Punk stood quickly he walked to the sink and spit the pills out, he turned on the faucet and rinsed the taste from his mouth. He stared at the flowing water his mind swirling, he was done with self pity, with doubt it was time for him to reclaim who he was Paul for too long had taken pieces from him slowly and now he was going to pay. He felt a hand on his back and looked up his eyes meeting Randy's in the mirror. "Where is he, I know he is close by wouldn't want me out of his sight for too long." When Randy didn't answer he turned to face him. "Where is Paul?"
"He was hold up in a house a few miles away. They think he's been watching the house waiting to get you alone again. They have him in custody, waiting for us to come deal with it personally or tell them what needs to be done. Colt knows some scary ass people, I'm glad he is on our side." Punk brushed past Randy and into the bedroom. The Viper followed him out onto the balcony where Punk stood staring at the stars.
"I want him to suffer Randy, I want him to regret ever knowing me. The fact that you would murder for me means a lot, but I'm not going to jail for Paul and neither are you. If I told you to let him go would you?" Randy chuckled and shook his head no. "I need to think for a little bit, I need to talk to Bryan about something can this wait for a bit?" Randy wrapped his arms around Punk hugging him.
"Yes it can, they will keep him until otherwise told. I'm here if you want to talk Punkers. I'm proud you spit those pills out I know how easy it is to avoid life with a few pills, trust me that path is dangerous and self-destructive and the world is still there when you come down." Punk chewed on his lip ring for a moment then looked at Randy.
"I know I can talk to you about anything I just want to pick Bryan's mind for a second. I won't let Paul win Randy. I can't let him take away who I am no matter how easy it would be. I am stronger than that son of a bitch. I am going to burn everything in his life down, and when there is nothing but ashes left I'll let my poison flow because I can be even more venomous than you darling. Paul is not going to know what hit him, and I need to discuss the plan with Bryan before you. Sorry love just want to bounce my thoughts off of him before I ask you to agree to something that could drastically change our life." Randy just leaned down and kissed Punk gently.
"You love are stronger than anyone I know. Go talk to Daniel, and know no matter what yo want to do I'm with you 100% of the way. I love you." Punk smiled and slid from his arms, going down to the guest room John and Daniel were staying in. He knocked on the door and waited for his friend to answer when the door did open a wet John stood in front of him. Punk was only human and did a quick glance down to discover the man was only in a towel. Punk may be in love with Randy but he could appreciate that John was sexy as sin and his body slightly responded to the man in front of him. He quickly turned so his back was to John, knowing if Randy saw John in front of him like this then the green eyed monster would show its head and Randy needed John as his best friend. "Is Bryan in there and can I talk with him, and please put some clothes on before Randy sees you and does more than just punch you." Punk exclaimed in exasperation, glancing over his should as he heard a giggle. Daniel was ushering John back into the room smiling, he noticed the small man was wet but dressed and didn't want to know what they were doing in the shower together.
"Hey Punk whats up?" Punk took a deep breath unsure how to start the conversation.
"Can we talk like downstairs or outside someplace ears are not listening?" Bryan nodded and Punk led the way out to the back yard sitting on the damp grass he looked up at the stars. Once Bryan was settled beside him Punk leaned back and just spoke. "Do you thing if I charged Paul with rape he'd go to jail? Do you think I have enough proof? He would try to destroy my life at trail, and he has the video tape. I don't even have physical evidence he would probably get off. Do you think its worth going through with any of it a trial, having the world find out? I want him to suffer but I don't know how to do it. You are the most impartial person here so I want your opinion. What should I do?" Bryan didn't answer right away so Punk found himself trying to identify constellations. Finally the man beside him spoke.
"If you chose to go to the police then there is more than enough evidence. I made sure to collect what I could in case you changed your mind. I have your clothes, and John and I found the cabin. Dr. Amann has proof and although it's not an official part of your medical record he could easily make it that way. Paul would go after you at trial and Randy too most likely. HE would say it was consensual and use the video as evidence. It sucks we don't have an confession from the walrus it would make life easier. Rape victims are not treated the best by the law system so I don't know how long he would go to jail, or if you would win. Yet I believe you could but I see the other side too and would be hard and long and put your life in the spotlight and to have it end up wit Paul winning doesn't seem like punishment. It is up to you Phil, everyone will support you no matter what you want to do." Punk sat up a new plan forming one Randy probably wouldn't like.
