AN: Long chapter but it couldn't be helped. There was no way to break it up otherwise it would interrupt the mood of Bret's story. So...enjoy. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. :D Just so you know, this story is starting to become a bitch simply because of all the damn research involved. It's also a bitch having to recreate the memories but I figure maybe it'll pay off in the long run. As long as you're happy, I'm happy. So...really...enjoy.
Bret watched as Shawn planted a kiss on Sherri's cheek before they went their separate ways. Sherri was leaving the building while Shawn was making a dash towards the break room. He was probably thirsty Bret deduced but who could blame his body? Shawn had just wrestled one hell of a match against some nobody and Bret was sure Shawn was well on his way to getting one of the belts soon. Bret continued to stand in the hall waiting for Davey but when he didn't show Bret decided to go inside the break room. Once inside he found Shawn standing near one of the long tables helping himself to some water and donuts. Bret couldn't stop himself from laughing at the kid. Shawn jumped at the sound but then immediately showed signs of relief when he saw that it was Bret.
"God you scared me."
"I'm sorry," he grinned. "I just couldn't help myself when I saw what you were putting in your body." Shawn looked down at the glazed donut in his hand and shrugged.
"Yeah well I figure I'll work it off. Besides, I love donuts."
"I don't think you have anything to worry about. You worked your ass off out there. Did you really have to beat him that bad?" Shawn's face flushed a little and a nervous laugh escaped him.
"You…were watching that?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I watch? You're amazing in the ring. Only one of the rookies I need to watch out for."
"I don't think so. But uh…to answer your question, I've been trying for almost a month to get Vince to give me a shot at one of the belts. Vince refuses because he doesn't think I'm old enough," he said mockingly. Bret couldn't help but laugh at his anger.
"I'm sure he'll come around. I'm pretty sure Vince sees that not many of the others can keep a pace like you in the ring."
"Honestly – and I'm not trying to sound arrogant – but I really feel like I haven't had any competition since Marty left. Everybody else just seems…I don't know," he sighed. "Maybe it's because I'm restless. Being alone all the time kind of makes you that way." Bret didn't know why but Shawn's confession of being alone all the time stung him a little. Bret knew all about being alone but that's because he chose to be a loner with the exception of his family. Otherwise, it wasn't like he was completely alone. But Shawn…now that he thought about it, he never once in the three years they've been working together, seen him socializing with anybody.
"Well don't give up just yet. When you've beaten them all at least three times, Vince will have no choice but to come around," he joked in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"Yeah I hope so." Shawn took another sip of his drink while Bret poured himself some Coke. He wasn't really thirsty but he noticed that every time he was around Shawn, he would feel kind of…awkward. They drank their drinks in silence every now and then waving at people as they came in and out. When Shawn was done eating his last donut, he turned to Bret and smiled.
"Well I need to go get a quick shower. In case I miss your match, good luck out there."
"Thanks but I thought you said 'quick' shower?"
"Well," he laughed. "When you're a 'Sexy Boy' you have to take the time to do tedious things like wash your hair five times."
"Ahh okay. Enjoy your shower."
"I will. Later," he grinned flashing Bret his warmest smile to date. When he was gone, Bret shook his head ridding himself of any thoughts he may have had of Shawn shirtless then started out the door.
"Oh no you don't," a voice called out. "Just a second bro. We need to chat." Shocked, Bret turned around to see Owen staring at him with a hint of tease in his eyes. Bret frowned.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to see that you need professional help."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he frowned.
"Hey… No need to get so defensive. I was only teasing," he grinned. "Besides, I'm not really sure what I saw."
"Explain."
"Uh…well…you and the kid…"
"What about us?"
"Its nothing really," he shrugged. "I just…couldn't help but notice how…awkward you two seem around each other."
"Awkward?"
"Well yeah. I mean, I'm sure if I was him I'd feel awkward around you. After all you are the champ around here."
"Not yet."
"You will be soon but forget that. I was only making an observation."
"I see. So…"
"Just forget it. I just thought I'd point that out. Awkwardness is never a good sign if you know what I mean."
"Oh forget you Owen," he said hotly. "Are you implying…?"
