Here it is. My take on the way too short Shield reunion that almost cost me a heart attack. I don't think I've ever had to stop a PPV to finish crying and calming down before I watched the rest. The last time I was that emotional Kane got chokeslammed through the SD stage back in 2000 and I thought he was dead for sure. FEELS. Also, I love you. I can never stress that enough!
Payback
Sunday May 17, 2015
10:12 am
'You still mad?' Dean asks, not able to hide the grin spreading over his face. Seth has been sulking ever since Monday, only talking to him when it was absolutely necessary. What a spoilsport.
They're having a rare moment alone – Roman is still not back from his workout and Seth stopped by during broad daylight to go over the plan for tonight – but so far his brother hasn't said a single word. The title is resting on the bed while they both sit on the couch, the damn thing not in their line of vision but always at the back of their minds.
He's asked Seth more than once, 'You do realize that you could lose it to one of us, right? Just checking you're still with us.' Simply because he's not so sure anymore that Seth thought about all the loose ends.
He knew that one day Seth would lose his focus, that it'd get too much for him to handle all at once, which is why Dean and Roman argued long and really loud about Payback and one of them possibly turning on the other. All is fair in love and war. And the title hunt.
But this is different. Seth knew very well what he was asking of them when he decided to add Dean to the Triple Threat match. It might have started as a favor – and Dean is thankful for this opportunity – but they all could see it for what it really was.
His baby brother hopes he'll join him on the dark side since he's tired of being alone in the midst of the enemy. Kane doesn't count, cause he's as eager to get away from the Authority as Seth. But Dean doesn't really want to turn heel. He likes being a tweener, enjoys the freedom it gives him. He can do whatever he wishes without being labeled as the good or the bad guy.
Sure, people call him the unstable, Lunatic Fringe – which, blah, why is this still a thing? – but they cheer for him no matter what he does. It amazes him that fans come up to him and say they love him, how they look up to him, how he saved them.
It's hard to believe that he has that kind of impact on others' lives but he is eternally grateful that he can make a difference. That he can help others back on track. Just like Roman and Seth did for him. Without them, he wouldn't even be able to be a role model for others.
Weird, huh? Dean Ambrose, a role model. Look how far he has come.
So, turning heel. Still a thing. Still a possibility. Still Seth's hope. Still not something Dean particularly wants to do. They've discussed Roman turning since Dean is in the way, standing between the Samoan and the title as well as his revenge.
It's funny, considering that Ro was always the guy pulling Dean off Seth when they got into an argument and now Dean is in the middle, torn between standing tall with his best friend and siding with his secret boyfriend.
He really doesn't get why they can't just skip the whole backstabbing, joining each other's crusades, months of feuding over nothing part and get to the real shit. Reunite as The Shield. Cause Dean is still impatiently waiting for that, no matter how many times he says it's okay if they go their separate ways for a while longer.
'You hit me with the Dirty Deeds,' Seth finally grits out and Dean rolls his eyes. 'You never before hit me with them.' So what? He got Curb Stomped into oblivion so many times and never once complained. If Seth believed he'd get away just like that, he thought wrong.
'Shouldn't you know me better? Baby, you really expected to escape it forever?' Seth whips his head around and stares at him hard and inquisitive and Dean can't help but remember how Roman reacted after RAW. 'I'll see you on Payback, brother,' was all his best friend said, with a smirk that told Dean he won't hold back at the Pay-Per-View. If he Spears him again, it'll be on purpose.
Dean and Ro have had way too many fist fights in their hotel rooms already, he doesn't expect anything less. But they still have a similar goal tonight. And that's Seth's title. Plus, keeping Randy away from their brother. This should be a Shield match, but his friend couldn't find a way to eliminate Orton, so they'll have to deal with that somehow.
Seth stays silent, pouting right next to him. So it's okay if he uses his finishing moves – new or old – on Dean on multiple occasions, but he just has to hit one Dirty Deeds and the world is about to end? Why should only Dean be the nice one? The considerate one. Fuck that. It's been a long time coming.