"I need a confession, you think that would help things out?" Bryan just nodded his head in affirmation.
"Of course if he confessed to the stalking, kidnapping, drugging, and rape he would go to jail for a long time. But he is never going to confess to his sins to anyone." Punk nodded agreeing with Daniel about that fact.
"Your right he wouldn't confess to just anyone but he would to me. He would get a sick satisfaction out of rubbing my face in what he did. Thanks Bryan I know what I need to do now. You've been a big help." Punk stood and went to stroll away when Daniel grabbed his arm.
"I don't know what you are thinking of doing Punk but seriously putting yourself in the same room as Paul could cause more harm than good. Just think about this before you act." Punk hugged his friend and looked towards his home. He could see his bedroom light on and knew Randy was waiting on him. He needed a plan to deal with Randy he would never allow Punk to go through with what he was thinking but if he exhausted the bigger man and slipped on when he was sleeping then he could do it behind his back. He just hoped Randy would understand why he was going to do what he planned.
"Bryan I'll think it through plus I'm not planning to act on anything until I discuss it with randy and you know he won't let me do anything stupid so don't worry" Daniel looked at him skeptically but allowed him to head into the house, planning to go talk to John on what he was positive Punk was going to do.
Punk walked into his bedroom and was shocked to see Randy asleep, then again the man hadn't slept a lot hovering over Punk and comforting Punk when he woke from nightmares. He stood there watching him sleep and debated with waking him up. Instead he slid from the room, heading down to Colt's. When he walked in Punk saw the man was also asleep which worked well for him. He quietly walked over to Colt's phone, searching through the recent calls and text until he found what he was looking for an address where they were holding Paul until they received further instructions. He slid from the room going down to Randy's office he searched through the desk knowing Randy had a mini tape recorder somewhere, he liked to leave himself reminders on things he needed to do. He finally found the device and checked that there was a new tape inside. He headed towards the garage grabbing a ring of keys unsure of which car they belonged to, Randy's garage was ridiculous he had so many different options. He didn't turn on the light just hit the unlock button on the key and looked for the flash of lights. "Where are you going?" Punk jumped and spun around looking at John, damn it Bryan has a big mouth he thought.
"Talk about giving someone a heart attack John, thanks so much make some noise next time. I'm going for a drive didn't know that was a crime." Punk headed towards he vehicle with John hot on his heels.
"You are a bad liar sometimes Punk. I can not let you go see Paul by yourself. Randy will freak out since I am assuming you haven't told him, either that or you have him chained and gagged in the bedroom so he can't stop you." Punk rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"I'm not taking you with me if he sees you I won't be able to get what I want. I don't have Randy chained up that is not something I would ever do to him. I have to do this, if I don't Randy will kill him. This is the only way for him to pay and the man I love not to end up in prison, or worse beating himself up for the rest of his life because he took a life. I love Randy and want to spend the rest of my life with him, but not like this. Not with him thinking I am so fragile and breakable I need tot take back what he stole from me. I need to confront him and do I know if I'm strong enough to do this no, but I have to try or once again he wins. I have to stop letting him defeat me, please John don't try to stop me." John closed his eyes wanting to reach out and grab the man and carry him back to Randy but a part of him understood so he relented partly.
"I'm going I will stay outside the room unless you call for me. I hope you know what you are doing playing mind games with Paul is never a good idea. Then again you know how to manipulate people pretty nicely yourself. So let's go before Randy wakes up and we have a pissed off viper on our hands." Punk slid into the drivers seat and took a deep breath grateful for the back up.
