"There is no reason why you can't bring ya' ass back sooner. You just don't want to because you know Seth will be within driving distance." A.J. moved around the bedroom of the apartment, frowning at a stack of boxes by the door. "Admit it, you just want a reason for him to come see you."
"And you wouldn't do the same if it were Shane? Tell me you wouldn't get on a plane if he called right now and said he wanted to see you."
A.J. stopped as he thought about what Chris said. "Yeah, well ok so maybe ya' ass is right about that, still doesn't explain..." He turned at the sound of the front door opening. "Clay, Alex, you guys forget something?!"
"Allen, you ok? See I knew I should have ju..."
"They may not hear me, hang on ok?" A.J. turned to head to the living room, pausing in the hallway at the silence from the front. "Hey Chris?"
"I'm having Seth stop by on his way home from the arena. I knew you should have just come stayed with us or with some..."
"Hello Allen, I must say it took a while to determine whether he was here or not but as we can see, he is not."
A.J. stepped back towards the bedroom, staring at the man in front of him. "H-how did you get in here Wells? The door..."
"Was unlocked and the alarm was not set so it was not difficult to get in."
A.J. could hear Chris yelling on the phone, his voice angry and worried. Ignoring his friend for the moment, A.J. stiffened his spine and glared at Wells. "You're such a bad liar Wells. Now, get the fuck out of our apartment."
"Or what, you'll throw me out? That's rich considering you've never been able to stand up to me before."
A.J. glared at the man in front of him. Shane had only been gone for a week, how the fuck did he know Shane was out of town. He missed Shane and for Wells to be here while Shane was gone... "You know what, you're right, I didn't in the past and that was my mistake. One I won't be repeating any time soon." Sliding his phone into his pocket, A.J. adjusted his stance. "You're always ready for a fight well then it looks like we're going to have a fight."
"Never did know when to back down, that's one of the reasons I adored you. You were always ready to challenge me, to stand up to me."
"I don't give a fuck about your god damn flattery Wells. That shit means nothing to me. I'm with someone who respects me, Shane loves me! He wouldn't treat me like you did so why don't you just fucking leave?!" A.J. frowned as Wells started laughing. A malicious sound that made his skin crawl. "What the fuck do you find so god damn funny?" Voice tight with anger, A.J. glared at the other man.
"He loves you, hmmm? Did he tell you that the whole reason Fran and I are here is because you are the father of her daughter?"
A.J. blinked at Wellington in surprise, stomach twisting at the statement. "You're lying, there is no fucking way Shane would know something like that and not tell me. You're just saying anything to make yourself..."
"Here is a picture of the girl, all blond hair and bright blue eyes. She doesn't take after me so who else could be the fucking father?"
Staring at the picture, A.J. sucked in a quick breath. She looked so much like him, could Wellington be telling the truth? Is that why they were back, because of this child? Turning his gaze back to the gloating man in front of him, A.J.'s gaze narrowed. "If all of this is true then why the fuck hasn't Faith said anything to me?"
"Any time she tries she is blocked by your boyfriend."
A.J. tried to push back the hot flood of anger as he thought back to Shane's odd behavior earlier in the month. "Get the fuck out Wellington, you and your lies aren't fucking needed or welcomed."
"Your accent always was thicker the angrier you got. Always was such a turn on, just to hear your voice with that accent. I wonder..."
A.J., hearing the knock before Wellington, turned towards the kitchen and slammed the door behind him once the other's head was turned. He moved around the island, ducking through the doorway just as Wells made it through the opposite door. When the knock sounded again, this time with more urgency, A.J. moved towards the couch, glancing back once before heading to the opposite side of the room.
Before he could reach the door, it was opened and Seth's head appeared. "Seth..." A.J. moved forward, pushing past Seth and out into the hallway.
Seth glanced through the now partially open door. "Where the fuck is he, Chris said he could hear him talking to you but he couldn't make out what was being said." He kept his voice low, making sure Wellington couldn't hear them.
"He was still in the kitchen. I don't know how the fuck he got in, Clay and Alex set the alarm before they left."
