Hunter woke up first the next morning. His jaw was still sore but at least his head wasn't hurting anymore. He attempted to roll over and off the bed but something was keeping him in place. He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn't seeing things but it was as real as his swollen jaw. Shawn was lying on top of him, having rolled over at some point during the night. His head was resting on his chest, his long silky hair blanketing Hunter's body. Hunter gasped then clamped his mouth shut just as quickly to hide his nervousness. Shawn. Beautiful, sexy, breathtaking Shawn was lying on top of him. It took everything Hunter had not to reach up to run his fingers through hair he was sure would feel just as good sliding between his fingers as it did blanketing his sides. Hunter refrained from touching the blonde as he was suddenly reminded of Bret's warning from last night. While he wasn't afraid of big bad Hitman, he certainly didn't wish to be a mid-card star for the rest of his life and unfortunately for him, he was sure Bret could make it happen. Bret had too many years on Hunter which meant he had quite the pull.
"Mn…Bret…" Hunter froze. Shawn was stirring in his sleep and didn't surprise him that he was calling out to his lover. Shawn's eyes fluttered open and he raised his head meeting Hunter's terrified gaze. "Mn…Hunter?"
"Uh…morning beautiful," he said nervously. "Shawn this isn't what it looks like. I uh…"
"Where's Bret? I…ahhh my head fucking hurts," he groaned.
"I…well we went out last night with Kevin and the others. You kind of got drunk but Kevin brought you here."
"Oh." He was quiet for a moment and then he spoke again. "Did…Bret come looking for me last night?"
Hunter's face almost twisted into a frown but he somehow managed to hide his disgust. Not with Shawn but at Bret. He wished he could lie to Shawn. He wished he could tell him that Bret didn't give a damn about him but after witnessing that kiss last night, he knew Bret loved Shawn. He just had a shitty way of showing him. Hunter forced a smile hoping it came off as genuine looking. "Well Shawn, as a matter of fact he did come by. You were sound asleep and we both decided to just let you sleep after all that ruckus at the bar."
"Bar?" He bit his lip nervously. "I…what happened last night?"
Hunter watched him for a minute taking note of how scared he looked all of a sudden. "Shawn…it's okay. You didn't get into too much trouble. I mean, you're a hot guy so it's not your fault women want to take you home," he joked trying to lighten the mood. However Shawn still looked nervous. "Shawn…what's wrong?"
He suddenly looked up and frowned. "Hunter what's wrong with your face? It looks swollen."
"Oh uh…" he laughed. "It's nothing."
"Liar. What happened to your face? What happened last night?" he pressed. Hunter could tell that Shawn wasn't the easiest person to reason with so he knew he had better not press his luck too much.
"I got punched in the face by some guy in uniform about his wife, but it's no big deal."
"Where was I?"
"You…were near by but it had nothing to do with you," he added quickly. "I started shooting off at the mouth and I got what I deserved."
"That sounds like something I would do."
"Maybe we're a lot more alike than you think," he joked. Shawn still didn't look very convinced but he didn't mention it anymore. Instead, he laid his head back down on Hunter's chest, his smaller fingers caressing the bigger man's sides.
"You're about to find that I'm the world's biggest jerk and a major pain in the ass. Just ask Kevin."
"Naa…I don't think so and neither does Kevin. He loves you too much."
"You haven't known me long enough but one day you'll get fed up and abandon me. They always do. It's only a matter of time before they all leave me. They think I don't know, but I do. I can sense it." He suddenly raised his head stopping Hunter's heart with those beautiful eyes of his. "I know you took that shot for me and I'm sorry. You should have just let that guy deck me."
"Not in this lifetime. I told Kevin I'd act as an honorary bodyguard. Nothing's going to happen to you while I'm around."
"But it's not your job to look after me, especially outside the ring!" he snapped. "Don't…I don't want you to interfere anymore. Let me get what I deserve from now on!"
"You really are stubborn aren't you?"
"Don't joke! I'm being serious!"
"Okay. Alright. Fine," he said throwing his hands up in defeat. "I'll try to sit back next time while you have the shit kicked out of you by two marines."
"Marines?"
"Yeah. Two really huge guys and boy were they pissed. Their women were all over you and they just lost it."