Punk stood outside of the door staring at the handle, knowing what await him on the other side wasn't going to be pleasant. As soon as he entered the house he wanted to be sick. They were keeping him in the house Paul had been holed up in, and every inch of wall had been covered with pictures of Punk, Paul had been stalking him for years back to when they first met. Pictures of his personal life were everywhere, some very intimate and personal. Punk wondered why he had never noticed that the man was deranged. He had been standing in the same spot for the last ten minutes John beside him now doubting if this was a good idea, in fact thinking this was the stupidest idea he had ever had. He took a deep breath having come this far he was not going to back out despite John telling him he could just leave, walk away from all of this. Instead he opened the door and walked into the room, closing the door behind him. He took in the scene Paul was tied to a chair in the middle of the room, more pictures were everywhere but this time they were worse, pictures of Punk with his past lovers, in the midst of passion. Pictures of him and Randy filled one wall but the worse was the ones on the wall by the bed pictures from the video Paul had made were everywhere. He swallowed the lump in his throat and looked at Paul. " I knew you would come Phi, I knew you wouldn't let them hurt me. We mean too much to each other." Punk internally cringed at the words but forced a small smile.
"You know me so well Paul, we do mean a lot to each other. So much that I know you will always be a part of my life. I just don't understand all of this, these pictures, the cabin. Why are you doing all of this?" He walked over standing in front of Paul.
"I love you Phil, don't you understand. I had to help you see that I love you and it was us, we need each other. When you try to leave me well that just showed me how blind you were. You love me too, I just needed to prove it to you. Aren't the pictures beautiful I documented your whole life for you, so that you would always remember when we left together. Your going away with me Phil, we are going to have a great life far away from here just us together I already have it all planned, I even bought the plan tickets, I was going to come for you tomorrow." Punk wanted to punch Paul, he wanted to lash out at the man who so clearly had lost his ever loving mind. Instead he crouched down to Paul's level and reached out his hand taking hold of one of the ropes holding it like he was going to untie it.
"I still don't understand Paul, you've been following me for months, years actually. You've had guys beat me up, drug me. You yourself kidnapped me, drugged me, and raped me. How is that showing me that you loved me, you need to make me understand Paul so I can forgive you and we can leave together. We have a plane to catch and then we can be together and you can have me as much as you want." He pretended to work on the knots glad to be able to avert his eyes so not to allow Paul to see the disgust.
"Phil, look at me please." Punk looked up at Paul masking his emotions. "I love you, I only did those things so you would understand that you needed me. I am sorry for the other day, but I needed you to see that Randy couldn't make you happy like I can. I understand you in a way he can't, have you told him about your childhood? What your father use to do to you when he was drunk. Have you talked to him about the beatings, and the molestation? That you never tried to stop it because you were protecting your mother and brother the same people who betrayed you. Have you told him about the drugs you use to take before becoming straight edge. Does he know you like I do. I knew you would only come with me at gun point, he has you so confused you think he is protecting you. Randy will never protect you and love you like I will. I only gave you the drugs to relax you, we both know that you have a hard time having sex after everything that happened in your childhood. Once you had it in your system though you felt better didn't you. You never told me to stop." Punk's hand tightened into fists and he took several deep breaths.
"I told you no, I begged you to stop. Why couldn't you have listened to me Paul? Why go this far." Punk said this through clenched teeth his need for Paul's blood was increasing.
"You only said no because you were scared and needed to relax Phil. I helped you relax and you enjoyed every second of it. I have a video tape to prove that maybe I should send a copy to Randy do you think he would like that." Punk looked at his hands cracking his neck on the verge of exploding.
"Where is the videotape Paul? I would like to see it, did you make any copies?" Paul chuckled and tugged on the rope on his wrist that Punk was supposedly removing.
"This isn't any looser Phil. Are you trying to trick me into giving you the tape? I didn't make any copies of it yet but plan on making several maybe I'll sell it to a porn site. Bet that would make a ton of money. Do you want to see the tape Phil, I'll tell you where it is on one condition, I want a kiss first but not a peck I want a full on kiss that you respond too." Punk felt bile rise into his throat at just the idea and he slid back away from Paul, he had enough but if that tape got out he would be destroyed.
"Fine Paul I'll kiss you just tell me where the tape is." Paul laughed and Punk closed his eyes on the verge of either killing Paul with his bare hands or losing it completely.
"nope kiss first, then I'll tell you where it is." Punk just backed further away trying to focus his mind was slipping away with every word and he felt himself slipping back to the cabin. He needed to get out of here, he couldn't breath.
