(A/N: I own nothing of WCW/WWE/ECW ECT. Reviews, comments, & feedback keep me encouraged. Please keep any feedback coming, even if I don't reply be sure I do read them all.
A/N #2: OK this is Slash. If you don't know it is MxM pairing. Don't like it or it not your thing feel free to go pick another story. Please REVIEW.)
John shook his head, sitting the remainder of his sandwich down. "Do you know what time it is?"
"We have about 30 minutes...we should head up..." Sheamus tried not to sound too somber. He pushed the plate aside. "Sorry I didn't finish it, Angel..."
"Don't worry about it. I didn't finish mine either." Almost hesitantly John let go of Sheamus' hand to begin gathering up the plates, and scraping the food into the garbage disposal. He then began to walk quietly up the stairs, dreading the coming meeting. Sheamus followed after John up to the bedroom. He went to his suitcase, pulling out one of his polo shirts. Slipping it on he went for his toiletry bag to remove his brush. Part of him felt it was less a meeting and more a firing squad.
John went to his closet and pulled out a nice looking blue shirt that he changed into quickly. Having his hair really too short to comb, John walked to the bathroom to wash his face from the tear stains. He was sure that his eyes must look dull and red rimmed from all his crying. After John washed his face, Sheamus stopped him from leaving the bath room. "Angel?" His voice faintly cracked "Ma-may I have a kiss please...it feels like it has been so long."
"Of course, Master. Anytime." John walked over to wrap his arms around Sheamus' neck, pulling him down for a sweet kiss. Sheamus relaxed slightly at the feel of his Angel's lips against his. He gave a relaxing sigh as they parted.
"Thank ye, Angel I think we both needed that." He took a hold of John's hand with a light squeeze and a faint smile. "Here we go...the laptop is still in the guest room..."
The two men walked down the hall into the guest room as they prepared for their video chat. John picked up his laptop and set up the video chat by logging in with his password. About 5 minutes before the meeting anther name joined the chat room. #Mr. Cena, Mr. Shaunessy?#
John quickly typed out a reply. #Yes, this is Mr. Cena. We are both here.#
#Very good, I am Ms. Green and will be controlling the feed for your meeting with the board. I will be connecting you both in just one moment. Do either of you gentlemen have any questions before we begin that I may be able to answer for you?#
John glanced at Sheamus. "Any questions, Babe?"
"Nay...I am sure it's like any other meeting I hope...well just these are more of the higher ups. I would be lying if I said me heart is not pounding."
"You and me both, Shea. Something tells me this is big." John typed. #No questions. Thank you, Ma'am.#
#Very good gentlemen. OK. Connecting you now.# There was a small countdown on the screen, when it reached zero a video came on the screen showing the board room. A total of seven people sat at the large table, facing the screen their own images appeared on.
"Good Afternoon gentlemen." Vincent addressed them personally. The only person Sheamus recognized besides Vince was Stephanie. "We hope to keep this brief. We are of course doing all we can to minimize the damage that is being caused by these leaks into both of you men's personal lives. We wish to hear the view you men have on this situation. Neither one of you are green anymore and hold strong bases, you both do much for us outside of the ring."
"Well Mr. McMahon Sir, and rest of thee board." Sheamus started. "What is out is out...I see no point in trying to hide how we are. Our fans are not dumb. If they are fans for what we do in the ring we can only hope they shall remain our fans."
Vince waited to hear John's view before he continued. "I agree with Sheamus, Sir." John fought to keep his voice both calm and professional. "By now I'm sure the leak has traveled all over the Internet. It would do no good to try to cover it up or lie to the fans. It would only make the leak appear to be more of a conspiracy and make the WWE look dishonest."
"Nice to hear you men wishing to stand by your convictions. Mr. Perkins, how are those removal orders going?"
"Well the sites with the text logs have already removed them. We are still working on the video itself, it being a Sunday we do not know if we will hear of an progress before Monday." One of the men at the table tried to explain.
"How would you men feel about any portrayal of the relationship on camera?" Vince asked.
"Just as long as ye don't try to make a mockery of it, Sir. Sorry just being honest 'ere. We all know the WWE in the past has made fun of the homosexual community. We know times even recently the company has pushed the envelope when it comes to sexual innuendos...gay and straight."
"Again I must agree with Sheamus." John spoke sincerely. "I personally have no issues with being honest about our relationship. However, I will not stand by while demeaning jokes are made or our relationship is made to appear cheap. Surely you can all understand that."
"Of course, gentleman." Stephanie spoke up. "Surely you both must understand we are treading new ground here and may also be thin ice. While we don't want it to seem we are punishing either of you, we need time to figure out how we are going to proceed with this."
"Time to figure something out...why does that sound like house shows or an injury?" Sheamus asked.
"We have already debated the injury angle for John...using Mark Henry's whole hall of pain thing and John's documented neck issues. One was handed to me shortly before this meeting that we may be able to be used with you. You know the new faction coming in soon?"
"Aye, that Wyatt group...bunch of backwater crazies."
"Yes...well we need a strong face for them to make their mark with."
