The night after everything had come out to Shawn, Roddy couldn't sleep at all. Why the hell had he gone and told him? Well, Shawn had a right to know, didn't he? He kept seeing Shawn's face so devastated, and his words again and again begging him to lie. Then, there was the fact that he'd broken his promise, that he'd betrayed the trust of a man he loved.
Damn it! Well, there was only one thing that felt right to do now— he had to tell Ric. He wanted his old buddy to know before he found out from Shawn that this dirty laundry had finally been aired. He'd thought about calling Ric, but the moment that had came to mind, he knew it wasn't right. Roddy was a man who believed in face-to-face.
That's how he found himself outside Ric's office. He'd easily gotten the woman at the front desk to make time for him. She'd moved someone else a bit in order to give Roddy some time alone with Ric. That kid AJ Styles was hanging around too, probably waiting to see Ric, and that only made Roddy feel worse. With a long sigh, he stood in front of Ric's door. Here goes nothing, and he knocked.
Ric stood up, wondering if he let time get so far away with him that Allen Jones felt the need to knock. The past few weeks felt like something out of a dream; he never thought that he would be here, looking after AJ and mentoring, after everything that had happened. But when Hogan called him up and asked him to turn AJ Styles from promising talent to a true star, it felt like providence- Ric accepted almost immediately.
He opened the door, but the man in front of him wasn't the one he expected. A grin broke out in his face and he laughed as he said, "Come here, you old coot!" He threw his arms around his best friend, Roddy Piper, hugging him close. "Ah, it's good to see you!" He moved away and looked him over. "Didn't expect you, but hey, it's a nice little surprise!"
"Yeah…great to see you too Ric." Roddy said, but not with the usual vigor he'd have for a visit with Ric. There were no jokes, no wide grins or smiling eyes, his face was completely serious and it wasn't right. "Ric…I really need to talk to you about something man." Roddy nervously fiddled with the sleeves on his shirt, and made his fingers stop by shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. For a man who loved to talk, he was finding it really hard to find the words right now.
In his excitement, Ric couldn't see how nervous Roddy was. Instead, he said, "Can it wait a moment? I want to introduce you to someone." Without waiting for an answer, Ric looked around, trying to find AJ. Once he caught sight of him, he motioned for him to come over. AJ hesitated, thinking it was best to leave his new mentor to his reunion. After all, his friend was Rowdy Roddy Piper- AJ couldn't help but be nervous around him. "Come on, AJ, come over."
AJ walked over and, as soon as he was in front of Rod, Ric put his hand on AJ's shoulder. "AJ, I want you to meet a good friend of mine. This is Rowdy Roddy Piper." Then, he turned to Rod, unable to keep the pride off his face. He knew he shouldn't take such pride in AJ, especially since he just started working with him now, but he couldn't help it. He beamed as he said, "Rod, this is Allen Jones."
"Hey son." Rod forced a smile, and dug his hand out of his pocket to shake AJ's hand. "Nice to meet you, I've seen you in the ring, you look real promising. You remind me a lot of your fa— Flair." He quickly managed the save. "Good kid you have here under your wing Ric." He said patting AJ's shoulder. "He's gonna be a star."
AJ shook Rod's hand, just smiling- he had no idea what to say, hearing a legend like Piper talk about him like that. Finally, he said, "Thank you. And it's an honor to meet you, sir." Something about what Rod said bugged him, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe it was how he said he reminded him of Flair; AJ felt nothing like the Nature Boy. The suits just didn't feel right to him; but he was willing to be tutored by one of the best, and if Ric said a suit would work better, he tried to believe him.
"I know, right?" Ric grinned. "I can tell. AJ's got the potential to go to the top." Ric turned to AJ, patting his shoulder again. "Can you wait a few more minutes while Rod and I talk? I know I had you waiting a little, but..."
AJ put up a hand. "No, it's fine. Go ahead, catch up with your pal." Ric smiled and turned to Rod, motioning for him to follow.