"I can't Paul please if you ever loved me like you claim just tell me where the goddamn tape is please" Paul just smirked and something clicked into Punk's head the tape had to be here Paul wouldn't leave it anywhere he would want to watch it and if Punk had to burn this house to the ground he was going to destroy the tape and Paul. Fear seeped from his bones replaced with an anger so intense he shook.
He stood glaring at Paul and saw fear flash into his eyes, he flung the door open walking past John he walked into the kitchen of the house opening draws until he found what he was looking for he walked back towards the bedroom John grabbed his arm and Punk shoved the man away "get everyone out I am burning this place to the ground no one is ever going to see the inside of this house" he snapped at John walking back into the bedroom he slammed the door locking it from the inside. He walked over to Paul and pressed the butcher knife in his hand to the mans throat. Paul tried to pull back and Punk grabbed onto the greasy pony tail as he pressed hard enough to draw blood. "You are right Paul I loved you once, thought of you as a best friend, even a father figure. But fathers haven't really worked out for me, your lose because I am going to take everything that he ever did, and you did out on you in blood. He took the knife and dragged in deeply across Paul's arm hearing him scream from a distance, Punk was in a haze of anger and didn't care at that moment if he killed the man in fact he planned on killing the man. He brought the knife across skin over and over again never cutting deep enough to kill but making sure every cut was felt. He felt the blood on his hands and looked at Paul, the older man a bloody mess but Punk was done, he would never allow Paul to do this to another person and so he stab him in the place that mattered the most to Paul his manhood, not just once but until Paul was on the verge of losing consciousness and his screams had weakened . Punk was finally done the man was still alive for now but bleeding heavily. He placed the bloody knife in Paul's hand. "You brought this onto yourself you know, I'm giving you this so you have a far chance. I'm going to set this house on fire if you get loose from the ropes and drag your ass out I don't care. In fact I hope you burn so don't try to hard." Punk turned to the door recognizing that the pounding had stopped and wondered briefly why that was until he opened the door and Randy was standing there. He was about to say something when he realized he smelled gasoline and Randy had a lighter in his hand. There was an empty gas can at Randy's feet and the pictures had been ripped from the walls. Randy held out the lighter and Punk took it.
"Give me a minute with him alone please" Randy requested and Punk stepped aside he stood in the hallway listening to the weak screams of Paul until there was just silence. Punk didn't bother to look back when Randy exited the room. He allowed Randy to walk him away from the room towards the front door. He looked around on last time at the torn photos on the floor he pulled the tape recorder from his pocket and tossed it onto the pictures the confess was pointless it didn't matter anymore. If Randy had left Paul alive and he managed to get out it wouldn't matter Paul would never hurt anyone again. He flicked the lighter and held it out to the curtain by the front door it caught easily, and Punk watched as the flames spread quickly. Randy pulled him from the house and out towards the cars parked in the driveway. He recognized that John, Colt, and Daniel were all there, yet everything seemed to be at a distance. His mind wasn't functioning and Randy's hand was the only thing guiding him and grounding him. He was placed into a car, and felt the engine start and as Randy pulled away from the house he looked back seeing the flames already overtaking the building he felt himself smile.
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, I hope it's a cold day in hell Paul." he sated softly though knew Randy caught the words. He looked over at his lover and saw blood smeared across his face he reached out and went to wipe it away but found he just made it worse with his bloody hands. He heard sirens in the distance and tensed. "What if they find his body, what if he didn't get out and they find his body?" Randy reached over and took his hand.
"He didn't get out and no one will find his body its been handled I promise. No one will ever know anything. It's over, though we need to talk once you feel up to it and are more with it. Lets just get home you need a shower." Punk just leaned back in the seat a strange feeling of exhaustion sinking into his bones he was so tired.
By the time they reach the house Punk was out cold he didn't even wake when Randy washed him up and put him to bed. He left Punk sleeping and went down to the kitchen, finding a bottle of whiskey he poured himself a large glass and looked up as John, Colt, and Daniel walked in he held up the bottle and John the other two declined and retrieved their non alcoholic beverage of choice. "How is he?" John asked and Randy knew he met Punk so he shrugged knocking back the drink and pouring himself another.