"I wasn't implying anything," he said coolly. "I'm just saying. Everyone in locker room thinks he's swinging on the other side of the fence so if you're going to be friends with him, at least make it public."
"It's not like I'm trying to be his secret friend Owen. We talk every now and then. This time he just so happened to be in here when I got here."
"Yeah I know but you two were so focused on each other that you didn't even notice me when I came in."
"But I—
"Leave the kid alone Bret. I already told you on day one, he's got some kind of charm. I know you probably think being around him is harmless but I know you. You've never been this taken with anybody – not even your last girlfriend, which makes me question whether or not you even realize what's happening to you."
"Are you telling me that…?"
"I'm telling you that I think you like the kid. Maybe not in that way but you like him."
"Owen…"
"I'm through with it bro. I was only teasing you but some of what I said has some truth to it. You don't have to listen to me. It's not in your nature to treat anyone badly. Just know that I picked up on the awkwardness and if I picked up on it, others will to." Owen patted his brother's shoulder as he brushed past him out of the room leaving Bret alone to brood.
--xx--
Bret had his main event match that night and afterwards decided he'd rather go and hang out at the hotel room. Besides, he needed time to think and boy did he have a lot to think about. After taking a quick shower, he threw on some jeans and a tee then headed out the exit. He hadn't got far when someone called out to him. He turned around to see Shawn leaning against the wall with a big grin on his face. His long hair was hanging freely and beautifully alongside his baby face. He was wearing some jeans that looked tighter than ever and a Heartbreak Kid t-shirt. His eyes seemed to sparkle under the dim light hanging over the exit and Bret found himself just staring…again.
"Wow Bret. I know I'm supposed to take breaths away but I would think you'd be an exception to the rule."
"Oh..uh…I'm sorry," Bret managed. "I just…wasn't expecting to see you, or anybody for that matter."
"No, it's cool. I don't know why I even…"
"Don't you start apologizing for waiting up," he warned playfully. His face was playful but his tone of voice was anything but. Shawn looked down nervously nodding his head before speaking up again.
"I…decided to stay and watch your match tonight."
"Oh? Whatcha think?"
"You really are quite the technical wrestler. I had a hard time tearing my eyes away." Even as he said the words, Bret could tell he was a little embarrassed. He bit his lip and through the dimness of the light, Bret could see a hint of color rise to his cheeks. It was cute. No other word could describe it except cute.
"Best compliment I've gotten from anyone since I've been here." Shawn looked up, clearly shocked by Bret's words.
"Really?"
"Oh yeah." Bret dropped his bags on the concrete and moved to stand next to Shawn on the wall. He looked up at the night sky to keep his eyes from tempting him to stare again as he spoke. "People don't always appreciate the art that comes with wrestling. Most of the guys prefer to just 'get by', but not me. I think of wrestling as an art and hopefully someday I'll have an opponent who can push me to my limits. So far though – and I'm not trying to sound arrogant – but no one has pushed me to my potential just yet. I didn't spend all those years training with my dad and traveling around the world for nothing."
"Wow. That's amazing. No wonder you're so good." Bret cut a sidelong glance at the blonde and smiled.
"Thanks, but I really don't think you should think any less of yourself. You're good and who knows? Maybe someday we'll meet in the ring for the big one." Shawn turned to Bret, a smile creeping on his face.
"I'd be scared to death of getting in the ring with you. On the other hand, I'd be honored."
"Well then." Bret straightened himself up and stuck out his hand. "Let's shake on it."
"Huh?"
"Let's make a deal. Promise me you'll keep striving to be the best. You do that then I guarantee we'll make art someday in the ring."
"But—
"No buts. You're good enough and if you keep working your way up I'm sure we'll be in the ring someday."
"But…I've never even won a belt yet." Bret took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Look at me." Shawn slowly met Bret's gaze making his heart rate speed up for no good reason. Bret forced himself to speak again. "I'm not going anywhere. Ever…at least I don't plan on it. So I'm pretty sure I'll be around when you're fighting to see whose top dog. It'll just be you and me. What do you say?" Shawn looked away for a moment shaking his head.
"I…I'll try," he answered softly.