"Come on Pipes, we can talk in here."
Roddy's eyes moved around Ric's office, as he scratched at his ear in that habit of his, trying to figure out what to say, or rather how to say it. "AJ doesn't know, does he?" He finally asked, sinking into one of the chairs near Ric's desk.
Ric shook his head. "I could only imagine how that conversation would go. Hi, I'm Ric Flair. I've been hired to mentor you. Oh, and I'm also the man who left your mother pregnant thirty one years ago." Ric shook his head. "He's better off not knowing... And besides, he doesn't need my name overshadowing his when they talk about his accomplishments. AJ Styles is the star of TNA; not Ric Flair's son." Ric sat down and smiled at Rod. "So, what was so important that you came all the way here to see me?"
Roddy fidgeted in his chair. He studied the face of the man behind the desk. It was a familiar face, and one that was so happy right now, after he'd been through so many various ups and downs. Now, here was Roddy about to tell him how he'd ruined it all by talking. He rubbed at his forehead, suddenly feeling a headache coming on.
"Ric… something crazy happened after Raw Monday. Shawn asked me a question about something you'd said to him once, and uh…damn Ric, it's just been on my mind for so long, I didn't mean to break my promise to you." He looked down at his hands in his lap for a moment to hold himself together, and then forced his gaze back to Ric's. When you have something to say to a man, you look him in the eyes and say it, even if it's painful. "Shawn…Shawn knows."
Ric froze. The previous feelings of pride and happiness all washed away in those few moments; he could almost hearing the sounds of the life he'd built around him fall down. He gulped, no idea how to respond to this. He stood up and began pacing, trying to straighten out his thoughts. Finally, he stopped, putting his hands on the desk to keep himself from doing anything he'd regret. "You told him?"
"Yeah, I told him. I didn't mean to... Ric please believe me, I'm sorry." Roddy's voice cracked a little, but he managed to hold his emotions back. He was just thinking of Ric crying on him all those years ago, the pain in his voice, as he made Rod swear to help him keep his secrets. "I never wanted to betray your trust, it's just... it's ate at me for so long and when he asked it just...happened."
Ric turned to Rod, hearing the pain in his voice, and he knew he couldn't stay mad at him. He walked over to Rod and put his hands on his shoulders, shaking his head. "No Rod... this is my fault. I shouldn't have expected you to carry my burden with me." He looked down, biting his lip in frustration. "I just hoped this day would never come." He looked back at Rod, and he said, "This is my mess, Rod. And I'm the one whose going to have to clean it up." He moved away, thinking about his children. The ones he left, the ones he never cared for like he should have.
He could only imagine the questions Shawn had. How did Shawn feel, knowing that his birth father was never too far away? And what about AJ? As of now, he was completely oblivious to the truth; Ric had taken good care to keep his involvement in their lives secret. And it worked for so long... "I feel like it's 1978 all over again," Ric said quietly.
Roddy pulled Ric down into his lap, and held him there. It had been a long time since he'd held Ric like this, and he only wished it was under different circumstances. "Same shit, different day." Roddy said dully, and it really seemed true. "But Ric, know that I'm still here even though I fucked up. I'm still here if you need me or want me for anything- any time, any place, I love you man." He hugged Ric a little tighter.
Ric hugged closer to Rod, gaining some comfort from the arms of the man he cared for, far stronger and for far longer than almost anyone in his life. "Thank you," he whispered. He couldn't imagine how confused Shawn must be. He was going to have to tell him. And if he was going to tell one, he had to tell the other. "Rod, I'm going to tell them. Tell them both everything."
"If you need someone along for support, just let me know. I'm the one that spilled it all anyway." Roddy sighed, still feeling bad about betraying Ric's trust.
