"Are you…Are you positive? John's really gone?"

Chris wiped his eyes. "Yea…yeah. I mean, why would Mark lie to me about something… God Bret... Shawn's going to freak! I gotta…"

"No, you can't," Mike soothed. "It's late. You're tired. Don't…we'll have to wait and deal with it in the morning."

"But Shawn—

"No…he's right," Bret answered. "As much as I want to storm over there to be with him, I can't. Shawn's probably sound asleep and it won't do to wake him with news like this. We'll just…have to wait and see how things are when he wakes up. In the meantime I need to run. Chris, I plan to be at the interview in the morning but I might be late. Just depends on what the morning has in store for us. I expect you to be a good friend and call me if you hear anything else."

Chris merely nodded, only half aware of what was being said. Soon there was the soft sound of the door closing and that's when Chris finally let it out. He just fell into Mike's arms sobbing. Mike held his friend tightly, tears streaming down his face as well. It hurt to see Chris so torn up like this, especially when he was always so confident. Right now though Chris couldn't look any weaker as if he didn't have a strong bone in his body.

"I'm sorry…Mike. I'm so…Shawn's going to…"

"Maybe he won't."

"Oh no. He will. I know he will. You weren't there that night Mike. You didn't see his face when he found JBL lying lifeless on the hood of that limo. He was…and then his face…the way he looked at me – at all of us. Disgust and I swore to myself that I'd never look at that face again but it's coming…God Mike I'm so stupid." Mike wrapped his arms tighter around Chris as he sobbed into his chest.

"It will be alright Chris. Please…Don't cry," Mike pleaded but he really had no idea what was going on in Chris' head…

Hunter allowed Shawn to pound away at his chest until he finally broke down. "I hate you…I hate you all," he choked. Hunter wrapped his arms around Shawn bringing him close but Shawn violently pushed him away. He stumbled backwards a bit holding his hand out. "No…stay…away from me," he breathed.

"But Shawn—

"I said SHUT UP!" he screamed. "I don't wanna hear anything you have to say. I fucking hate you!"

"Shawn we were only trying to—

"Trying to what Hunter? Help?" Shawn laughed a little. His laughed wasn't at all warm and fuzzy. Instead it came off as evil…mad even making the vey hairs on some of the guys arms stand. Shawn stumbled around in a circle looking at all of the guys. None of them would meet his gaze which made him laugh again. Shawn laughed and laughed as he tried to make some sense of it all but his laughter soon turned to tears when his eyes fell back on JBL's limo. He dropped to his knees and just sobbed…

And it only got worse that night. Shawn continued to plead on John's behalf but no one was buying it. In fact they all laughed at him like he was crazy or something and it didn't help that one of Shawn's closest friends betrayed him; that friend being Chris himself…

"What?" Hunter laughed. "Shawn, we were trying to protect you from that big oaf over there. I know there's a reason you two were together and after he let you get raped, I be damned if I was going to just sit there and let him get away with it. And I'm still kind of tripping over you right now. I can't believe you would give him the time of day, especially after that happened!"

"He's my boyfriend Hunter!" Shawn snapped.

"I agree with Paul," Sean added. "I mean, he's not even your type Shawny. Besides, from what I hear he's a total creep. Treats you like shit and even knocked you around a couple of times."

"Wha…what? Who told you that? Was it Cena?" Shawn turned to face Cena who was frantically shaking his head.

"No. Shawn I swear to God I never said anything. I…would never…I mean…"

"Don't blame Cena Shawn. It was me. I told Hunter about John."

"Chris?" Chris pushed his way past Cena and so did Adam, who quickly grabbed the arm of his lover keeping his distance. Everyone else just watched as Chris approached the seething blonde. "Why Chris? Why did you tell Hunter? It wasn't your business to tell."

"Because I couldn't stand the sight of you being hurt anymore Shawn. You come to the arena with black eyes, whelps, and you even flinch now when people reach out to you—

"I WAS RAPED CHRIS! WHAT DID YOU FUCKING EXPECT?"

