you remember things being said to you?"
"Yeah..." John cursed his big mouth mentally. "As he was choking me...I begged him to stop because I couldn't breathe."
"So you described what you could to the police?"
"I d-didn't say much." John admitted. "My throat hurt so badly they told me...n-not to talk."
"Stupid me." Randy commented. "Should have realized I shouldn't have you talk so much."
John waved it off with a tired smile. "It's okay...Good to see you."
"Looks like you could use some sleep...should I go?"
John shook his head no emphatically. He didn't want to be alone with his worries about Roman and the ache in his heart. "S-stay...until I fall asleep?" He asked, feeling a little silly.
"Sure, Buddy...sure." Randy sat down then reached over, patting John's arm. "We can talk as little or as much as you want."
John shot Randy a grateful look before closing his eyes. A few minutes passed before he spoke. "I was...so scared." He admitted. "I felt my body...shutting down...You flashed across my mind and my f-family...how upset you would be."
"Damn right… I would have turned Punisher on someone's ass." Randy gave a dry smile.
John chuckled at the mental picture and it made him feel better. "You're an amazing friend, R-Ran...tell Shea thanks for sharing you tonight."
"I will. He understands. He made a call back home when I left."
John smiled. "Always there for me...more than even a brother." He felt himself slowly slipping off to sleep.
"You know you would do the same for me." John just mumbled as he was half asleep by that time. The bruises on his neck and shoulders looked angry and dark and larger than a normal man's hand.
Randy couldn't help feeling a mix of anger and sadness. A twisted part of him hoped when he talked to Hunter later there would be a lead. John drifted into a troubled sleep, his mind uneasy but his body exhausted. The sound of his deep breathing filled the room. Randy waited maybe fifteen minutes before he quietly left. He drove back to the hotel. When he called Sheamus it went to voicemail. He was already asleep or still talking.
Xxx
Roman had returned to his room after making a trip to a nearby liquor store. He sat in his room alone figuring he would drink to finish sating the monster. Tears kept wanting to fill his eyes. He couldn't keep doing this. His current choice was whisky. He figured if wine worked the stronger would be better.
Seth pulled into the hotel parking lot. Once he killed the engine he paused before looking at Dean. "I'm half afraid to say this...but should we check in Rome's room for him?" He knew it was a big risk to take.
"Well, if he stayed in, it's better than the other option." Dean told him.
Seth gulped and nodded. "Okay but be careful. There's no telling which part is in control." He pocketed the keys and got out of the car.
Dean got out and they headed inside. Dean went to the front desk to try to find Roman's room. After a little sweet talk he got the number and they headed for the room. Seth tried to act calm for Dean's sake as he stood in front of the door but his heart was racing. He gave a knock then waited.
Roman looked toward the door, wondering who it could be. Did it matter? He sat the glass down before heading for the door. He debated going back, didn't matter anymore. He cracked the door open, leaning on it as he looked out seeing the two men. "Yeah?"
Dean blinked almost not believing they were seeing the right man. Roman looked like hell, like a way he would never have let anyone see him before. His hair was a mess, his eyes bloodshot. "Can we come in?"
"What for?" Roman replied with a sour look, just wishing to be left alone. Where they there to deliver the bad news he already knew? John was gone and he was alone again.
Seth tried not to stare at Roman looking such a wreck but it was hard. "We need to talk to you, Rome." He tried to keep his tone even. "We tried to call."
"Figured." Roman stated, his tone empty as he turned walking from the door. Dean slowly walked in after him waiting on Seth. He looked around, spotting the few already empty bottles on or near the table, then the one Roman was working on still.
Seth walked in and closed the door. He felt sympathy for his long time buddy seeing how he was drinking. "We know what happened tonight...with you and John." He said to Roman, not mincing words. "He doesn't blame you."
Roman sat down, looking at them. "How...how can you know he doesn't?"
"Cause we talked to him." Dean stated. "Fuck, he seems more worried about you then himself."
"He...he made it?" Faint disbelief was in his voice.
Seth nodded. "He made it. He's in the hospital tonight. I guess for observation. They had a compress on his neck. He typed on his phone to save his voice...he told us everything...said it was his fault because he tried to stop you from going out."
"Glad...still can't be around him though." Roman lowered his head.
Dean looked around. He couldn't believe Roman was this coherent with the amount of booze it looked like he had consumed. "Well, until you can..." Dean pulled the tags from his pocket. "John wanted you to hold on to these for him...so you will have a piece of him with you." He walked over, setting them down by him.
Seth looked at Roman. "You know how important those are to him. All he thinks about is you. With how stubborn your man is you honestly think he'll stay away?"
"If he values his own life." Roman stated as he took a hold of the tags. "I'm a monster...a menace...my parents should have let God do his will instead of what they did to me."
Seth nodded. "I understand you feeling that way but they did it and you had no control. As far as John valuing his life we all know John has more loyalty than fear."
"And for that he is a fool. Just like I was a fool to think this time could be different." Roman stated coldly.
"Are you sure nothing can be done?" Dean asked.
"I only know the one who did it won't do it...said he won't risk it." Roman lowered his head. "I am getting to the point I don't care."
"So then what?" Seth probed. "You live your life alone...with this thing inside you? Keep killing people and push away the guy who honestly loves you? All he kept asking for was you."
"Keeping him away so hopefully it won't succeed next time...maybe beg for it to be removed...screw the consequences."
Seth was at a loss so he looked at Dean then back at Roman. "That's your call, Rome...but please don't make it on impulse. Think carefully first."
"What other option makes sense?" Roman asked, lifting his head. The look of desperation, despair, hopelessness showed in his pale eyes.
