Author's Note: I got a few questions about the relevance of the quotes that start the chapters. Basically, I just feel fit the tone of the story overall and not specific to just the chapter they're posted with.

A lie is just the truth waiting to be itself.-Terri Guillemets

August 20, 2014 4:30 pm

Seth rubbed his temples as he listened to Dean bitch about the tests they made him undergo and how it was nothing more than a conspiracy to line the hospital's pockets with money because there was nothing wrong with him. The tirade was nothing new. He'd heard it a million times before. It was Ambrose's standard go to anytime someone even suggested to him that he might want to get checked out for something that was bothering him. That meant that he knew if he didn't interject that it would keep going on.

He lifted his head and cleared his throat pointedly. Those blue eyes snapped over to him and locked onto his. A weak smile curved his lips at the injured man's attention. "You should call Roman. He called the hospital while you were taking those tests and the nurse updated him on your condition. He's probably going out of his mind with every minute that he hasn't heard from you since then."

Actually he knew that Roman was worried. The nurse had told him that the big dog practically freaked out when they told him that Dean was awake but was suffering from some memory loss. She spent a considerable amount of time reassuring the Samoan, as she had done with Seth earlier, that it wasn't uncommon in cases such as his. But she did advise him that he should not mention the memory loss to the dirty blonde when he called because the doctor wanted to wait until tomorrow to address it with his patient once the results of all his tests were in. While the big man hadn't been happy about it, he reluctantly agreed because it was what was best for his brother.

"You haven't talked to him?" Dean frowned, obviously thrown by that. "I thought for sure that the two of you would've been on the phone the entire time I was stuck being poked and prodded. Having a good laugh at me being forced to stay here until the money hungry vultures decide to release me."

Damn it, there was no way out of this without giving him some of vague excuse. But he refused to lie to the dirty blonde unless it was absolutely necessary. "Roman and I aren't exactly seeing eye to eye right now. Actually, we haven't been for a while so we've gone radio silent."

The smirk that lit the dirty blonde's face was light and teasing. "Huh, usually it's him and I that butt heads and ignore each other. What happened? You use up all his conditioner again?"

"No, it goes a bit deeper than that this time."

That smirk died and blue eyes narrowed in concern. "You need to talk about it bro?"

"No, not right now. You just worry about taking care of yourself and doing what you have to in order to get out of here as soon as possible." He let out a deep breath. "Just do me a favor when you call him?"

"What's that?"

"Don't mention to him that I'm here or even say that I stopped by." Seth had been sure that his visit was no longer a secret when the nurse had mentioned Roman's call but she told him that she forgot to tell Roman that he was there with Dean. Apologized profusely about the oversight. But he told her that it was for the best. That Roman would have been more upset if he had known because they'd had a fallen out. So it was better that he never knew that Dean wasn't alone.

He was relieved to have dodged that bullet.

A deep frown took the place of the previous smirk, "How come?"

"It won't be well received." Once again his answer was vague but the truth. He was doing well so far with not having to lie. "So, will you do that for me?"

"Yeah."

He disconnected Dean's cell phone from charger and brought it over to him. His hand trembled slightly as he passed it to the prone man. "You want some privacy?"

"Why?" His face scrunched up. "Anything I'd talk to Rome about, I'd talk to you about."

Something twisted painfully in his chest. That used to be true until he let himself become obsessed with the spotlight and betrayed the dirty blonde. "Ok."

That was when they had their first hiccup. Dean couldn't get into his phone. Someone, most likely Roman, had set a password up for it and the memory challenged man obviously couldn't remember it. That password prompt hadn't been on the phone two months ago. Which meant that he had no idea what the Samoan might have used as the code.

It was a big problem because if they were still brothers then he would know it. His eyes landed on the phone that was sitting on the nightstand and he felt relief sweep through him. Of course a private room would have it's own line. "Just use the landline."

"Like I know his number by heart?" Blue eyes rolled at the ridiculousness of that notion. He held out his hand, fingers wiggling commandingly. "Let me use yours."

Well that wouldn't work. His number would should up on Roman's display. No way to explain why Dean had access to it without the truth being exposed. Which meant that he was forced to stretch the truth a little. "My phone's dead and I can't charge it because your stupid android wire doesn't fit my Iphone."