"Good." Bret released his hands. "So…what are you doing tonight? I mean, like…have you eaten anything?"
"Actually, I kind of raided the break room after I showered. But um…" Shawn looked down at his watch and groaned. "I'm sorry I kept you so long man. It's been an hour and it doesn't even feel like it."
"An hour? Really?" Doesn't feel that way. Feels like we only just started chatting…
"Yeah." Both men paused not really knowing what to say to one another. They both opened their mouths to speak again but ended up laughing it off.
"This is…wow."
"I know. I can't seem to say what I need to say."
"Me neither actually." Again there was an awkward silence which only made Bret think of Owen. Damn him…I guess I need to go before someone sees me… "Well uh…I guess I'll…" Bret started backing away as he spoke though he never took his eyes off the blonde. Shawn quickly nodded.
"Yeah. Me too. Sorry for keeping you."
"It's no prob. So uh…I guess I'll see you next we—Ooph!" Bret hit the ground with a soft thud. He wasn't looking where he was going and sometime during his conversation with Shawn he managed to forget all about his luggage sitting in the middle of the parking lot. Oh damn… Bret raised his head to find Shawn standing over him with an amused look on his face. His hand was outstretched but his grin said he was enjoying this moment all too well. "You think this is funny?" Shawn shook his head furiously though that did nothing to stop the snickering. Bret reluctantly took his hand and allowed the blonde to help him up.
"Are…you alright?" he managed between laughs. Bret rolled his eyes. He wanted to be pissed at him but the smile on Shawn's face melted any and all potential animosity from him. So all he could do was feign anger.
"Don't hand me that fake concern. You're enjoying this way too much."
"I'm…yeah I am, but I am concerned. You didn't break anything did you?"
"Naa…thanks though. If anything it was worth it to see you smile again." He hadn't meant to say it but he did and it was too late to take it back. Damn word vomit. But before he could even think to feel awkward Shawn said something that made his pulse race.
"It's…kind of hard not to around you." Shawn smiled again but just as quickly he started backing away. "It was nice talking to you. Don't trip over anymore bags. G'Night." With one last wave he was off.
*~*~*
"After he left, I quickly loaded my bags and sped straight to the hotel. Everything about that night had me on edge. I…I remember watching him leave and not wanting him to leave." Bret cut his eyes towards the divider, pausing to collect himself before he continued to speak. "We were having such a good, harmless conversation that I got caught up in it. Since I was usually with my brother and cousin, it made for a nice change to be able to talk with someone other than them. Plus…I…guess you could say that's when I realized I wanted to keep him…as a friend."
"Wow," Chris said softly. He turned to Shawn and nodded. "So Shawn, is it safe to assume that you felt the same way?"
"I…don't know how I felt about being his friend."
"Why not?" Chris asked. "Bret's story says you both were feeling pretty awkward or was it just Bret?" Shawn shook his head.
"No, it wasn't just Bret. I felt…whatever it was too but at the end of the night I still felt alone. It's just that...talking with Bret gave me a reason to keep on wrestling. I was still going home to an empty hotel room. I rarely heard from my parents and Sherri was really just doing Vince a favor…or so I thought at the time." He sighed. "I later found out that Sherri really was my friend but I was looking for something more."
"Like a companion?"
"No, not necessarily a companion but a friend for the road ya know? A guy friend that I could talk wrestling with, grab a couple of beers and just…you know, do guy things. On the other hand, I did lay in bed at night wondering if I could think of Bret as a friend. I certainly liked him and he was the only person besides Pat Patterson or Sherri that believed in me from the very beginning."
"So what happened after that night? How did your friendship continue to progress?"
"It actually over progressed after that and led to some more pretty awkward moments between the two of us," Shawn answered.
"I don't think awkward begins to cover it," Bret added. "It was more like…well hell it was about as bad as it is right now," he laughed. "Can you imagine having the feeling of limited air, tense, sweating, headache, and constantly looking over your shoulder because you're afraid of what people might see? That's how I felt. 'Course I don't know about him. Half the time he acted as if it didn't happen."
"Well what did you expect me to do? People already thought I was gay and then for you to kiss me like that—
"I didn't kiss you," he said flatly. "It…was an accident."