'Hey, was my hometown. Gotta step up,' he shrugs, not comprehending why he just apologized. Seth makes him soft. 'Next time just counter it with your new finisher.' That seems to soothe his friend a little and he sighs, finally stopping his moping session.
'This is about the championship. Nothing personal,' Dean further says, conveniently leaving out how on Monday he shortly forgot that Seth was his partner and brother and saw him as his enemy. Returning back home to Cincinnati is always a little odd.
He has so many bad memories but the fans make all of that go away in a second. He stood there, backstage, watching the opening segment and feeling his chest swell with pride. All the we want Ambrose, you sold out and Ambrose, Ambrose chants they threw at Seth got into his head and under his skin. He walked down the ramp, seeing Seth for the first time ever in his life as someone he wanted to destroy completely.
Ro never demanded an apology, knew he wouldn't get one, but Seth is different. Always taking everything so goddamn personal. Which is why Dean never told him that no matter what they'll do tonight – Roman turning on him, Dean turning on his best friend, Seth turning face; everything is possible and they know what to do in any of those cases – he will fight only for himself.
There are no brothers or boyfriends in that match. At least that's his personal plan. If Seth is involved, Dean sadly can't even promise himself anything, because his feelings keep on getting in the way. It's a little aggravating.
Seth breathes out through his mouth, sinking back into the cushions, almost drowning in them. 'Know what you'll do tonight? Or tomorrow?' Nope. Not a single clue yet. Anything can happen, but Payback belongs to The Shield. One way or another they'll put their mark on it once more.
No matter if there's another treason waiting at the night following it or if something memorable happens during the main event. God, he can't believe it's been almost a year since Seth turned his back on them. Look at him now, he's the World Heavyweight Champion.
Seems like he left for all the right reasons.
'Rome doesn't really hate me, does he?' Dean looks at his brother, surprised that the events of weeks ago still haunt him, But then again, this is Seth, never able to forget a single word they said. Makes him wonder how much Dean hurt him back when he didn't believe Seth was genuine when he said he loved him. When Dean spit out all those hateful things because he was convinced that dweeb was a turncoat through and through.
'He just hates who you've become,' he utters, adding quickly when Seth's face falls down, 'the person you pretend to be. Not the real you. Seth, come on, you know he loves you. If he could, he'd turn back time to last June and side with the Authority to execute your plan or do whatever to protect us.'
'Didn't protect me from getting hit with three finishers on RAW,' his brother mumbles, once more sounding butthurt as fuck. 'No, he and you even helped destroy me.'
'Want me to say sorry? Hey, you got to be champ, now deal with it. The bull's eye on your back doesn't get smaller. I hit you, I hit Ro. So, as far as I'm concerned, I treated you both equally. Take it or leave it, man.' This is not a game anymore. This is about the most prestigious title out there and Dean has worked hard his entire life to get here.
Tonight, he will only have three enemies and he'll do whatever it takes to win that shit. If he has to form small alliances, then so be it. Dean knows every trick in the book and he'll use that knowledge.
And on Monday, he and Roman will still be brothers, best friends. It'll be them against the rest of the world. No matter which side they're on. Just as it will be Dean and Seth, boyfriends and soulmates or however Seth fancily called them. Blood is thicker than water, championship belts or betrayals.
Every sibling can tell you that.
'Wanna make out until Ro comes back? I'm sure he misses walking in on us.' Seth chuckles, shaking his head exasperatedly, as if he's still surprised that Dean couldn't care less about anything. 'Sure you want to use all your energy on sex instead of saving it for tonight?'
Hell yeah. Who knows when they'll be able to meet again, with none of them able to predict how things will work out.
'Hey, if you don't wanna ride the Ambrose train, fine. Don't come complaining to me later,' he states matter-of-factly, but Seth claps him on the shoulder, groaning, 'Like I'd ever turn you down. You rarely propose that anyway. I'd be an idiot not saying yes.'
'You are an idiot, Biebs,' he grins, yanking Seth up to gently throw him on the bed. He's always wanted to fuck on the title.
