Like I said, I have an announcement I made over at my writing tumblr ambrollinsgirl. I just wanna point out again, I am not ending this series, I am merely not making it my number one priority anymore. There will be future chapters, just not as frequently as there used to be. And you can always come to me with prompts for missing scenes. DO IT. I can't let this fic go yet =)
October 20th
02:01 am
It's oddly quiet in the room without Seth here, but Dean doesn't regret his decision. After tonight's events he just needed a break. Which does not stop Seth from calling anyway, talking about having a conference call with him and Roman.
Dean sits down, taking off his socks and shirt, agreeing to this telephone hook-up with a grunt. While he gets ready for bed, he listens to his family greeting each other, babbling about nothing in particular until Dean has brushed his teeth and is finally lying on a too soft mattress, ready to follow their talk.
'Seems like alienating Randy works just fine,' Ro praises their little brother, as if he's ever had any doubt that Seth would be able to pull this off. Now that the kid's up to a hundred percent again, there's nothing that can stop him – not even Orton.
He hasn't told Roman yet, doesn't even know if his suspicion is actually true, but he thinks Seth doesn't just do this to make the Authority turn on Randy or vice versa. This might also be some kind of revenge for all the things the man did to Roman ever since Seth handed him the steel chair to beat their friend up with it on June 2nd.
Their baby brother's way of making up for something he cannot find any words to apologize properly for.
Dean groans, a sharp pain surging through his bad shoulder. One day, it'll be the reason he has to stop doing what he loves the most. Today is definitely not the day. 'Seth's head's finally back in the game,' he says, phone wedged between his right shoulder and cheek so he can grab the bedsheet to cover himself.
Apparently, Ro's not done with showering their brother with pride – which he does deserve after showing both of them that he is making progress in his Operation Screw the Authority. 'That was really a pretty smart move by you.' Seth huffs, but Dean knows he's definitely smiling right now, relieved to no end that everything worked out so well.
No one knew Seth would attack Randy tonight, he didn't tell them which is why Dean believes it was a decision Seth made in that very moment. For a second he thought his partner would put him in his place before their final showdown on Sunday, but then his brother went for Orton's head to climb on top of the world.
Protecting Dean at all costs. Seems like Seth wasn't lying, even though Dean urged him to let him fight his own battles. He doesn't need protection. What he needs is a friend.
Seth clears his throat, asking unabashedly, 'What did you expect?' That cocky little bastard. He's very close to saying something sarcastic when Roman steps in, being the big brother once again, seizing every chance to lecture or guide Dean and Seth. It's obvious that he misses being around them more than he lets on.
'Though I'm not so sure Curb Stomping him won't end with the wrong one leaving the Authority.' Oh, he didn't think about that one before. Simply because by now, he's kind of adapted Seth's thinking that he's the next big thing and the future and all that fancy crap, never once questioning his brother's manipulation skills.
This is why they're the strongest when they're together, because they complete each other. One of them is thankfully always thinking outside the box.
He stretches his legs, stifling a yawn. 'Don't worry, Ro. Seth is going to sell out his Authority brother the same way he turned on us.' 'He's notmy brother,' Seth interjects angrily, falling for the lure just like in the old days.
And even if Roman has to stay at home in sunny Florida, they still function like a well-oiled machine. 'Michael Cole seems to think so,' Ro taunts Seth some more, managing to make Dean laugh while Seth adds sullenly, 'Well, he's wrong.' That kid; so easy to fool.
'We're just joking,' Roman sadly ends this way too early, addressing the thing he really wanted to talk about by starting to schmooze them first. Smart fucker. 'You guys were amazing tonight. I can't wait to see what you're gonna do on Sunday.'
People say this way too often these days, but hell will be raised at the Pay-Per-View; Armageddon, the apocalypse, whatever people call it, will rain down on them. Contrary to Seth, Dean cannot wait to finally stand inside that cell. Tonight he got a good impression of it and, like any hound, he tasted blood and won't rest until he gets more.
Seth doesn't seem to share his excitement. 'What I can tell you is that it fucking hurts getting Dropkicked or thrown with the back of your head against it.' His brother seems to forget that he recently trapped Roman in a cage too, where he got a beating by the Authority. He's barking up the wrong tree right now.
And Roman makes sure to let Seth in on this not-secret. 'You knew it's not gonna be a walk in the park. Look, this has been a long time coming. Dean would've chosen it for SummerSlam if you wouldn't have chickened out.'
