AN: Most of my keys have been fixed. The only one still broken is the 'E' key but its okay for now. So here's another long ass chapter...

"What!" Hunter put aside his lap top and just stared at Jeff in disbelief. "You…you're kidding me right?" Jeff shook his head.

"Nope. Chris somehow managed to talk Vince into letting him do the interview but it was up to him to get Shawn and Bret to agree to it. If I'm not mistaken, Shawn only agreed to do the interview because John wanted him to."

"What?! Why the hell would he do that?" Hunter asked. "That's like…that's like suicide for the both of them. John should know…" Hunter laughed. "I can't even begin to tell you how many things are wrong with this scenario."

"It'll have to wait Hunty. I gotta go and get him before he does something drastic. Remember what happened with John…"

"Yeah. Alright. Go get him. Are you bringing him here?"

"I don't know. I'm just the driver. See you later sweetheart."

"Later." The door closed and now Hunter was alone for the first time in days. Ever since the incident with JBL a few weeks ago, Hunter was very hesitant to leave Jeff alone. He wanted Jeff to understand how much he loved him and was willing to do whatever it took. After almost losing him once he certainly didn't wish to rock the boat again. However, it was hard not to get involved in other people's business when it involved Shawn. Shawn and Hunter were no longer together but it sure as hell wasn't because they didn't love each other. They would always love each other but it was always better for them to remain friends rather than lovers and they were cool with it. But lovers or not, Hunter couldn't help but want to protect him even if he did belong to someone else and right now, he was fighting several urges.

He didn't know whether or not he should be furious at John, Chris, or both of them. The whole idea for such an interview screamed bad idea from the start so why the hell would anyone want to do it? Chris of all people should have known better in Hunter's mind. He'd been with Shawn before – briefly – but together nonetheless which meant he knew Shawn's history with Bret. Just what the hell was he playing at? As for John, he knew better as well. Hell all the rumors basically revealed that Shawn made that bogus deal with him months ago in order to save Bret's life. Nothing but unrequited love could have made someone sell their body and soul to another to protect a loved one. So John knew better yet he made Shawn do the interview. It just didn't make any sense to Hunter and now he wanted answers. Bret was and had always been a dangerous topic to discuss with Shawn. Even though Hunter was his best friend he could never get Shawn to talk about him. Not that he ever really wanted to considering…things, but there were still parts of Shawn and Bret's relationship that Hunter knew nothing about.

Hunter reached over on the nightstand and grabbed his cell. He dialed Chris' number silently pleading for the little prick to answer but he didn't. His phone was still turned off but Hunter didn't care. He left him a nice little message for him to return his call then leaned back against his pillows to wait. It was either that or hunt down John which always ended badly so he decided to wait. If he didn't hear from him soon he could always just stake out headquarters and wait for him there. Sounds like a plan…

-xx-

Chris watched as Shawn and Bret left the room in a hurry. He waited until he was sure both men were gone before he gave the camera guy permission to leave. He waited a few more minutes and then he too left the room, his heart weighing heavy inside his chest. He was fairly certain Shawn was in a hurry to get back to John but Chris wanted to intervene. He wanted to give JBL a piece of his mind even though he was just as much to blame as John.

"But Shawn, I want to do this for you. Not only would this be the interview of a lifetime but it will help the both of you put an end to a bitter place in your lives. You can both move on with no regrets and you Shawn, you can move on knowing that you at least tried to make amends. People will see this interview. They'll see you reaching out to him but if he refuses then he'll be the one to look bad. Not you."

Chris shook his head. I forced him into this interview. I made him feel like he could do it knowing full well that Bret's hold on him was probably stronger than ever. Why? Why didn't John stop him?!? Chris was now in the parking lot climbing inside of his Benz. He reached into his pocket having decided that he was going to call John but noticed that he had a missed call. He opened the phone and groaned. Hunter… That could only mean one thing but the question was, just how the hell did he find out? Chris was fairly certain the voice mail was a demand to talk so not wanting to waste any time, he called Hunter back to allow him to rant. It would at least give him time to decide whether not he still wanted to talk with John.

-xx-

John tried to focus on his paperwork but he just couldn't do it. He glanced down at his watch and saw that it was nearing 5 o'clock. He sighed tossing his papers to the side. Shawn had been gone all day and he was starting to worry about him. He wanted so badly to just pick up the phone and call him up but he couldn't do it. He wanted his kitten to know that he trusted him despite the ex lover being in the neighborhood. And anyway it was his idea for Shawn to do the interview to begin with. Shawn was against it from the very start because he didn't know how he'd actually react but John pushed for him to do it and in the end Shawn agreed if only to prove how much he loved him. The thought still made him cry though because it always reminded him of…things…

"Oh no. You say you hate me? Then fine. Hate me…and my money too. Make sure when you speak at Bret's funeral you tell his family that you let him die all because you're a selfish little brat!"

