Two shorter chapters for you because I'm working on some other stuff right now. There'll also be an announcement before the next chapter, which I'll post before HIAC. I don't really have anything else to say, so have fun =)

October, 13th
01:14 am

'So, you and Randy had a little show off?' Seth snorts and throws his damp shirt on his contract. Dean shakes his head and kicks the piece of cloth off it. He didn't exactly work hard for it, but he won it because he was the smarter man tonight and this little piece of paper guarantees him a match against Seth inside a cell.

It's like his birthday and Christmas came early this year. He doesn't want his brother to soil his very own contract the way Dean did with the Money in the Bank one. For some reason, Dean doubts that Hunter will grant him a copy if he loses or damages the original.

Seth ruffles through Dean's hair on his way to the bathroom to comb his own freshly washed one. 'Jealous?' He bites back a you wish and a sarcastic laugh, watching his friend's reflection in the mirror, throwing a smug smile at him when their gazes meet.

'Nope,' he drawls, waving Seth over when he's done. Dean wants to braid his hair because it's been ages since he's last done it without it being part of a joke. 'If anyone hates your guts, it's him.' His brother turns the light in the bathroom off, nudging Dean with his knee so he'll part his legs some more.

It's kind of amazing how they understand the other wordlessly, their minds geared to each other for the longest time. Things with Seth are easy – finally –, which is why Dean's willing to let down his guard and release his softer side once in a while. Just to see how things works out.

So far Seth wasn't the one doing the complaining. For once, that has been Roman's part. He gets it, their brother is just concerned they'll get caught and no one will be there to fix their mess. But they got it covered. They might be trying out this whole secret relationship thing but they're not stupid. Neither are they teenagers anymore.

Roman has to trust them on this one. He's not claiming that he knows even remotely what he's doing with Seth as his partner – and he'll be damned if he ever calls him his boyfriend – but he sure as hell knows not to make any fatal mistakes while there are people around.

Seth sits down on the ground, handing him a scrunchie and tips Dean on the shin. 'Think about all the hate sex we could have.' 'Think about all the hate sex we could have,' Dean counters absent-mindedly, separating Seth's hair in three equally sized strands to not imagine his brother and Randy Orton having any kind of interaction.

He's won't share his friend with John Cena in the ring and he definitely won't allow anyone to have him in bed either. Dean wouldn't call it being possessive, though it'll probably border on that in the future – he'd use the word protective. Hey, this is his first serious relationship in forever and Dean's never played well with others.

Not that Seth is his property, it's just– oh fuck it, he should call a spade a spade. He is kind of possessive. Hopefully not in the bad way though. He really wants to make this work for both of them.

Seth is thankfully oblivious to his thoughts, stuck with Orton and a hypothetical bunk-up. 'Think about all the actual sex we could have.' Okay, low blow there, buddy.This is still a touchy subject for Dean, because he can't take the final step yet. He's trying so hard and it's very frustrating because it once used to be easier than breathing.

Before, it had never mattered. Now it's like intercourse is some kind of test and he doesn't want to fail it. He's pressuring himself, he knows that, but he can't help it. Dean promised Seth a perfect moment and now he's not able to present it to his brother.

'Think about the painful asskicking you will have,' he manages to say without his voice shaking, trying to get started with the damn braiding already. Seth bends his head backwards to flash him a happy smile that he cannot resist to return.

His brother makes a lot of remarks about their non-existent sex life but he always backs off in the right moment, sensing on his own when he went too far and that it's just a matter of time. Until then he is content falling asleep with Dean in his arms and waking up in the exact same position.

'But there's a feud coming along, am I right?' he asks, opening the braid up again to redo it, this time hoping to pay more attention to his task. Seth hums, scooting back a bit to get more comfortable. 'Hopefully. I'm still trying to get rid of one member of the Authority after the other and I think this is a good start.'

Dean's fingers linger in the air, eager to touch every last inch of his friend's skin, to trace the tattoo staring at him and the scar next to it. He doesn't move. Instead he suggests an idea he and Roman have been tossing around for a while now. 'Why don't you just, you know, stop?'

Seth turns his head around, the broken blond hair falling into his eye, making him blink irritated. Or maybe it's because of what Dean said. He can't really tell. 'Stop what?'

He inhales deeply, trying to steel himself for having this conversation. He and Roman know it's important for Seth to do this, to prove himself to his family but they've reached a point where they'd rather have their brother back than watching him fight a war they cannot be a part of. At least not to the extent they want to.

'All of it,' he says, running his fingers through Seth's hair to wipe them out of his face. His friend looks really buff with his hair slicked back; he should wear that more often. 'Ro and I, we don't mind. You don't have to do this anymore.' And they mean it. They don't want to watch their baby brother destroy himself because he thinks he needs to do this for them.