01:19 am
When Seth strolls into their accommodation with that shiny belt on his shoulder, Roman throws him a gleeful glance while Dean rubs his hair dry with a towel, dropping it on the floor so his baby brother will trip over it. Predictably, Seth stumbles through the room, the anger he'd been bottling up for a few hours finally ready to explode.
'You played me, in front of the whole world,' he yells, not able to keep his voice down. Wow, he sounds completely heartbroken. Dean didn't expect that – not after everything Seth did to them after last year's Payback. Seeing him like this isn't even half as awesome as he thought it'd be when he asked Ro to trick their friend with a mini Shield reunion.
He thought they'd have a good, hearty laugh about it, that it'd be a tale they could one day tell their grandchildren but watching Seth averting his gaze to stare at the towel that brought him to his knees, Dean feels something he's rarely allowed himself to acknowledge. Remorse. Regret. Sympathy.
Love.
His own chest seizes up and he has to turn away from his brothers to close his eyes and collect his thoughts. He never thought Seth would make such a big deal out of this. Dean should have known though. He had sensed it tonight, during the Pay-Per-View, saw it in Seth's overly exuberant face when they Triple Powerbombed Randy like in the good old days.
Seth was so happy to be on the same page as them that he threw caution in the wind. He disregarded the double life he'd been leading for one year now, didn't spare a thought about the Authority. He was so caught up in the moment, so glad to be back in The Shield with Dean and Roman – even though it was him who said he's fine on his own – that he forgot who he was supposed to portray.
'I thought– I really– for one second–' Seth stops himself, not even sure what he wants to convey and Dean is eternally grateful for the silence that follows. But then his baby brother finds his voice again, tone as mad as before.
'Payback, I get it. Very funny, ha ha. That was totally uncalled for. You didn't have to do that. You not only wrestled as best friends in there – loser pays the beer,' he mocks Roman and Dean can hear him walk through the room, throwing his championship belt carelessly on a chair. That right there says everything. 'But you also– you.'
He can't even put it into words. 'I broke The Shield, I deserve punishment for that. I'm still in for an ass-kicking, I know. But this? When I left, you two moved on together. I never took that away from you, never wanted to, never will. More needs to happen to make you two part ways. Still, tonight. I was prepared to–'
Why is Roman not cutting him off? Why won't Dean turn around to look his brother in the face? He's starting to feel nauseous the longer they let him stand there, struggling for words, trying to comprehend how they could do this to him. It was supposed to be a joke, a little reminder that The Shield is dead but at the same time very alive and kicking.
It should show the world that Dean and Roman are ready to forgive Seth, just not quite yet. There's still too much left unsaid. He never wanted to bring Seth any pain with this idea. And to be honest, Dean is glad that his brother retained the title – even if it once again was a dirty fight.
'Would either of you look at me?' Seth demands but Dean doesn't move, hoping Roman will oblige. Nothing happens, except for Seth scoffing disdainfully, crossing the room to pick up his title. 'Fine, I'm out. Good luck with ever getting another title shot again.' And with that he's out of the door, leaving them in a shameful quiet.
'You should go after him,' Ro finally proposes and Dean can hear that he too doesn't care about the damn championship. They know that it was just an empty threat. Seth would still die for them, will continue to manipulate his way around the Authority to help his family, which makes this ten times worse.
'It sounded like fun,' he defends himself and jogs to the door, not even bothering with putting on any shoes or pants – he can't let Seth walk away like this, thinking they did it to spite him – listening to Roman buzz, 'I know. It was. But only for us.'
Seth is just about to get into the car when Dean grabs his elbow and holds him in place. He doesn't ask him to stay, doesn't beg him for forgiveness. He just moves his hand down to his brother's wrist and fingers, entwining them, pulling him into a hug.
At first, Seth tries to free himself, still too furious to just let Dean take his anger away with a simple embrace but soon he gives up, downright deflating in his arms and leaning against his body. It's been a rough night for him, for all three of them; neither Dean nor Ro went easy on him.
Getting hit with Kane twice must've been brutal. Not being able to pin Dean surely weighs on him. Watching his brothers fight all in good will while he couldn't join them must have been devastating. And having the false hope that The Shield was back together, that they'd let him get away with his sins because they love him, that they wanted their baby brother back to help him on his crusade has broken him inside.