"No…John wait. Don't…DON'T DO THIS! YOU KNOW I CAN'T LEAVE!" he cried.

"Oh so you wanna stay? You hate my guts but you love my money?"

"Something like that but…I mean…"

"GET OUT!" John screamed. He opened the door for Shawn waiting for him to leave but instead, he ended up getting a punch in the face. Shawn slammed the door shut and stood in his face defiantly.

"I'm not leaving."

"Then you will do what I say or pay the price."

"Like I have much of a choice anyway," he grumbled. JBL was now furious. He grabbed Shawn's shoulders slamming him against the door. He placed a strong hand around Shawn's neck and began to squeeze slowly watching as Shawn's face began turning shades of pink and then blue.

"John…please…I…I can't breathe…" he choked.

"You should have thought about that before you decided to punch me in my face."

"I'm…I'm sorry…" JBL loosened his grip and watched slowly as the frail man before him took deep gasps of breath for air. Although a part of him wanted to feel remorse, he blocked it all out for the sake of himself. He was being too nice to Shawn, letting him get away with things he'd normally beat the hell out of others for. Well not anymore. That was all about to change right here and now.

"Shawn, sometimes sorry isn't enough. That being said, I think I'll put you to work tonight." Shawn glanced up at John, a small frown wrinkling his brow.

"Work?"

"Yeah you see Shawn, I'm beginning to think that maybe I've been a bit too nice to you lately and I need to make up for it," he smirked. Shawn was about to ask what he meant when JBL suddenly began loosening his tie. "I gave you a break last week Shawn because I was in a good mood. Of course, good mood or not, in the past, I would have beaten the hell out of you anyway for defying me. Well I hope you enjoyed your break because from here on out, you're definitely going to start earning your pay."

John wiped his eyes shaking his head angrily. He'd been so cruel to Shawn those first few weeks and to this day wondered how the hell Shawn managed to fall in love with him. Everyone knew John Layfield was an evil, manipulative bastard but only Shawn knew it was a wall. It was a wall until Shawn broke through it with his piercing blue eyes and his heart of gold. I don't deserve him. I know I don't which is why I hope Bret wins him over. I love him enough to let him go. He deserves so much better than me and I'm alright with it. I will miss him though… My Shawn…My kitten… John gave up the fight and decided it was time to get out for a while. He grabbed his favorite hat, called his driver and headed out the door.

-xx-

Shawn sat outside headquarters leaning against the building waiting patiently for Jeff to come and get him. Chris walked right by him and he was glad Chris didn't see him. In fact, he doubted Chris saw much of anything judging by the look on his face. But Shawn couldn't be bothered with worrying about Chris. He had his own problems and they just kept getting bigger.

"Shawn." He groaned not even bothering to look up.

"Go away." Bret moved to stand beside him leaning against the wall.

"This brings back memories."

"Don't," Shawn growled. "I've had enough reminiscing for one day."

"Don't be so angry with me princess."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Look…I'm sorry," he said humbly. "I just…I never expected this to happen. Hell this was the last thing I expected but now that it has I'm finding it just as hard to let you go now as it was years ago."

"Oh you sure had me fooled," he scoffed.

"Let's not fight."

"Let's not fight?" he asked indignantly. "Oh my…are you serious?"

"Shawn—

The blonde scrambled to his feet and shoved Bret against the wall.

"That's what we're supposed to do Bret!" he screamed. "We fight because we're rivals. Always have been and always will be."

"We were lovers first sweetheart."

"It…That doesn't matter!" His nostrils flared and his face was turning redder by the second. "You know full well that we've been screaming at each other through the media for years. This was supposed be the same only I was going to have a fair chance this time to defend myself. Stop pretending that you love me!"

"But I'm not pretending!"

"Go back to hating my guts Bret." Shawn turned away from him shaking his head in an attempt to fight off tears again. Right now Shawn felt like his heart was being torn in half. There was the love he felt for John, the overwhelming feeling of having found the man who completed him…and then there was Bret. Unlike John though, Shawn wasn't sure what to call his love for Bret. Was it true love that never really died or was it all in his head? Was it just a silly obsession caused by years of wishing he could finally make peace with him or was it just a temporary thing brought about from their reminiscing? Shawn didn't know and he didn't really care right now. All that mattered was getting AWAY from Bret so he could think. Bret moved to stand in front of him, his gaze as all knowing as ever.