Ric nodded. "I'd... I'd love that. Just, don't tell AJ anything yet. I want to tell them everything together." He stood up, wishing he can go back into the warm arms. But he had to stand; it gave him the posture to feel he could take charge. "Let me just find out where Shawn is. The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can try to mend things with them." He pulled out his phone, dialing the one person he knew could help- Hunter.
Shawn had been acting really strange for the last few days and it was really starting to worry Hunter. He'd cornered Shawn twice in the locker room but every time Shawn would snap his head off and go on about this business. Well not this time. It was so bad now - whatever it was - that it was starting to affect his work life. He was moody all the time and just wasn't exactly the person you wanted to be left alone with after the shows.
Hunter stood outside Shawn's room door. Thanks to his charming ways, he was able to convince the clerk downstairs to give him the other key to Shawn's room. Sweet girl, he thought. Too bad I'm gay. Hunter, as quietly as he could, opened Shawn's door. Much to his surprise, the blonde was lying across the bed asleep. Hunter sighed. Maybe I should just... The vibrating of his pocket alerted him to his ringing phone. Hunter pulled it out, surprised to see that it was none other than Ric.
"Hey Ric! What's going on man?" he answered, as quietly as he could.
Ric sighed, hearing Hunter's voice. It made the whole thing too real; half of him was hoping it was some kind of nightmare that he'd just wake up from. "Hello H," Ric said, "Look, I need to ask you a favor, and it's kind of important- can you tell me where Shawn is right now?"
Hunter glanced over at the sleeping figure on the bed. "He's...here. I'm in his room - uninvited of course, but he's been acting so funny lately that I was about make him tell me what's bothering him. I can't stand to see him so torn up about things. But uh...He's sleep, but you best believe I'm about to wake him. Why? You need to see him or something?"
"More than you know," Ric shot a look at Rod, getting strength from his friend's presence. He suddenly thought about how everything could change, if he revealed everything. For Shawn, for AJ... but there was no turning back now. Enough was enough; it was time for a change. "So, can you tell me where you guys are? And... well, it would be nice if you kept my visit a surprise, okay?"
Hunter was pretty sure something was up but he didn't dwell on it too much. If anything maybe Ric heard about Shawn's behavior and was coming to offer some fatherly advice. Either way it worked for him. He could use another voice of reason. (I laugh at this) Hunter quickly gave Ric the directions to the hotel then it was all set. Hunter hung up the phone then took a seat on the edge of the bed watching his best friend sleep. Its for your own good, he thought.
Ric hung up the phone, ready to do whatever he needed to do. He looked over at Rod and said, "Come on, Pipes. And remember, not a word to AJ." He walked to the door and opened it, heading straight for AJ, knowing that Piper was following him."Hey Ric," AJ said, as soon as he saw the Nature Boy heading towards him, "Ready to go?" Ric tried to keep his face calm, not wanting to scare AJ, AJ saw through him right away. "Are you okay?"
Ric nodded. "Well, AJ, Roddy and I are going to do something very important, and I was wondering if you could come with us. We need a third pair of hands for this job. Can you help?"
AJ nodded. "Sure. No problem. Do you think this would take long?"
"It would take a fair amount of time," Ric said, knowing he was avoiding the truth, but he wanted AJ to follow him. He wasn't sure how things would change once AJ realized what was really going on; he still wanted to keep him by him while he could. If AJ was going to hate him after all was said and done, he wanted to hold onto the kid's good graces for those final moments.
"Okay." AJ followed Ric and Roddy out the car, wondering what they needed him for. But Ric had been nothing but kind to him since he began mentoring him, so AJ was more than willing to help him out.
Hunter knew that Ric wouldn't be long because Impact was always taped at Universal. Hunter wanted to let his friend sleep a little longer but the talk was more important. Hunter pressed his lips to Shawn's ear. "Shawn," he whispered. "Shawn sweetie? Wake up baby. Wake up. You have company." Shawn rolled over on his back and groaned, muttering something about being tired. Hunter reached over pulling the strands of hair out of his face. "I know, but you got to wake up. We need to have a little chat before your company gets here."