"Go get in the truck, lock the doors, and call Chris. I'll be down in a few, Shane's been blowing my phone up as well so you may want to give him a call." Seth gave A.J. a quick once over before heading back into the apartment.
A.J. watched as the door closed behind Seth before taking off down the hallway. He took the stairs down to the garage, hoping not to run into anyone on the way. Wellington's words were running through his head. Did Shane know about the child and if so why hadn't he told A.J.? Wells said they had come back to tell him about the child, is that why Faith had been in Shane's office earlier in the month? He needed to find out what the hell was going on and the only person who could give him answers wasn't available.
Looking around the parking garage, A.J. spotted Seth's truck and headed for it. Opening the passenger side door, he got in and locked it. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to call Chris or Shane until he heard his phone ringing. Pulling it out of his pocket, he sighed when recognized Shane's number. "Shane?!"
"Allen? Jesus what the fuck is going on, Seth called me saying Chris was on the other line because someone was at the apartment with you. Are you ok, who was it, did they hurt you? Christ I knew I should have just..."
"I'm ok but I think we need to talk. Wells showed up saying somethings that aren't making sense. What does he mean by I have a daughter with Fra, I-I mean Faith, with Faith and you know about it? How is that something you know and I don't know? What the fuck is going on Shane?!"
"Ok, first off yes, Faith claims there is a child. The father has been named as three different men by her and as we all know she can not be trusted. I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to be hurt if this were some sort of game they were playing to get you back. I can't let that happen Allen. I will do whatever I need to in order to protect you. Even if that means..."
"Even if that means hiding my daughter from me?! That's not your call to make Shane, especially if the kid is mine! You don't have..." A.J. started in anger only to be cut off by Seth opening the door and getting into the truck.
"You two could wake the dead, I heard you yelling before I even got to the truck."
A.J. watched as Seth started the engine and pulled out of the parking space. "Don't think your ass is off the fucking hook McMahon, you should have told me."
"We'll discuss it later, let me talk to Seth...please."
Handing the phone to Seth, A.J. turned to look out the window. How in the hell was this happening? He and Shin had left Japan as fast as possible after Wells last kidnapping attempt. Now here he was, almost nine years later saying he had a daughter. "She's not mine." Voice soft, A.J. repeated the words to himself. He had a feeling that there was more to the situation than he was being told and once again the person with the answers...
"Allen?"
"Hmmm, oh uh yeah sorry, what?" A.J. turned at the sound of Shane's voice as he took the phone from Seth.
"Honey, Seth's taking you to the airport. I want you here with me for the rest of my trip."
"What, Shane I can't I to have work, remember?!" A.J. glared at the phone, his temper spiking at Shane making the decision without him. "I'll be fine here, I can stay with Clay or..."
"He can stay with us Shane! Chris has already been on my ass about making sure Styles came to the house anyway so this would be as good a reason as any!" Seth yelled with a grin.
"No, jesus, fuck! I can decide where the hell I'm going to stay, ok? I'll stay with Clay o-or I can call Dre and he'll..."
"Fuck no! Jesus, I'll just...I'll be back tomorrow I never should have left you alone. I should have just..."
A.J. tried to push back the anger racing through him, sighing as Shane ranted. "Ok, look, I'll stay with Chris and Seth tonight but tomorrow..."
"Please, just get on the plane and come out here. I'll have Danial rearrange schedules so you won't have any issues missing tomorrow night. Allen..."
He was still angry at Shane for not telling him sooner about the baby but A.J. would admit that he missed him more. "Fine, fuck, you always have to be such a..."
"I know and I don't care. Just as long as you're with me, you're safe, and I know he can't get to you, I don't care about anything else."
Glancing over at Seth, A.J. sighed in resignation. As much as Shane drove him wild he could also get on his last nerve with his possessiveness. "Fine, you possessive fucker, I'll get on the plane but it will be after my workout and after my lunch plans with Clay."
"Allen..."
"No, fuck you Shane! After what Wells just told me I'm pissed as fuck at you! The only reason I'm coming out there is so you don't lose any contracts or business contacts or whatever the else fuck you're doing! The company can't afford you being distracted and if I fucking stay that's what's going to happen so I'll see you tomorrow and not before that!" A.J. sat back in the seat, arms folded over his chest. "God you're a fucking possessive bastard, always demanding something go your fucking way!"