"What?" Shawn snapped. "What now?"

"Nothing. I just…like seeing you. I haven't seen you in person for years and now that I have I can't keep my eyes off of you. You're still so beautiful."

"Stop…saying things like that!" he snapped irritably.

"You know what I think your problem is?" his voice now serious.

"What? What is my problem since you seem to know everything else about me?"

"I think you do still care about me but you don't want to hear it because admitting you care would put a dent in your relationship with John."

"That's not—

"Yeah right," he scoffed. "And you kissing me back in the hall just now was nothing right?" he challenged. Shawn shook his head.

"I…you…I didn't want to…"

"But you did," he answered closing the gap between them. "And when you did it gave me hope." He cupped the side of Shawn's face drawing him near.

"No…no please…" But it was useless. He was powerless to stop Bret and maybe a part of him didn't really want to. The way Bret just took control over him…It was just like it was years ago. Shawn just couldn't say no to him no matter how hard he tried. Before he knew it Bret's lips were on his kissing him. Bret commanded his lips deepening the kiss until Shawn just folded into him. Bret wrapped his arms around Shawn never realizing that they were being watched.

-xx-

When Jeff pulled up in front of headquarters all he could do was watch with his mouth wide open. Shawn and Bret's lips were locked in a heated kiss that could probably put his and Hunter's kisses to shame. Jeff shook his head. This was not looking good at all. Jeff half wondered whether or not he should get out of the truck or blow the horn but he decided that subtle wasn't his thing. Jeff left the engine running and got out of the truck.

"Hey Shawn!" he yelled. He watched as Shawn jumped then instantaneously shoved Bret away. Bret grabbed Shawn's arm, whispered something in his ear before allowing the blonde to get away. As Shawn got nearer Jeff could see the tears streaming down his face. "Oh Shawn. I'm sorry." Shawn didn't say anything. He just ran into Jeff's arms allowing the younger man to comfort him. "I'm sorry," Jeff repeated. "I should have gotten here sooner."

"It's okay. Just…just get me out of here." Jeff looked up hoping he could get a good look at Bret but he was long gone.

"Where to?" he asked. "I could take you back to the room but just so you know Hunter's there." Shawn pulled away and shrugged.

"I don't know what to do Jeff. I really want to just get back to John but I'm afraid Jeff. I'm so afraid," he choked. "You saw…I know you saw…"

"Yeah I saw," he winced. "Come on. Let's get you out of here. We'll talk about it on our way to get ice cream." He kissed the top of Shawn's head before leading him away making a mental note to question Hunter later about a few things.

-xx-

Hunter's phone rang and he quickly flipped it open after seeing it was Chris.

"Hunter."

"What do you want?" Chris asked. "And please don't start with me about anything you know nothing about because today is not the day Hunter. I swear to God I'll hang up the phone," he threatened. Judging by the tone of Chris' voice, Hunter was now certain that things weren't going too well at the interview. Still it wasn't going to stop him from asking about it. He decided to tread lightly…for now.

"How's Shawn?"

"Fine I guess."

"Alright. How's Bret?"

"I guess he's fine too. Why you asking me?"

"Because you're the one doing the damn interview knowing full well of their history," he growled. "Tell me Chris. Are you really that thick?"

"Of course not!" he snapped. "I knew what I was getting into. If anything I half expected them to scream at each other for a majority of the interview. I figured the worse that could happen would be that I'd have to cancel on account of one of them leaving."

"Yeah but it didn't work out that way did it?"

"Hunter look—

"Do you really hate Layfield that much to ruin what he has with Shawn?"

"No I…wait a fucking minute Hunter. How dare you even…?!? You're one to talk! I'm not the one who beat the hell out of him with a sledgehammer then left him for dead on the hood of a limo! And for your information I wasn't doing it to get back at John! I was doing it to help Shawn move on…and maybe get the scoop for my Highlight Reel but nothing any more selfish than you!" he spat.

"I had nothing but good intentions when I kicked Layfield's ass. It just so happens that I only knew one half of the story but you…you know the history of Shawn and Bret yet you are willing to sacrifice Layfield's happiness for a scoop? That's low even for me. I'd have never touched Layfield if I'd have known the truth."

"Yeah right Hunter." Chris' voice was shaky now and it was taking everything he had not to cry over the phone. He was truly sorry for doing this interview but he be damned if Hunter was going to pin the whole Layfield incident on him.

