The room remained eerily silent for a while, each man taking in the shocking news of John and Shawn's separation. Six months ago they would have just shrugged it off and cut each other "I told you so" looks but not today, especially knowing that both men were so head over heels for the other. Why? Why did they break up? That was their initial question. They expected something simple from John. "I hate Shawn." Or maybe even, "Hunter broke us up". That is what Adam would have guessed but he couldn't have been more wrong. Much like Randy and Dave, Adam was a little more than shocked to hear Bret was the cause of all this, especially since it was universally known that Shawn and Bret hated each other. They hate each other but not really? Adam sighed.

"What are you thinking about baby?" Randy asked. He and Dave were quiet, lost in their own thoughts though Randy couldn't help but watch his baby's face. Adam seemed troubled by this news even though he and Shawn were never exactly close. "Adam?"

"Hn?" He looked up. "Oh I'm sorry," he answered. "I just…I'm trying to make myself understand this."

"Don't worry yourself too much about it. This is between John and Shawn no matter how stupid John seems to be right now."

Adam shook his head. "I…I know but Randy…baby this makes no sense. Now I know I've been around longer than you but in all the years I've been wrestling, it's been universally known that Shawn hates Bret and vice versa."

"Yeah that's true baby but Shawn and Bret's history is a lot more complicated than you think."

"Yeah Randy's right," Dave nodded. "When we were part of Evolution, Trips used to slip up and tell us things all the time about him and Shawn. Bret's name came up a couple of times too but you could tell that he didn't too much care for the former star either."

"But I just…"

"Let it go Adam," Dave said lazily. "You really don't want to go there. Bret's relationship with Shawn has always been a taboo topic so you really should just let it go."

"Fine," Adam said rolling his eyes. "But I want to know the story."

"What story?"

"The story of Shawn and Bret. I want to know how they hooked up and everything," Adam answered. "These two…I mean I've always heard that they were lovers once but what happened? What went wrong?"

"Adam some things are better left unsaid," Dave replied. "And I highly doubt Shawn will tell you anything. You two hate each other."

"Not anymore," Adam grinned. "Besides, I was thinking of asking Hunter."

"Oh no you don't," Randy warned. "He probably has no idea that Bret's in town and if you knew what I knew about Hunter's feeling towards Bret, you'd stay out of it."

"Yeah. What he said," Dave said waving a finger.

"But I need to know!" Adam insisted. "John's one of my best friends. We've had our share of problems but nothing too serious. I really want to help!"

"Adam—

"No, Dave listen to me. You have no idea how much Shawn means to John. He's such a different person now. Before Shawn, John was cold, calculating, and down right cruel. He didn't give a shit about anyone outside his inner circle and he was unhappy. He…he would get himself drunk out of his mind passing out in bars. He hated himself," Adam said softly. "It was… You guys didn't see him. You don't know what he was going through… You only saw what he wanted you to see. All of it – tough guy exterior and all – was just an act!"

"We understand what you mean Adam but you really shouldn't get so involved," Randy said. "Nothing good ever happens when we or anyone else tries to help."

"Yeah well I'm not Hunter," he grumbled. "I know how to do things without resorting to violence."

"That's because you're not much of a threat," Dave snickered.

"Oh so you think this is funny huh?" Adam snapped. "Well you just wait. I won't let John do this to himself. He needs Shawn." More than you think he does…

~*--*--*~

Shawn's eyes fluttered open after sleeping barely an hour. He was still curled up in bed though slightly comforted by the arm around his torso. He smiled. John… Shawn shifted, rolling over to face his love when… No! Shawn scrambled out of bed so quickly that he almost fell on his face having tripped on the sheet. Bret rolled over on his side, mumbling something incoherent in his sleep but he did not awaken. It was all Shawn could do not to burst into tears again and then he felt it, the cool air from the vents tickling his naked body making him tremble. He folded his arms across his chest and just stood there, trembling all over all the while staring at the raven haired form lying in the bed. It wasn't supposed to be this way. None of this should have happened. Bret hated him and he hated Bret yet here he was standing there naked next to the bed, hating himself for letting this happen. He wasn't supposed to allow this to happen. Bret wasn't supposed to get to him like he used to but John had been right from the start and he hated it.