"You had bruises before you were raped Shawn," Cena added. Shawn's eyes were filling up with water again and while Cena felt bad for Shawn, he also felt he was obligated to voice the truth. "I know it's not my business Shawn but Chris is right. You came to the arena several times in severe pain. You even tried to drown yourself!"

"Shawn, you can't hide from the truth anymore," Chris said softly. "I love you – we all love you and everyone just has your best interest at heart. I for one can't stand to see you all bruised up."

"And I hate holding you in my arms and seeing you wince in pain," Cena added.

"Oh God, seriously?" Shawn screamed. "So all of this is because you guys have MY best interest at heart?"

"Yeah Shawn. I mean, I didn't figure they would go this far but for the most part, everyone out here's just trying to help."

"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!" Shawn shouted. "I'M FINE! MY LIFE IS…IS MY LIFE AND I DON'T NEED YOU GUYS BUTTING INTO IT!"

"Obviously you do because you're stuck in a relationship—

"I'M NOT STUCK…in a relationship Chris. I am in one because I want to be!"

"That's a lie and you know it," Chris snapped. He got right in Shawn's face staring him down. "You can hit me…you can do whatever you want Shawn but since we're trying to get everything out in the open, how about you come clean with the real reason you're with JBL. Why don't you tell everyone the truth Shawn."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Oh don't give me that!" Chris snapped. "Tell them all why you're really with JBL or I'll do it myself. I hate that things got a bit violent tonight but one can't help but feel he deserved it. He forced you into a relationship, beat you senseless and even let you get raped? That right there is a resume for an ass-whooping. Now tell them Shawn. You're not with JBL because you want to be so stop this fucking act!"

"Act? You…you think this is an act?" he asked incredulously. He looked around at the Kliq members and some of them shrugged in agreement. Even Hunter had a doubtful look on his face. "I…I don't believe this. I'm hurting right now. I'm hurting more than you can possibly imagine and the best argument you got against my relationship with John is that I'm acting? That I'm pretending to care for him?"

"It's got to be an act," Chris reasoned. "Why else would you take up for someone who threatened to let your ex lover die?"

"I was so proud of what I did but I was wrong." Chris shook his head. "I can't…I can't face him Mike," he choked. "I can't bear to see him like that anymore. I'm…I've made up my mind. I'm going to cancel the interview." Chris allowed Mike to help him over to the bed. His legs barely made it and gave way just as he reached the bed. Mike crossed the room to kill the lights then crawled on the bed next to Chris. Chris pulled Mike against him holding him tightly from behind. "I'm so glad you're here," he whispered. "I don't think I could have handled being alone. My head…I can't stop myself from thinking about that night. God Mike…we were so cruel to him. And John…poor John…but Shawn loves him so much. It took us forever to understand it. Hell we barely understand it now but John's come so far… He's actually okay to be around. Oh Mike…"

"It's okay Chris. Don't…You can't keep beating yourself up about it. We don't know what's going to happen in a couple of hours not to mention Bret's still in the picture. If John left on behalf of Bret then maybe Bret has a strong enough hold over Shawn to reason with him. Or if not reason, at least calm him down. I don't think you have to worry too much because it's not entirely your fault. If anything it's Bret's fault. All of this – including the deal Shawn made with John to begin with."

"Yeah but Bret doesn't know about it."

"And I'm not saying you should tell him but if it comes down to it you just might have to burst his bubble."

"But Shawn didn't want him to know."

"But you know as well as I do that Bret's the reason for all of this. In fact, you could almost say he's the reason Shawn fell in love with John in the first place. Use it if you need to. You don't have to suffer all by yourself because it's not all you Chris."

"I…I'm hoping I won't have to. I really am cancelling the interview. I can't…This…In all of a few short hours those two had me in tears. I can't handle it anymore Mike. I can't… Do you blame me?"

