Six Months Ago...
A.J. looked around the hotel room, grin wide as he set his bags down by the door. "Look at this Shinsuke, can you believe it?! They treat us better than when we're at home!" A.J turned to the silent man behind him, laughing at the look of awe on his face. "You can't tell me this isn't fantastic."
"The view is very welcoming this time of day."
A.J. nodded to the young man standing by the door. Walking over, A.J. handed him a tip for bringing up their luggage. "Thanks for bringing it all up. We tend to over pack." He shook his head at the mountain of luggage sitting beside the door. "Shin, do you even need half of this stuff." He asked once the bellboy had left them alone.
"It is my ring gear as well as a few other things."
A.J. turned at the laughter in his friends voice. "You didn't need it all!" He laughed as Shin gave him a wink before turning to walk away. "We have dinner plans with the new team later!" He shouted after his friend, grinning at the wave he received. Turning back to the window, A.J. looked out at the view before him. The bellboy was right, the view was very welcoming.
"We have to make sure that we have the right group this time. If we are to make it out of Japan and back to the States..." Shinsuke walked over and handed A.J. a cold bottle of water.
"We need to deal with some legit people, I know that's why I've got Dre and Clayton coming by later. They know a few people here so that should help with figuring shit out." A.J. looked over at Shinsuke before taking a drink. He knew his friend was worried, especially after what happened with Wellington. "Shin, you know you don't have to stay with me. It's only going..." He looked at the bottle in his hands, a sad frown curving his lips down.
"To make me tired." Shinsuke grinned at A.J. as he gave him an exaggerated yawn. "Sometimes, you worry to much my friend. Come, let us worry about the present, the past can wait a few more hours." He looked back out the window, a small smile curving his lips. "You deserve a break from the nightmares plaguing your sleep."
A.J. stiffened at his friends soft statement, aware that his nightmares were keeping his friends up at night. "I'm sorry you got involved in this whole mess. You should have stayed with Hiroshi." A.J. sighed as he thought back to the man they'd left back in Morioka.
"He would not have enjoyed coming here to Miyazaki. It is to far south and a little further from home than he would prefer." Shinsuke, turned away from the window, heading to the second bedroom. "The contracts with WWE, have you considered it?"
A.J. nodded, he knew he should have taken the contract when they first offered it to him but he'd been having fun traveling with his friends. Or the people he had thought were friends. "If we take them it would mean us leaving Japan and after everything that's happened..."
"Leaving would not be such a bad thing."
A.J. sighed as he turned away from the window. "No, it wouldn't be such a bad thing." He said softly as he followed his friend to the back.
"You must rest before we leave for dinner. It would not be in our best interest to look less than our best." Shinsuke watched A.J. closely, knowing his friend would deny needing rest. "If we look less than our best..."
A.J. started to protest but knew he needed to sleep. It's been weeks since he'd felt safe enough to close his eyes for more than three hours. Yawning, he nodded at Shinsuke. "You setting your alarm?"
"It is already done, I will wake you in enough time to be ready."
A.J. waved at him as he walked into the room, turning on the light. He closed the door behind him, debating on whether he should lock it or not. "It's just me and Shin here, they can't hurt me anymore." Slowly moving back from the door, A.J. let out a soft breath as it remained closed. Backing away towards the bed, he slid his jacket off, catching it before it hit the floor. Shin was right, they would need to look their best and he didn't need to look like he'd been on the run for three days.
Getting undressed, A.J. stood beside the bed, frowning down at the mattress. "He can't hurt me here." His voice trembled as he tried to convince himself that the bed would be more comfortable than a chair or the floor. Pulling the bedspread and sheets to the floor, A.J. moved to the head of the bed, grabbing the pillows and throwing them on top of the pile. He couldn't bring himself to sleep on the bed, not after what happened. Turning to the pile on the floor, A.J. sank down slowly, stretching out and getting comfortable. He knew Shinsuke would complain but he wouldn't push. Sighing, he slowed his breathing, concentrating on relaxing for a few hours.
Wellington had been pissed when they'd been approached by the WWE scout. Said A.J. and Shinsuke were selling out if they left him for the larger company. Frannie hadn't agreed with Wells and had gotten beat for it. A.J. however had suffered worse than ever for Wells rage. "You said you loved us but you always hurt us, why? Why if you cared so fucking much..." A.J. sighed as he drifted off, the fear of Wells finding him faded away as he let sleep claim him.