"Yeah," Shawn scoffed. "Keep telling yourself that. And all the other times you kissed me was an accident too right?"
"Whatever. My point is Shawn, you kept your cool better than I did."
"And we both know why right? Because I didn't have people planting homophobic ideas in my head like your brother Owen. 'Oh Bret, he's going to make you gay!'" Shawn mocked.
"Keep my brother's name out of your mouth!" Bret snapped.
"I'm sorry but it's the truth and you know it! That's another reason why we were doomed from the beginning and why to this day you're as miserable as ever!"
"YOU DON'T KNOW WHY I'M MISERABLE!"
"I'm not…going to argue with you right now," Shawn growled. "Just…either tell your side of the story or allow me. We need to speed up the process so I can get back to my loving boyfriend."
"I'm sure he is," Bret grumbled. "Fine. I'll talk but no interruptions from you. I'm telling it the way I saw it which means you'll shut up and take it."
"Fine." Bret took another deep breath and started talking.
"After that night, I guess you could say we ended up 'finding' each other all the time. Shawn would watch my matches and wait up for me. I would watch his matches and then if Owen wasn't around, I'd seek him out to talk about the match. We probably never would have admitted it to anyone at the time, but we were good friends – close friends in private. I think things started getting really weird after we went out for drinks one night…"
*~*~*
Bret sat in his truck waiting for Shawn to come out of the hotel. They'd already made plans to go get drinks after the show but Shawn insisted on changing first. So they drove back to the hotel only to find that they were staying at the same hotel and on the same floor no less. Coincidence? To anyone else they'd probably think otherwise but it was the truth. Turns out they both waited until the last minute to book a room. Bret usually took turns with Davey rooming with Owen but this was his week to room alone. So Bret had to take whatever had a vacancy and just his luck he was able to find a room at the Hilton. Not bad for a last minute booking. A minute later Bret spotted Shawn coming out of the revolving doors. Bret quickly looked away to avoid any staring since for some reason he couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from him.
"Hey!" Shawn smiled as he got in the truck. Bret flashed him an equally warm smile as they drove off.
"Took you long enough," Bret joked.
"Yeah well when you have this much hair…"
"You're such a girl sometimes!" Bret joked.
"Blame it on Sherri."
"Well…you gotta admit, it's getting the job done. Bunch of screaming girls."
"Oh come off it. You're one to talk. Didn't some girl try to jump the railings the other day after you?"
"Uh…I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Yeah, okay." The rest of the ride was in complete silence except for the rock music playing in the background. They arrived minutes later at a small bar located on the south side of Charlotte. Bret entered first relieved that only a few drunks were out at this time of night. He led Shawn to a small booth at the back on the far right that way he could see everything going on. Shawn sat across from him and it was then he realized his mistake. Now he would be forced to have a civil conversation with him without staring at him. A waiter came by and took their orders returning moments later with two cold beers.
"So how are things with you?" Bret asked.
"Fine I guess."
"You guess?"
"Depends on what you mean. If you mean wrestling then it's going great actually. Vince is finally going to let me have a shot at the I.C. so I'm really excited about that. I've been putting double time in the gym lately just to prepare for the match."
"Ahh…that means you'll be facing Davey in the ring."
"Yeah and I'm nervous but excited too. I can't wait to get in the ring with someone as good as him. It'll be fun," he grinned.
"Gotta love your optimism. When I think of wrestling Davey I think of how much of a headache I'm going to have the next morning. You certainly will feel it in the morning after tusseling with him."
"Wow. Well I guess I'll have to prepare for a night of pain then. Since Sherri won't be with me anymore I'll have to start taking care of myself."
"No more Sherri?"
"Yeah. I uh…I kind of told Vince I wanted a change of character. Plus, Sherri's pretty much done all she can for me. It's time for me to do things on my own now."
"Nothing wrong with that. Are you still keeping The Heartbreak Kid name?"
"Yeah just…modified the character a bit. Probably going to come off as an arrogant jerk," he laughed. "But it's so out of character for me that I really have no problem doing it."