Mike suddenly shifted, turning to him in the darkness. "No…I don't. You do what you feel is right Chris and I'll stand by your side. I promise." Mike leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "Get some sleep. We have lots to take care of in a few hours and I want you with your game face on." Because something tells me he's going to need it…

~***~

When Bret got back to his room, he wasted no time falling into bed. He was completely exhausted yet his mind refused to shut off just yet. Shawn. All he could think about was Shawn and how sad he was probably going to be when he got the news. A part of Bret wanted to celebrate his victory over John. With John's sudden departure it meant his job of winning Shawn over was going to be that much easier. On the other hand, a part of him couldn't help but feel a strong dislike towards John; so strong in fact that it made him want to hunt him down and beat the hell out of him for abandoning him.

If Chris or Shawn could hear his thoughts they'd probably call him a hypocrite, but Bret was far from it. When he left Shawn 12 years ago, he had a very good reason and hopefully Shawn would stick around for the other part of the interview to hear him out. He was determined to win him back but he would have to hear his side of the story. He would have to hear the version that he never mentioned in all his other interviews.

But that would have to wait. Right now Bret wasn't sure Shawn would even show up later which meant he would be spending the day trying to get in his good graces. Shouldn't be all that difficult now that John was out of the picture but then there's Hunter.

Bret scowled. That big nosed son-of-a-bitch always had a knack for inserting himself where he didn't belong and from the looks of it, he'd had found him an emo version of Shawn since the real one didn't want him anymore. The thought made Bret laugh. They seemed right for each other though and he could tell by the way they interacted that they were deeply in love but Bret didn't care. He was convinced now more than ever that Hunter's the reason they broke up. After seeing Shawn today there's just no way he could ever dream of leaving him. Just seeing his beautiful eyes and kissing those lips reminded him all over again why he fell for him in the first place. Love at first sight. Some people say it doesn't exist but Bret was more than certain he and Shawn were the exception.

Bret rolled over and groaned. He didn't ask for this. He didn't plan on this happening either. If anything he figured he'd take one more look at Shawn just to make sure he still hated him but after hearing about Marty and reliving their first time together, there was no way he could deny anything anymore. Those feeling were just as strong as ever and even now all he could think about was making love to his Shawn. Bret closed his eyes letting the sweet sounds that Shawn made earlier that day send him to a peaceful slumber.

~***~

Mike didn't get much sleep that night which was why when his phone started vibrating a few hours later he was more than eager to answer it. He looked down and saw that it was JoMo calling. He wasted no time picking it up.

"Hello? John?" he whispered.

"Hey…Mike, are you alright? Why are you—

"Because Chris is still asleep. Wait…hold on a sec." Mike somehow managed to ease away from Chris and quietly made his way towards the restroom closing the door behind him. "I'm back."

"Alright. So…how are things? I was with Mark when he got the call from John this morning. I wish I could have stuck around but you know we have a show to tape tonight."

"Yeah uh…not good." Mike caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and frowned. "I look like shit."

"Yeah but that's nothing new," his friend joked.

"Shut up. How's Marky?"

"He's good. Pissed off at John though. We both can't believe he would just take off like that."

"Yeah well Chris isn't too happy about it either but I'm thinking Mark's taking this a lot better than Chris."

"How you figure?"

"Well…" Mike peered through the crack he left in the door and saw that Chris was still sleeping. He sighed. "He's…scared John. And he's been crying – a lot. Something about that incident from a few months ago. It's got him so shaken up. He's even cancelling the interview."

"Wow. That's…but does Shawn and Bret know?"

"Not yet. They'll know when they get there I suppose. I don't think Chris can bring himself to call Shawn. Every time his name is brought up Chris loses it. I mean Christ. I heard about what happened but…was it really that bad?"

"Dude. You have no idea. I got the full story from Mark and Adam and let me tell you Shawn was not happy. But Hunter…those guys really did a number on John."