A.J. opened his eyes, looking around the room in surprise. "Wells, Fran?" He tried to move his arms and legs, only to realize that he was tied spread eagle to a bed. Panic starting to thrum through him, A.J. looked up at his hands, pulling as hard as he could against the ropes. Letting out a hiss of pain, he stopped jerking on his bindings. "Wells! Frannie! What the fuck is going on?!" Looking around the room again, A.J. spotted a dark shape huddled in the corner. "Wells?" Sucking in a quick breath, A.J. blinked at the voice that responded.
"No, Allen."
"Shin?" A.J. squinted to see the figure better, frowning when his friend slowly came into view. "Jesus Shin what the fuck happened to you?!" A.J. pulled on his bindings, trying to get to his friend. "Shin, untie me, jesus, untie me so I can..."
"So you can what, Allen?"
Head snapping around, A.J. looked up to see Wells and Fran standing in the doorway. "What did you do to Shin? Why can't I fucking move Wells?!" He felt a shiver of fear chase across his skin as he watched the pair walk into the room. He didn't miss the camera in Fran's hands or the malicious grin curving Wells lips up. "What the fuck is going on Wells?"
"You two think you're going to just leave me and go to the WWE? Well, before you go I plan to give you a parting gift, one that you will always remember me by."
A.J. stiffened as he realized what Wells was talking about. Fear chased itself across his nerves as if he'd been hit by lighting. "What, uh, wh-what do you..."
"I'm going to record our little session and make sure that your little friends see it. I want them all to know that you enjoy taking it in the ass for a man!"
A.J. jerked at the ropes, eyes darting over to Shinsuke. What had they done to his friend, had they hurt him? He needed to find some way to get them out of this but how? Dre didn't know they were missing and Clay... "What did you do to my nephew? Where's Clayton, Wells?" He felt his stomach clench at the grin that curved his lips. If they hurt Clay, Sadie and Juls would be out for blood. "God Wells please tell me you didn't..."
"I let the little bastard go. He wasn't worth my time, to young for my tastes."
A.J. let out a soft breath of relief until he looked at Fran's face. "Frannie?"
"You know the rules Allen, do not speak to her when it is our time."
A.J. glared at the curly headed man now standing above him. "This is called rape and kidnapping Wells, I'm not willing in this shit!" Tone tight, A.J. was proud his voice didn't tremble. He watched as Wells walked over to Shinsuke, a leer curving his lips. "Leave Shin alone, Wells!" Pulling on the ropes, A.J. watched as his friend moved back from the angry man. "Bastard, I said leave shin alone!"
"You two can't just up and leave me! My father made sure I had the money to back you! I am your manager in these matters! You can leave when I fucking say you can leave!"
A.J. felt his stomach clench at the dark look on Wells face. He'd known it was a risk taking the contract with WWE but it was a chance to go back home. A chance to finally get away from Wells and be free of the hell he'd gotten himself and Shinsuke into. "Then why won't you just let them buy you out! They're willing to pay more than you would ever..." He broke off at the back hand he was given, head snapping back with the force of the blow.
"Leave...him...alone."
Eyes watering, A.J. tried to refocus his gaze, flinching at the sound of Shinsuke's groan. "D-don't you fucking touch him, Wells." Voice weak, A.J. pulled again at his bindings. He stiffened at the dark chuckle above him. "Wells..."
"I'm going to show them all just how fucking phenomenal you truly are."
A.J. felt his fear spike as Wellington got undressed. Glancing over at Fran, he saw the dead look in her eyes. Knew that he and Shinsuke were on their own if Dre couldn't find them. When the bed dipped, A.J. forced back his fear, knowing that it would only turn Wells on. He watched as the brunette grinned over at Fran, knew what to expect this time around. He just hated that Shinsuke had to be here as a witness. "Wells..."
"Wells...stop...please."
Standing in the doorway, Shinsuke sighed at the broken whisper. He'd known this was going to happen. Every time they made it to a new city, the nightmares would start over. If they had left Japan three years ago, they probably would have been able to avoid Wells and his manipulations sooner. Walking into the bedroom, Shinsuke frowned to find A.J. wrapped in the covers on the floor. "Allen?" He asked softly, kneeling down on the floor. "Come my friend, it is time for us to get ready."
"Shin?" A.J. asked softly. He shifted on the floor, groaning at the pain in his lower back. Turning his head he looked over at the man kneeling next to him. "What, uh, wh-what time is it?" Yawning, A.J. stretched, groaning as his muscles protested the movement. "How long was I out?"
"It is two hours before we leave and you slept for at least four hours."
"Yay, a new personal best." A.J. sighed as he sat up and looked around. He could see the question in Shinsuke's eyes but knew he wouldn't ask it. "Let me shower then get dressed. I'll be ready when it's time to go." Giving his friend a small smile, he took the hand offered to him. "Did you get hold of Tanahashi?"