"Sounds fun." They sipped on their drinks some more in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. After a while though the weird uncomfortable awkwardness crept back on them and Bret was forced to speak again. "I think I heard The Fink say you're from San Antonio, Texas."
"That's right."
"You know you really don't look like somebody from Texas. If I had to guess I'd say you were from one of the coasts."
"That's why you should never judge a book by its cover."
"Touche."
"So you…You're definitely not your typical American. I can tell just by your work ethic alone. But tell me about you. How was it growing up in Canada?"
"If my dad was anybody but my dad, life might have been a little less tense. My father…I wouldn't say he ran a military style home but at the same time, he had to do what he could to keep order. Being one of the youngest of 12—
"12?! Your parents had 12 kids?"
"Yep."
"Wow. I can't even…imagine…So what are you? Number…?"
"11. Owen's the baby."
"That had to make for an interesting home life."
"It did. My father was a trainer. Trained a couple of the greatest technicians today including Owen and me. To say that I was always interested in wrestling professionally would be a lie. I never really wanted to become a wrestler but it's one of those things I felt obligated to do. I can just remember being 12 years old and dad asking me if I was going out for the wrestling team. Yeah, sure I told him. When you grew up in a house full of wrestlers and trainers you kind of didn't have much of a choice."
"Wow. So…you kind of did it more or less because he expected you to?"
"Yeah, something like that. My father will always tell you that he never pushed any of us to wrestle. It's true but the flip side of it is that he would have been disappointed in us since wrestling was in our blood so to speak."
"Ahh, I see. But you know, at least you had someone to support you. My parents to this day think wrestling is a joke. My dad let me do it because he believes every man should get out there and make his own mistakes. But I don't feel like this is a mistake. I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be."
"Then if you feel that way then don't worry about it. I think if you follow your heart then you'll never go wrong." They drank and talked about growing up for another hour or so, not even realizing that the bar was closing up. They had been talking for almost two hours nonstop and it wasn't until Shawn's watch beeped that they realized how late it was.
"Shoot it's almost 3am."
"Yikes. We should get going."
Ten minutes later they were stepping out of an elevator heading towards their rooms. Since Shawn's room was the first stop, Bret didn't figure any harm would come in walking with him. When they reached his door, Shawn turned to him and smiled.
"Thanks for the drink. I really needed it."
"Don't mention it. Thanks for the talk. At least now I know a little bit more about the person who's been worrying me half to death," he joked.
"I don't mean to. You shouldn't take what I say to heart so much. I'm still just getting used to being alone so of course I'm going to be a baby about it until I actually grow up."
"I tries but it's kind of hard when someone so beautiful is always crying."
"Beautiful?" Bret's face heated up quicker than a fire on a stove. Fuck I did it again! Why can't I control my words when I'm around him? Bret looked down at the floor avoiding Shawn's curious gaze.
"Uh…I mean…you know. You're a beautiful person and all," he added quickly. "I uh…just don't like it when you cry."
"You don't?" Bret looked up and met the most stirring pair of gentle eyes he'd ever seen. It was like they were drawing him nearer. Shawn was the first to look away but something in Bret wanted to see those eyes once more – just once more before he went to bed.
"Shawn." It came out more of a husky whisper than anything else which seemed to startle both him and the blonde. Shawn looked up at him, meeting his intense gaze. He smiled weakly before turning around fumbling with the room key. When he finally managed to get the door unlocked, he quickly turned to wave good-bye to Bret only to bump right into him. Shawn slowly raised his head, his eyes closing the instant he felt warm breath on his lips. Bret's lips were now touching Shawn's because at the moment, curiosity was winning over reason. "No…I don't," he whispered. "I don't like it when you cry."
Without thinking, Bret gently ran his fingers through Shawn's hair, clasping the back of his head and pressing their lips together. There was instant current that ran through Bret's body. He wasn't sure if Shawn felt it, but when his lips parted, Bret's tongue was more than eager to enter his mouth tasting him. He didn't know if it was the soft sound that Shawn made or the feel of his warm palms cupping the side of his face. His mind all of sudden started functioning and he drew back with a horrified look on his face. He opened his mouth attempting to say something. I'm sorry he mouthed before hurrying down the hall to his room, doomed to a sleepless night and the first of many.