Shawn choked back a sob and turned away from the bed staring at the door. He wouldn't even be in this situation had he just told Chris to shove it and skipped the interview. He knew in his heart that agreeing to such a thing would have more than enough negative effects but he had no choice. He had to do it to prove to John just how much he loved him and yet… Did I do all this for nothing?

Shawn bit his lip. He wanted to leave and get as far away from the room and Bret as possible but where would he go? He had no one else. To go running to Chris would only make things worse because right now he really hated Chris with a passion. And then there was Hunter… No doubt Hunter would be more than happy to come running to his rescue but at what price? Hunter hated Bret about as much as he hated John the night he hurt him. If he were to find out about Bret… Shawn pulled his arms tighter round his chest. Now was not the time to go running to Hunter and truth be told, he was sure that was the worst idea in the history of Shawn bad ideas. It was no secret that Hunter hated Bret and had hated him since day one, but it was his own fault… At least it was according to Kevin.

Shawn could no longer stand the cold air so very quietly he approached the bed and pulled the sheet away from Bret. Bret shifted again but still did not wake up which was a relief to Shawn. He did not want to see let alone talk with Bret so after confiscating the sheet, he wrapped it around his body and moved to curl up on the couch. He pulled the sheet close to his face breathing deeply to calm his nerves. For a moment he almost whiffed John's favorite cologne but he was wrong. It was all in his head much like his relationship with Bret had been years ago. Shawn frowned. If he wouldn't have run out on Chris earlier then the Universe would have received a real look at his relationship with Bret. Sure they were supposedly in love but after they returned to the states, so much changed. It was such a 360 that if it wasn't for Kevin's friendship, he would have completely lost it. Shawn closed his eyes, digging deep into the back of his mind. Kevin… Right now would have been a perfect time to have Kevin all of a sudden appear back in his life.

~*~*~

It had been almost a month since the trip overseas and to say that things were tense would have been an understatement. Of course Shawn knew it was going to be like this but not exactly to this degree. If he saw Bret in the locker room he was deeply engaged in his conversations with brothers and made no attempt to look up or acknowledge his presence. It was the same way after the shows. Whereas before it was okay to linger around afterwards and strike up a conversation, apparently that was also taboo now. And now it was the start of a new month and Shawn was about to have his match against Davey for the Intercontinental Championship at the next pay per view. He never thought the day would actually come and now that it was nearing, he should have been more than happy about it…but he was not. In fact, he couldn't have been more depressed about it. He and Marty used to joke about becoming single's stars all the time. Shawn always figured Marty would be around when he finally won one of the big ones and they would celebrate afterwards to show that all of their sacrifices had not been in vain.

Shawn rolled over on his side and sighed. Things would not seem so bad to him if he could at least talk to Bret but it looked as if Bret was going to stay away for good now. Shawn knew it would be like this. Somehow he just knew that he was going to be tossed to the side. Sure Bret may have said the words "I love you", but it wasn't enough to make him risk his image and anyway Shawn still wasn't sure how to take Bret's declaration of love. Each time he said those words was during a time of great passion and Shawn knew all too well that there was a chance that Bret's words really meant nothing. His words may have meant nothing, but my subtle hints meant everything. I really do love him…I think. Shawn sighed. Once again life came back to bite him on the butt bringing him back from his fantasy world and into the real world. He should have been used to it by now but he thought Bret would be the exception. Listen at me. I'm being a selfish brat. I have no right to make a man lose his dignity because of a one night stand. Get over him Shawn and move on. Shawn told himself this yet a part of him knew it wasn't going to be so easy.