"Wow. I didn't…"
"Don't start sweatin' it. I already told you it was nothing. Besides, Kevin and I took care of it so you're good to go Shawny." Besides, I'm sure Bret would have my career if something happened to you…
There was a long, tension filled silence after that. Hunter was so tense that he was afraid to even breathe let alone push the issue further. Shawn laid his head back down on his chest, his fingers drawing small circles on Hunter's sides. "You actually got along with Bret? I'm surprised he didn't try to act all macho last night."
Hunter chuckled nervously. "Yeah. We got along just fine I think."
"What do you think of him?" he asked softly. "And please…be honest."
Hunter forced himself to ignore the soft fingers caressing his skin in order to think of a good response. It sounded like Shawn wasn't used to anyone getting along with Bret despite all the good things Hunter heard about the champ. It was no secret that Kevin hated him but Hunter was pretty sure he just hated Bret's relationship with Shawn and to be honest with himself, Hunter wasn't sure if he liked their relationship either. He'd known Shawn for all of a day and a half yet already he was beginning to feel like an overprotective, jealous boyfriend.
And then there was the fact that there was something about Bret he strongly disliked. He was sure last night's meeting was more his fault than Bret's. After all, Bret was very cordial when asking about his lover yet for some reason Hunter felt the need to push his buttons. He mulled this over some more and decided that above all things, he still needed to protect Shawn and that included the blonde's feelings.
"Well…I think Bret's a pretty decent guy. He's – and you better not ever tell him I said this – but I think he's pretty sexy."
Shawn finally laughed. For the first time since their first meeting Shawn was laughing and it warmed Hunter's body to the core. The blonde raised his head, his smile making Hunter blush like a teenage boy again. "Are you this sweet all the time or are you just putting on?"
"Well…I do have this whole psycho killer side of me but that usually only comes out when someone needs to be taught a lesson." It was a joke but only Hunter knew how much truth was hidden in that statement. Shawn didn't seem to care and only happily kissed his chest before laying his head down again.
"I still have a headache so I'm not moving," he mumbled.
Hunter could only laugh at this. "What a baby!" he joked. But you can lie here as long as you want baby girl…I don't mind…
~*---*~
Jeff was pissed. Not only was he pissed but he was worried too. This was the third time he's tried calling Hunter while on the plane but his boyfriend just wasn't answering the phone.
JoMo was sitting across from him chatting away happily with his lover Mark. A part of Jeff wanted to snatch that phone from John and demand that Mark talk to him about Shawn, but he let it go. He really hated fighting with his friends and right now, John was probably the only person he could talk to besides Shawn. Jeff tore his eyes away from John and just stared out of the window. Hunter…what are you doing right now?
~*---*~
Hunter stood outside Shawn's hotel room staring up at the door. Well…it wasn't Shawn's room per se since Hunter and Jeff actually booked the room but he was pretty sure Shawn was still in Stamford. Jericho hadn't said anything about the interview being canceled which meant Shawn was still in the area. Hunter took a deep breath before knocking softly at the door. Moments later the door swung open and he was face to face with his favorite blonde. Hunter was more than happy to see him but Shawn on the other hand looked anything but. Shawn quickly hurried out of the room, being careful not to slam the door, and shoved Hunter in the hall. "What are you doing here?" he hissed.
Hunter was a little disheartened that Shawn was unhappy to see him but he didn't let it bother him too much since he was pretty sure Shawn was still pissed about John. "I'm sorry sweetie. I just…all of a sudden felt the need to come and check on you. Are you alright?"
Shawn folded his arms across his chest shivering slightly. He was only half dressed wearing some very tight jeans but no shirt. His hair was a little messy but Hunter deduced that Shawn was probably lying around. "I'm fine, but why are you here? You could have just called me ya know."
There was a kind of bitterness in his voice that stung Hunter to the point of sadness. He was sorry for intruding but he couldn't help it. Shawn had been on his mind all day since that incident with Bret and Hunter couldn't help but want to see him. "Look Shawn. I'm sorry for bothering you. It's just…you've been on my mind all day and I felt like I was going to go crazy unless I saw you in person. Call it…call it silly if you want but you know I worry about you. Always have. Always will."
Shawn looked up at him and frowned. "You…don't do this Hunter. Now really isn't the best time for this. I know you worry about me but I thought we already agreed to let me work things out on my own. I thought maybe after the whole incident three months ago that we finally came to an understanding."