"He's asleep, well more like unconscious I don't think his mind can handle everything that happened today, he passed out in the car on the way home, didn't even wake up when I cleaned him up. I can't believe he thought any of this was a good idea. If he's not better in the morning I'm calling his therapist and getting him admitted he needs more help right now than I think I can give him." Randy looked at Colt "The stuff Paul was saying is there truth behind it?" Randy knew that Punk didn't realize he had been there for almost all of it and heard it all. He'd awoken right after the two men left and after talking with Daniel had gone after Punk.
"I can't talk to you about it Randy I wish I could its something that Punk will tell you with time. His father was messed up, and yes there was abuse to what extent talk to Punk about it. His father is a difficult subject to bring up but if he trust you he will tell you. When Punk left home there was a bigger reason then feeling neglected or his brother screwing him out of money. It took a long time for Punk to talk to me about it and the fact is a lot of people in his life that he is close to don't know the truth of what happened in his home growing up. Be patient he will talk to you about it." Randy reluctantly nodded and finished his third drink before walking out to the living room he sat on the couch looking at his hands.
"I broke his neck" he stated to his friends. "I knew Punk couldn't do it that he was giving Paul an out, but I couldn't let him get away with what he did. I broke his neck and left the room knowing he would burn to death. Will Phil still want me knowing what kind of monster I am?" Colt snorted ans Randy looked at him.
"I know that your relationship with Punk has been rocky and most people in his life don't trust you but let me tell you something about Phillip Brooks. He loves you the way he looks at you I've never seen before, hell I thought for a long time he wouldn't ever be in love. He never let himself fall, never trusted enough, he built a wall around his heart which you seem to have broken down easily. I'm sure that pisses him off because he never wanted any one in, never wanted to depend on anyone but himself. Yet he loves you more than he probably loves himself and that means he will forgive you anything. You gave him what he needed, hell what he wanted we all saw that house if Paul lived he would have never stopped coming for him. Punk knew what you would do when you went into that room but he didn't stop you. He knows Paul is dead, we all knew he wouldn't make it out of that house. Let me ask you what did he do with the recording?"
"He burned it along with the house, its ashes by now."
"If he had thought there was a chance for Paul to get out of that house he would have kept it. He knew he didn't need it. I don't condone violence but what happened tonight was inevitable. Do not punish yourself for what you did, its done and now its time to move forward. Punk is going to need time to heal and you are the one who's going to be there to help him recover. Just remember CM Punk is a stubborn jerk and this is going to be difficult." Randy knew Colt was right, hell the last few weeks had been no picnic but he knew they would get through this he just hoped it was together.
Punk the next morning walked into Randy's office he had been searching for him since he woke up. Finally he located his boyfriend sitting at his desk typing away at the computer he wanted to ask what he was doing but couldn't seem to find his voice. So he walked over and just sat in his lap looking at the computer. He saw Randy was looking at property values, and other information. He raised an eyebrow and looked at him curiously. "I think we should move, start fresh in a state that allows gay marriage I was thinking either Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa, or Maine but wanted to look into it more. Once I narrowed it down I figured I'd run it by you." Punk nodded and looked back at the screen he saw a picture of Randy and Alanna on the desk and picked it up pointing at the look girl and raising an eyebrow. "She's outside playing Sam is going to come get her today. If you mean what happens if we move, then we take her with us. I want custody anyways just gotta file the paperwork and with both of us it would work out better. She could be home schooled and travel with us, until one of us decides to retire." randy placed his hand's on Punks cheeks making him look at him "Talk for me" he stated, and watched as Punk opened his mouth several times but still said nothing. "I love you" Randy stated waiting for the response instead Punk pulled away and left the room. The rest of the day was the same Punk didn't speak to anyone he was withdrawn and seemed lost. Randy had called Dr. Amann who was once again on his way. Randy was afraid Punk had finally snapped and he wasn't going to get him back.