Shawn grabbed the remote off his nightstand and started flipping through the channels. He finally stopped on the new competition that was WCW. Some guy who called himself Vinnie Vegas was about to be interviewed. Shawn quirked his brow for he was attempting to figure out what to make of the guy. He was dressed pretty normal; just some jeans and a wife beater. Nothing special, but he was huge. Not huge as in fat but huge as in a giant. The way he walked over to his interviewer hinted that he had a kind of tough guy personality, something Shawn knew nothing about since he was never a tough guy. But his appearance…

Vinnie – what a dreadful name! – Vegas carried himself like the cool guy that nobody fucks with. Then he started cutting his promo. It took all the blonde had not to pass out from laughing. Not that his mic skills were terrible, but he certainly wasn't expecting a bouige Brooklyn accent from a guy like him. But the thing is, the more he watched him the more drawn to him he became. And then it hit him. I could really use a guy like him around. He's so funny… And huge… I want him. But what would I…? Shawn frowned. It wouldn't be all that difficult to convince Vince to hire him. This Vinnie guy was huge and Vince was all about big guys. How the hell can I use him? I want him to be aligned with me… Shawn watched Vinnie grab the interviewer by the neck and shove him away. Then he snatched up the mic and cut a rant about messing with his boys. Boys… Guys… Shawn sat up in bed with a huge grin on his face. He knew just what to do with Vinnie. Shawn grabbed the phone off his nightstand.

"Yeah clerk? I need to talk to Vince McMahon…"

-xx-

For the first time in weeks Shawn was actually glad to be at the arena. He was a week away from winning the belt from Davey and now he was actually excited about it. When Shawn entered the arena, he headed straight for Vince McMahon's office. He burst through the door without bothering to knock. He was just that excited.

"Hey Vince is he…" He stopped mid sentence when he saw that Vinnie was in fact standing there in the flesh. He was towering over Vince McMahon looking kind of nervous while the boss spoke to him.

Vince looked over at Shawn and smiled. "I was wondering when you'd get here."

"Oh I…"

"Shawn don't you think you should formally introduce yourself? You're the one who wanted him you know." Vinnie looked over at Shawn with a surprised look on his face and then he smiled. Shawn felt his face heating up but he ignored it, walking over to meet the bigger man.

"Hi. I'm…I'm—

"Shawn," he finished, shaking his hand. "I know you…well, not really but I've watched quite a few of your matches. You're good – really good. I'm a fan," he grinned. Shawn's face felt hotter than ever which meant he was sure he looked like a cherry right about now.

"Thanks," he managed. "I'm a fan too but I'm sure you know that now thanks to Vince."

The boss smiled. "Don't thank me. It was your idea to bring him over and I'm really glad you did. I could use more guys like you," he nodded at Vegas. "But…" He sighed. "I'm not trying to get us off on the wrong foot but your Vinnie Vegas name needs changing. I'm not sure to what yet but I don't want you to keep it. We're starting fresh and I want you to have a brand new start as well. Get my drift?"

Vinnie nodded. "Sure and please. Call me Kevin. I really hate the name Vinnie."

"Kevin…It suits you," Shawn noted.

"Shawn, just out of curiosity, what exactly did you have in mind for Kevin here? What did you plan on using him for?"

"Well…this I going to sound stupid Vince but I really just wanted someone to hang out with. I figured he looked decent enough on screen that you might hire him and then we could go from there once he got here."

Vince raised a brow casting him a knowing, fatherly look. "I would ask but I think I already know. You're lucky I've taken a liking to you - not to mention your ring work is flawless." Vince shook his head. "Even so he still has to have something Shawn. He can't just appear onscreen next to you without—

"Bodyguard," Kevin answered.

"Bodyguard?" Vince repeated. He didn't sound so sure.

"Yeah bodyguard," Kevin replied. "You see I've noticed that Shawn doesn't have Sherri with him anymore and so I could easily replace her as a bodyguard to Shawn rather than a manager. I'm big enough to be seen as a real threat and with Shawn's big match coming up soon, I'm sure I could be used in some form or another to help him out until we come up with a new name for me."

"I like that!" Shawn replied, his eyes lighting up. "Bodyguard… It would really stroke my ego as The Heartbreak Kid."