"And yet I find I am not upset about it as long as I can have you with me. Be angry all you want honey but I can't protect you if I'm not there and this asshole keeps showing up around you when I'm not there!"
A.J. frowned as he thought about Shane's words. In a way he was right, Wellington always seemed to appear when ever Shane was never with him. "Yeah, well, you're still a possessive asshole either way." He grinned at Seth's soft huff, turning to look out the window.
"Especially when it comes to you. Glad you have your phone."
"Yeah, was in the middle of talking to Chris when Wells fucking showed up." A.J. felt in his pockets for his keys and wallet. "The only things left were mostly clothes a-and some other stuff but..."
"The fucking movers can get it, I'll call Alistair and have him go by and lock the place up. I just need you to be safe until you get here."
A.J. let out a startled laugh as he turned to look at the phone. "Safe? Shane I haven't been safe from this bastard since I met him. I knew he'd find me, I knew it but still..."
"Fuck him and his bullshit, understand? I keep telling you he can not have you and I mean that. There is nothing and no one that can keep you from me."
A.J. forced back the shiver that wanted to move down his spine. Glancing over at Seth, he flushed at the knowing smirk curving his lips. "Fuck you Shane, I'm still pissed you didn't tell me."
"I couldn't, there is a chance she isn't yours and I won't allow you or Amber to get attached to someone who is just going to be taken from you in the end."
"I understand all of that but you still should have told me! My daughter Shane?! Come on, you know how I feel about kids and if she's been with Wells this fucking long..."
"I know honey and that's why I didn't tell you. I had to make sure first but..."
Sighing as they pulled up to the house, A.J. looked at Seth, who waved him towards the house, A.J. opened the door and headed to the house. He grinned as Chris walked out, a grin curving his lips. "Look, I'm at Chris and Seth's place. I'll call you once things settle down, we need to talk about this Shane, seriously! Whether she's mine or not you still..."
"I know Allen jesus I'm sorry I should have told you but I didn't want you to get hurt."
"I know Shane but you can't protect me from everything, no matter how hard you try." A.J. followed Chris inside, sighing at the sounds of Judas echoing through the house. "I'll call you back in a few, ok?"
"Allen?"
"I'll call you back, promise." A.J. followed Chris to the kitchen and sat down at the table. "Just make sure you let me know what time the plane leaves, ok?"
"We'll do everything together when you call back."
A.J. nodded, eyes closed as he let his head drop down. "God, when the hell will this end with him? When will I no longer be scared..."
"As long as I'm with you, you will never have to be scared of him again, understand? I will not let him hurt you."
A.J. wanted to believe him but he knew Wells, knew what he was capable of when he really wanted something. But...he also knew just how tenacious Shane could be and he's never broken his word to him. "Maybe I can leave before lunch? I-I mean, I can see if Clay wants to go grab breakfast instead or he may want to work out with me." At Shane's soft sigh, A.J. felt his stomach flutter, a hot flood of pleasure rushing over him. Running a shaky hand through his hair, A.J. started at a hand on his back. Turning, he blinked up at Chris, nodding when he motioned towards the fridge. "Let me give Clay a call and I'll let you know."
"Be careful Allen, please."
"I will." A.J. disconnected the call, staring at the beer in front of him. "If Wells has his way, I will lose everything I've worked so hard for."
"What's going on Allen?" Chris sat down in front of his friend, a frown of concern curving his lips down. "Seth said something about a kid?"
"Yeah, well looks like I'm a father of a nine year old girl. Shane knew but didn't say anything because there is a chance the kid isn't mine." A.J. took a drink from the bottle, frowning as he thought about what to do next. "Shane wants me to meet him in Westchester."
"Doesn't sound like you want to though?"
"I do but it kind of feels like I'm giving into him. Like with Wellington, he would always guilt me into doing something. I hated that shit, it made me feel dirty a-and..."
"If that's how you feel then why are you going?"
"Because I miss him. It doesn't...things are off without Shane around and I know it shouldn't be like this, Chris, seriously! I shouldn't feel so fucking off because..." A.J., stopped at is friends grin. "What the fuck is so funny?"