It wasn't a complete lie. While his phone wasn't dead, it was off. Partly because his battery was low and Dean's wire really didn't fit his phone. Also because he wasn't in the mood to hear from anyone who might call him. He didn't know if he could stand another gloating phone call from Hunter and not completely explode.

"Excuse me for refusing to be another mindless Apple sheep." Came the predictable grumble from the injured man.

That brought a smirk to the architect's face. "Someday, you will give up and realize that resistance is futile."

"But that day ain't no time soon brother." The dirty blonde huffed in disgust at the idea of giving up his long standing vendetta against all things Apple. "Guess calling Rome will have to wait for now."

"Guess so." He relaxed in his uncomfortable chair. "How's your head? Still got the headache?"

"Yeah but it's not as bad. More of a dull, lingering ache than the fucking parade of pain it was since I woke up." Dean's eyebrows furrowed. "Think they might have slipped some pain meds in my IV the last time the nurse was in here."

Seth knew why that idea bothered him. The dirty blonde's past issues with drugs were well documented and never something he hid. He found himself leaning forward and putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I don't think they would do that unless you really needed it."

"Oh please, they'd do it in a heartbeat. Another scam they use to fatten their wallets."

"One of these days, I really have to hear the origin of all your hospital conspiracy theories. I mean, I've heard bits and pieces but never the whole story at one time." He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "It's got to be damn good if it's convinced you that everything they do to help the sick and wounded is just a money scam."

"Oh come on! The fact that I'm in a private room isn't enough proof of that for you?" The dirty blonde arched an eyebrow. "These things run big bucks. Probably close to what premium rooms in five star hotels run a night."

He opened his mouth to assure his former brother that he didn't have to worry about that since Vince was footing the bill for his current digs but quickly realized the problems that admission would present. Instead he forced a laugh, "Hearing your bank account getting lighter?"

"By the time I pay for all these tests, this room and whatever the hell else they tack on to the bill, the damn thing will be empty again."

That caused guilt to stab through him. Damn it. He'd never even considered the financial impact that curb stomping Dean's head through cinderblocks would have. But the older man was right. Medical treatment was expensive to begin with but the longer you stayed and the more they did, the more it cost.

Yes, WWE paid really well in comparison to other wrestling organizations. But when you had to pay for all your gear, plane tickets, rental cars, hotel rooms and food while you were on the road, it was a significant dent in your salary. It got worse when you added in the normal life expenses like a mortgage or rent and monthly bills. The biggest drain on their salary though was the fact that they paid for their own medical insurance and because of what they did, the monthly premium was ridiculously expensive. So weren't the co-pays for even the littlest thing you had to see a doctor for.

Compared to a lot of guys on the Roster, Dean was thrifty to put it tactfully.

He'd tell you flat out that he was cheap. Just because his WWE contract was a damn good upgrade from what they were making on their developmental deals, his lifestyle had barely changed. He didn't run out and buy a new car. Didn't purchase a fancy house or a bunch of expensive toys to impress anyone. Couldn't care less about having the latest model phone or designer clothes and shoes.

His car was the third-hand 2002 Chevy F150 he'd bought in 2011 when his previous dinosaur of a car had finally died and couldn't be revived. The apartment he lived in was in an older but clean complex that didn't offer much in the way of perks but came furnished and was on the cheaper side rent wise because of that fact. That phone they couldn't get into was Galaxy S2 and instead of an IPAD, he had an ancient, bulky laptop that he'd owned since 2009. He wore his clothes until they were falling apart and only stopped when he was pushed to go buy new stuff or they came apart in the wash. Instead of upscale shopping malls, Dean loved to frequent flea markets and thrift stores because he felt more comfortable there.

But even with those conservative choices, this situation could definitely bankrupt him.

Seth needed to get away for a minute. There was a call he really needed to make but didn't want to do it anywhere someone could overhear. He stood and stretched, plastering a smile that hurt like hell on his face. "I'm going to run to the cafeteria. You want anything?"

"Could you grab me a coke?" His tongue poked at his cheek. "Oh and I wouldn't say no to a sandwich either."