"See? He likes it," Kevin shrugged. "So…how 'bout it Vince?"

Vince stared between the two of them. Kevin looked a little more than eager to begin work while Shawn looked both relieved and nervous. I guess it'll be alright. Maybe Kevin can help him with his confidence problem and take care of him in the back as well… "Like I said Shawn, you're lucky I really like you."

"So... Can I have Kevin? Please?" he begged, poking out his lips in a pout.

Vince just rolled his eyes. "Fine," he mumbled. "Now get going. You're making me soft…damn blonde."

Shawn ran over to Vince and kissed his cheek before grabbing Kevin by the hand. "Let's go!"

~*~*~

Shawn smiled and held the sheet closer to him. That day was one of the best days of his life. Kevin was the perfect person to enter into his life at the time and just thinking about that day made Shawn smile. Kevin was huge and had half the locker room whispering about him. He didn't care though and neither did Shawn, which was a good thing…

"I'm sorry Kevin."

Kevin took a seat across from Shawn straddling the bench. He reached over a pulled a piece of hair out of his face and was suddenly hit with the most beautiful blue eyes he'd ever seen. "Sorry for what?"

Shawn looked around nervously not bothering to meet his gaze as he answered. "The hushed whispers. I know you hear them and I'm sorry. I probably should have told you before that I'm the most talked about person on the roster but I was afraid you wouldn't wanna sign with us if you knew the truth."

"Hey…look at me." Kevin ran his hand alongside Shawn's face shocked by how smooth his skin was. He raised his chin forcing eye contact. "Don't be sorry. You rescued me from that other place and I owe you. Besides, who the fuck cares if they talk about you? They can talk but they better not even think of putting their hands on you or I'll do them in. I'm your bodyguard. It's my job to protect you and I will."

Shawn finally managed a weak smile. "Thanks."

"So…just out of curiosity, did you really just want a friend? And be honest. I promise I won't get mad."

Shawn looked around the locker room and noticed that Owen and Davey were looking their way staring at them. He averted his eyes shaking his head. "I uh…don't really have any friends. I know this shouldn't be a problem since I'm a guy," he mumbled. "But I'm not exactly the most manly of men…if you know what I mean," he replied nervously, his face flushing a light shade of pink.

Kevin only chuckled. "I kind of figured that. You're much too pretty to be a guy-guy. It wouldn't suit you."

"I guess not."

"So…are you…you know, into other guys?"

"I'm not sure," he answered, which was the truth. "Not like I've had much choice in the matter."

Kevin frowned. "What does that mean?"

"I…" Shawn never had any desires to sleep with a man before Bret, and Marty was just a one time thing. Kenneth on the other hand was a business arrangement and whenever they had sex he didn't think much of it except that it was all for Marty. Shawn didn't even realize that he was starting to cry until he felt Kevin's fingers wiping his face.

"Shawn?"

"I had a friend once," Shawn started, his voice almost a whisper. "He was my tag team partner and when he left I was all alone. I would tell you what happened to us but I can't. It's too…" His voice trailed off and he looked away. He knew that they were still being watched because he could feel their eyes burning a hole in his skin. It was starting to make him nervous. A second later the locker room door opened again and in walked Bret. He didn't even look their way as he headed to his corner to laugh and chat with his family.

"Well…so that must be big bad Bret Hart," Kevin noted. "I'm guessing he runs things around here."

"Guess so," Shawn mumbled. He stood up and went back to his locker to comb through his hair some more. He knew he was still being watched and now that Bret was in the room, Shawn could hardly breathe under their watchful eyes. It was rare these days that the two of them were ever in the same room. Usually if one was in the room, the other would find an excuse to leave immediately until the other one left. It was pretty childish but it wasn't like Shawn had much choice in the matter. Bret was making their friendship an issue which was why they never talked anymore. Shawn knew he loved Bret very much and he was willing to put it aside for the sake of their friendship rather than throw it all away. However, Bret wasn't as willing as Shawn thought he might be. That's what I get for giving in…

"Hey Shawn?"