"So how is Shawn? Is he about to run off with Bret? I swear to God Chris—

"Now you listen to me you big nosed bastard. You were not in that room so you have no right to start yelling at me about Shawn. Yeah so maybe I am having second thoughts about this interview but it's actually helping more than you think. Bret and Shawn are no longer screaming at each other. In fact, Bret was happy to see Shawn and actually forgave him for the incident in Montreal."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa there loudmouth. Slow down. Let me…let me get this straight. You mean to tell me Bret actually forgave—

"Yeah that's right. Forgave and wants to forget but Shawn wants no part of it. He thinks only of John all the while defending you of all people." Hunter sat up on the bed frowning.

"Huh? What about me?"

"Apparently you're to blame for a lot of Shawn and Bret's problems but we haven't gotten that far yet but I can't wait to hear about it. I always knew you were a selfish son of a bitch." Hunter scowled at the sudden amusement in Chris' voice. There was nothing amusing about this at all in his book and just the fact that his name was brought up made him even more dangerously curious about the whole interview.

"Chris…how'd my name come up?"

"None. Of. Your. Business." Hunter stood to his feet and started pacing the room angrily.

"Chris, I'm not playing man. My patience is wearing thin and unless you want to end up like Layfield—

"You'll do nothing," Chris answered dryly. "You'll do nothing because of Jeff and Shawn." Hunter remained silent though he was furious as hell. He wanted nothing more than to go through the phone and pound the hell out of Chris but that wasn't possible. And to anger him even more, he had to admit that Chris was right. He could never hurt Chris because Shawn would have a fit and Jeff would undoubtedly leave him again which he did not want. So he took a deep breath and tried again.

"Fine. You win but…please, please at least tell me how my name was brought up. Jeff is on his way to pick up Shawn and it's possible that they're on their way here. At least…at least tell me what I'm getting myself into." There was a long pause before Chris finally spoke up.

"The interview somehow turned into the story of how the two of them hooked up," he answered softly, his voice showing hints of sadness that Hunter easily picked up on. "They uh…a lot of things were revealed today Hunter that would make your blood boil but it's not my place to tell you. But when it was all said and done, Bret told Shawn that he still loved him and your name was mentioned as the reason the two of them didn't make it." Hunter was at a lost for words but he couldn't honestly say that he hadn't expected it. Bret and Hunter were never actually friends. One could almost say they were bitter enemies from the start.

"I see." Just what the hell did they talk about today?

"Yeah uh…listen I got to run. I really need to…figure some things out. If they both come back then tomorrow's going to be one hell of a day and I need time to prepare."

"Uh…right. Say Chris. One more thing. Just…honestly…how exactly did the two of them leave this afternoon? Is it…possible that Shawn and Bret…?" Chris knew what he was asking and while the truth was normally the best answer, Chris feared a lie was best for this conversation.

"Uh…I don't know," he lied. "It's hard to say. Like I said, Shawn cried out for John several times during the interview. He was planning to leave half way through it but Bret wouldn't let him. I…I'll talk to you later."

The line went dead and Hunter dropped to the bed staring at his phone in disbelief. He was now itching to call Shawn's cell and find out for himself what happened. He knew that he couldn't just flat out ask but he could always tell by his tone of voice how angry or sad he was. But I can't call him now. He's with Jeff and I don't want Jeff to think nothing of it…Damn you Chris! Damn you Bret! Hunter groaned. He now wished he could have been in on this interview even though he hated Bret about as much as Bret hated him. He was certain if they ever saw each other they would kill each other but that could wait. He just needed to know the status of Shawn's relationship with John and he needed to know soon. Damn. Jeff has the keys. Hunter laid down on the bed with the phone in his hand. He'd have to wait until Jeff got back with the truck before he could do anything which was probably a good thing. At least with the truck gone he wouldn't be tempted to look for Bret.

-xx-

Chris fumbled with his card key but was shocked when the door suddenly swung open. Chris' mood suddenly got ten times better at the sight of his new good friend.

"Oh Mike." Chris just sort of stumbled forward wrapping his arms around Mike. Mike (The Miz) returned the embrace with no questions asked. He and Chris had become close friends in the last month or so all because of a series of crazy events surrounding Shawn. Whether he knew it or not, Chris had been terribly hurt after the events involving Shawn's deal with JBL and unbeknownst to him, he needed Mike more than ever right not. It was the same for Mike. He'd never admit it to anyone but Chris kept him from feeling so alone especially since John was now dating Mark. John was always trying to get him to hang out with them but Mike always refused. It just wasn't cool being the third wheel even though Mark insisted it was alright. Chris suddenly pulled away and smiled. "I'm so glad you're still here."

