Hey guys! Sorry for the wait, a bunch of things hit at once and had to get them settled before getting this out. I'm sorry for this short chapter, I wanted the next day to be it's own chapter and wanted to show AJ and Dean getting closer. Things seem to be cooling off on my end so I'll try to get the next one as soon as I can to make up for this lolXD

And thanks so much for the comments, really brightened my up and I'm so happy you guys are enjoying this so far:)

Anyway, on with the chapter!

After comforting Dean and explaining everything to the hotel manager, the Club decided to take Dean back to his and AJ's room. Karl suggested getting some pizza to ease the situation a little. He took Luke with him, claiming he needs help, leaving Dean and AJ alone.

Dean had…somewhat calmed down. It wasn't as bad as before if it's any consolation.

The two were sitting on one of the beds, AJ holding Dean close against his body. After what felt like forever, Dean spoke for the first time since the rescue.

"…I'm sorry…"

AJ looked down at him, confused, "For what?"

"…For this…"

"Dude, I told you I would get you out of there. Just wish I got there sooner."

"How…did you know though?"

"Maybe however Roman got you to the ground, you buttdialed me." AJ answered. "I…heard the commotion through that and came here."

Dean hummed, and they stayed silent for a bit, lost in their own thoughts.

Dean eventually broke that silence, mumbling words AJ could barely make out.

"…Same as Seth. Told me, he wasn't like him." He chuckled humorlessly. "What a fool I was to believe him."

"It's not your fault Dean. The fans and pressure from the company just got to him."

"Still, he blamed me for the fans turning on him. Like I told them to boo him, which I didn't. All I did was what I have always done since the split, doing my own thing, nothing different. Just…why now?"

"Maybe he reached that point, where he couldn't take anymore and thought it was your fault. The fans quickly accepted you as champion where they booed him all three times he held it."

"So it is my fault."

AJ reached down, tucking his fingers under Dean's chin and lifted his head up. He could see tears starting to pool under his eyes.

"Dean, it's not your fault. Stop blaming yourself. If anything, it's Roman's for letting the fans get to him and throwing away a friendship just for fame. We'll get him for this, I promise you. And if he shows up to Smackdown, we'll just have to give him a nice present huh?"

Dean smiled, first since the text message.

"Thanks, Mr. Face that Runs the Place."

Both men laughed at that, it felt good to hear Dean laugh like this. He wanted him to always be happy. To not worry about the Roman situation, focus on what lies ahead.

"Time to start a new chapter." AJ said once their laughter died down.

"Yeah. …Just…push forward…"

Karl and Luke returned at that moment with the food, Karl a little surprised.

"What is it?" Dean asked.

"Really thought we'd walk in on you two in an…intimate moment." he replied, smirking.

Both men blushed as AJ grabbed a pillow and threw it at his Club member, the four laughing at the situation.

The rest of the evening was spent eating the pizza, chatting and laughing away without a care in the world.

Karl nudged AJ and pointed at Dean, who was having a lively conversation with Luke. AJ smiled at seeing how happy Dean looked, the way his eyes shined, his wide smile and carefree laugh. He made a vow to himself to make sure Dean felt this way from here on out. He never wanted the other man in that situation ever again.

Roman's words rang in his head, giving the indication that this is far from over.