"Hn?"

Kevin moved off the bench and was now standing behind the blonde admiring his long hair as he brushed through it. He casually glanced towards the Hart corner and noticed that Bret was staring their way with a curious look on his face. Kevin smirked. "I just wanted to say that I see what you mean."

"About what?" he asked.

"Hushed whispers though it's not as bad as the staring."

"Yeah well you'll get used to it."

"Yeah but I never figured Bret would be one of them. Does he hate you like all the others?" Shawn dropped his brush, stooping over nervously to pick it up. He turned around to face Kevin giving him his best blank look.

"Why you ask?"

"Because he's been staring our way for a long time." Shawn looked over towards the Hart corner with every intention of just glancing but when his eyes met Bret's he somehow became paralyzed. "Shawn?"

"Uh…huh?" He blinked and then shook his head. "Yeah Bret. He's…okay I guess. Let's get out of here alright? I need some air. Stay close to me please?"

Kevin looked down into Shawn's eyes and caught the hint of pleading in them. Though his eyes were gorgeous the beauty did nothing to mask the hurt that he was trying to hide. He really needs my help and judging from the way he reacted to Bret means there's something going on… Kevin rustled the top of his head playfully. "Yeah. Let's get out of here. Lead the way baby girl."

~*--*--*~

Adam stood outside Mark's door tapping his foot impatiently. "Dammit Mark! Hurry up! This is important!"

The door suddenly swung open and a pissed off Taker was towering over him in nothing but some boxers. "What?! And why the hell are you visiting me? Shouldn't you be on a plane for Monday Night Raw?"

Adam ignored Mark and pushed his way past him into his hotel room. Normally Adam wouldn't have done such a thing but he felt like this was important enough to risk another beat down from The Deadman. Adam took a seat on the couch only to jump back up again. He had too much nervous energy built up and sitting wasn't going to help. Mark stared at a pacing Adam for a minute half wondering if he was high or something before breaking the silence. "Adam. What do you want? You're interrupting my 'me' time if you get my drift. I'm on vacation and I don't need trouble makers like you ruining it with drama."

"Mark I have to help him. I have to help John," he said quickly, almost tripping over his own feet.

"No. What you need to do I calm the fuck down and sit before you hurt yourself."

"Sorry but I can't help it. I just got some news – the wrong kind of news – and it's making me twitchy."

"What kind of – Are you talking about John's break up with Shawn?"

Adam suddenly stopped pacing and frowned. "Of course that's what I'm talking about!" he snapped. "But…but what I don't get is why he told you of all people before he told me – his best friend!"

"Because he knew you'd react like a fool," Mark replied lazily. He shoved Adam down on the couch then settled next to him. "Why?" he asked. "Why does this bother you so much?"

"Because John was happy!" Adam exclaimed. "For the first time in his miserable life he was truly fucking happy and now he's just throwing it all away! I can't – help me understand why he'd do this. I got my ass kicked a few moths ago by YOU over Shawn and now he's just going to let Bret win? I don't… I don't get it."

Mark sighed. "I don't understand it either Adam but you should know better than all of us what John must be feeling right now. He let his boyfriend be alone with his first love knowing full well of the risks. A part of him hoped that Shawn would return to Bret but at the same time, I'm sure deep down he never really wanted to give him up."

"Then why—

"Because John feels like he needs to make up for past mistakes."

"But Shawn forgave him!" he insisted.

Mark held up his hand. "I know," he soothed. "Shawn has the power to change people. John became a better person when Shawn walked into his life and I believe in my heart that John just wants what's best for Shawn. Right now he's probably feeling overwhelmed with so many emotions. Fear, hope, regret, guilt – and that's just a start. Try to understand Adam. No matter what you and I do, in the end it's going to come down to what Shawn wants. Only Shawn knows what's important to him."

"But what if they both are?"

"I'm sure they both mean something to him but no matter what you and I do, we can't make decisions for him."