"And Bret's about to get the same treatment when Hunter finds out."

"What do you mean?"

"Hunter and Bret had a run in late last night. I'm not going to lie. It wasn't pretty but they managed not to come to blows…yet. Hunter basically told Bret to back off or else he would get the same kind of treatment John got."

"Oh fuck. Well that's not good."

"I didn't think so."

"Well…I should probably talk with Mark about what's going down on your end. But it's just too bad that I can't be there ya know? I want to help. I want to be there for you and Mark but duty calls."

"Yeah I know but don't worry. I got it under control."

"I know you do Mikey. Take care of Chris. I'm sure he could use someone like you right now. Shawn was his closest friend despite all the fighting they did. He still feels bad about ruining it so you do what you can to help him. I'll see you guys soon."

"Alright. Thanks for checking in John."

"No problem. Love you Mikey."

"Love you too. Later."

Mike put his phone away and sighed. He really missed having John in his life but he knew it was high time to move on. He splashed some water on his face, brushed his teeth then headed out the bathroom only to bump right into Chris.

"Oh…Chris. I didn't know… How long have you been standing there?" he asked stammering.

"Long enough to see that you're worried. Come here." Chris pulled Mike closer to him embracing him in a warm hug. "I'm fine. I really am and just so you know, I slept pretty good."

"You…did?"

"Oh yeah and I'm thinking it's thanks to a new friend of mine whose been nothing but good to me since we started hanging out."

This made Mike blush so he looked away, hoping to hide his reaction. "It's…nothing. You're my…closest friend now. I can't help but to worry."

"And I'm glad you do. It feels good to know that I have someone around who cares for me. I'm…sorry about you though. I know I seem out of it all the time – especially lately but I promise to be more wary of your feelings from now on."

Mike looked up and frowned. "But Chris, I'm fine. You really needn't worry about me."

"I…I figured you say that but you can't have been happy with the way I've been treating you lately. I mean, I know we're not…lovers or anything but I still feel like I should treat you better."

"You've been going through a tough time. It's my job to be your shoulder to lean on."

"Maybe but it's also my job to show you that I appreciate your friendship. I do and I promise one of these days I'll make it up to you. I don't know how yet but I will. I promise." Chris kissed the top of his head before pushing past him for the restroom. The door closed with a click and then came the sound of rushing water.

Instead of crossing the room, Mike merely leaned against the door, his legs barely holding him up as he thought about Chris' promise. It was an unnecessary promise to make considering Mike had no plans of ever abandoning him. In fact, he really didn't want anything from Chris except to be with him…all the time. Like a…lover. Stupid Mike. Don't think like that! Besides, he'd have to love me first and I'm sure love is the farthest thing from his mind… With a sigh, Mike hurried across the room to find something to wear for the long day that awaited both him and Chris.

~***~

Shawn woke up the next morning to the sound of the alarm on his phone. He groaned. He was comfortable and did not wish to move from his warm bed but he knew he had to. His alarm was set for 10 am which meant he already had about an hour to dress and make it to headquarters on time. Shawn reached over and grabbed his phone off the desk shutting it off. Stifling a yawn, he sat up in bed allowing his eyes to adjust to the unkind light entering his room from the sun. After a minute or two, he finally willed himself to go start his shower. As he was coming out of the restroom, he suddenly realized that he was alone. I could have sworn John was here last night…or did I dream it all? Shawn hurried towards the bed stopping when he spotted John's favorite pink tie on the floor. Smiling, he picked it up bringing it to his nose breathing in the familiar smell.

"Ahhh…Shawny…kitten…please…," he moaned. "You're too wet and hot…Ahh fuck!" Shawn's tongue was teasing his slit so much that he couldn't stop cum from leaking through. "Ohhh….kitten…no more…I need…" Shawn's mouth moved up and down slowly over is shaft purposely prolonging John's relief.