Yeah, he totally would have switched the wall of human flesh against the unforgiving steel structure, but he just couldn't do it as soon as Seth begged him on his knees to have mercy on his treacherous soul. His friend has a way of melting Dean's heart.
Look at how things always come to a full circle. God works in mysterious ways to do lovely things for Dean Ambrose. 'And now I won a cage match against you anyway.' They could have settled this months ago, if Seth wouldn't have been such a baby.
His little brother sighs defeated, conjuring a smile on his face. 'Seems like fortune wants you to get that fair fight.' Damn right she does. 'I always make sure to flirt with her. You never know when you need to ask her for a favor.' Though it's also his thing to challenge destiny; but for tonight he'll accept the gift he was given, promising to everyone who will listen that he won't fuck up this chance.
Roman snickers, enjoying Dean teasing Seth. This phone call was a great idea – he always feels instantly better when he hears his brothers' voices –, though he does miss the times when they would share a hotel bed at night and travel around the world together during the day.
He sorely misses watching Seth sweat during his inhuman workout, Roman's jokes about Dean's disinterest for everything forward-looking and his brothers watching his back. Tonight he almost didn't go through with his See No Evil 2 promo because he couldn't stand looking at the screen all alone.
Dean hates horror flicks but he did let his brothers persuade him into watching them once in a while, knowing they'd be right there with him. Cena really scared the crap out of him.
'So, you two lying to me about not being together?' Ah, there we go. That's bugging Roman more than Dean thought it would. So far they managed to stay out of trouble – not considering that one morning they almost got caught red-handed only one night after Ro made them promise they'd stay away from each other.
'Nope, not this time,' he says matter-of-factly, knowing it'll drive Roman nuts. 'Jerk.' Ta-dah. If his brother would be here with him right now, he'd get whacked for making such a stupid joke. He kinda misses that too. Hopefully Ro continues to recover so smoothly, so he'll be back in no time. It's really boring without his brother backstage.
Seth seems to love selling him out, because he tells Roman the real reason for Dean lying alone in his hotel bed, instead of cuddling up to his sweetheart and possibly getting a nice back massage. 'Dean said he doesn't wanna see me until Sunday.'
What a tattletale. He didn't do that to punish Seth. Dean just wants some space before he unloads everything on his friend during their match. He wants it to be authentic and an experience that will forever be etched into their minds as one of the greatest nights they've ever had.
Not just because of their life-changing Hell In A Cell match.
And he needs some time alone to mentally prepare himself for what he's going to do to ensure he'll win the fight and Seth's heart in the same night.
'Did he now,' Roman fakes sympathy, already in the know about Dean's, well, he wouldn't call it doubt, more like hesitation. There's nothing he can keep from his best friend, nothing he wants to hide from his own family. Roman is always there to give him advice, even encouraged him to take that tiny break if he wants it.
Seth doesn't seem to catch on to the sarcasm, just lowers his voice and whispers secretively, 'I think it's because he wants to kill me inside that cell.' He fights the urge to laugh at that and just mimics Seth – with the slight difference that he's using a mocking tone, 'I think you're right.'
There's nothing better than scaring his little brother.
Roman – good-hearted, shielding Roman – eases Seth's worries before this gets out of hand. What an upstanding citizen. 'Relax. If there's anyone you should lose your Hell In A Cell v-card to, it's Dean. There's no one you cant trust more in the ring than him.'
'That might not be the only v-card he's gonna lose that night,' Dean mutters, opening his eyes again to not imagine the fond and loving smile on both of his brothers' faces.
'What?' Seth asks, coughing as if he just choked on air. 'What?' he grunts back, not wanting to delve deeper into this. It's supposed to be a surprise and he doesn't want to ruin it by raising expectations he cannot fulfill.
Roman chuckles mirthfully, guessing correctly, 'I assume that depends on who wins.' He hasn't told his best friend about that part yet, but it seems like he understood anyway. 'Yup.'
Sunday will be his chance – he has to win this match or else he'll never be able to look into the mirror again – and afterwards it'll be their night. He's hell-bent on giving Seth that perfect moment he was stalling for the entire time. He has a pretty good idea of how he can do that.
Roman suddenly sighs enervated, showing his impatience very clearly. He's not fully on board with all of this, probably because Dean finally got his match in the devil's playground. Normally, his big brother has nothing against Dean and Seth taking it all out in the ring, but seems like recent events changed his mind.
Well too bad there's no going back anymore.