"Alright. Fine. Then answer me this: how do you feel about Bret?"

"How I feel isn't important."

"Liar! I know you care one way or the other because you love him to. You've always loved Shawn just like Hunter so I'm sure—

"Adam you're pushing your luck," Mark growled. "Look. Let it go. You're only stirring the pot and if you keep this up things are bound to get ugly. We don't want a repeat of what happened before Mania so just stop it."

Adam remained silent for the next few minutes giving Mark hope that he'd finally gotten through to him. Adam's face slowly relaxed and so did his posture meaning he was finally calm. Mark stood to his feet. "You want a soda or something?"

"No. I'm…I'm fine," he mumbled. "Say Mark?"

"Hn?"

"I'm still going to pursue this with or without anyone's help. It's not that I don't like Bret. Everyone on the roster knows that Bret is my idol, but I have to do this. I have to make sure that John's doing the right thing."

"Fine Adam. Do what you want but I don't want any part of it."

"That's fine. I'm gonna go talk with Chris anyway. I'm hoping he'll let me in on the interview. If I could just hear the truth about Montreal… I get the feeling that something's not right with Bret. I'm sure he still loves Shawn but I have my own theories about this."

"Care to tell me All Knowing One?"

Adam started for the door. "Nope. You'll know when I know for sure. In the meantime put some fucking clothes on. You look like a fucking zombie."

"Go to hell," he mumbled just as the door closed. When Adam was long gone Mark went back to his bed and crawled across it. He wished he could help Adam but there was just know way he was getting into this if he could help. Sure he saw some things that occurred between Bret and Shawn years ago but it wasn't his place to get involved. Years ago though there were several occasions where he wanted to intervene but like now, it wasn't his place. Only one time did he ever get himself involved but that was a story best kept buried in the back of his mind. Good luck Adam. You're in for one hell of a ride.

AN: Sorry about the jumping around but it couldn't be helped. Hope you could read everything alright.

If you have not seen videos of Kevin Nash before he became the hot, Big Daddy Cool Diesel aka Kevin Nash, you should really take time out of your day to look him up. His first character was so damn bad that I was literally crying and gasping for air for all of a day. It was just that bad. 'Oz' was Kevin's first gimmick and trust me when I say, it was dreadful. Vinnie Vegas wasn't so bad. And he had a few other personas but I can't think of them right now.

The story of how Shawn and Kevin met is very true. Shawn stated on his DVD that he had Vince call him up after seeing a promo that Kevin did. Apparently it made him laugh and a day or two later you had one half of the original Kliq. Of course I exaggerated some of the conversations to fit the 'slash' but for the most part it's all true.

Sorry nothing big happened this time around but it's important to know as much as possible before we get to 'Montreal'. I know it's kind of early for this but I'm just going to put it out there. Not everyone is going to agree with what I make of Montreal and you don't have to. Everyone has their own take on it and no one will ever really agree on the subject. But I've spent countless hours going over different versions of the story and I'm sticking to my original ending. I guarantee not everyone will like it but hey, that's what fanfiction is for. You can always write your own happy (or not so happy) ending.

The next chapter or two will pick up with some more Bret and his side of things. Probably some more info on Shawn and Kevin then I'll be introducing Hunter and Razor. We are still a good ways away from the damn Screwjob but I swear I cannot make this story shorter. I've been trying and failing miserably so no telling when the damn thing will be finished. In the meantime, read some of those fics I recommended in other chapters. I promise you will thank me later. The next update? Ha Ha I have no idea.

FYI: You should read:

1) In a Gadda Da Vidda by wrestlefan4 - If you're reading this angst fest then you should def read this fic. You angst and tear jerker addicts will love it. Not to mention its a great fic all around. It star Chris Jericho, Edge, Christian and Matt. There are a ton of wrestlers in the fic so check it out.

2) Found by wrestlefan4 - I'm sorry but she's such a great writer and besides, I KNOW you'll love this one. It stars Bret Hart and Shawn Michael. 'Nough said right?