He's proven himself in the past few months, and Roman as well as Dean believe in his innocence, even if he turned on them because of selfish reasons. What's done is done. All they care about now is the future and Seth's well-being. Physically and mentally. So, they have come to the conclusion that Seth should stay with the Authority for now to not raise any suspicions, but stop trying to let it implode.

His friend shakes his head, eyes wide open, almost pleadingly. 'Dean, I really have to. I did so many detestable things, seriously, don't take that away from me.' 'What, your redemption?' he guesses, not quite sure why Seth insists on doing this even with his brothers giving him their blessing to stop his self-destructive mission. 'Yes.'

If that is all Seth wants then Dean has some good news for him. 'We've already forgiven you.' The final curtain can fall now, because this charade is over. Seth shakes his head again, this time averting his gaze, rubbing over his face tiredly. 'But I haven't forgiven myself yet.'

Dean whistles a bit shocked before he smiles reassuringly at his friend. There's nothing Roman or he could do to help Seth with his guilt – other than showing him constantly that it's okay. If Seth needs to prove something to none other than himself, then they'll be right by his side until the very end.

'Alright,' he mutters, guiding Seth's head back into position, 'you can always count on us. Just tell us what to do and we'll do it.' His brother looks up at him, a thankful expression settling on his face. 'I know.'

What else can they do? This is not a war of two stables, it's Seth fighting his inner demons. For now they have to come to terms with their roles as cheerleaders even though they hate nothing more than being so damn useless.

Dean kisses Seth on the tip of his nose before he finally does his brother's hair, concentrating on making the braid look perfect.

'And thanks for grabbing that contract,' a quiet, almost insecure whisper rings out, making him smirk. No need to thank him for something he'd have fought for until his last breath. He'd even have killed John if that would have been necessary. No one gets away with trying to take Seth from him.

'I promised you and the whole world that you're mine. Nobody steals from Dean Ambrose. Cena refused to listen, so I had to make myself very clear.' Dean is no rookie anymore. He knew exactly what would happen when he stepped in the man's way.

His brother hums quietly, reaching up to cover Dean's hand with his own for a few seconds before he lets him resume his work, murmuring a bit lost in thought, 'It was really nice watching you wrestle from outside the ring again.' It was also very nice to have Seth out there supporting him. Even though he didn't need any help to beat that eternal babyface.

'Liked what you saw?' he asks cheekily, tying the scrunchie around the end of the short braid, bending forward to bump his nose against his partner's forehead, kissing the top of his wet hair in the process.

Seth gets on his feet and cuddles up to him on the couch, searching for his fingers to entwine them. Dean watches their joined hands for a moment, only now realizing that he never once withdrew when Seth did that. Not even during their time as The Shield. Huh, fancy that.

His brother gives him a small peck on the shoulder and sneaks his other arm around Dean's waist. 'Always, if I'm looking at you.'

He rolls his eyes, a smile flashing over his face. Ever since Dean declared them a couple Seth hasn't left out a single chance to tell him he totally has the hots for him. It's definitely flattering but also a little bit frightening because it gives him the impression he has to do it too, or Seth will walk away.

Ro assured him many times now that that's bullshit, that Seth knows this stuff already. And not just because Dean tends to blurt some of it out in the ring. His big brother said that he should return the favor once in a while but that Seth can tell by everything Dean does these days. No need to worry.

He still does though. Dean can't screw this up. Losing Seth for real would be the death of him.

'Casanova,' he mutters, smile turning slightly sad. There is so much Dean still has to get used to, to learn and he fears Seth might not wait forever. Tonight though he just wants to be a normal person. Someone who spends a relaxed evening with his significant other without thinking he's not good enough.

So he rests his cheek on Seth's head and closes his eyes, recalling his second match from tonight and how Seth couldn't even stay out of trouble for one show. 'You're aware I had it covered, right? No need to interfere.' If he's being honest with himself, Dean is slightly pissed that his friend meddled in his affairs. He wanted to defeat John Cena on his own, put the man in his place once and for all.

Tonight's match was about Dean not only wanting to protect Seth, but also about his ego. He wanted to prove to himself he's able to take on anybody in this business and emerge victorious.

His brother nods, clapping him gently on the hip. 'I know. Hunter and Steph coerced us to come down, cause some drama and diversion,' Seth explains, voice giving away how tired he is of being ordered around by the Authority. 'I knew you'd attack one of us first.'

There's a hint of pride in his partner's words and Dean drags them up to guide them to the bed, not quite sure if he should smile or be mad about Randy bitching right at him. He can't tell how glad he is that Cena now has to deal with the man at Hell In A Cell. Dean has better things to do anyway.