"Yes, he was upset but understood our need to leave." Shinsuke sighed softly as he helped A.J. to his feet. "Come, I must make sure that our passes are at the desk. You will be ok here alone?" Shinsuke studied the drawn features, frowning at the tired eyes and pale face. "Allen?"
"No, I-I mean yeah, I'll be fine. Find out if Clay and Dre made it will you?" A.J. looked around for his travel bag, sighing as he spotted the small red case. "You managed to get it before we left." He looked at the case with a grin, the memories associated with the bag were good enough to make him smile, even if it was only for a moment.
"Dre said it was important to you." Shinsuke turned and headed towards the door. "I will be back shortly, the door will be bolted locked so do not worry."
A.J. nodded, watching as Shinsuke left the room. "I need to get rid of these fucking nightmares." A.J. ran a shaky hand across his stomach, flinching at the small scars there. Glancing down, he frowned as the memory came back unbidden. "Wells and his fucking jealousy." A.J. whispered angrily. He had accused A.J. of leaving him for more than just a contract at WWE. Had said it was because of someone else, he didn't want to stay with Wells and Fran anymore. "He wasn't lying though, you tried to kill me." A.J. glanced over at the clock, jerking in surprise. Turning to his suitcase, he pulled out his clothes, frowning at the wrinkles in his shirt and pants. "Good thing there's an iron and board or else I'd be screwed." Shaking his head he grabbed his travel bag and clothes, looking for a hanger in an effort to at least steam some of the wrinkles out.
Walking into the bathroom, A.J. set everything down and turned the water on. He glanced around for his phone, frowning when he couldn't find it. Looking through his bag, he felt a sliver of fear move over him. "What if I left it somewhere?" But where, they hadn't gotten off the train for two days after leaving Hakodate. "The only place we stopped at was..." He jerked around at the sound of a knock on the living room door. He couldn't have left his phone and Tanahashi's, Shinsuke would have said something about it. "I talked to Dre before we got here so it has to be here." Looking up at the sound of another knock, A.J. slowly walked out of the bathroom. Looking around the room, he sighed when he noticed his phone on the floor with the blankets. He walked over and picked up before heading to the front room. Looking through the peep hole, A.J. let out a soft sigh. It was the bellboy from earlier and he was holding a tray of food. Frowning, he opened the door, getting ready to tell the young man they hadn't ordered anything. Until...
"Thought you two could get away from me, hmm?"
"Wellington, h-how did you find us?" A.J. stepped back from the angry man in front of him. Glancing at the pale face behind Wellington, he jumped when a hand landed on his shoulder.
"Did you really think I would not find you two? What did you really think was going to happen? You thought I was going to accept the payout and not want what's mine?!"
A.J. backed away from the brunette in front of him. There once was a time when Wellington had been fun, exciting in a good way. Having grown up in the country, A.J. hadn't really known how to deal with men like Wellington. He was six foot two and weighed about two hundred, fifteen pounds. He had dark, curly hair and rich, emerald green eyes. Wellington had been a gorgeous man who along with Fran, had approached A.J. in his wide eyed innocence. Things had been exciting, up until A.J. and Shinsuke started to make names for themselves. With the help of Tanahashi and older men such as Kurt Angle and Kevin Nash, they had been able to catch the eye of the Vince McMahon. Wells had been livid, claiming Shinsuke was trying to take A.J. from him.
"H-how did you find us?" A.J. repeated in confusion. He didn't know what to say or do. How had Wellington found them so fast? They were getting ready...He jerked in surprise when Wellington gripped his arms in a painful grip. Sucking in a quick breath, A.J. tried to pull away from his ex. "Let go of me Wells."
"Or what, you'll spread your legs and let me have my way with you?"
A.J. felt his temper spike at the comment. Rage simmering along his nerves. "Fuck you Wells! You're the one who forces themselves on others and blames them for..." He broke off with a gasp as Wells slapped him. Snapping his head to the back and side.
"Who do you think you are speaking to me in such a way? Do you not remember who I am and what I've done for you?!"
"What have you done for me Wells?! You've raped me, beat me, used me and thrown me away like I was nothing more than garbage! Then, when I'm back on top you want to..." A.J. choked back the rest of his statement as a hand closed around his throat. Gasping for breath, A.J. tried to pull away from the grip. He could feel his lungs screaming for air he tried to glare at Wells.
"You belong to me, there is no one or nothing that can or will change that."
A.J. let out a short whimper of fear as he was dragged from the room. Where was Shin, had they been able to surprise him or was he safe and on his way back up? A.J. didn't get a chance to think about it for long. Before he realized what was happening he was being dragged onto an elevator. As they headed down, A.J. had the fleeting thought that he may have seen his friend for the very last time.