"Tell me you love me John."

"I…fuck I love you!" he screamed. Shawn smiled as his hand moved to cup John's balls giving them a hard squeeze. John gripped the sheets even tighter begging Shawn to let him cum.

"Cum for me now John." Shawn covered him completely, holding him down while he released in his mouth…

Shawn frowned. "It wasn't a dream. He was here and now he's not." Shawn sat down on the edge of the bed thinking to himself. He was starting to remember the events from the day before and with each passing second he was growing restless. When John came to him yesterday he was really upset. Not at him but at himself for making Shawn do the interview. He was starting to feel the strain that came along with Bret Hart and was ready to throw in the towel on their relationship. But I wouldn't let him. I told him I wanted to stay with him… He promised not to give up on us… Or did he? Shawn jumped to his feet and started pacing the room. What did I say to him last night? Dammit Shawn think! He can't be gone away? No…

"I'm over reacting," he said calmly. "Maybe he went out for breakfast." Maybe yet he still couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong but he wasn't going to dwell on it. Shawn chose to ignore the bad feeling and hop in the shower. He stayed in the shower for a little over an hour which meant he was late for the interview, but he didn't care. He really didn't want to go back anyway and if it wasn't for the fact that he wanted to prove to John that he loved him, he wouldn't even bother.

Shawn put on some comfortable jeans and a white button down with some timbs. Since he had no idea where his hair twister was he had no choice but to wear his hair down. He really didn't want to considering it would only tempt Bret but he'd have to find a way to deal with it. Bret is not going to get to me today. No matter what I will fight him off and return to my John. That's what he kept telling himself but even as he thought it, he knew it was easier said than done.

~*~*~

Chris took a deep breath and headed inside headquarters. He decided to come alone rather than drag his friend Mike with him. Mike had already done enough and he was fairly certain he could handle this on his own. Mike had been so adamant about coming. In fact, it was kind of sweet the way he acted…

"Chris, are you sure you don't want me to come with?"

"I'll be alright," he laughed. "You worry too much."

"Can you really blame me?" he grumbled.

Chris smirked, highly amused at Mike. His arms were folded across his chest and he was actually pouting. It was so cute that Chris almost said it out loud but he caught himself. He smiled closing the gap between them. Mike looked up at him but he was still pouting. Chris laughed. "Can you stop that pouting?" he joked. "It's not going to change my mind you know. As much as I pout, you can't win with that one against the master of pouting."

Mike finally unfolded his arms, a smile lighting up his handsome face. "Fine, but you be sure to check in with me later. If you somehow end up staying just…know that I'm here for you."

"I know you are."

Chris didn't even realize he was standing outside the interview room. He had been so lost in thought that he barely registered where he was going.

"Hey Chris. Have you seen Bret?"

Chris jumped at the sound of Shawn's voice. "Shawn!" he exclaimed. "Wow. Uh…" Chris blinked several times to make sure he was seeing clearly but he was not mistaken. Shawn was definitely standing there – in the flesh – looking as beautiful as ever. And he looked…fine. Chris frowned half wondering if this was a joke. He wanted to ask about John but for fear of getting screamed at, he decided to play along. "Uh…how are you?" he asked, doing his best to remain cautious.

"I'm fine," he answered. "So where's Mr. Ego? He had better show up or else. I could be somewhere with my lover."

"Mr. Ego is right here." Both Shawn and Chris looked up to see Bret coming off the elevator. Shawn had to make himself look away from those alluring eyes, not to mention Bret was dressed to turn heads. He was wearing some very nice dark slacks and a light pink button down shirt. Of course Bret had to show off. His shirt was only half buttoned, showing off his perfect chest adorned with a silver chain necklace that read "Angel". Shawn refused to look at him. He knew Bret's game but he wasn't falling for it. He wasn't going to let him…

"What were you saying about my ego beautiful?" he teased. He was now standing between Chris and Shawn, his fingers moving to casually twirl a strand of the blonde hair he loved so much. Shawn snatched away glaring at him.