And it's all Dean's fault. Cause he thought it'd be a good rib, a way to let Seth pay a little for what he did. He's never felt more appalled by himself than in this moment. Toying with Seth's emotions wasn't something he ever wanted to do. Guess, he forgot himself momentarily too.
Payback means a great deal to Dean, to the Hounds of Justice. He wanted to pay tribute to it while simultaneously giving him and Ro some satisfaction. Show the WWE Universe that they can fool Seth, the mastermind and architect, too. He didn't really think this through and now the fat's in the fire.
'Are you hurt?' is the first thing he is able to inquire after a while, dragging Seth into the shadows with him. No need for other wrestlers to see them out here, starting to ask questions nobody can answer. His friend shakes his head, muttering grouchily, 'Not physically, no.'
Good. Small victories also count. Dean doesn't mention his stinging jaw from the Superman Punch, his aching ribs from the Spear or his small bruises when Kane or Seth attacked him. All that isn't important right now.
'It was dumb,' he finally admits, running his fingers through Seth's hair, guiding the other's head to rest on his collarbone. It's the only apology Seth will get, the only thing Dean has to offer. He knows he did wrong, but he's not willing to take it back. Seth did deserve a small amount of it for ever turning his back on them.
Dean thought it was a small price to pay. That's why he's not in charge of the plans, because he doesn't consider the consequences at all.
'No,' Seth breathes against his skin, putting the title on Dean's waist to fling his arms around his neck and pull him closer. 'It was entirely you.' Exactly. All Dean can do is bring misery, that's the only thing he's good for. He just wanted Seth to feel a fraction of the agony and pain he went through on June 2nd. And he would have killed to pull this off.
That is Dean Ambrose. A ruthless, self-absorbed person that'd do everything to get what he wants. This is not the man he wanted to be, not the boyfriend Seth should be proud to call his.
'Who told Kane to ensure I'd win?' his brother suddenly asks and Dean freezes. Kane was well informed, knew about every possible outcome and just waited for the right signal to know what they wanted him to do. Seth nuzzles against his neck before he looks him in the eyes, begging for an honest answer. They are both aware what the truth means: two brothers got betrayed tonight.
'I told him to keep you safe. If you'd win, he'd win. If you'd lose, he'd still win. But I want you to be a great champion. I wanna take that title from you and I only fight the very best this business has to offer. It's either me or Ro.'
It's not like he went into the match, thinking he couldn't walk out of it as the new champion. Dean doesn't swing that way. He also never doubted that Roman – or Randy, but he likes to forget that detail – would be able to pin Seth. Anything can happen in a Fatal 4-Way, even a horribly short and painful Shield reunion.
But he wanted to protect Seth, make sure he's in the hands of someone capable and not Merry and Pippin. Dean couldn't handle it if anything ever happened to his little brother.
Seth chuckles tiredly, kissing him gingerly on the bruised jawline. 'I can take care of myself.' 'Says the one who hasn't had a single fair fight since he le– and the one he had, he lost. Against, oh, look at that, me.' His friend bites him gently in the shoulder, murmuring that he's lost a lot of matches in the past year. More than he wants to admit.
'They don't count,' Dean retorts, meaning every word he said. Just like he wishes he could act like all the losses he suffered aren't important. Because they've led him here; even if it was only for one night he has been back in the main event picture. All thanks to Seth.
Dean isn't that moronic anymore to not realize when destiny grants him a precious, rare gift. And by that he means Seth, not his opportunity to win the title.
'I blew my cover, all because I wanted to believe you two had ditched all the selling out plans I came up with.' Yeah, he could see that. He pats Seth on the back, rubbing over his spine, the movement soon turning into a tiny massage. 'Your fault, if you only think about people committing treason,' he shoots back, reprimanding his brother for actually wanting to force them apart.