'Just take care of each other. And call me as soon as the match is over. Promise; both of you. I wanna be sure you're okay.' While Dean turns on the television and mutes it, he asks himself if Roman would still be so worried if he'd be here with them or if it's just because he's hundreds of miles away, unable to interfere or help.
'Deal,' Seth assures him adamantly, Dean adding slowly, 'As you wish.' Simply because he can't say no to Roman. And because he understands his point of view. He didn't feel very cheery the closer they got to Night of Champions too, though he kept it all under lock and key, knowing Roman needed a match against Seth.
Fate wouldn't have it, which brought Seth and him together again. For every door that closes, a window opens and Dean is very good at climbing or crawling through tight spaces.
He flips through the channels, not really watching the screen, but enjoying the fake company nonetheless. It sucks not having even one of his brothers with him, but Ro's out of the question, he does need his time away from Seth, and he's not in the mood to travel around with Jimmy and Jey because they're always so happy and loud. He can't deal with that at the moment.
What he must deal with is Roman and his concerns about one of them losing their temper on Sunday. Things might get a little heated – Dean won't deny that possibility – but they're each other's anchors. No matter what happens inside that cell, it'll be because they both agreed to it.
'Sorry, but I need to know. Are you sure about this?' Dean waits for Seth to speak up first, curious about his answer. He's never bothered to ask this question, but now that Roman did, he does want to know if Seth's feelings have changed at all since last week.
'Still a little nervous, but yeah, I guess.' Seth should use this week alone to prepare himself some more, because Dean intends to make that the highlight of their careers. It's like Mick said earlier, there's life before and after the cell.
Though Dean also categorizes his existance into pre-Shield break-up and post-Shield break-up. As well as some other far-reaching moments in his past. Thing is, he's still here. All of that is a part of him, made him who he is today and even if he went down some wrong and dangerous paths he wouldn't change anything if he could do it one more time.
Because what matters to him is that it led him here, right in the middle of the one family he would die for. He's been alone his whole life and he's not willing to do it anymore.
'I've never been so sure about anything,' he states, not just meaning the upcoming Pay-Per-View, but also his relationship with Seth. The time to stagger and stall is over.
It's funny and weird because what Seth says next makes him wonder if they were thinking the same thing, as if their minds really are one by now. 'Rome, could you get off? I need to talk to Dean.'
Roman groans, but Dean can already tell he won't stay in the line, unable to deny Seth even the dumbest wish. 'But I love listening to your boyfriend drama.' Even though Ro's words make him snicker, he vows to himself to clobber him over the head when they meet for calling them boyfriends. His best friend knows how much Dean hates that word.
Seth doesn't care, mind only set on getting Roman to leave – now that all his doubts have been resolved. 'Please,' he begs, sounding as if he has some troubling matters to discuss. Oh, this should be juicy.
'Okay, fine,' Roman gives in without putting up a fight, still sounding a bit miffed that he has to leave now that it's getting real good. 'Night, Romeo and Julio. I'll just try and burn the picture of you grinding yourself against Dean in the ring corner out of my head then.'
'Good luck with that, perv,' he bids his friend goodbye, finding a lot of pleasure in the thought that Roman still fears that things like that – and by the way, Dean totally enjoyed Seth backing up against him in public – could out them.
Sometimes Dean couldn't care less. Let the whole fucking world know, let them see and hear that he's happy. With none other than Seth Rollins. But he knows it's not possible. Still, it's a nice fantasy to keep his mind occupied during lonely nights.
He totally misses how Seth and Roman see each other off, only catching on to the situation when the silence stretches on for too long. Didn't Seth want to talk to him? Why is he being awfully quiet then?
For a guy that always keeps on talking with a microphone in his hand, Seth miraculously stopped doing it outside of work. It's a bit sad that the days of the dorky, loud-mouthed kid are gone. Hopefully that Seth will come back as soon as all three of them are back together.
'Okay, what's so important that our dear brother can't hear it? Is it something dirty? Trust me, even if he says he doesn't wanna hear it, he secretly does.' Seth breathes heavily through his nose, creating some crackling in the line. Alright, not the time for jokes. Jeez, what a bummer.
His friend inhales again, obviously gathering some strength to have this conversation. 'You're not throwing me out for the week to make out with that hideous doll?' Seriously? That's it? Not the pain and suffering that'll await him on Sunday, but a stupid dummy that's now missing an arm because Seth kicked it away and Dean had no time to retrieve it.
