It had been a tough couple of weeks. He had been trying to come to grips with the fact that surgery was the only option he had left. Some days were bad, others… not so much. At this point he was in constant pain. The amount of medication needed to keep him functioning had increased and only eased that issue short-term anyway.
Shawn tried to play it down with most people, to some extent even with Hunter. He'd caused him enough worry to last a lifetime. He knew Hunter had desperately wanted to make another trip down to Texas, but somehow he'd managed to talk him out of it. Hunter had been rehabbing his ass off to get back into the ring fast and he didn't want his friend to risk a setback because of him. But he had called Shawn every day. Sometimes it was only for a few minutes, but he was glad to have someone to talk to and appreciated his support more than Hunter would ever know. It was what got him through the bleaker days when all he wanted was to give up and wallow in his misery. Hunter never let him, though.
And his buddy had also gone and spoken to Vince. Originally, they'd been talking about possible plans for next year when he was healed up, but somehow Hunter had coaxed him – and their boss – into writing him into the current shows and giving him a more permanent role. He'd been reluctant at first. Not because he didn't want to, but he just wasn't sure how his body would hold up, even in a non-wrestling capacity. However, it wasn't like he could exactly make it worse.
So that was why he was now in Columbus for a RAW taping. Tonight he would be named the new Commissioner and, truth be told, just thinking about being able to wreak some havoc again put him in a good mood. Hunter really knew him too well. This was just what he needed to remember that there was a reason to still get up in the morning. He hoped it would also help to get him through what was lying ahead. And if being part of this crazy ride didn't, spending some time with Hunter in person again sure would. He had a little over a month to go until his appointment and if anyone could get him out of his own head and not let him dwell too much, it was Hunter.
Shawn made his way through the hallways of the arena, for once trying to stay out of people's way. He wasn't too keen on making conversation with folks today so he went straight for the locker room he knew Hunter would be in. When he got there, he found him sitting on one of the benches, totally immersed in tonight's script. He knew Hunter wasn't cleared to wrestle just yet, but he did enjoy helping out behind the scenes. Shawn had to smile at the man's drive. He remembered what that had been like and could only hope he'd find some of that passion again himself. His return tonight was at least a step into the right direction.
Hunter still hadn't noticed him. So Shawn picked up a crumpled piece of paper from the floor and aimed for Hunter's head.
"Hey!" He sounded annoyed, but when Hunter looked up and saw Shawn, he broke into a big smile. "I should've known it was you."
"Well, someone's gotta keep ya in line."
Hunter got up to give Shawn a hug. "It's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back, let me tell ya." He tipped his black cowboy hat and then tilted his head towards the folder Hunter had put aside. "So what have the monkeys planned for me? Don't tell me they scripted my promo. If they have, I'm outta here."
"I think creative has given up on that a long time ago."
"They'd better. I'd like to think I still have some stroke around this place."
Hunter couldn't help but laugh. "You're never gonna change, are you? Always so full of yourself."
"Damn right." A cocky grin was playing on Shawn's lips.
He felt Hunter's eyes on him. "Really, Shawn, I'm glad you agreed to do this storyline. You seem…" Hunter looked as if he was trying to find the right words, "…happier."
Shawn nodded, lost in thought briefly. "I am." A beat passed before he continued, "You know, the place I am in currently? I won't deny it, it sucks." He could tell Hunter was going to say something, but Shawn stopped him straight away. "No Hunter, let me finish. We both know it does. Nothin' I - or you for that matter - can do about that. But this here… Being here makes it better. Thank you for making the effort and reminding me of that. And for being there these past few weeks. Months. Even when I am being a jackass and push you away."
He didn't let his guard down like this very often, but he felt like he owed it to Hunter. No, wanted Hunter to know.
He grabbed Shawn's hand and held it tightly while catching his gaze, "Anytime, Shawn. We're in this together." Before either of them could get too emotional, Hunter threw his arm around Shawn's shoulder. "Now, however? Time to get this show on the road."