Punk knew everyone was worried, that was obvious since Chris was in the house and spent two hours examining Punk then trying to get him to talk. It wasn't that he couldn't he just had nothing to say for a change the voice of the voiceless was voiceless. He could see the worry on Randy's face and the strain around his eyes and he felt a twinge of guilt. He pulled out his phone and sent him a text simply stating he loved him. He watched as Randy read the text and the frown just increased on his man's face. This frustrated Punk to no end so he stood and went outside walking when he returned to the house it was dark. He looked around wondering where everyone had gone. He walked into the living room and froze, candles were lit everywhere rose petals scattered the floor and on the coffee table were a dozen roses. Randy stood in front of the fireplace wearing a suit he held his hand out to Punk but he was frozen. "Come here Phillip" Randy spoke gently but his tone left no room for argument. Still Punk tried shaking his head no he felt like he had forgotten how to walk.
"What are you doing?" Punk asked his voice a whisper but all Randy could do was smile, he'd gotten him to speak. Randy just raised an eyebrow and Punk found himself walking across to him his hand slipping into Randy's. Randy stood in front of Punk and smiled his eyes a smoldering fire of love that left Punk breathless.
"Phillip Jack Brooks, Phil, CM Punk, Punk, Punkers I think I covered them all. I love you. I love you for everything that you say and do. I love you for the happiness I feel when you are beside me. I love you because when you are near, the whole world is meaningful. I love the way you chew on your lip ring when you are nervous, bored, or lost in thought. I love that you rub the back of your neck when you are embarrassed. I love when you get annoyed at me you roll your eyes. I love the snarky attitude and the fuck the world approach to life. I love so much about you I could stand here and never have the time to list it all. I thought I knew what love was, in fact if any one asked me I was sure I could explain it to them until I looked into your eyes, the first time we kissed, the first time we made love. I was lying to myself, telling my heart that we weren't falling for you yet my heart knew before my head that I had fallen in love with you a long time ago. My life is now forever entwined with yours, now I truly understand love. Its unconditional, can feel like a tornado and the eye of the storm at the same time. It makes you a better person, it gives you a reason to fight, to go on everyday. You have taught me more then I can express, you are the first thing I think about and the last before I dream of you at night. I never want us to be apart you are the half I never knew I was missing." Randy slid down onto one knee and Punk could feel the tears streaming down his face. Punk watched as he retrieve a black box from his pocket, gasping when he opening it. A black ring with a Celtic knot design and red stones stared up at him. "Phil will you please do me the honor of spending eternity, not just this life but everyone beyond this with me?" Punk put a hand to his mouth trying not to sob, he nodded his head yes and Randy raised an eyebrow. "Nope gotta hear you say it."
"Yes, yes you incredibly annoying ass, yes a thousand times yes." Randy took his hand and slid the ring into place and Punk felt his breath catch. "I love you Randy, I love you so much." Randy stood and Punk flung his arms around him kissing him several times. It felt like his heart had jump started his mind and fogginess he'd been in all day was gone. He pulled Randy's head down and kissed him passionately. He heard a few whoo's and way to go Randy from the kitchen and groaned shaking his head at his friends actions. He hoped up wrapping his legs around Randy and the bigger man held him tightly."Did I mention to you that I was cleared for all sex related activities?" Randy nodded smirking his hands sliding from Punk's thighs to grip his ass instead. "Then what the hell are you waiting for there is a very nice bed upstairs we need to break." Randy laughed and kissed him and Punk eagerly sucked on his tongue. Randy pulled back and gave him a look.
"I will gladly do whatever you want just answer two questions, one are you sure you are ready for this, and two my family is having a get together on Saturday and I would like you to go so they can meet my fiance, will you do that?" Punk buried his face into Randy's neck kissing his pulse point.
"Yes I'm ready and I have a safe word remember. Your family, like your whole family including your parents?" Randy nodded and started up the stairs.
"Yes my parents, siblings, everyone. They know we are together just not how deeply I am in love with you. Hell I think my mom planned this so she could meet you so just say yes so we can get to the good stuff."
"You know I'm not going to make you meet my family. Well you already know my family, but not my family family. So this seems unfair, but yes I'll go." Randy wanted to ask him about his family but refrained instead walking into the bedroom and tossing Punk onto the bed. He stripped off the suit coat and tie pulling opening the buttons on the shirt before joining Punk on the bed.
Wow not an easy one to write I wasn't even sure what to do with Paul when I started the chapter but my Punk muse took over. There are still going to be problems on the horizon and not everyone is going to be happy for the couple so I hope you keep reading and reviewing. Thank you for sticking with me this far.