A THIRD NIGHT AFTER WRESTLEMANIA
Thursday – 4/8 (Bloodsport 6)
Dressed in dark hoodies with hoods pulled over their eyes, the two men waited in the shadows of the building as fans left Bloodsport 6 after the event.
"Both of them were a bloody mess!"
"Never thought Moxley couldn't continue a match."
"Thought sure Mox was gonna continue, but he couldn't stand up."
The smaller of the two men glanced at the taller man with concern in his dark eyes. "What the fuck," he muttered.
The taller man remained silent and pulled his companion deeper into the shadows away from the fans. They stealthily walked around the building to the private parking area. From the shadows they quietly watched through the chain link fence as the security guards made their rounds.
"They should leave once most of the talent is gone," the taller man murmured.
The smaller man nodded, shoving his gloved hands into the pocket of his hoodie. "Wonder how much of a fight he's making about getting patched up?" he whispered. All he got was a raised eyebrow of derision. "Yeah, that's what I thought," the smaller man nodded.
Minutes went by as various competitors left the building, and the parking lot thinned out. Finally, only a half dozen cars were left; and the security guards made a final sweep of the lot before disappearing into the building.
The two men waiting another five minutes before scaling the fence and easily dropping to the other side. They carefully made their way across the lot until they stood in the shadows close to most of the parked cars. There they patiently waited, the smaller man occasionally rolling his shoulders.
When there were only three cars left, the door to the building opened; and a figure walked out into the shadowy parking lot. The taller man grinned at his companion. They knew that walk anywhere. They carefully began walking to meet him.
It was an indication of how tired their quarry must be that they got so close to him before he noticed them. Before the man could drop his bag and take a defensive position, the smaller man held out his left hand.
"Give me the keys."
"Jesus, I must be concussed if I'm seein' the two of you here."
Seth Rollins snorted. "If you think we're gonna let you drive after that match, you're crazier than even you think you are." He stepped closer to the other man and stared searchingly into the other man's blue eyes.
Dean Ambrose sighed and dropped his forehead to touch Seth's. "I'm me," he quietly said. "Stop worrying about it."
Seth snorted again and deftly took the car keys from his brother's hand.
"Might as well tell the sun not to rise tomorrow," Roman Reigns joked. He pulled his brother into a one-armed embrace. "Come on, let's get outta here." He grabbed Dean's bag before the man could protest and led him towards his car.
"How'd you know which one was mine?" Dean asked as Seth popped the trunk lid.
"It's the only one in the direction you were walking," Roman answered, stowing the bag away and shutting the trunk. He saw Seth's worried look as his youngest brother unlocked the car. He gently grabbed Dean's arm and steered him towards the back seat. "In the back where I can keep an eye on you."
"Damned mother hen," Dean grumbled under his breath as he slid into the back seat.
Roman walked around and got into the back seat on the other side of the car as Seth keyed the ignition. "Did you call Renee?"
"Yeah, after the trainers got done with me," Dean sighed. "Promised her I'd go straight back to the hotel and to bed."
"I'll text her and tell her you're coming home with me." Roman reached for his phone. "We'll pick up your stuff at the hotel and check you out."
"Are you crazy?" Dean demanded. "This is Wrestlemania weekend! The shit will hit the McMahon fan if anybody catches us together."
"You'll be at my house," Roman casually explained. "Nobody's gonna see you there."
"We're sure as hell not staying at that Bates-motel-knock-off where you had us staying last year," Seth grumbled. "What's the address for your hotel so I can put it into the GPS?" When Dean didn't answer, Seth looked over his shoulder. "Ambrose?" he growled.
Dean glanced from Seth to Roman then threw up his hands in defeat. It didn't go unnoticed that he winced at the movement. "Fine. Holiday Inn on Bridgewater Street. Think the number's 18145. And how the hell did the two of you get here anyway?"
"Jimmy and Jey dropped us off," Roman explained.
Dean glanced at his older brother. "Pretty damn sure of yourselves, weren't you?"
"Yep," Seth nodded. "OK, got the address in the GPS. We'll let you out a block from there. When you've check out, text Roman; and we'll pick you up at the same spot."
"Damned mother hens," Dean repeated under his breath. "By the way, O Messiah, who's dressing you these days? Michael P.S. Hayes?"
Roman snorted as Seth cackled in amusement. "This from a man whose so-called "style" is ripped jeans and a leather jacket?"
As Seth concentrated on navigating towards the hotel, Roman gently patted Dean's knee. "Sorry things didn't go your way tonight."
Dean shrugged. "It was fun. Barnett and I'll have another match at some point." He leaned his head against the cool window. "After we get my stuff, I want a big greasy double bacon cheeseburger with the works and fries. Lots of fries." Despite himself, he chuckled when he heard Seth gag. He silently acknowledged it was a good feeling to have his brothers watching over him.
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Friday – 4/9 (Smackdown)
The three men were silent as they watched the video promo package for Seth's Wrestlemania match with Cesaro. The show had been pre-taped to allow the Smackdown combatants at Wrestlemania to rest up for the big show.