"Don't touch me," he warned. "I'm setting the ground rules now. No more of that stunt you pulled yesterday Bret. I mean it."

"It wasn't a stunt princess."

"And…for Christ's sake stop calling me that!" he snapped irritably.

"Fine. So let's get this show on the road shall we?"

"Uh…" Chris looked back and forth between the two of them. In all honesty he hadn't expected either one of them to show up, especially Shawn considering John had left him but then…Shawn wasn't exactly acting the way Chris imagined him to act. He was calmer than expected which led Chris to believe that maybe Shawn had absolutely no idea that John was gone. The lightbulb went off in his head and for a second he almost blurted it out. So John's gone but Shawn has no idea… That's got to be it. So now what?

"Chris? I'd really like to get a move on so I can get back to John. I don't want him to think I've run off."

Bret smirked. "I doubt you should be in much of a hurry love. By the time we're done here today, you'll be back in my bed writhing underneath me from sheer, unimaginable pleasure," he joked.

"Oh you give yourself way too much credit," Shawn mumbled.

"We'll see."

"Chris, can we please get this show on the road?" Shawn begged.

"Uh…well…we can…it's just that…I kind of assumed neither of you would want to finish this so—

"Oh no," Shawn growled. "We are finishing this up and we're going to finish it all today. I am having a hard enough time as it is but I'm going to tough it out – at least for John anyway."

"And you know I want to finish," Bret grinned. "I got too much on the line to stop now."

Chris sighed. "Fine. We'll continue. I'll just go inside and set things up." Chris fumbled to unlock the door as quickly as he could before heading inside leaving the two ex lovers out in the hall. Shawn could feel Bret's eyes on him making him nervous. He hated it. He hated that stare. Bret was always able to undress him with his eyes adding to the uncomfortable tension. Finally after several seconds of this Shawn snapped.

"Dammit Bret will you stop it?! I know what you're doing and I wish you'd stop. It's rude to stare you know."

Bret smiled. "You didn't used to mind."

"That was before I had any kind of sense." Bret chuckled as he moved closer to the blonde. Shawn held up his hands but Bret merely clasped his wrists, pulling his arms down like he used to. "Bret don't…" He backed Shawn against the wall boring into him with eyes filled with lust. Shawn was practically paralyzed from his stare.

"Then how come you sound so weak?" he asked softly. His hand moved to caress Shawn's face but Shawn looked away.

"Don't touch me."

Bret moved closer to Shawn, bending his head to kiss the exposed flesh around Shawn's neck. "Why not? Why can't I touch my princess?"

"You just can't now please stop!" he snapped though it came out as more of a plea than anything else. Bret was not convinced and decided to push his luck. He bit down on Shawn's flesh drawing a slight hiss from him. "St-st-stop it!" he breathed.

"I can't help it," Bret answered weakly. "I love you too much." He guided a hand up Shawn's body stopping only to clasp his chin, forcing him to look at him. "And I think you still have feelings for me too."

Shawn was trapped and while he hated to admit it, Bret was right. He did have feelings for him but he still wasn't sure how strong they were.

"Please…don't…"

"I want you Shawn. Just…give in to me…like you used to." Shawn couldn't look away and before he knew it, Bret's lips were engaging his in a kiss. He fought it at first, refusing to allow him to command him until Bret's other hand made its way between his legs. "Stop fighting me," he whispered. He caressed Shawn there making him moan.

"Ahh…no Bret please…" he moaned but it was just enough for Bret to enter, exploring his cavern like he'd never tasted him before. Shawn was weak against him, his lips now responding against his will from the power of Bret's kiss.

Chris cleared his throat. "You guys? You can…come in now."

