Damn, it was good to be back. He hadn't felt this alive in months. Vince's call had come out of the blue but he sure as hell wasn't going to complain. As much as it pained him to not be able to jump headfirst into the in-ring action, he had been thrilled to do commentary tonight. Just having the crowd go absolutely nuts as soon as he stepped through the curtain and walked down the ramp had him exhilarated. The fans hadn't forgotten him after all and that fact alone made him feel like he could take on the world in this very moment. And the best thing? Tomorrow he would get to do it all over again as they were pre-taping next week's RAW.

But for now another show was in the can and the audience was filtering out of the arena. While Shawn made his way to the backstage area, he still found himself smiling. It was probably the first genuine one in quite a while. This really was the only place where he was truly at home and felt good about himself. Truth be told, he also enjoyed getting to spend time with some of the boys again. Granted, he still wasn't Mr. Popular with everyone, but those who hated him could kiss his ass anyway. When he had arrived at the venue around noon, he immediately bumped into Kid and he couldn't have been happier to see that crazy bastard again. It had been way too long. They had sat down for half an hour to chat until Sean had to leave to find Hunter as they still had to go over a few things for their tag match tonight.

Hunter… He hadn't run into him before the event started and quite frankly hadn't made it a point to actively go look for him, either. He was well aware that he had been avoiding most of his friend's phone calls in recent weeks and the few times they did talk, the conversation had been strained. He would like to blame Hunter for that, but deep down he knew it was his own fault. Not that he would tell him as much.

Still a little lost in thought, he wandered into catering. Considering the late hour, not much food was left, but Shawn still grabbed a plate, stacking it with some rice and chicken, and got a coke from the fridge. He sat down at one of the tables in the back and looked around. Only a few people were milling around. A production assistant was talking to one of the agents, but other than that it seemed like most of the guys had either already left or were in the locker room still getting changed after the big brawl in the last segment. For a moment he pondered whether he should finally go find Hunter after all to at least say hi, but when he glanced towards the door, he realized he wouldn't need to. Hunter and Joanie had just stepped into the room and it was Jo who spotted him first. He didn't fail to notice the little nudge she gave her boyfriend that prompted him to turn in his direction. They both walked over to him and Shawn caught himself feeling a little anxious.

"There you are!" The big grin on his buddy's face, however, put Shawn at ease immediately. "You're looking good, Shawn."

He got up to give him a hug. "Well, you know me, they don't call me Sexy Boy for nothing."

"Good to know nobody managed to stomp down your ego just yet."

They both shared a laugh, before Shawn turned to Joanie and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Good to see you, too, honey."

"…and still a flirt." She also gave him a warm smile. "Listen, boys. I'm beat. Brian offered me a ride back to the hotel. We'll catch up tomorrow, Shawn, alright?"

"I'm sure countin' on it." Shawn watched her kiss Hunter goodbye and with another wave at the two of them, she was gone. "She still sucks at being subtle, doesn't she?"

"That she does." Hunter chuckled. "Come on, let's sit down for a bit."

An awkward silence settled between them for a moment and Shawn watched Hunter absent-mindedly peel at the label of the bottle of water he had brought along. Neither of them seemed too eager to be the first one to speak. Eventually it was Hunter who looked him straight in the eye while asking, "Really… How are you?"

"Fine." Keep your answers short and sweet, he was telling himself. Maybe Hunter wouldn't be able to see right through him this way.

"Don't give me that 'I'm fine' crap. It's me you're talking to. And I am worried about you."

Shawn could tell by the seriousness in his voice that he was concerned, but he simply wasn't ready to go that route right now. "What? You didn't think the million messages you left didn't give that away yet?" If he tried to play it down, he hoped Hunter would drop the subject.

"Well, maybe if a certain someone had actually answered those, I'd tend to believe him."

He couldn't even get a rise out of Hunter. Somehow his calm demeanor got under his skin and he couldn't stop himself from lashing out. "What is it to you anyway, Hunner? Ya got what ya wanted, you're well on the way to becoming one of the top dogs. Oh, it worked out so well for ya after all, didn't it? Don't even try to pretend it isn't convenient for you that I ain't around anymore."

Shawn had enough of this shit. He needed to get out of here. He should have known his good mood wouldn't last for long. When did it ever? He got up and was about to storm off, when Hunter tried to stop him. "Let me go or I'll make you," Shawn spat, neither able nor wanting to hide his anger.

He did let go of his arm, but before Shawn could make a move to leave, Hunter spoke up again. "Don't be like that, Shawn. Please."

Something in Hunter's tone made him pause and he slumped back into his chair. He rubbed his temples, knowing full well he was being an asshole. Again.

He almost missed it when Hunter quietly stated, "It isn't goin' so well, is it?"

Shawn simply shook his head. What was there to say anyway?

"Just remember that you don't have to do all of this alone, okay? I'm here. I mean it."

Shawn didn't dare to look up but he knew Hunter was being sincere. He always was. He had put his friend through so much bullshit already and there he was, still offering not to leave his side. All he had to do was accept it.