"I-I know and we have," he said quickly, "but…you got to understand Shawn…I know things are weird for you being that you're having to relive certain events but it's weird for me too."
"How?"
"I…I can't explain it Shawn," he mumbled. Hunter ran a hand through his hair nervously doing his best to avoid that all knowing gaze of Shawn's.
"Hunter, what's…going on? Did something happen with Jeff?"
"No…not really. I mean, I haven't talked with him all day so…"
"And why not?"
"I just…haven't. I can't Shawn," he said finally. "I can't talk to him because I'm afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"I'm…" He looked up into eyes he fell in love with well over 12 years ago. "I…Shawn I don't want to talk with Jeff because I'm afraid I won't love him anymore."
"Huh? Where the hell did that come from?"
"Well…you've been on my mind all day and I keep thinking about the day we first met. I remember looking at you and saying "Wow" because you were so fucking gorgeous. I also remember how you spent the night with me and how great it felt waking up with you on top of me, groaning about your headache."
Shawn took a few steps back shaking his head. "No…not you too."
Hunter looked away staring down at the floor sadly. "I'm sorry Shawn, but…it's the truth. I can't stop thinking about things and—
The door of Shawn's room suddenly swung open and the mood instantly changed. Hunter felt himself beginning to shake with fury at the sight of Bret in nothing but a towel. Bret merely rolled his eyes at the sight of him before turning his attention on the blonde. "Shawn, it's good to know you haven't run off. I really want you to finish the interview."
"You want him to finish the interview?" Hunter questioned. "Why? So you can keep filling his head with your false feelings of remorse and love?"
"They aren't false feelings Hunter," he growled. "They're the real deal. I love him and I suppose you don't since you're not still with him."
"Why I—
Hunter made a move towards Bret but Shawn ran in between them. "Hunter…Hunter please…please stop!"
"Why?" he snapped, finally letting the anger control him. "Why are you defending this bastard after all he's done to you and why the fuck is he in a towel?! No. Scratch that. Why the fuck is he here with you?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Bret asked, his voice revealing a slight hint of amusement. Bret wrapped his arms around Shawn's waist pulling him near.
"Bret, let—
Bret smirked at Hunter before planting a kiss on Shawn's bare shoulder. Shawn snatched away from Bret but the damage had already been done. Hunter was beyond furious and Bret knew it.
"Bret why are you out here?" Shawn snapped. "You know the two of you hate each other so why stay out here to taunt Hunter? I'm not in the mood for this shit and you're only pissing me off!"
"I'm sorry Shawn but I couldn't help but overhear Hunter here as he attempted to declare his love for you."
"He wasn't—
"Oh yes he was and the funny thing about it is that he only waited until after John ran off and I confessed my love. What a selfish thing to do Hunter!"
"Bret stop it!" Shawn screamed but was completely ignored.
"Hunter this kind of reminds me of a certain incident from way back when only you were the one wearing the towel." Hunter felt his heart stop and it took everything he had not to look too guilty. Bret was steady wearing that smirk of his while Shawn looked a combination of pissed and confused. "Well…guess I'll go back inside now. Hunter, I'm in no mood to fight you so you're welcome to stick around."
"No! No, no, no!" Shawn snapped. "Hunter, go home to Jeff. I can't deal with anymore shit today."
"But you haven't answered me!" Hunter snapped back. "Why the hell is Bret here with you?"
"I…I don't…know alright!" he stammered. "He's just…here and I don't want him to be but he won't leave—
"Then let me make him!"
"No! Hunter, please stop—
"Why's he in that towel?!" he demanded.
"It's none—
"It's because we made love," Bret answered lazily. He was now standing in the doorway leaning against the wall. "Does that satisfy your dying curiosity?" Hunter stared at Bret for a second trying to see if he was lying but Bret merely shrugged. Hunter's eyes fell on Shawn who was now staring in the opposite direction with tears running down his face.
"You…you had sex with him?" Hunter asked softly, trying to make himself believe it. Shawn didn't answer. Hunter got right in his face, towering over him. "Look at me." Shawn kept turning away but Hunter trapped him against the wall forcing eye contact. "Shawn…tell me you didn't sleep with him?"