The only thing that could do that is Seth, they all know it, but Dean is not yet willing to give Roman up. He can't take another backstabbing at the moment. Seth's still stings so badly, as if it'd just had been yesterday. He has no idea how he's supposed to survive June 2nd. They're gonna be in Texas, maybe he can hide at Taker's place. Perhaps he'll barricade himself in a hotel room without telling anyone where he is.
Not that that ever stopped Seth from finding him, but he's sure he shouldn't be around anyone on that day. Least of all Seth.
'You said I wouldn't be alone for long. I thought this was the night. I was so happy when we did the Triple Powerbomb. And my heart dropped when you refused to do the fist thing. One look into your face and I knew your smile would fade away. Actually seeing it turn into a cold frown, I think I forgot how to exist.'
He should have looked at Roman, who wore the smile a few seconds longer than Dean. He shouldn't even have been on the side of the opponent, but that's their life now. Dean promised that things would change, but he wisely never specified on when that'd be. Or what they'd do.
Hell, he doesn't even have a single clue what'll happen once he decides that Seth has suffered enough and shouldn't be lonely anymore. Dean never has a plan, why is Seth still waiting for him to come up with one? If he'd have a say, he'd let Ro and Seth fight it out and finally bring down the Authority.
Either by letting a second Shield member join Seth or by turning his baby brother face. Or Kane will tip the scales. Seth needs to stop wanting to control everything. Or expect things Dean can't live up to.
'I keep my promises,' is all he says, simply because it's the truth and once more all he can give. It's pathetic how little he's able to offer his own boyfriend. 'I know. One of your better traits.' My, my, he has those? And more than only one? Who would've thought that.
'Let's get you back inside. I don't mind walking around in boxers and I'd love to see you find an excuse for being pressed against me but I think Ro's ready to sleep. And he'll let you hear that apology I owe you.' Seth refuses to be led towards their room, just keeps on standing at the edge of the parking lot like a deeply embedded tree.
They gaze at each other, Dean getting a bit uncomfortable, until Seth shakes his head, whispering, 'You don't owe me anything, you hear that?' But he hurt his brother, the least he can do is admit he's sorry. 'Just let me in on the crazy stuff before you do it. I bet I looked like a fool.'
'You did,' he snickers, not quite sure why Seth decides to let this one slide, why they both start laughing out loud. 'I can't believe you left me hanging with the fist. Man, that was weird.' If they ever reunite, Seth shouldn't be the one initiating that ritual. He's lost the right to do so a long time ago.
Dean can forgive a lot, that though he can't. Doesn't want to either.
They walk over to their room, Roman waiting for them on the bed, watching some late night show, eyes already falling shut. Without saying a word they crawl under the covers on both his sides and cuddle up to him, Dean switching the television off.
The sudden darkness is more than welcome and Dean finally is able to breathe freely. He waits for Seth to reach for his fingers, since this is his newest quirk, smiling relieved when Roman's huge hand covers their joined ones for a moment.
The simple gesture expresses more than he ever could – he never was a man of many words anyway, neither is Ro – and Seth runs his thumb over Dean's, murmuring pleadingly, 'Don't ever do that to me again. Not if you don't mean it.'
He brings their fingers to his mouth, giving Seth a hand kiss, promising silently to only prank him without their world falling apart afterwards.
'Ya serious?' he grunts into the phone, not able to understand how Seth can be up this early and calling him when they just spend the night together. When the hell did he get up and leave? Did he even sleep?
'Yes, I am, Mr Ambrose, now wake up, get your ass out of bed and listen to me once more,' Seth demands and Dean grumbles, pushing Roman off of him – who just turns around and keeps on snoring lightly – to trot into the bathroom. He blinks at the light and the words staring at him. Where the everloving fuck did Seth get lipstick?
'What about Ro?' he asks, yanking off some toilet paper to clean the damn mirror from his brother's little message. Elimination Chamber – we have a date. He still feels bad for both of them cause they didn't manage to take Seth's title; at the same time he's proud that his friend defended it.
All these conflicting emotions because he loves and hates Seth as the champion.
His brother sighs, the sound telling Dean everything he needs to know. He shakes his head, even though Seth can't see, muttering decisively, 'We're not leaving him out of the picture. First you gotta tell me you won't forget about him.'