'He was mouthing off,' he explains why he couldn't resist punching the other – seriously, when will people start to listen to him? He's warned everyone now multiple times not to give him a reason to dislike them.

Seth crawls into the bed, waiting eagerly for Dean to follow so he can scoot closer and embrace him once again, legs tangled with his, hands seemingly everywhere until one of them settles on his stomach while the other supports Seth's head. 'And I just tried to protect a certain someone I care about.'

Making the best out of every situation he's in; yeah, he gets it. Dean knows that Seth only wants to help, but that was his match, his mission, his chance to shine. He loves Seth with all his heart but the kid better stays out of his business if he knows what's good for him.

'You and Kane,' Dean adds belatedly, feeling as if a kraken is hugging him. 'Don't you think it's getting a bit obvious that you two always handle me while Randy has to go after the other guy?' Seth looks at him as if he just sprouted a second head. Seems like his brother couldn't care less about his fellow Authority brethren's needs.

'I am not letting Orton touch you.' Now that's really cute. And completely stupid. 'I'm not a damsel in distress. I don't need saving.' Not anymore, at least. Not since he met Seth and Roman and they formed The Shield, making Dean wanting to be a better person.

Seth sighs, knowing this argument will lead them nowhere. 'And I just want to point out that I left after you threw me out of the ring.' Playing the role of the cowardly heel better than anyone else. Seth should watch out to not let that ruin his career and the way people think of him.

'Kane still helped me,' he retorts, venting his displeasure about getting a knight in shiny armor when he wants to be one himself. Seth wiggles his head a bit, beard scratching over Dean's shoulder; the only thought rattling through his mind is the wish for some serious stubble burn.

'You should thank him once in a while. He can't take a beating like he used to anymore.' He'd lose a stubble burn fight, wouldn't he? His scruff grows at an impressive rate but Dean was never one for having an actual beard. Seth outdoes him in that division. But still, it's always worth a try. He just loves a good challenge.

'I would send him a fruit basket, but I hear he's not very fond of them.' Seth huffs, clapping him on the belly. 'You could send him a text.' His brother should know him better than that. Dean doesn't do boring stuff when he can have a big bang. Seth has experienced it himself in the past few weeks.

'Where's the fun in all that?' he complains, trying to adjust his position but Seth's limbs seem to be wrapped around him, making it impossible to move even an inch. It should be suffocating, but it's in fact kinda liberating.

However, he still doesn't wanna end this conversation on Seth's terms.

'I think I'm gonna send him a picture of us having sex.' He expected a snort from his brother, but not that he'd burst out laughing, hiding his face in Dean's arm-pit to muffle the sound. He can still hear pretty clearly how Seth snickers, 'You don't even know how to do that.'

The fuck? That's not true. He's slept with countless people in his life. Just because he wants their first time to be special, it doesn't mean he's a complete virgin. He's lost his innocence a long time ago – in every sense of the word.

'I know how to have sex,' he grumbles, sadly not low enough for Seth to miss it. His friend looks at him all lovingly, a smile splitting his face almost in half. 'Making a picture with your phone during sex, dummy.' Oh.

'Please, call me by my full title, Mr Money in the Bank,' he answers, trying to sound self-confidant but Seth's grin tells him his brother knows him better than anyone, knows that right now would be the perfect chance to make fun of him. Instead, Seth decides to play along.

'My apologies, Mr Winner of contract to face Seth Rollins at Hell In A Cell.' Looking at his friend right now, at where they are and how far they've come, Dean is pretty damn sure he made the right choice by giving Seth his final chance and taking their friendship to the next level.

He's said it months ago on a tiny scrap of paper and the feeling hasn't changed since then. He is proud of them.

This is probably one of those things Roman meant he should tell Seth, but all that comes out of his mouth is a cocky, 'I would have loved to face Cena in a Seth Rollins-on-a-pole match tonight.' He has no idea where that came from but he takes it for what it is: his own mind's way to avoid getting too sappy and lovey-dovey.

Dean doesn't mind the touchy-feely stuff – not with his family at least – but he still has a lot of problems with honoring affections.

Seth can accept Dean closing himself off from time to time, as long as he comes out of his shell afterwards. Which is why he also doesn't comment on the change of atmosphere, joking once more to take some pressure off Dean. 'You just wanna see me working a pole.'

Not the reason he'd volunteered for that match, but a very nice one nonetheless. After seeing Seth's cyberfights a while ago, he's not really in need of the mental image his brother just gave him, but he stores it in his brain anyway. Who knows when it'll come in handy?

They stop talking for a while and Dean turns off the light next to him, ready to fall asleep after having to wrestle twice in one night, when Seth breaks the silence, begging vehemently, 'Call me it one more time.'