Shawn finally opened his eyes, frowning when his eyes finally adjusted. "Hun-Hunter. What are you doing in my room?" he asked.
"I got the key from the clerk downstairs because you wouldn't talk to me today or any of those other times I tried to corner you. You've been acting strange, Shawn, and even Vince has taken notice."
Shawn quickly sat up shaking his head. He didn't want to hear it– not this, not now. "Hunter stop it!" he snapped. "I'm fine and be sure you tell Vince that the next time you're both somewhere trying to diagnose me."
Hunter stared at Shawn in disbelief, a little hurt that his friend would even accuse him of such a thing. "Shawn you know I'd never call you crazy so stop it. I'm not here to listen to another one of your fucking temper tantrums! I'm here because I give a damn about my best friend!" he growled.
"Yeah, you give a damn," he scoffed. "Since when?"
Shawn rolled off the bed and started for the door but Hunter stopped him. He grabbed his shoulder spinning him around. "What the hell is your fucking problem?" he screamed, his temper getting the best of him. "You've been acting like a little bitch for days and as your best friend I've held my tongue, but no more Shawn. I've always been there for you, but I refuse to let you talk to me that way right now. For almost a week, you've been so cold to me and a lot of others. Poor Cena – that kid fucking worships you and you take his head off all because he offered to give you a ride. You looked fucking exhausted – much like you do now– only it was worse."
As Hunter stood there screaming at Shawn, he never realized how much he was actually breaking Shawn. Shawn shaking so badly now that a part of him wanted to deck Hunter in the face. "SHUT UP!" he screamed. "Just shut…UP! You have no fucking idea what I've been carrying around for a week so—"
"SO THEN FUCKING TELL ME SHAWN!" Hunter screamed, shaking him roughly, hoping to snap him out of it. "Tell me what's going on with you! I'm your best friend and if you cant tell me then who can you tell?"
"My life's a lie!" he screamed, tears finally spilling over. "My life's a fucking lie! All of it– everything I've ever known is a lie!"
Hunter squeezed Shawn's shoulders, taking a deep breath so he could speak calmly. "Shawn? What are you talking about? Is this another one of your—"
A sudden knock on the door interrupted them both, each man wearing faces of equal annoyance. "Who's that?" Shawn asked. "No one knows what room I'm in except you and Vince. Did you call Vince Hunter?" Shawn asked coldly. There was another knock, this one a little louder than before. "Ah forget it. I'll fucking get it." Shawn didn't even bother to wipe his eyes as he stormed towards the door slinging it open, but just as quickly attempting to slam it back shut, but a firm hand and a foot in the door kept it from closing all the way.
AJ just followed Ric, unsure of what they were doing in the hotel. Once they got there, Ric told Piper to wait at the car before he led AJ into the building, confusing him even more. He thought Ric needed an extra pair of hands; why were they leaving behind Roddy? He wanted to ask what was going on, but he decided holding his tongue was better, seeing the looks on Ric's and Piper's faces. What are we doing? AJ swallowed the question, hoping all would be revealed soon.
They got to a door to one of the rooms and Ric knocked on it. The door opened but, as quickly as it did, the person on the other end tried to slam the door shut. Ric was quicker though, grabbing the door and putting his foot in the way. "Shawn!" Ric shouted, not trying to open the door, "Shawn, we need to talk. Let me in."
"Shawn? Shawn what the hell is your problem?" Hunter asked, grabbing Shawn's shoulder and pulling him from the door so that Ric could come in. He looked from Shawn to Ric back to Shawn again and shook his head. "Shawn this has got to—"
"I don't want him in here Hunter," Shawn growled. "Make him go. I don't wanna see him."
Hunter looked over at Ric. "Ric I— I don't know what's wrong man," he stammered. "Do something! I can't get through to him!"