Bret slowly pulled away from Shawn, smiling at the angry look he was getting. He grabbed Shawn's hand, bringing it to his lips. "Shall we?" Shawn snatched away from him and stormed into the room ahead of him. Chris started to follow but Bret grabbed his shoulder. "Just a sec Chris. Have you…talked to Shawn about John yet?"

Chris shook his head. "No, and I can't help but wonder whether or not he knows about it."

"I was thinking the same thing. So do you think we should tell him?"

Chris frowned. "You're not going to say a word. If anything I should be the one to tell him though…" He sighed. "I really can't bear to see him like he was once before."

"Then don't tell him."

Chris frowned. "You just don't want me to tell him for your own selfish reasons."

"That's not true Chris and you know it," he growled. "You should know me better than that. I've always fought for what I wanted and I always fight fair. Shawn can even vouch for me on that. It's guys like you and Hunter who could learn a thing or two about being fair." Bret's words stung him like a bee but he ignored the guilty feeling. Now was not the time to revert back to being helpless and weak.

"So what? Just let him keep thinking John's waiting back at home?"

Bret sighed. "I hate keeping things from him but at the same time, we don't really have proof. Shawn didn't say John was gone and from the sounds of it, he must have woke up next to John – or at least seen him recently."

"Yeah…you're right but…Mark—

"I say you let Mark handle it." Chris still looked unsure. "Look Chris, I love Shawn. I love him with all my heart and I'm still going to fight for him. But if you tell him about John…it's going to upset him. I want Shawn all to myself like a selfish bastard but if Shawn realizes he's alone, he'll only be that much more vulnerable. I don't particularly want him running to me because he's alone. I want him to come back to me because he loves me. I really want to win him fairly and in order to do that I need him focused on us."

Chris thought about Bret's words for a long time before finally nodding. "Alright. I'll keep quiet but if he doesn't find out soon—

"I'll do the honors if I have to. I promise. Now let's get going. We have a lot to talk about."

AN: That took less time than I thought it would. Between the new Shawn/JBL OST I did the other day and some other request I'm working on, I thought my brain wouldn't be able to handle dishing out another chapter for this long and angsty piece. Oh boy what have my muses gotten me into? I swear...I think this is bad...what the heck? Once again secrets are being kept. Usually when that happens Shawn loses about a dozen friends. Let's hope the muses have other plans. Hope you enjoyed the update. Just out of curiosity, who are you guys pulling for? Bret or are we hoping John comes back? I don't think it will change the ending I have planned but you never know. Just so you know, I was going to have Shawn end up with Cena in the first part but JBL turned out to be such a nice guy that I didn't have the heart to do it. I'm such a pansy:P

FYI: I think you ought to check out:

1) The Devil's Due by Adir Al-Assad - This is a really cool story starring The Undertaker, Paul Bearer, and JBL. No, it's not freaky like that but check it out. It's awesome!

2) Something More Extreme by AnonymousPunk - A GREAT story that has a very unlikely pairing. But it works. It's so crazy but I love it. It stars Jeff Hardy so take that for what it's worth. It's so damn good!

3) Piece of Me: The HBKronicles by XxShawn's Angel NefxX (me) - Shameless plug but I want to make sure I get everyone's requests. You have to tell me if you want smut because not all of them are rated 'M'. But the challenge for me lies in creating a plot for each one and making that pairing work. Check it out and if you want, make a request. I'll do my best to get to it...eventually. The lastest chapter features JBL/Shawn thanks to chisato-chan and HBKloverHBK. I'm thinking vadg will enjoy it as well, my resident JBL devotee.

4) The Sweetest Dessert by EroSeninsDeciplesJKT (by one of us and I'm pretty sure it was 'K' that wrote it) - It's total crack but you must read it if you haven't. Oh come on! You know you have a fetish for Superstar/Inanimate Objects. You really have no idea...to appreciate Triple H's sledgehammer in my 'Wrestling God's' story you must first appreciate the original parody that involves the cupcake. Do it. I dare you.