And besides, he was never one for sex dolls. He could have the real deal any time he wanted and he's not gonna change that now that he's in a serious relationship. What does Seth even mean with that?
'You're afraid I'm gonna practice with it? Do all the dirty things I promised I'd do to you, satiating myself so that I won't need you anymore? You do realize I could just get a hooker or jerk off.'
Which he is intending on doing soon. Not tonight though, because he can already sense that this call will last until dusk. It's kinda strange Seth never asked for telephone sex before. He should keep that in mind too.
'You didn't go easy on me tonight. You gave me a Piledriver.' How many times does he have to beat it into that thick skull of his that Dean has no intention whatsoever to give Seth a special treatment just because they're partners now. This is still about lying to them for months, Seth leaving without a word and joining the ranks of the enemy. And about putting his head through cinderblocks without warning him before.
Oh, and let's not forget that Seth – together with his Authority buddies – stole more than just one victory from him. Payback's a bitch and Dean wants Seth to experience that for one final date inside a cell.
'Told you I wouldn't, and I did that to the mannequin. Just to show you what I am capable of.' He has a vast variety of moves he can and will torture his brother with. Seth has seen nothing yet; he was saving the best for this match. But what he really means to say is that he'd never hurt Seth the way his friend hurt him.
He meant what he said in the ring – even if he was talking to a doll and using sarcasm as a weapon. He does care about Seth, which is why he'll fight, claw and bite on Sunday, but he'll also watch out for his little brother. Keep him as safe as he can.
'So, the best man wins?' Seth mumbles crestfallen, hopefully finally realizing that he's about to have the match of his life, that there's literally hell waiting for him. And that there's no way he will convince Dean to make a plan for Sunday, to talk over moves and strategies. Not this time.
Ruthless aggression is the motto. And God help Seth if he doesn't give it all. Dean won't settle for winning against someone who held back because he has feelings for his opponent. He wants a win he can be proud of.
'The one who wants it more,' he corrects his companion, turning the television off because there's something in Seth's voice bothering him. He hears too much hopelessness and he doesn't like it. Seth never behaved like this before the past few Pay-Per-Views and he gets the feeling this has nothing to do with the cell.
Oh wait. So that's what this has been about all this time. Not the cage match – which never made sense to Dean anyway. He and Seth are risk takers and don't even think twice about putting their stamps on history. He's been completely blind to not see what was really going through Seth's mind.
'You okay?' Hearing Seth huff out a shaky laugh that sounds like he's on the verge of tears does make him feel guilty for banning his brother from his hotel room. Right now it seems like Seth could need a shoulder to lean on.
'No,' his friend whispers gloomily, 'I don't want to let you go.' But it's time to go their separate ways. Not immediately after Sunday, but in the next few weeks – no matter how their match at Hell In A Cell ends.
He'll never stop supporting Seth on his mission, but he wants to spread his wings too. Seth broke away and has now the chance to shine, so Dean and Roman wish to do the same. Ro has already beat Randy Orton in his first singles match at a Pay-Per-View. Dean has no such thing to boast with. Not yet anyway.
'I'll still be right here. I swore to you once, I'm not going anywhere.' He shouldn't be so confident about this – who knows what'll happen in the future – but there's a part of him that just knows that he won't be the one walking out on anybody.
The person he is today doesn't take promises lightly and he'll be damned if he breaks such an important one.
Seth isn't convinced yet, muttering crestfallen, 'It feels like I'm losing you.' The end of their feud does not mean the end of their friendship, brotherhood or relationship. It is the end of a chapter in their lives, but there's a more exciting one waiting to begin.
Dean won't leave. He belongs here and they'll have to drag his cold, dead body out of Seth's arms if they want him to.
'You're not,' he answers softly, wishing he could cradle Seth in his arms to show him that he's serious about this. 'You just got me and you won't get rid of me so easily.' Who would have ever thought Dean Ambrose would one day say these words and not lie?
'I'm sorry.' It's not the first apology he's heard from Seth but this one is different. It's more sincere than all the others. 'What for?'
Seth chuckles tiredly, a faint thump giving him the impression his brother just let himself fall down on the pillows. He can hear some scratching noises – Seth rubbing over his chin to put his thoughts back in order, before he continues, 'For ever leaving you and Roman. For not talking about my fears. For putting all of us through hell.'
People make mistakes. That's how it works. The Shield is no more but their brotherhood is stronger than ever. And once they'll make their comeback as the Hounds of Justice, they'll show that the whole world. Nothing will be able to destroy them again. They've beaten the cancer.