"And you never fucking will with him standing in my room. I want him OUT!" Shawn screamed. "I don't wanna see him, hear him…I don't even want to breathe the same oxygen. He's a fucking liar and a— a…" Shawn choked, causing Hunter to rush to his side.
"Shawn—"
"Stay away from me!" he cried shoving him away. "You called him here – I hate you too!"
Hunter looked over at Ric, who was slowly making his way into the room. "Ric, Ric I— I'm so confused."
"What are you doing?" AJ asked, looking from the door to him, "Ric, come on, you can't-"
Ric ignored both Hunter and AJ, just saying, "Shawn, I know I'm the last person you want to see, but we have to talk. Please. Just give me a chance to explain." Ric knew what he was about to do was a low blow, but he had to do it. The time was now, and it could possibly be the only way to get Shawn to listen to him. "Shawn, if not for me... do it for your little brother."
"Little brother?" Hunter blurted out. "Ric, man what the hell is going on around here? What about this brother business? Shawn has no—"
But Hunter stopped mid sentence when Shawn finally spun around. His eyes were no longer filled with that spark everyone loved so much and had been replaced by darkness. Cold, dark eyes glared daggers at Ric, and Hunter half wondered if he should be afraid. "Shawn—"
"What… did you say… Ric?" he asked coldly, stressing Ric's name as if it disgusted him to even say it.
AJ gulped, still trying to figure out what was going on. Ric turned to him and nodded his head, silently telling him to come over, but AJ felt frozen in place. What did he get himself into? Did he really want to know? Finally, his legs started moving, almost of their own volition. He felt almost compelled to, like if it wasn't his choice.
Ric grabbed AJ's arm and pulled him the rest of the way, his hold forcing AJ to look at Shawn Michaels. Shawn was taller than he thought he'd be, and although the height difference wasn't too much, it still felt like he was towering over him. This was Shawn Michaels, the man whose name was always linked with the greatest matches of their time, and AJ was watching him unravel.
"Shawn, this is Allen Jones. He's your little brother."
Shawn's eyes remained cold as ice as they rounded on the one Hunter recognized to be AJ Styles. The boy looked equally confused but, unlike Shawn, he was doing better at keeping himself together.
"So this is my little brother huh?" he asked softly, his stern words icy enough to make the hairs stand on your arms. Shawn gave AJ the once over before his eyes rounded back on Ric. "I would accuse you of being a liar but it seems like this was just another one of the many talents the infamous "Nature Boy" possessed," he mocked. "Knocking up silly little gold diggers and abandoning them. You know, can't mess up the Great Ric Flair's routine."
"Shawn…" Hunter started but was immediately cut off.
"No wait, I'm not done," he laughed, though it was hardly anything to laugh about. "So just out of curiosity, Ric, how many more brothers and sisters I got running around here? Three? Four?" he pressed. "No. No. You're too good for that," he mocked. "I forgot that you're the King of the Mountain – Space Mountain, AJ – in case daddy hasn't told you the old war stories."
AJ yanked his arm out of Ric's grasp, prompted to action by Shawn's words. "Look, I don't know if it's 'bust the new mentee's balls' day or something, but I didn't come here to hear stories." He then stepped closer to Shawn, saying, "You know, it's one thing to pull a joke, trying to claim Ric's my- oh, I'm sorry, our dad- but keep my mother's name out of your mouth. I don't care who you are; don't you dare talk about her like that again. Goodnight; I'm gone." AJ turned, not caring that his ride was Ric's- he had to get out of there.
Ric reached out, putting a hand on AJ's shoulder, trying to keep him in the room. "AJ, please, wait a minute," Ric said, "I promise you, this isn't a joke. I'm your father, and Shawn's your brother- half brother." He turned AJ around, the anger in his eyes sinking Ric's spirits even more. "AJ, look at me. I'm telling the truth." He turned back to Shawn and said, "You and AJ are the only ones... my sons." He looked at AJ, trying to see if he believed him, but he couldn't read his expression.