Chris grinned at his friend, shaking his head. "You really are in love, aren't you? I mean, I felt the same way about Seth when we first got together. It was fucking hell doing road shows. We were never assigned near each other and to get any time together we'd have to find a way to make it work. I hated it." Chris sighed as he looked at the expression clouding A.J.'s face. "Do you remember when you two first started seeing each other? How did you feel then, worse or better?"
"Worse because of everything we'd gone through. But after...we haven't...i-it's only been a few days. Shane's been gone..."
"A week and it feels like longer."
"Fuck you and your know-it-all attitude Chris." A.J. tried to glare at his friend, only to end up shaking his head with a small grin. "Ok fine I admit it, I love him and I miss his fucking over possessive ass." A.J. sighed as he thought about Shane. He glanced up as Seth walked into the room and gave Chris a slow kiss.
"Well, hello to you too." Chris looked up at Seth, eyes wide as he held the dark gaze above him. "Something on your mind?"
"Nothing I can't handle. I'll see you when you come to bed, the doors have been locked and the alarm set. We leave in the morning for the first leg of your tour so don't be to long." Seth leaned down and brushed a kiss across Chris' cheek. "Don't be up to long, ok? Makes me nervous you not being close right now."
Chris flushed as he nodded, watching as Seth moved back. "Yeah, I'll see you in a few?" When Seth nodded, Chris gave him a shy smile, looking away from the heated look Seth gave him. He wouldn't do this right now with Seth. Not with everything his friend was going through. "I'll be right there Seth."
A.J. grinned as he watched the exchange between Seth and Chris. "I'm going to go lay down. Al will pick me up in the morning so don't worry about me. I'll see you when you get back if I can't catch a concert." He grinned at Chris as they both stood up and left the kitchen. A.J. followed Chris to the guest bedroom, grateful it was far away from the master. "Thanks Chris, I tried to convince Shane to let me call someone but..."
"It's better if you're here right now. Don't worry about it, get some rest and I'll see you in the morning."
A.J. watched as Chris walked down the hallway, Seth standing in the doorway waiting for him. He chuckled softly as he opened the door and walked into the guest room. Flipping on the lights, A.J. looked around the room. He started in surprise when his phone rang, glancing down at the screen he shook his head. "Impatient bastard." Pressing the answer button, A.J. grinned as he listened to Shane on the other end. "What the hell Shane, couldn't wait unt..."
"You were taking to long. What are you doing now?"
"I was getting ready to go take a shower but don't have a change of clothes here." A.J. walked over to the dresser by the wall and opened the top drawer. "Or I can borrow something from Chris."
"Or you could just get on the plane and come here."
Chuckling, A.J. shook his head. "No Shane, fuck you I told you earlier I was mad at you and that hasn't changed." At Shane's huff of irritation, A.J. sighed. "Look, if you had told me when I first asked you then we wouldn't be going through this. This is a child Shane, my child and if she's been with Wells this entire time there's no telling what he's done to her."
"And if she isn't or there is no child, what then Allen? Do you think I didn't think about the pros and cons of the situation, of how it would affect you? Christ, I couldn't think of a way that this situation wouldn't end up hurting you. If I had known about Wellington I would have had a better idea of Faith's motivation then."
"You think they're lying?"
"For your sake, I hope not but if they are..."
A.J. sighed as he thought about things from Shane's point of view. "I still should have been told Shane. This isn't something that you have the right to decide on your own."
"Allen..."
"No, Shane jesus I should have been told! You should have given me the chance to decide! Lisa at least told me about Amber, gave me the choice on whether I wanted to be involved or not! You didn't give me that choice Shane, you made the decision on whether I should or should not have to deal with them and now I have no other choice!"
"You do have a choice! You can let me deal with them the way they need to be dealt with or I can sit back and watch them torture you, risk losing you, and end up hurting them either way! I was unwilling to go with those odds, not now, not when you mean so much to me."
A.J. sank down on the bed, eyes closing as he thought about the past few months. How had things gotten this far? Six months ago he and Shane were beating the hell out of each other on Smackdown, now they were dating. How had things changed so fast between them? "God I feel like a girl with her first real boyfriend." At Shane's chuckle, A.J. rolled to his side. "Look I'm not saying don't handle it just let me know if it involves me. I have that much of a right, Shane."