"What's it to you Hunter?" Bret asked, the jealously building with each passing second. He wasn't liking the way Hunter controlled his lover and it was taking everything he had not to push him away from Shawn. Hunter of course, ignored him.
"Shawn…" Hunter raised the blonde's chin meeting eyes that were filled with hurt and confusion. "No," he whispered. "You—
Hunter backed away, his heart sinking with each step. Shawn and Bret…it was happening again. History was repeating itself and much like last time, he couldn't do a damn thing about it. Then there was the fact that he and Bret had their own little rivalry going on in which Shawn knew nothing about years ago and sure enough Bret was holding it over his head. Hunter looked over at Bret giving him the nastiest look he could muster but Bret couldn't care less. He merely smirked as he reached for Shawn's hand, pulling him back towards him.
"It's getting late Hunter and I don't know about you, but I'd rather not fight. Shawn's been through a lot today with John leaving and all so I'm sure he'd appreciate it if we would hold our fight off for another day."
"Shawn…" Hunter began but he really didn't know what to say. The blonde wouldn't meet his eyes anyway. Instead, he allowed Bret to lead him back into the room while Hunter looked on sadly. Bret came back to the door moments later, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Bret—
"I don't know what kind of stunt you're trying to pull Hunter but I'm not the one. I love him and I won't let you come between us like you did years ago."
"What?! Are you kidding me?" he hissed. "How dare you! You know full well that it wasn't all me hot shot. YOU were the one treating him like he was just a piece of ass. It's not my fault that he came running to me when you didn't want to play fair."
"You hated me from day one."
"I didn't hate you Bret. I just didn't understand...but now I do."
Bret moved a little closer to Hunter standing toe to toe with him. "Stay out of this Hunter. This does not concern you."
"It ALWAYS concerns me when Shawn's involved."
"You two aren't together anymore so why are you getting involved?"
"Doesn't matter and anyway you're not with him either."
"Maybe not but I'm fighting for him. I'm going to do whatever it takes to prove to him that I love him."
"Yeah well love him or not it doesn't erase all the bad things you've said about him since then. I won't let you have him Bret."
"How are you going to stop me Hunter? The way I see it, you're only acting like this because it reminds you of another little incident from years ago."
"I don't—
"Oh you know perfectly well what I'm talking about Hunter…"
*~*~*
Bret was starting to wonder whether or not Shawn was worth the trouble. They were fighting all the time now but then they would make up just as quickly. Once Shawn stopped throwing his little tantrums he would do whatever Bret asked of him and now Bret was counting on it to happen again. Problem was Shawn was nowhere to be found. He was supposed to meet him back at the hotel last night but they had another big blow out about his Kliq friends which led to Shawn storming off again.
Bret sighed. A part of him really wished he could just end things with Shawn but then he loved him too much to just let him go. On the other hand, he wasn't sure if the love was as strong anymore especially on Shawn's part since he was always with Hunter. Hunter. Bret frowned. He hated that big nosed son of a bitch more than he hated Vince McMahon right now. Vince wanted him to drop his belt to Shawn at the next Wrestlemania but at the rate things were going, he doubted very seriously Shawn could even handle the job.
Bret got off the elevator and started towards Shawn's room. It was well after lunch time which meant Shawn had plenty of time to sleep. Therefore he had no reason to bite his head off if he was still in bed. Bret knocked loudly at the door. "Shawn? Shawn open up! We need to talk!" The door swung open seconds later and it took everything Bret had not to deck him. "Hunter. Why am I not surprised?"
Hunter merely shrugged. "What the hell do you want?" Bret studied him for a minute, taking note of his wet hair and body. A large towel was wrapped around his waist because Hunter was very much naked standing before him. The longer he stood there thinking about it, the more time he had to come up with reasons why Hunter was naked in the room with Shawn. "Are you going to answer or can I close the door in your face and get back to tending to Shawn?"
"Tending to Shawn?" Bret repeated softly. "Just what do you mean by that?"
"Well…" Hunter smirked. "I'm sure you can see for yourself." Bret stared at him at a momentary loss for words. Sure he could see what may have happened but he didn't want to believe it. Shawn belonged to him and just the thought of Hunter touching him…
"Where's Shawn?"
"Oh he's in the shower," Hunter teased. "I can go get him if you want."