'It ends Sunday – all of it,' he vows, closing his eyes. 'Come next week, we'll only look forward, not backwards anymore. Okay?' He can imagine his friend lying in bed, desperately trying to smile, but failing nonetheless. It's gonna need more for Seth to believe him than a simple promise.
'Don't leave me.'
Dean remembers briefly how Seth begged for that a whole lifetime ago in the Undertaker's house and his answer is still the same. Only this time it's not meant to tease him. It's the only consolation he can offer without hugging Seth close to emphasize his point.
He's in this for life, committed to Seth until his very last breath. As long as his brother doesn't betray him again.
'Don't give me a reason to.'
October 24th
It's an early Christmas miracle that Dean doesn't throw him out of his rental car as soon as Seth opens the door and slips onto the backseat, tugging down the turtleneck he used to cover his beard with.
This is insane, highly dangerous, but he couldn't resist. He needed to see Dean outside of work at least once before the show tonight. Phone calls are nowhere near enough to satisfy his craving for just one quick touch or kiss. Dean's keeping him on a very tight leash and he's getting a little bit frustrated here.
Sexually frustrated.
He can wait, that's not it. But sometimes he gets the feeling Dean doesn't even know what to do with him in bed and he'd love to guide his friend if that's the case.
They're not allowed to fight tonight, because Hunter wants to save all of it for Sunday, but he allowed Seth to do whatever he wants on Smackdown. He even got the okay to end the show, which means that Dean will stand tall, no matter what Seth does.
Because his brother is able to adapt to anything Seth does in the ring in no time. He's much more smarter than the Authority is giving him credit for.
Dean laughs at his poor disguise – he's clad in black; turtleneck, hoodie and sunglasses supposed to hide his most prominent features – holding up his hands in defense.
'Please, take my money but spare my life,' Dean wails dramatically. 'Ha ha,' he retorts, taking off the sunglasses and inching a bit more towards Dean who's still sitting behind the wheel, looking as handsome and desirable as ever.
'You got my text?' Seth asks, checking their surroundings for any possible witnesses. Thank God Seth is the only one of the Authority being here tonight. Other than his assigned bodyguards of course.
Dean nods, only willing to share one thing though. 'What do you think about this? At Hell In A Cell we're gonna burn together, but you'll perish alone.' Sounds like the line of the night and nothing Seth could top in the word war compartment.
He sees himself squinting his eyes at his brother in the rearview mirror when a thought hits him. 'You're not gonna set me on fire, are you?' He just wants to make sure. One never knows with Dean Ambrose. His friend winks at him, turning around to whisper warningly, 'Don't give me any ideas.'
Seth knows it's all just in good fun, so he takes out his own surprise for tonight, hoping to get some revenge for Monday. 'And what do you say about handcuffs?' Dean laughs heartily, taking the pair into his hands to inspect them. 'Now we're talking.'
He knew Dean would like them. If his brother requests the Shield mask, Seth took the liberty to bring a little something on his own. He's always wanted to try out cuffs. Though he'll probably die or his dick's gonna explode before he gets the chance to.
He sighs longingly, murmuring, 'Can I kiss you?' He knows Dean wants his time off, so he thinks it's safer to just ask before he makes another mistake. He's sick of apologizing and he knows Dean's tired of forgiving.
'We're in a relationship, so basically the answer is always yes.' That's all he wanted to know. Seth tries to slip on the passenger seat, but Dean pushes him right back. 'We don't want anyone to see us.' He frowns at the mischievous smile Dean flashes at him. His brother doesn't even try to hide the fact he's lying him right in the face.
Whatever. Dean is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma. And as much as he loves to try and solve it, he has no time left. Dean is supposed to open the show. 'I should go.' Seth can't help but notice the slight wince Dean lets out as soon as he hears the defeat in his voice.
A hand holds him back at the wrist, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine. 'Hey, to make up for keeping you at arm's-length how about, let's say, I'll help you get off tonight if you aggressively take off your shirt during our promo without it being necessary.'
'What?' he blurts out, not understanding one bit. He does like the sound of it though. 'If you do it, but the only message people are getting is just fuckme already, I'm gonna do you a favor.'
So basically, Seth has to make a fool out of himself yet again and Dean will forget his self-imposed sexual abstinence. Now that is something he should be able to pull off without breaking a sweat. The truth is always easiest to perform.