'Dean, he's had his chances while you crawled around at the bottom of the pond, struggling for air.' Well, fuck you too. No need to phrase it like that. He'll kick Seth's ass for this next time he sees him, no matter where they are and what role they're playing. No one tells Dean that he sucks – other than he himself.
'Say that one more time and you won't live to see another day,' he grits out, not sure if he means the part about his best friend or the one about his efforts not amounting to anything. Seth remains silent while Dean rubs the letters off the smooth surface, cursing his friend for making him clean up his stuff. He could have left a stupid note instead of scribbling on the bathroom mirror.
After a while his brother tries again, softer and more patient, as if Dean's a little kid that didn't get the candy it wanted and started a temper tantrum in the middle of the store. 'I promise, Roman will get his chance one day again. Just now I want you.'
It's not always about what Seth Rollins wants. When will that dickhead finally get that?
'I'd feel better if you'd ask him,' he replies, grinning when he realizes that he's finally trying to do the right thing. Last night, he not only hurt Seth profoundly, he also single-handedly cost his best friend the title by asking Kane to keep Seth safe.
He should learn that it's not about what Dean Ambrose craves either. He doesn't care what's best for business, he just wants to right his wrongs. And he can't do that by facing Seth at Elimination Chamber. He'll have to make sure that Ro finally gets what he should have had months ago.
If Dean accepts this offer, he'll once again stand in the way of Roman and his vengeance and– oh, fuck, really? That cunning son of a bitch. He'll never give up, huh?
'I want you,' Seth repeats and Dean nods. Yeah, he gets it. Boyfriends, special favors he never asked for. And Seth's ulterior motive to drive a wedge between Dean and Roman. Only on camera, but the fact remains. That little shit intends to split them up at all costs.
'You won't let me win the title from you anyway, getting help once again from your underlings. I'm so sick of that, Seth. You giving me a chance maybe sounds good in your head but it's really frustrating if you just let Gnomeo and Juliet interfere. I'm done with that.'
He wants a real chance, a one-on-one like in the old days. Seth didn't need help from anyone back in FCW when they first met and fought for the championship. This is not the champ Dean wants to go to war with. The prospect of winning has left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Dean fights to defeat the best, to prove to himself that he can take on anyone; heel or face. He does not walk countless times into the same battle he'll never be allowed to win anyway. He's run against that wall for months now and he's done wasting his energy on it. There are so much better things he could concentrate on.
Like the vacant Intercontinental Title. After all, he wanted it to cement his legacy. Now that Daniel is out of the picture for who knows how long, Dean can't wrestle against the best there is holding that belt. And his US title can wait a little longer for him to come and get her back. She's in good hands for now.
'You never back down from a fight,' Seth reminds him, rightfully so, but Dean just flushes down the stained toilet paper to rip off new sheets, wet them and rub angrily over the huge letters mocking him. His brother probably spent the whole night awake, thinking about different scenarios to get his way. He's as stubborn as a mule and right now it ticks Dean off.
'Don't even try to appeal to my pride. I'm done, Seth. I wasn't even supposed to be in the title picture. You dragged me into it and thanks, really, but I wanna earn it. Do it my way.' Is that so hard to understand? Dean has sweat blood and tears to get where he is and he's proud of every second of it.
He clawed his way to the WWE and he'll fight tooth and nail to stay here. He's only twenty-nine, been in this company for barely two and a half years. There's still plenty of time to own the business. Seth won't stay champion forever. Once Brock isn't suspended anymore he'll get killed anyway.
Seth sighs and Dean can hear that his brother won't give up until he says yes. He has already made up his mind and only called to explain the mirror message, not to ask for his permission. What a jerk. This is not fair, but what did Dean expect? Nothing Seth does these days is showing any kind of sportsmanship.
Sometimes he hates the guy Seth turned into for the cameras too.
'You can do whatever you want with me on RAW tonight,' his brother tries to tempt him but Dean has heard enough. This is Ro's chance, not his own. He doesn't want to lose his best friend. Last night, he not only drove a dagger into Seth's heart – the aftermath pained him as much as his friend.