Afterwards, Seth carefully didn't look at either of his brothers. All he heard in the silence was Dean slurping his beer.
Just as Seth was about to speak, he heard Dean clear his throat and began to sing.
"Yeah, and Seth'll be a-swingin', he'll be a-swingin'. Seth taught him Crossfit and Cesaro's strong as an ox. Seth'll be a-swingin' all around the stadium. Start the countin' 'cause Sethie'll be a-swingin'."
Roman doubled over in his chair and held his stomach as he roared with laughter.
"Oh, come on! You did not just make that up, Ambrose!" Seth exploded. "How long have you been working on that?"
Dean ignored Seth and glanced at his laughing brother. "Wonder which of Michael Hayes' outfits Seth'll be a-swingin' in?" he drawled.
Seth irritably glanced at his brothers. "I'm not speaking to either of you." Despite himself his dark eyes were twinkling. "And let's see if Roman's got anything better."
Roman wiped his eyes. "Believe that, little brother."
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"I'm not a politician. I don't have to sell myself to you."
Seth groaned and covered his eyes as he listened to Roman's video package. He heard Dean snorting in appreciation of the jab Roman took at Seth's promo. But he knew that Dean was also watching Roman through side-glances.
Seth lowered his hands and silently listened to Roman. He studied his brother's body language throughout the promo. This was the Roman Reigns he and Dean had known was deep inside their older brother. Fans had clamored for Roman to make a heel turn so they would have something more to laugh about. Instead, they got someone who rivaled Randy Orton for lack of compassion and sheer single-mindedness. Yet…
Seth glanced at Dean as Smackdown went off the air. Both knew Roman was waiting for their reaction. Finally, Seth spoke. "Roman?"
Roman silently turned his head to look at his youngest brother.
Seth silently held out a fist to Roman. "Burn it down on Sunday."
Roman silently nodded and touched his fist to Seth's.
"Big Dog."
Roman turned to see Dean holding out his own fist to Roman. "Show no mercy."
Roman again silently nodded and touched his fist to Dean's.
They weren't the same young men who'd stormed through the WWE doors at Survivor Series in 2012. They were now battle-hardened warhounds with bad attitudes and sharp teeth. Seth and Dean had proven they could throw brotherhood and friendship out the window in order to obtain championship gold. Now it was Roman's turn to prove he could do the same in order to keep championship gold.
And, deep down, Seth knew that one day the Messiah and Tribal Chief would go to war against one another…and his brothers both knew that as well.
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Saturday – 4/10 (Night 1 of Wrestlemania)
"Oh, bite me, Ambrose," Seth muttered under his breath. He was watching a video of his older brother and Roman's daughter singing a new verse of his 'Rollins' swingin' song'. In the background he heard Roman and his wife laughing. "Oh, they can't protect you," Seth promised as he texted a message to Roman.
'Little Princess has a lovely singing voice. Unlike her Uncle Deano.'
He was rubbing his face with a towel when there was a soft knock on his dressing room door. "Come in," Seth called out. He slowly smiled when the door opened, and Cesaro stepped into the room.
The two men walked to the center of the room and looked at each other for nearly a minute. Then Cesaro held out his hand. "Thank you," he quietly spoke.
Seth slowly smiled and shook Cesaro's hand. "My pleasure."
Cesaro took a few steps backwards. "Sheamus and I are going out for a late dinner? Would you like to join us?"
Seth smiled and shook his head. "I'm spending the weekend at Roman's. Taking some time to catch up with each other outside of work."
Cesaro pleasantly nodded in return. "Probably a good idea, considering all of the wrestling events going on this weekend in Tampa. I'm sure the hotels are jammed."
Seth shrugged. "Hotels are always jammed for Wrestlemania." He threw the towel onto the bench behind him.
"Especially with some independent events added on," Cesaro added. When Seth glanced back at him, he widened his smile. "Give my best to Roman and his… family. I'll see you next Friday?"
"Sure, see you then," Seth grinned. When the door closed behind Cesaro, he took a deep breath in relief even though he knew Cesaro wouldn't have that type of conversation with anyone else.
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"Uncle Seth!" Roman's daughter flew at Seth the moment he walked into Roman's house. She flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry you lost!"
Seth chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "That's okay, Princess. There's always another time." He gazed down into her dark eyes. "You know that your Uncle Deano is a bad influence, don't you?"
Roman's daughter cheerfully laughed.
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Sunday – 4/11 (Night 2 of Wrestlemania)
"You know, it would only be fair if you sent Roman an obnoxious text like you sent to me." Seth glared at Dean who was relaxing in Roman's recliner as they watched the pre-show.
Dean threw some popcorn in mouth. "If Roman loses, he's going to be in a foul mood. Think I'm gonna poke that Samoan bear? Nah!"
"You think he's going to lose?" Seth curiously asked.
Dean hesitated then shrugged. "Triple threat lessens his chance to win. We both know that. Both Edge and Daniel are desperate to win. And we both know Edge has proven he'll do anything to win."