"They'll be serving you dinner in about an hour."

"So? I'll eat that too."

Some things never changed and he was thankful for that. "No problem."

He headed out of the room and out the side door. The hot, dry desert air greeted him and he took a deep breath. Pulling out his phone, he powered it up and called headquarters. When the receptionist answered, he asked to be directed to Hunter. After a couple of rings, he received his personal assistant who put his call through without hesitation.

"Mr. Rollins," Hunter had his business voice on which meant that someone influential was around and that meant he was most likely on speaker phone so that person could hear the conversation. "What can I do for you?"

"Sorry to bother you but I was just wondering if my suspension was with pay or without it? That aspect wasn't made clear during the conversation and I'd like to plan accordingly." Actually, he wanted to know so he could help Dean pay the unwanted expenses that this hospital stay racked up since he was at fault.

The voice that answered him was not the voice of the COO but the CEO of the company, Vince McMahon himself. "Due to the severity of your actions Mr. Rollins, your suspension is without pay. Don't worry though. The board just had a meeting and decided that the best course of action we can take to mitigate a lawsuit being filed against the company is to use that money to pay for all the medical treatment that Mr. Ambrose requires."

He felt the weight lift off his shoulders at that news. "You're paying for Dean's medical bills?"

"Technically Seth, you and your co-conspirator Kane are." Vince sounded vindictive and proud of himself at the same time. "Now that we've settled that, I must remind you that you are suspended and should not be contacting any WWE personnel until you are reinstated."

"Sorry again sir." With that, he disconnected the call and turned his phone off again.

It was such a relief to know that his stupidity wouldn't cost Dean every penny he had. He stood there for a few more minutes then made his way down to the cafeteria, getting a sandwich for both of them, a diet coke for him and a regular coke for the dirty blonde. Making his way back to the room, the smile on his face was genuine. But it wobbled when he pushed open the door to Dean's room and heard his voice, speaking in a low but agitated tone.

"Yeah, I've already heard all that Rome. Dr. Monotone informed me about it while I forced to be his unwilling guinea pig." There was barely suppressed annoyance in the older man's voice. "But I bet I could find a doctor who'd clear me before then and without all that hassle."

He rolled his eyes. This was exactly what he feared. The reason he had made the decision to stay with the dirty blonde until he'd completed the concussion protocol requirements. His earlier opportunity to discuss this with Ambrose hadn't come to fruition because the doctors had whisked him off to take his tests before he could. But he said nothing as he entered the room, taking the seat he had vacated earlier and setting the sandwich and soda down on the small table that was attached to the rail of the bed and swung it in place over the dirty blonde's lap.

Dean made the well known talking motion with his hand, rolling his eyes. He was obviously receiving an earful over his belief that he could ignore doctor's orders and not enjoying it. Typical. "I don't see why if I pass these tests they gave me today that I have to waste time bothering with all that other shit."

Of course he didn't. No, why would he understand that he needed to take care of himself and not take risks with his health? Dean never worried about that. Wrestling with cracked ribs, a dislocated shoulder and several other injuries numerous times since he started in FCW. Then there were the injuries and issues that the man had wrestled through when he was on the independent scene that never healed correctly. Hell, this was the same man who sowed his own nipple back on with a regular spool of thread and needle because he couldn't afford to go to the hospital.

"Well it's not like I was all that right in the head to start with." That quip obviously didn't get the response he wanted because he groaned. "Rome, my food's here and I'm fucking starving. Whatever they put in this bag can't compare to this semi-edible looking stuff on the plate in front of me. You can call me again tomorrow since it'll let me answer and I'll fill you in what the tests said."

After another minute or two, Dean threw his disconnected phone down on the bed next to him and let out a long, tired sigh. "When the hell did he become such a mother hen? I mean, that was always your role. Him and I, we were more the type to tell each other to suck it up."

Seth chuckled, he wouldn't have to lie to answer this. "With everything you've been through, it's not surprising that he's overly concerned."

"Doesn't make it less annoying." Ambrose unwrapped the sandwich that he received and took a big bite.

"But, it also doesn't make it any less true."