Shawn threw his hands up in defeat, a cruel, almost menacing laugh escaping him. "Oh, I'm sorry, Allen. I forgot that every now and then he'd knock up a good one, but it doesn't matter to me anymore because you're not my brother. Ric's not my father– Vince McMahon is– which means you are nothing to me," he growled.
Hunter couldn't take this anymore. It was just too much. "Shawn—"
"I'm done talking Hunter and if you want to remain my loyal friend then I suggest you show the father and son duo of TNA the fucking way out!"
"No— Goddammit, Shawn, will you stop—"
"Oh so you're taking his side now?" Shawn snapped. "Oh…oh…" He took a few steps back, wagging his finger. "I forgot. You're Ric's favorite; his "adopted" son from Evolution. So there ya go, AJ. Meet Hunter, your real brother."
"Shawn dammit…" Defeated Hunter turned to Flair, glaring daggers at him. "I don't know what the fuck is going on here but if all of this is true then Ric, it looks like you got a lot of fucking talking to do. This? Is this what Shawn's been snapping my head off for all this time?"
"Even if you are my brother, which I'm glad to say you're not-" AJ said, his anger getting the better of him, but Ric interrupted him. "AJ, let me explain," Ric said, his emotions making his voice break, "You can say whatever you like- just let me say my piece." AJ looked into his eyes, seeing the way they watered, and he broke down. He was never one to like to see people cry. If this was a prank, it sure was an elaborate one.
Once Ric was sure AJ wasn't going to interrupt him, he turned back to the door. "Yes Hunter," Ric said, "Shawn's my eldest child." He turned to Shawn, wanting to wrap his arms around him, but he didn't want to make him angrier. "Shawn. I was only sixteen... I was a teenager. What did you expect from me? I was only there for summer vacation, and suddenly, I find out I'm going to be a father. What was I supposed to do?" He turned to AJ. "I was about thirty when you were born- my career was taking off; I couldn't have a kid. I made a selfish decision, but it felt right at the time. There are no excuses for what I did. All I can do is apologize, and try to make amends." He turned back to Shawn.
"Please Shawn, I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just want to tell you the truth."
The entire time Ric was speaking Shawn just shook his head, his eyes fixated on the floor. I'm not hearing this…I'm not…Ric's not my father…I won't believe it, I won't… Strong arms grabbed Shawn from behind pulling him close.
"Shawn…Shawn, listen to what he has to say," Hunter coaxed. "Let him say his piece."
"Why should I listen? Why the hell should I listen to anything else he has to say?" Shawn wrestled away from Hunter and stalked over towards Ric towering over him. "I want to hit you so bad right now Ric," he choked. "I want to…I want to make you hurt just like I'm hurting now – just like I hurt all those years until Vince started protecting me. He…he treated me as if I was his own son. When I got in trouble or started acting out, he was there for me as if I was his own. He never punished me; instead opting to take me under his wing – giving me something I never had. A father. And as much as I'd love to hit you right now, I can't," he cried. "I can't because as much as I hate your fucking guts right now, you are still the man I wanted to be; the man that inspired me to become what I am today and because of you, I strived to be the very best." It looked as if Ric was reaching out to him but Shawn snatched away. "Don't…don't touch me. I don't… I don't even know who you are anymore."
Hunter took Shawn's arm pulling him back. "Ric," he growled. "Start talking."
"You have every right to hate me." Ric spared a glance at AJ. "You both do. Shawn- when you first started taking off, I couldn't believe that you were the Shawn I left. It was too much of a coincidence. But I looked into it, and... there was no doubt. I kept the letter your mother sent me, and the pictures- I knew it was you, you hardly changed. But I couldn't tell you the truth. You already had the stigma of the reputation you and Marty Jannety acquired- I wasn't going to make you more of a target by announcing you were the son of the Nature Boy. So I kept quiet. And as you got more successful, I didn't want anyone to ever asterisk your success with my name. You deserved everything you got and more; not as my son but as a wrestler and as a man.