"And Daniel won't?"
Dean sighed. "At heart, Daniel is more…ethical, shall we say? My opinion, Seth, Daniel won't cross a certain line. Edge doesn't see any lines." He fingered the popcorn in the bowl in his lap. "The question is, will Roman cross a certain line…or will he not see any lines." Then he slowly looked at his younger brother who returned his attention to the wide-screen television set mounted on the wall. 'And that should concern you, little brother. 'Cause you know the two of you are gonna have a war sooner or later.'
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"Ok, we're tied," Seth sighed at the end of the InterContinental match.
Since Roman's entire family had gone to Raymond James Stadium for Roman's championship match, Dean and Seth had Roman's house to themselves. They'd solemnly promised Galina by crossing the other's heart that they wouldn't tear up the house while everyone was gone. Hampered by that solemn promise, the two men had amused themselves by picking winners in each match.
They'd both been stunned when Orton beat The Fiend although both had smiled when The Fiend paid tribute to Brodie Lee more than once during the match. Both had bet Owens to beat Zayn, and Sheamus to take the U.S. Title. Dean had picked the winner of the Women's Tag Team Match while Seth had surprised his brother by picking Apollo Crews to win the InterContinental title. Since they were both going to pick Roman in the Triple Threat match for the Universal Title match, the tie breaker was going to be Asuka versus Ripley.
"Wanna go double or nothing?" Dean asked, sitting his beer bottle on the table next to the recliner.
"You'll be nothing if you put rings on Galina's table," Seth warned. "Use the damn coaster, man."
"You're avoiding the question," Dean grumbled even as he moved his bottle to sit on the coaster.
Seth studied his brother for a few seconds then slowly smiled an evil smile. "You're on. Winner picks the place for our next two reunions."
"Deal," Dean calmly nodded. "If we pick different winners, that is."
"Asuka," Seth immediately chose.
Dean's smile rivaled the evilness of his younger brother. "Ripley."
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Seth stared at the television screen in shock. "I'll be damned," he muttered. He glared at his chuckling brother. "Fine. So, where are we going next year?"
"Continuing tradition for Wrestlemania," Dean laughed. "Dallas."
"Schedules permitting," Seth smirked.
"Card subject to change," Dean nodded. He shoved the last of his popcorn into his mouth. "Wonder what the quality of strip clubs are in Dallas?" he innocently asked.
"Our wives would skin both of us alive," Seth assured him.
Dean chuckled then sobered as the promo package for Roman's match began. 'Seth and I both lost this weekend. Roman's got to pull this out.'
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"Holy shit," Seth breathed. "Roman pinned them both at the same time."
"Way to make a statement," Dean slowly replied. He turned his eyes to his youngest brother who was watching Jey Uso and Paul Heyman celebrate with Roman in the ring…and realized Seth understood the statement Roman had made.
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It was early the next morning when Dean stealthily walked down the stairs, his bag slung over his shoulder. He planned to leave early to drive back to Jacksonville. He was staying there for the AEW show the following Wednesday. It didn't make sense to fly home just to turn around and fly back to Florida. He knew Roman would take Seth to the Tampa airport later that day for his own flight home. So, he'd said his good-byes the previous night.
"Sneaking out without a word to us?"
Dean jumped at the hissing voice then rolled his eyes. "Fucker," he muttered under his breath. He glared at Seth who wickedly smiled from behind his coffee mug. "What are you doing up so early?"
"Same as me." Roman stepped into view from the kitchen. "Making sure you have something to eat on the road." He handed a wrapped breakfast sandwich to Dean who sniffed it then grinned.
"Ah, Galina made this for me, didn't she?"
"Just for you," Roman admitted. He watched as Dean carefully tucked it into his bag then handed his brother a travel mug. "And coffee."
"Bless Galina," Dean grinned.
"Hey, I made the coffee!" Seth protested.
"Bite me, Rollins," Dean calmly replied. He stared at his brothers for a few moments. "Be safe, you guys."
Seth snorted. "We're not the ones doing exploding barbed wire death matches."
"Bite me, Rollins," Dean repeated. He let his bag slide to the floor and set the travel mug next to it. Then he wrapped his arms around both his brothers. "We're brothers," he murmured. "Remember that."
"We do," Roman nodded. He saw the look in Dean's blue eyes and added, "We will."
"No matter what," Seth promised. "Text when you get back to Jacksonville."
"Yes, mother," Dean drawled as he picked up his bag and travel mug.
"Smart ass," Roman grumbled, going back into the kitchen. "Lock the door behind him, Seth." He knew Dean wanted a private moment with Seth and knew why.
Seth followed Dean to the door. As Dean opened the door, he glanced at his younger brother. "Seth…"
"I know," Seth nodded. "It's inevitable. If not soon, then later." He slowly smiled. "It won't break us."
Dean silently nodded and walked towards his rental car. As he got into his car, he saw Seth give him a final wave and close the front door. Dean grimly smiled to himself. He planned to make damn sure it wouldn't break his brothers…no matter how many forbidden doors he had to kick down.