"You're right and this is something I should have come to you about. But in my defense honey, I didn't know you knew Faith, not until you told me."
"Yeah well ok, I'll let that one go but you still should have told me about the girl Shane. She could be mine." Yawning, A.J. let out a soft sigh."These past few months have been great, why would he show up now? I've been with WWE for almost two years now."
"You're one of our most popular stars and he thinks he can ruin that. I won't let him."
A.J. shivered at Shane's tone, he sighed at the sounds of Chris and Seth down the hall. "God you owe me for coming here. These two are so god damn loud when they have sex."
"Well, would it make you feel better if I made you scream?"
A.J. stiffened at the tone, heat pooling low in his stomach. "No, fuck you Shane, I already told you..."
Forgive me honey, please, I really was trying to do what I thought was best. It's who I am, I fix things, make them go away or I deal with them. Like right now, I know Chris and Seth are loud and that it turns you on. You like the thought of listening or being caught."
Hands twisting in the sheets, A.J. now understood why Shane had insisted he stay with his friends. "You're such an asshole, I mean seriously, what do you think..." He broke off as Chris moaned, the sound making him wish he'd gone to Clay's or Dre's apartment instead. "Wh-what do you hope to gain from me hearing them?"
"Phone sex, I haven't had sex with you in almost two weeks and I need to hear your voice. I know you're upset honey but god, please, will you just..."
A.J. listened to the silence on the other end, heard the rustle of sheets and wondered what Shane was doing. Was he naked in bed or was he working? "Shane?"
"We don't have to honey but I..."
A.J. grinned as he thought about Shane in bed and horny. "How long have you been waiting to do this?"
"Since I first realized I love hearing your voice in my ear. I can't get the sound out of my head."
Shaking his head, A.J. jerked at a sharp cry from Chris. Shane was right, he was turned on by the sounds in the house and the thought of Shane on the other line... "Maybe, ummm, w-we can try, I mean, what's the difference than doing it alone?"
"You're not doing it alone, I'm with you but not with you, if that makes any sense."
"Yeah I guess but I should really make you wait until I get to Westchester, you asshole." A.J. could hear how breathless he sounded, silently cursed his friend for being so loud but shivered when Shane responded to his mock threat.
"I swear if I have to wait until you get here, I'm fucking you in the bathroom then in the car. There is no way I'll be able to keep my hands off of you when I see you if I have to wait."
Panting, A.J. moved under the covers after getting undressed. If they were going to do this then they may as well go all out. "God I swear if they hear us..."
"Honey, I used to room next to Chris on trips, trust me when I saw there is no way they will hear us as loud as Chris is."
A.J. let out a startled laugh. "Y-you heard us?"
"Couldn't help not hearing."
Moaning, A.J. fought back the hot rush that swept through him. If Shane had heard them back then that meant. "You've known what I sounded like during sex?"
"No, I thought it was Seth, never knew it was you. God, Allen please, say yes. It's been almost two weeks honey, do you not miss me?"
Stomach clenching, A.J. sucked in a quick breath."I miss you, you possessive bastard." Running a hand across his stomach, A.J. shivered at the sound of Shane's voice. "H-how do we do this, you're usually around when I'm horny." At Shane's chuckle, A.J. groaned. "Early morning, I-i'll have Al come get me."
"Or, again, you could catch a red eye and be here in an hour and forty-five minutes."
A.J. didn't want to get up and get dressed but he did want to see Shane and forty-five minutes wasn't that long. "How long would it take Al to get here? I still don't have any clothes Shane."
"I'll buy you some more when you get here. Do I need to book your flight or..."
"Hurry up and send me the information, I know you have it sitting in front of you." A.J. threw the covers back and got out of bed. He grabbed one of Chris' shirts and pulled it on. By the time he put his jeans and shoes back on Shane had sent him the information. "I'll see you once I get there." Disconnecting the call, A.J. left the room, grinning at the breathless laughter from his friend. He would thank Chris later, right now he had a plane to catch.