"I wasn't surprised when you started wrestling, AJ," Ric continued, "I figured it was only a matter of time, that you would feel the same pull Shawn and I did. And I was right. I kept an eye on your career from afar; I wanted to meet you, but I didn't. Same reasons why I never told Shawn the truth; I never wanted anyone to take anything away from your triumphs. And look what you two have become. Arguably the biggest assets to your respective companies. Do you think they'd give you the same respect if they knew you two were my kids?"
AJ swallowed, not wanting it to be true, but he was unable to deny how honest his voice was. Something inside of him told him that Ric wasn't lying; that he was actually his biological father. "I'm sorry I kept the truth from you two, and I'm sorry I was never there. My word might not mean much to you, but it's true. This is the truth." He bowed his head, not looking at either of his children. "It's the truth."
Shawn looked up at the ceiling, shaking his head in annoyance. "Are you… finished now?" he asked, sounding clearly bored. "I mean seriously… are you done? If you are, then you can take your son and leave."
"Shawn, I think he's telling the truth," Hunter winced.
"It-it doesn't fucking matter if it's the truth, Hunter!" Shawn jerked away and started pacing the room, his mind trying to process everything Ric said. A part of him could understand being 16 and afraid but he wasn't open to forgiving him, especially since Ric had so many opportunities to tell him. "I…Ric I hear ya, I mean I do, but I don't really care. You left my mother and a part of me can understand, but…" Shawn finally stopped pacing and turned to Ric, his father's eyes glued to the floor.
"When I came back from career ending back injury, it was 2002 and you were still wrestling under contract. You and I mixed it up in 2003– when you and your other son created the Evolution. You couldn't say something to me then Ric? You couldn't.." Shawn shook his head. "You know the sad part about is that maybe I would have listened back then. Maybe I would have had a heart because at the time I was just glad that I could still live my dream." Shawn shook his head. "And let's not even go there about the last two years Ric, when you chose me, the guy who wanted to be you, over your adopted "son" to "retire" you."
Shawn scoffed. "Just go Ric. Go away and never come back. Go…go raise your son over at TNA and just do what you've been doing. You were never planning to tell us anyway so forget I even asked. Tell Rod I said he's got more balls under that skirt than my so-called father does in his pants. I'm done listening."
Shawn pushed his way past Ric, ignoring AJ completely as he headed for the door. "No, Shawn…" Hunter ran to block the door, standing in front of it. "Shawn don't do this," Hunter begged. "Don't turn your back on him just yet. I'm just as angry as you are but I'm trying and I can see that he's trying—"
"Fuck Hunter you can leave with them!" Shawn exploded. "Just go! All of you get the hell out of here! Get out! OUT! OUT! OUT!" he screamed shoving Hunter with each outburst.
"Get out or I'll have security escort you out – no. Scratch that!" Shawn stormed across the room to the nightstand and grabbed his cell phone. "If you don't leave now, I'll call Vince. He's staying on the top floor of this hotel and you best believe he'll do what needs to be done. I'm not asking anymore – I'm telling. Get the fuck out of my room – all of you."
"I really am sorry Shawn. I'll- I'll go now. Thanks for even listening to me- I know that you would've found a way to get away if you really wanted to." Ric looked up at him. "I love you, Shawn." He left, not bothering to look back and see if AJ was following him.
AJ walked forward again, this time looking dead at Shawn. He didn't know what to make of him; it was like seeing a childhood hero disgraced. "I'm sorry we wasted your time, diva," AJ said, venom spitting with each word, "I had no clue. He just told me he needed help; he didn't tell me he was going to introduce me to my brother. But you owe me nothing; like you said, I'm no brother of yours." He turned around, finding himself running after Ric. He wasn't sure what he was doing, but he knew he had to do it.
