John did not sleep very well for the remainder of the night. In fact, he just sort of lay in bed listening as Adam breathed softly on the other side of the room, no doubt exhausted from his flight. John's eyes roamed the cabin until they finally landed on his wallet which was sitting in plain view on his nightstand. He picked it up, flipping it open smiling down at the photograph of himself and Shawn taken after they'd gone fishing together for the first time. John was wearing a scowl as Shawn kissed his cheek. Both men were drenched from head to toe and covered in a fishy smell. John laughed now but at the time, he did not think it was so funny that the boat toppled over due to his pushy boyfriend misbehaving. Adam had only been too kind to snap a picture and some time after, found himself being tossed in the lake by an irate John.

He closed the wallet placing it back on his stand then sighed. Adam was right. He did want his kitten back but that was easier said than done. The way Adam come riding in here on his white horse with his voice of reason—it all sounded good but John knew better. Who's to say that Shawn would even talk to him now let alone just let them pick up where they left off? Sure it's only been a couple of days since he left him, but that didn't mean everything was going to be the same. He wouldn't be surprised if Shawn was epically ill with him and rightfully so. He walked out on him without giving Shawn the opportunity to make up his mind. He just assumed that Bret would win him over and for that, he wasn't sure what his kitten would think. He spent weeks preaching to his lover about staying strong and here he was running for the hills like a coward too afraid to face his destiny. What kind of man had he become?

Signs of morning crept through the blinds alerting John that he stayed up all night. It wasn't anything relatively knew. Hell if Adam hadn't showed up, he would be asleep in his chair cursing upon his stirring about having fallen asleep over important documents. He laid there for a while longer then decided it was time to get up. He quietly crossed the room gathering things for a shower emerging from the restroom an hour later half dressed in some black slacks, a towel around his neck. Adam was still sleeping soundly but John was used to rising early. If Adam was gonna stay at camp Layfield he had to obey the rules.

John stood over Adam with a smirk before smacking him hard behind the head. "Wake up tiger. Rise and shine. It's time to wine, dine, and get a move on."

Adam jerked awake, his heart racing as he looked around the room wildly. Slowing the looming figure became clearer and he retaliated by tossing a pillow at him which missed by miles. "Fuck you Layfield! My plane doesn't come for another…" He glanced at the clock on the mantle scowling. "Fuck you John. It's too early. Why you up? Live a little and go back to fucking bed."

John moved away from the bed to stand in the mirror. "Ahh well you lay there all you want hot shot but i'm leaving today." He finished drying his hair with a towel then reached for his hair drier to style it in its usual Layfield manner.

Addy just stared at him for a while, wide eyed and confused. "Why are you leaving?" he asked after a while. "I thought you had too much work to do or…" he smirked, "is it because a sexy blonde named Addy got to ya last night?"

John finished buttoning up his shirt then reached for his tie. "Well, I don't know about this Adam person but a sexy blonde did get to me last night—all night if I'm gonna be honest." John looked back at Adam who was slowly dragging his ass out of bed finally. "You were right. I do want him back but I'm afraid it's a lost cause. He loves Bret and I don't think that's ever gonna change. Me leaving him alone with Bret was either the best idea or the worst idea I've ever had in my entire perfect life."

He turned back to the mirror working on fixing his tie but his stomach hurt and he was starting to dread the ride back to Texas. He felt Adam's hand squeeze his shoulder a bit, his own way of letting John know that maybe it'll all be better and work itself out but did he wait too late? Guess I'll know when I see him again…if I see him again at all…

x-x-x

All day Jeff lounged around on the porch with Matty musing over his current situation and ignoring his brother's random hints that all seemed to scream "I told you so." But Jeff didn't care and little did Matt know it only made Jeff want Hunter that much more. Several times he thought about picking up the phone to call him but for what? What would he say? He certainly didn't feel the need to apologize for leaving. Hunter deserved it and possibly a whole lot more for having the nerve to scream out another man's name. That's one of the worst things any person could do to their lover; calling out another person's name which usually meant you're not the one they really want. Sometimes there wasn't a doubt in Jeff's mind that Hunter wanted him but lately…he couldn't be sure. When Shawn was involved nothing was ever what it seemed.