"Don't know, Man...but how would your family...how would John react if you do? From what was said...well you are basically contemplating suicide if that person is correct." Dean told him.
Seth was not a man to cry easily but he could feel a wetness in his dark eyes as he looked into Roman's. It felt like he was privy to his friend's suicide. "Rome, we've been friends and sex partners for years. Please give it some time and think over options. If you want John kept away for now we can try."
"For his sake...please." The larger man's voice began to crack. "If you can think of options...I'm all ears."
"Let us think about it." Seth looked at Dean. "Baby, I'm so tired. Can we go to bed?" Dean looked at Seth then back at Roman. He didn't know if it was wise to leave the big man alone.
"Go on...you two get sleep...thanks." Roman tried to assure them.
"Okay, Rome...you know how to reach us." Dean told him, heading for the door. "So you know, John has his phone with him."
Seth walked over to Roman and gave him a hug before following Dean. Once they were back in their room he shook his head. "Poor Rome...and John...I don't see a way out of this one."
"Me either." Dean told him as he sat on the bed. "Kitten, I am a total wreck." Dean stated bluntly.
Seth gave his boyfriend a look of pity as he kicked off his shoes and sat on the bed beside him. "But you seemed so calm back there...calmer than me."
"I think more shock...more...I don't know...trying to distance myself. How ma-many times did we play with fire and didn't even know it? I know it sounds crazy...bu-but if he wasn't planning on hurting us...but kept it going...sh-shouldn't he have told us the risks? Give us the option of choice if we were willing to take that risk?"
Seth rubbed Dean's back. "Yeah, he should have...but put yourself in his shoes. It would be a hard thing to say to your buddies and not look crazy. We wouldn't have believed him."
"He could have said something...I don't know...like 'just a warning guys, I sometimes get carried away and may be worse then I plan'...or SOMETHING!" Dean ran his hands through his wild hair, groaning. "Sorry, Kitten." He gave a shaky breath. "I just hate the feeling of not knowing...secrets...ju-just memories." He shook a little, licking his lips.
"I know, Baby...I know." Seth tried to soothe him but he was scared too. "Believe me I feel the same way...all those times we were tied and at his mercy...It could have done anything." He shook his head. "But as much as I want to I can't stay pissed at him...He just looked almost pitiful...and he's lived in this nightmare so long."
"I know...I...I just don't know if I can trust him again...you know what trust means to me." Dean sighed, leaning against Seth. "He or it gave me that stronger pain, but how can I trust I won't end up like John or worse. I just can't do that...I can't." His one hand started to trail ot his neck, but he stopped and quickly lowered it back down.
"That's fine, Baby. I doubt I could either." Seth nodded. "We don't have to play with him anymore...he'll understand."
"I know you're tired, Kitten...I'm sorry." Dean slowly started to pull away. "Go...go get ready for bed."
Seth stood and began to strip down so he could sleep. "How do we keep our promise to keep John away from him? You know John will never go for that."
"Besides ju-just trying our best? I don't know." Dean got up from the bed, making his way to a stuffed chair. "I...I don't think I can sleep, Kitten."
"W-will you hold me until I do?" Seth asked as he got into bed. "Seeing John so lost without Rome made me grateful for what I have."
"Sure, Kitten...sorry I guess I was being selfish." Dean got up kicking his shoes off and removing his shirt before making his way over to the bed any climbing in.
"It's fine." Seth sighed as he moved in close. "Don't know if I can sleep either but I'll try...just keep seeing the sadness in Rome and John...but at least John's alive."
"You think we should tell John what Rome's planning?" Dean wondered as he held Seth then kissing his forehead.
"I don't know...I would want to know." Seth replied. "But if he can't do anything about it it will torment him, always fearing the worst has happened...Fuck, John doesn't have a phone charger."
"Well, we can't access his room to get it." Dean replied.
"True but he has a iPhone like we do so same charger. He could borrow mine." Seth yawned and closed his eyes.
"True...we will take it to him when you wake up." Dean told him before lightly stroking Seth's hair.
Seth mumbled an okay as he was already drifting off. "Love you, Baby."
"Love you too, Kitten." Dean replied. He wasn't planning on sleeping, but the repetitive lull of stroking Seth's hair soon pulled Dean into a sleepless slumber.
Meanwhile in his hospital room John had managed to fall into a deep sleep. He had a dream that caused a smile to break across his dimpled face.
John was at his place in Florida. It was his day off and as always he was spending it with his boyfriend. Roman had gone into the bathroom to shower and as always he was taking way too long. John walked into the large bathroom, steam from the hot water hitting him in the face. "Hey, Baby. Get lost?" He called out loudly to be heard over the water.
"Huh?" Roman's head poked out of the curtain and John busted up laughing when he saw a large, flowered shower cap on the Samoan's head.
"Rome? What are you wearing?"
Roman laughed in reply, that loud, booming laugh John had grown to love. "Got to protect the hair, Johnny. You know that." John walked over to him and Roman pulled him close for a hard kiss, getting John's clothes wet in the process. "Join me." He growled when the kiss broke, both men panting for breath. "God, the way you make me feel, Johnny."
Before the dream could progress John felt himself waking and the illusion falling away. His body was wracked with pain and his throat felt worse than the night before. He tried not to break down, knowing that crying would only make things worse for his battered body. Why couldn't he just have listened and let Roman go out? Sure a criminal would have died but they would be together. He knew if Roman was found out it would destroy the man he loved. He would be declared criminally insane for claiming an evil entity controlled him during the attack. John managed to reach his phone and saw the time read 7 am. He had slept longer than he thought. He sighed, seeing his phone was almost dead and sat it back on the table. A part of him wanted to ask Randy to come back but he knew his buddy had a boyfriend and work responsibilities.