"And leave you knowing what kind of potential disaster you were getting into? I don't think so," he grinned. He grabbed Chris' hand pulling him inside the room. He led him over to the bed where they sat in silence for a minute. As Mike watched Chris, he could tell that something was really bothering him. He looked so sad and Mike half wondered if he was missing Shawn again. The thought made him feel sad as well.

"I don't understand," Chris finally spoke up.

"What don't you understand?" Chris shook his head.

"I'm…I'm sorry Mike. I know you don't wanna—

"No," he reassured. "That's what I'm here for. Talk to me. You've been nothing but a good friend to me these past few weeks. I don't mind listening and you never know. I might be of some help…maybe."

"Alright. Well…I guess you figured that the interview isn't going so well."

"Well…yeah. You look kind of…sad," he answered honestly.

"I am sad but not because of my feelings for Shawn. It's…I just…I'm starting to think this interview was a really bad idea and if Shawn breaks up with John then there's no way I can blame anyone but myself."

"But why?" Mike asked. "You were only trying to help."

"Yeah…but…" He shook his head. "It was more than that Mike. Sometimes I try to take advantage of certain situations in order to benefit myself. This was one of those times."

"What do you mean?"

"I kind of…I mean I knew the history of Shawn and Bret and…well okay. So I did want them to resolve things and give Shawn a fair chance to clear his name but underneath all of that, I really just wanted to go down in history as the guy who got the scoop. The whole truth about Montreal. The one thing that no one else has been able to do. I didn't really take the time to think about the 99 ways this whole thing could go wrong."

"Oh…wow," he winced. "So…it's not going so well is it?" Chris just laughed but somehow Mike just knew it wasn't because it was really funny.

"No…I…it's actually going well depending on your idea of 'well'."

"Uh…" Mike thought about this for a second. Knowing the history of Bret and Shawn's rivalry well could only mean one thing.

"They aren't fighting?" he asked incredulously.

"No, not any more."

"But…why are you so sad?" Mike asked. "Shouldn't it be easier to get the info you need with them not fighting?" Chris shook his head.

"No. Actually…I think this is just as bad." Chris leaned back on the bed staring up at the ceiling. Mike did the same taking his place next to Chris.

"Why? Why is this so much worse?"

"You…I could tell you but…if you were there…if you'd have seen it…John's going to flip…and it's all my fault." Chris covered his face and started to sob with his friend looking over at him with a feeling of helplessness. As Chris sobbed Mike felt like his heart was breaking in two. Never. He'd never seen Chris cry before. He was usually always so strong and did a pretty good job of hiding his feelings and picking up on other people's moods but not right now. Right now his guard was completely down and he was crying…in front of Mike. Mike felt a tear roll down his cheek and realized that he needed to do something – anything to let Chris know that he cared. He rolled over on top of his friend and laid his head on his chest. Chris' hands slowly fell around the kid holding him tightly in place.

"Mike." Mike raised his head meeting Chris' gaze. He wasn't sure what he was asking but whatever he needed he was down for whatever. Chris raked his fingers through Mike's hair and noticing for the first time ever how concerned he looked. Chris smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry Mike."

"It's okay. Just know that I'll always be here for you if you need me."

"Thanks. It means a lot." The kid flashed him a warm smile that made Chris smile in return. "So…are you leaving anytime soon?"

"Well…I'm in no hurry to get home if that's what you mean. It's not exactly entertaining being at home alone."

"Ahh…well…if you don't have any plans, I could really use a smiling face around me for the next day or two. The interview isn't quite over according to Bret but I wish him the best of luck getting Shawn to show up tomorrow. But in the event Shawn decides to finish it up, I'll need a friend around."

"You really didn't have to ask," he grinned. "Of course I'll hang around." Mike rolled off of him then grabbed his keys jingling them at the door. "Come on blondie! Let's go!"

"Go? Go where?"

"Food! I'm starving! I've been waiting all day to eat and now that you're finally back…"

"Alright, alright. Gee. So demanding." He quickly scurried to the door not really caring that his pants were probably badly wrinkled now. He smiled as a very enthusiastic Mike led him out the door.

AN: Most of you have read part one which is 'The Deal' but if you haven't I think you should. The reason is because what happened in part one will continue to pop up in this one from time to time and it will effect the ending of this one. This is the official sequel to the 'The Deal' which means all of the other couples or friends will be making their debut soon and with good reason. I know a lot of you are probably agreeing with JBL but you'd have to understand what he went through with Shawn in order to understand their love. The same thing goes for Hunter, Jeff, Adam, Randy, Mark...all of them will end up in this soon and... things WILL get very ugly soon. Trust me. You know when it involves Shawn that means craziness, secrets and lots of angst. Hope you enjoyed the update!