Apparently, the cafeteria wasn't horrible because the sandwich disappeared in the blink of an eye. Either that or being out of it for two days meant that the dirty blonde would eat anything placed in front of him. "Yeah, yeah."

After Seth finished his sandwich, which was horrible at a much more civilized pace, he decided that it was better that they get this conversation under way. "The doctor's told me that they want someone with you when you get released from here until you complete the terms of the concussion protocol guidelines."

"Why?"

"Because there's a chance with head injuries that side effects may take time before showing up. So it's better if you have someone with you while you recuperate." The words were flat, not to be argued with but of course the older man was going to try. So he cut him off before he could get started. "Plus, you need someone to make sure that you're following doctor's orders and don't decide to visit some hack that you can convince to clear you before you're ready."

"I don't need a babysitter." That declaration was practically a snarl. "Been taking care of myself for a long time."

"This time, you do." He made sure to meet the blue eyes. "So I'm going to stay with you until you've got a clean bill of health. It's not up for discussion."

"Oh yeah?" A smirk curved his former brother's lips. "What about work? Think the authority are just gonna allow you to take a month off?"

"It's not a problem."

"Sure."

Seth took a deep, steadying breath and made sure to keep his voice calm, not to let any unwanted emotion to leak through. "Getting the time off to help you won't be a problem because I did something horrible and got suspended. So for the next twenty nine days, I'm free to be the annoying pest who makes sure that you do everything by the book."

Dean seemed to have a hard time understanding what he just heard. Blue eyes blinked rapidly as he struggled with what was said. "You got suspended?"

"Yeah but trust me, with what I did, I deserve that and more."

"What the fuck?" The older man looked shocked to his core. "This doesn't make sense. You don't do anything that would get you suspended. Never have, never would. You're too damn honorable and moral…"

"We all get pushed too far sometimes and do things that we know that we shouldn't. That's what happened. I regret the choices I made, god do I ever. If I could do things over, I wouldn't make the same ones again. But in all honesty, I deserved to be suspended a lot longer than the thirty days I got." He was extremely proud that he had been able to truthfully discuss it and not have to twist anything to fit his needs. "In fact, if they had decided to fire me it probably would have been more appropriate."

"Holy shit! I end up in the hospital and the whole world goes fucking crazy. What's next? Donald Trump going to run for president."

"I know you hate the idea of having a babysitter but think of it like this..." He leaned forward, holding eye contact. "I don't know what the hell to do with myself if I can't wrestle. So letting me stay with you and work with you on your recovery is exactly what I need to keep myself from losing my mind."

"So I'd be doing you a another favor huh?"

"A big one." Bigger than the eccentric man even knew.

Dean rolled his eyes, "I'm not gonna lie and say that I don't think this whole thing is a bunch of bullshit. Cause it is. I'm a grown ass man who's been taking care of himself since before I was even close to being considered an adult. But if it keeps you from going stir crazy and deciding to dress you and your dog up in matching outfits again-"

"Hey! It was for my brother's wedding and it wasn't my idea, it was the bride's." He protested quickly. "She thought that Kevin would look adorable in a Tux like the rest of the groomsmen."

"Excuses, excuses." A lazy hand waved in dismissal of his protest. "If it keeps something like that from happening then fine. But be prepared. I won't to be all agreeable to whatever these quacks say that I have to do."

"Trust me, I know."

"I'm guessing that I shouldn't mention this to Roman either since the two of you are at war for some reason and you didn't even want him knowing that you visited me." Shrewd blue eyes accessed him and he felt the urge to shrink away. "Does your fight have anything to do with what got you suspended?

"Partially but it started before that."

"You gonna tell me about it sometime or just going to keep giving me vague answers whenever I ask a question?"

Seth closed his eyes. Damn Dean and his ability to read people. It made it really hard to get away with anything even if it was something being done in his best interest. "There are reasons that I'm being ambiguous. Some of those reasons the doctor will explain tomorrow, after your test results are in and some of them are because I'm just not ready to talk about things right now."

"That's cool." Dean nodded slightly. "I can accept that and give you time but whatever your issues are, we're gonna talk about them at some point."

"I know." He agreed quietly. "Trust me, I know."