*~*~*
"And if you remember what happened next, I punched you in the face before storming off. I was so angry at you and Shawn that I didn't talk with either of you for a week."
"Bret I didn't sleep with him!"
"Bullshit!" Bret hissed. "You basically—
"I basically told you a lie because I hated your guts!" Hunter growled. "I didn't touch him and even if I wanted to, he was too loyal to your insecure ass to even think of cheating with another man. Trust me. I tried several times."
"Then why were--?
"I was in that towel because I had obviously just taken a shower."
"Then Shawn—
"Was in the shower but he went in after me. I would have loved to have a round with him but like I said before, he was loyal to you and to this day I still can't quite grasp it. Yeah I played you for a fool but you deserved it. You treated him like shit and since I knew you were nothing more than an insecure bastard, I took advantage of the situation. I'm The Game. It's what I do."
"Then I should kill you now to make up for lost time," Bret growled.
"And Shawn will never forgive you. Like it or not Bret, he still loves me too."
"I don't…have the patience for this tonight. We keep this up and there will be bloodshed. I'm going back to my lover. Go home to your little Hardy boy Hunter and stay out of our business."
"I'll stay out of it once I'm sure Shawn's happy."
"He will be if you'll just give me a chance to prove it. I know you hate me Hunter but you can't honestly argue against my love for Shawn. I've always loved him and you know it!"
"But you've done a hell of a good job showing it these past few years."
"I was angry Hunter! I'm still angry; mostly at you because you did some pretty low things and this only proves it."
"Yeah well you deserved it and what about John? You think Shawn's just going to forget about him?"
"I'm not trying to make him forget but it would be nice if he did. John left him. How is that my fault?"
"Oh it's every bit your fault but you know what? I'm not going to sweat it because if I know Shawn like I think I know him, he's not going to give into you that easily. He loves John more than you think he does."
"Well Hunter, I don't mean to sound so full of myself, but if he loves him as much as you say he does then explain why everything is falling apart for them? Explain to me why Shawn's still in love with me?"
"Because Shawn's incapable of hating anyone. At this point I'm not sure if that's a gift or a curse."
"Whatever Hunter. Go away. Go back to the cutesy little emo you left our jewel for."
"Naa…I can't. I think I'm going to stick around for a while. Besides, Shawn's still my best friend and I don't think I want to venture too far just yet."
"We'll be busy all day tomorrow with the interview."
"Then maybe I'll pop in and give Chris my two cents."
"Bring it," he challenged. "I'd love to see you defend yourself in front of Shawn. Gonna be kind of hard explaining incidents like the one we just talked about."
"Whatever. I'm leaving," Hunter growled. "But don't you think for a second that this is over because it's not."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
AN: Bet you're wondering why you got another update so quickly. It's because Hunter Muse is dying to tell his side of the story and he wouldn't GO AWAY until I let him. There's still more from Hunter to come in the next chappy. Will it be up as quickly as three days? Maybe...maybe not, but I have to preview Survivor Series for a website, work all weekend and get off in time to actually watch Survivor Series.
- Hope the flashbacks were easy to distinguish between.
- Sorry but both Bret and Hunter are typical men and will remain as such because the musi says so.
- We'll eventually get back to the interview but I think everything will come full circle when Vince and Mark get involved-ish.
- Shawn's friends will never learn.
- Yes, Hunter's feeling the effects of having Bret in town. You know, I wonder how things would be if Bret REALLY came back...Lots of must see TV. :D
FYI:
- I came across a Punk/Taker fic and it made my heart sing! I'm also happy that DK wrote a Jerishow fic. I'm still waiting on somebody to attempt that Raw Triple Threat. I can't do it because if you're reading "Everybody Wants Shawn" then you'll know that I'm already playing around with it.
- I watched ECW last night and maybe it was just me, but Punk/Christian had some kind of chemistry last night. O.O
- Thanks to ALL who have been reading and reviewing each chapter. It means a lot to know that you all care so much about this fic despite the fact that you know I hate it. Sometimes it's the reviews that motivate me to keep trying while other times it may be twitter randomness or ShawnCena stories LOL
- This fic is getting to be entirely too long. 100,000 words? Thats a 300 page novel you buy at Wal-Mart -_-
- Today is my birthday. Here's my gift to you all :D Enjoy!