He never would've thought his friend would be one to fall for those cliché nicknames. But if he wishes to hear it again, Dean won't take that away from him. 'Baby.'

Seth hums approvingly, head coming to rest on his shoulder. 'Sounds way better when you're not threatening to kill me.' Dean grins into the darkness, repeating the word soundlessly to test it, let it roll off his tongue. If Seth likes the sound of it, he should call him that more often. It's not Dean's favorite name ever but he'll use this until he finds one he feels more comfortable with.

'No need for threats,' he yawns tiredly. 'I'm gonna take it all out on you in that cage match.'

In the next two weeks he and Seth will have one of their promo wars again. He really doesn't know why but he loves arguing with his brother on live television; maybe it's because he never knows what'll happen, even if they made a plan.

Sometimes their emotions run high and they forget the agreement, but it still always turns out to be so much fun. Seth has begged him more than once to help him map out his speeches but Dean loves to see him struggle and freak out much more than making sure they don't go overboard with their insults.

He seriously can't wait to hear Seth's promo on the shows until next week's Sunday, calling him all kinds of things to rile him up, gloating about his golden opportunity and how he's going to destroy Dean at the Pay-Per-View. How he's so much smarter and sane and generally better than his so-called brother. And Dean will get to be as unique, off-beat and over the top as he can.

Now that he knows for sure Seth doesn't mean any of it, he genuinely enjoys their feud, thinking of it as some kind of prank war between brothers that acts as a foreplay to get them hot and heavy.

One of these days, they'll fight in the ring and make up in bed later that night. It's actually a good thing Seth is flying home tomorrow morning to get his Shield mask.

'You won't go easy on me?' his brother asks, probably pouting, fooling himself to believe that just because they're a couple now Dean will hold back during work. No, buddy, not a chance. Until he hasn't defeated Seth fair and square, he won't be able to finally get closure and move on. And Dean has chosen the cage match to be the day.

That is, as long as no one of the Authority takes away his victory again.

'No way, Seth. You'll like it, no need to be nervous,' Dean allays his friend, smirking when he realizes Seth isn't afraid of the cell, but of all the things Dean could do to him with it. He shouldn't be worried though. Seth is able to climb the cage and fly and even though Dean has to try and rip off his wings to keep up the lie they're living, he's confident that they'll be fine.

He doesn't trust anyone in the ring as much as his own family. And besides, he's had worse and more violent matches and he's still here. Sure, he has a few scars both physically and emotionally, but every one of those fights made him better, stronger. Seth will see for himself once their match is over.

'It'll be the fight of the night. We're gonna steal the show and Orton won't be able to do anything about it.' Especially if John Cena is his opponent. 'But you're having home advantage,' Seth complains, trying to win the discussion with this ludicrous argument. He wasn't born in a cage, though that wouldn't even surprise him if it'd be true. Dean might be used to brawling and fighting dirty, but Seth has nothing to worry about.

Not now that Dean believes in his innocence, at least.

He yawns again, hugging his brother in his arm, so he too can be a bit comfortable, remembering something from his days as a teenager when he was running around with long, pink hair and a nose piercing. Sometimes it's like that was a completely different person that just happened to have the same name.

'A, let's say, friend of mine once mentioned something that could give you some comfort.' It won't and that's exactly what Dean is aiming for. Seth will probably be haunted by it in his dreams and Dean will be here, lying wide awake and watching over him.

'What's that?' Seth walks right into his trap, not knowing what's in store for him. 'You better give your soul to the Lord, because your ass belongs to me.' Seth doesn't even ask who said that in in the past – it was the Undertaker thirteen years ago; damn, he misses the American Badass –, just pinches Dean in the side as some kind of childish retaliation.

'That– not helpful, Dean.'Oh, it's too easy sometimes. 'I knew you'd like it,' he says, a smug smile dancing over his lips. It's actually a bit disappointing that Seth doesn't catch up on the ass part, but it seems like he's really worried about hurting Dean in that cage match.

Well, he has two weeks to turn that fear into the wish to fight Dean because he wants a fair and even match. And he'll get it, one way or another. Because – if everything goes according to his own plan – that'll be the night that will change their relationship once and for all.

But first he needs to defeat Seth. Not because of his pride, but because he knows he can do it if he just gets the chance to. He's not saying Seth doesn't have the guts or strength to win against him – his brother is a tremendous wrestler and Dean won't ever take that away from him –, but he needs this victory.

This is something he has to prove to himself, much like Seth does.

'I don't–' his friend starts, but stops himself, sighing annoyed. Dean can feel a hand wandering up to his cheek, trying to pull him closer. 'Just shut up and kiss me.'