After sulking and musing over this for what seemed like hours, Jeff finally decided to pick up the phone and call Hunter. As expected, all he got was his voice mail but that was alright. He didn't really want to talk to Hunter anyway…or so he told himself. He slammed his phone shut and after contemplating for a bit, he turned his ringer off, returned to his room and went back to bed crying himself to sleep.

x-x-x

Mark was glad to have his Rockstar back with him, if only for a few days since he had to be back for Smackdown tapings whereas he still had a few weeks before his resting period was up. They stayed in bed most of the morning and that afternoon, they took a long ass shower together then John went out to grab them some food. He came back with lots of Chinese take out setting it down in front of Mark, who was sprawled out on the couch in his underwear. "Kid you buy the Chinese out?" he asked smirking a bit.

John sat down next to him, a slight frown on his face. "You know I'm a growing boy so I gotta eat." He shook his head mumbling something under his breath as he started going through the boxes of food.

Mark easily picked up on his mood, sensing something was wrong. "John baby, tell me what's on your mind. What's that frown all about?"

John passed a box to Mark shrugging. "It's no big deal really. I just wanted to check up on Jeff and all but he's not answering his phone. In fact, he hasn't answered in almost two days and I'm starting to worry about the guy. You know how he is Mark. The slightest thing can set him off and I don't want him doing shit he ain't got no business doing."

Mark grabbed a fork adding, "Like drinking or that other stuff right?"

"Exactly." John sighed. "Only thing I can think of is a possible fallout between him and Hunter. Jeff was already annoyed with him the other night on the plane when H wasn't answering his phone. He just knew Hunter was somewhere with Shawn."

Mark got up to grab a few drinks out the fridge. "Yeah well I don't doubt Hunter was somewhere with Shawn. If Shawn's in danger, H is gonna be there like a white knight."

John frowned. "But—and maybe I'm wrong—but wouldn't it be best if Hunter stayed out of it this time? Jeff's already paranoid and Hunter knows that it's a risk getting involved considering what happened a few months ago. Don't you reckon they need to sit this one out?"

Mark resumed his seat on the couch nodding in agreement. "I've known Shawn and Bret a lot longer than any of those guys. The shit that went down years ago prior to and after Montreal was serious business. I can't really fault John for pushing Shawn to do the interview. With Heartbreaker's new faith and all I'm sure a part of him has always wanted to bury the hatchet. Montreal, despite all the versions you've heard, the entire blame went to Shawn even though in hindsight he was merely a middleman—the guy who pulled trigger so to speak."

"I get that," John replied. "Even if you just listen to the stuff that's already out there, Vince is the one who told the people to ring the bell so I've never understood why Bret got so angry at Shawn…" He frowned. "Until…now I guess. It makes more sense if they were lovers." John looked over at Mark, popping the top of his drink. "So what you think? Maybe Bret felt betrayed or something?"

Mark sighed. "Kid, those two had many issues and to be honest I've always felt they were bad for one another. Just cause you love someone don't mean you're right for one another. Maybe in today's world they could create a happily ever after but back then, they were doomed from the start. You know I got a lot of respect for Bret. Never had a problem with him and he carried himself like a true champ so my opinions are not based off a disliking of him or Shawn for that matter."

John took a bite of his eggroll and after a while he nudged Mark grinning. "Yeah but you and I both know you had a thing for Shawn once. Come on. Call my bluff."

Mark sipped on his drink. "Mn…well I can't explain my feelings for Shawn. I never had a problem with him either. He and I were cordial, always clicked in the ring and he was always willing to take my advice and push both of us to the limit. If he annoyed me, I got onto him and he'd shut up. Not sure if its cuz I scared him or if its cuz he respected me. I'd like to think it was more out of respect than anything, but I can't speak for him."

John nodded. "I see so back to Bret…betrayed or something else?"

Mark leaned back on the couch smirking at John. "You're not gonna let this go are you?"

John shrugged. "I mean, I could drop it if ya don't wanna talk about it. It's just the whole BHBK thing is a hot topic these days and you know, I'd just like to understand it a bit better. Jeff's prolly hauled up in a room somewhere smoking a joint, Hunter's probably torn between Jeff and Shawn while Chris is somewhere popping Prozac's to keep from going crazy like everyone else seems to be doing. You're the only one who's all chill about it all." John set his can down and scooted closer to Mark on the couch. "You don't have to talk about it Marky. I was just…being curious is all."