He found Ric at the elevator, a shell of the man he came to know. He couldn't see the Nature Boy in this disheveled, disheartened older man. "Ric," AJ called out.
Ric turned around, and AJ was shocked to see his eyes filled with water. "AJ, I'm sorry. I brought you here under false pretenses- and then I sprung this on you-"
AJ grabbed Ric's shoulders, making a low shhh sound. He was still angry at the man he had no doubt was his father, but another part of him couldn't add to the pain Shawn already gave him. "It must've hurt, carrying a burden like this," AJ said softly, keeping the anger out of his voice. Ric stared at him, wondering why AJ wasn't yelling like Shawn was. "Let's go back to our hotel, okay? We can talk about this tomorrow."
Ric nodded in disbelief, confused but clinging to the fact AJ didn't automatically reject him like Shawn did. He allowed AJ to wrap an arm around his waist and walk with him into the elevator, deciding it better not to question what kind of divine intervention gave him what seemed like... understanding.
Hunter wanted to stay behind but the look in Shawn's eyes told him all he needed to know. Now was not the time to talk to him – not right now – so like the others, he followed suit leaving the grieving blonde alone. He didn't even look at Ric and Allen as they entered the elevator. He couldn't because he knew he would probably tear that AJ kid a new one. If he only knew…if he only knew what Shawn went through…then maybe he wouldn't be so quick to judge him…
Hunter shook his head, fighting back tears of his own. No wonder Shawn rejected everyone. This wasn't the first time he felt abandoned. The first time was when Marty left, the second when one half of the Kliq left and the there was Bret… Hunter was overwhelmed. He needed a drink, but he couldn't just leave Shawn all alone – and like this. Hunter pulled out his cell phone and dialed the one person he knew Shawn would likely open the door for. "Hey Vince it's me, Hunter. Say…I really, really need you to do something for me…"
When the door finally closed Shawn grabbed the nearest thing within reach (which was the remote) and threw it at the door before collapsing on the bed in tears. How dare them! How dare they just show up here and expect everything to be alright! I hate him…I hate him… Shawn hid his face in the pillow, attempting to bury himself from the pain. God it hurt so bad that he didn't want to think. He didn't want anything. He just wanted to lay in bed and smother it all away. Ric…Ric Flair…the man he idolized all his life – and now he has a brother, who just so happens to be the top draw in the rival company. His life just couldn't get much worse than this.
Ric's words sort of sank in and the ones that didn't bounced right off of him. There was no excuse. He could have told him in 2002. He could have told him in 2003. He had 6 fucking years to tell him and not even on the night of his send off did he tell it aside from the drunken ramblings that have haunted him for two years. Shawn's heart felt so heavy and he felt so alone that he was starting to have feelings he pushed aside a long time ago; feelings that maybe life just wasn't worth it anymore. Shawn sat up in bed and opened the drawer to the nightstand, pulling out his wallet. Inside there was a small picture of him in a football uniform, smiling happily for the photographer. Shawn threw the wallet at the door. I hate him…
There was a loud knock on the door and Shawn just froze. I told them all to go away! I told them all to just go the fuck away! Shawn stormed across the room reaching for the door. "How many times do I have to--?" He swung the door open and paused, his eyes pouring tears all over again.
"I'm sorry Shawn." Shawn just ran into his arms, allowing the arms he'd grown to call his own to shelter him; to hide him from the pain.
"Make it go away Vince," he sobbed. "Make it all go away."
"Shh…it's okay," he whispered.
"He's not my father Vince. You are…you're my father Vince. Tell me I'm your son."
"You're my son Angel," he coaxed, combing his fingers through his hair. "You're my son – you're one of my own. My Shawn…my son…" Vince just held the hurting blonde in his arms, his own eyes filling up. It was like Shawn's pain was seeping in his body all over again reminding him of a past that was supposed to stay buried. Ric, what have you done and what am I supposed to do now?