"And ye be thinking I can be that strong face?"
"Yes."
Sheamus heaved a heavy sigh. "And how long ye thinkin me be out for?"
"That has not been determined yet...we need to weigh the fans reaction to the Wyatt's. We also need to weigh their reaction to you and John on camera together."
"If that is the best course of action...then I guess I am on board. When will this be set for?"
"Tomorrow night."
"OK Ms. McMahon. I will arrive early so I can go over the set up with the new talent."
"Thank you, Sheamus."
"Now, John, do you have a problem loosing next Sunday and taking time off while we weigh the fan's view on this situation?" John agreeing to take time off was hard but at least he had not been fired. "No, Ma'am. It's ok by me. Whatever you all feel is best." In all honesty he hated being stripped of his title but knew that it was useless to argue. "Are you wanting me for Raw tomorrow? I planned on going anyway to show Sheamus my support."
"We know we can't place you in a match, John because you are already recovering from injuries. Which we should discuss, giving your honest opinion are you sure you will be up to a hard match next Sunday?"
"Yes, I should be fine. My injuries are healing nicely. I am honestly in very little pain now if any." John answered.
"Ok, we are sure we can work a final confrontation between you and Henry in some way to keep the heat going. Maybe even something dealing with the both of you...you know so we can give the fans some sort of hint of the connection between you both so we have something to gauge. We can go over ideas when you both arrive at the arena tomorrow."
John nodded. "That sounds fine, Ms. McMahon. Thank you for trying to work with us to the best of your ability."
An older woman with straight blond hair started to speak. "Hello again, John, greetings Sheamus. I am Ms. Wilson. I head the marketing department. Just know we are going to be open to any ideas you men may have in this matter. We are also trying to touch base with our different charity groups to find out their views on this matter. I am sure we are aware some may not wish the association on the matter."
"Pleasure to meet ye Ma'am and I fully understand us needing to walk on thin ice with the groups we work with."
John swallowed hard at the idea of possibly losing some of his beloved charity work. "Thank you, Ms. Wilson. I completely understand. Just keep us informed."
"Of course, Gentlemen."
"Well, men." Vince spoke up again. "Is there any matter you wish to address that we have not done so?"
"It may seem a small concern, Sir. Is there any consideration into compensation pay since the injuries are being set for a story?" Sheamus wondered.
"I am sure we can make sure you both are compensated enough for the time off."
"That tis all I can think of right now, Sir. So much is happening so fast."
"I think everything has been said, Sir. We will both cooperate to the best of our ability." John's voice faltered for a moment. "I believe you know well my love for the WWE."
"Yes we do...the both of you hold great dedication to us and we don't wish to see that fall apart because of such callous acts to try to tarnish both of your images. We will let you gentleman go to enjoy rest of your day off." Vince motioned to the side and the video feed cut off.
"Enjoy rest of our day...that's an easy thin for him to say." Sheamus almost scoffed at the statement.
"Yeah." John stared at the screen a moment before moving to shut down his laptop. "How do you think it went?"
"Well at least we didn't get the future endeavors speech. We both still have a job...they just want to see how the fans will deal with two of the top...guys being in a relationship with each other." Sheamus turned toward John and ran his hand down John's cheek. "Our fate may really be in the fan's hands. We just need to pray they are more open minded then they sometimes appear."
"Maybe all those chicks that make those slash videos will start a petition for us." John tried to joke, but his smile not quite reaching his eyes.
Sheamus gave a weak chuckle as he removed the laptop from John's lap. Setting it aside, he turned back toward John, leaning in kissing him softly. "Angel...I know we may not like to see...but I think we need to. Ye have not checked yer tweeter feed for a few days..." He laughed realized he took the computer away. He grabbed it handing it back. "Why don't ye see what they are saying prior to you weighing in?"
"Ok." John powered his computer back on. After it had loaded, he logged in to his Twitter account. He sighed as his eyes scanned the pages of messages, every one to do with his sexuality. "Well, I think it's safe to say the secret is out." The messages differed greatly, from some squealing fan girls excited about his slashy affair, to fans leaving hateful messages about him being a 'weak ass homo.' "Well, the reaction seems pretty split." John told his boyfriend. "Everything from that sounds so hot to you both are nothing but sissy homos." He saw a few posts from woman that made his eyes water. They said they thought it was cool that he was gay but they had always thought John had a thing for Randy. If only they knew the truth.
"I am sure mine isn't much better...shall I take a gander?"
"Sure." John passed his laptop. "Should post a reply or wait you think?"
"Give ye time to think of what ye wish to say while I look." Sheamus logged into his own Twitter feed. His stomach turned as quite a few talked of the vulgarity of the display put out there. Some were mothers upset that they had children that would look up to him that now had to explain unfavorable images of their heroes. There was some by girls stating they would of loved to join them. Wondering if he was gay or bi. There were some supporters including a standing invitation to a few bars in Philadelphia the next weekend. There also was comments that some thought the Celtic Vipers might have been an item, but to see him with the Champ was still a nice sight. Among the supporters were words of encouragement praying they would not be swept under the corporate rug.