He gave himself what he yearns for the most, the reunion of The Shield, his family, but at the same time he violently ripped it away from himself. And there's only him to blame. Dean is also done with that.
'Don't, Seth, just don't.' He throws the next pile of used paper into the toilet, finally grabbing a towel to wipe the lipstick off since it bugs him to no end that the soft sheets keep falling apart under his hands. So far, he's made the mess even bigger instead of cleaning it up.
He'll probably leave it as soon as no one can read what has been standing there anymore. The next customers don't need to know that Seth not only fucks with his head but also him.
'Dean, please. I need you. If I can't have you on my side, I want to be close to you in the ring. Don't take that away from me. I really can't do this without you. Please don't leave me alone. I need you,' his brother begs vehemently, voice so thin and raspy that Dean stops moving, his heartbeat picking up on its own accord.
He sags down on the edge of the bathtub, watching the smeared red stains on the mirror and listens to Roman breathe evenly in the room next to him. Dean is about to give in, he can feel it, because he's never been able to say no to Seth. This is becoming a problem.
'Give me five minutes, I'll call back,' he mutters, hanging up without waiting for a reply, marching up to the bed to shake his best friend until he opens his eyes. If he's going to do this, he won't keep Roman in the dark, won't present him with a fait accompli. This is no longer Seth's decision.
'I hate you 'n you'll die if this ain't important,' is the first thing Ro mumbles as soon as he recognizes Dean standing next to him, yawning heartily. His brother is about to fall back asleep, so he pinches him in the arm, ignoring his surprised outcry.
'The fuck, Dee?' 'No time for that,' he shoos his question away with an impatient hand gesture, pointing at the phone in his fingers. 'Seth came up with a new plan. Sometimes I think he shits them out like he's only eaten chili his whole life.'
Roman blinks at him, face as unreadable as ever. But at least he has his undivided attention. 'What's he come up with now?' It sounds almost a bit annoyed, as if he too can't keep up with Seth changing his mind and schemes like his underwear.
'Elimination Chamber, title match. Me and him.' Dean doesn't hold back the truth; there's no need to with Roman. 'I said he can forget it. I was the reason Kane interfered last night, costing us both the title. To a certain degree. So I want him to fight you.'
Roman stares at him, not saying anything for a couple of minutes and the phone in his hand rings when his time is up and he hasn't contacted Seth yet. He doesn't accept the call, just holds the gaze with his best friend. After a whole lifetime, in which Dean should have been getting nervous, but he was actually pretty calm – Ro just has that effect on him – his friend stirs, taking the mobile out of his hand to greet Seth.
'I don't care if I win the title from you or Dean. I don't give a crap if he defeats you, I still want your ass, you hear that? You're long overdue for my personal payback and if you think last night was bad, I'm gonna make you cry in the middle of the ring,' Roman evenly speaks into the phone, not taking his eyes off him the whole time.
'And you better make sure that the real Seth Rollins faces my man or I will haunt and murder you myself. Enough with the bullshit.' He then hands Dean his smartphone back, whispering, 'Beat him, cause you're long overdue for a title. And then you're mine an' he can have you day 'n night. Make him regret he ever separated us.'
So Roman can see the truth behind all of this too. God, he loves this man so much, it's unbelievable. He never could have wished for a better brother. 'You really okay with this? I'm not gonna ask again.'
His best friend nods, gracing him with a small smile before his head hits the pillows again and he mumbles something about fucking Seth up at Money in the Bank and sleeping until the show tonight since there's nothing for him to do anyway if he's at the back of the line once more. 'Will watch you make him crap his pants though, so you better come up with something good to explain why you should have another opportunity.'
Oh, believe him, Dean already has a bittersweet idea for that. And Seth is going to agree because he promised him free reign. Never give Dean Ambrose a chance to take over. Someone is about to learn a lesson tonight. At least until the numbers game will catch up on him. After all, it'll be one against six. Oh, he likes the odds of that.
'You got your funeral date, buddy. Bring the cinderblocks for tonight, it'll get ugly.'