Mark put his arm around John kissing the top of his head. "You know kid, your methods of persuasion are second to none." He rubbed John's arms thinking back to days when he would sit and "read" taking it all in; all of the fights, gossip—everything. He was pretty much ignored backstage but that's because he kept to himself and in turn most guys respected him enough to stay out of his way. He was a guy of few words and was the type of guy to sit and observe rather than participate in the gossip. He found out very quickly you learned a lot more by doing just that and boy did he have plenty of stories he could share if he was the kind of guy to tell other people's business. Still, his Rockstar was a good guy and in many ways reminded him of Shawn minus all the baggage he had back in the day. Secretly, he was just like anyone else who got to know Shawn. He was a sexy young blonde and on a good day, you'd fall for his smile or his ability to make you laugh from his goofiness. On a bad day though…well…

"Mark? You okay?" John asked quietly.

Mark smiled. "Yeah I'm good Rockstar. Just was thinking about answering your questions. Bret…well I know he felt betrayed. In his eyes he felt like since Shawn supposedly loved him that he should not have agreed to something as low as the Screw Job."

"How do you feel about it Mark? Be honest. Do you think maybe Shawn should have said no?"

Mark sighed. "That's why this issue will stand the test of time. It's hard to say whether or not Shawn should have done what he did. You see, I bet you anything Shawn probably didn't care one way or the other since he felt betrayed as well. Shawn most likely felt that Bret's leaving for WCW without talking to him about it first was a slap in the face and back then, Shawn was quick tempered and hot headed. That being said, when Vince presented the idea of possibly getting back at Bret he was all over it. Then there's Bret, who felt Shawn betrayed him by actually going through with it and Vince, who felt like Bret was backing him in a corner. That chick—I forget her name—maybe it was Medusa. Anyway, she carried the Women's Championship to WCW and dropped it in a bin on live TV embarrassing Vince and while Bret was pretty loyal to him, it was no secret that Bret was starting to resent Vince for turning his back on him in favor of Shawn."

Mark grabbed John pulling him into his lap holding him close. John smiled planting a kiss on Mark's lips. "I'm glad you and I aren't one big mess."

Mark smacked his bottom grinning. "You know me. I'm a simple guy and it don't take much to make me happy. I just want somebody I can talk to, have a beer with, cuddle with since I'm a big teddy bear, peace of mind—which you give me…" He pecked John's lips. "What more do I need?"

John slid his hands over Mark's chest. "Maybe the occasional great sexings, which I am more than happy to help with."

"Mmhmm…I bet you are." He pushed John down on his back smiling down at him. "Forget about the BHBK drama. Let's make drama of our own, but the good kind."

John wrapped his legs around Mark grinning. "I'm all for that."

x-x-x

Bret put his phone away and went back into the room closing the door behind him. Already the room was filled with tension despite the short break they took. It was the Montreal Effect as he called it himself. Just the mention of that place was enough to drive persons involved or persons who had an opinion on the matter insane. Bret took his seat but remained quiet since technically he had nothing to say until it was time to justify his actions after Montreal. Chris was no longer holding cards in his hand, probably having decided that there was no such thing as staying on track during this particular interview. Bret's eye wandered to the corner where H was sitting. He had his phone out staring down at it as if he'd just lost his best friend and then there was Shawn, whose expression was unreadable. Bret had no earthly idea what was going on in that mind of his, but he hoped that Shawn had not made the verdict before they could even get through that fateful day. Bret wondered if Chris was just waiting on Shawn to continue but before he could ask, Shawn sat up with his game face on.

"Come on Chris. This story isn't gonna tell itself," Shawn grumbled.

Chris nodded his head. "Alright Shawn. Are you ready to tell us your side of the story? We know Bret's. His side is the one we've been hearing about the most over the years and we even have his side on document. We have Vince's whole 'Bret Screwed Bret' speech and we have short interviews of you denying it for three or so years and then recent interviews where you've changed your tune, stating that you knew about the job. In your words Shawn, tell us how you felt that day. From the time you got to the arena until whatever happened when the camera was turned off, tell us your side."

Before Shawn could utter a word, Hunter got to his feet. All three men turned looking at him wondering why he seemed to be fleeing the interview, but H's eyes were still staring down at his phone. He shoved the phone in his pocket then rushed over to Shawn, kneeling down in front of him. "Since being in the room and hearing you recount all of this stuff Shawn has really hit home today."

"Hunter?" Shawn was confused but more worried than anything. He allowed H to take his hand and hold it, noting the saddened expression on his face. "Hunter, you shouldn't be-

"No, let me finish Shawn." He smiled a bit looking down at their hands which were now threaded together. "I guess the things I do are more out of habit ya know? Like coming to your rescue, even when you don't need it. I often forget man that you're not the same guy I met that Monday night years ago. Back then you were weak and in constant need of protection." He chuckled. "I always got a kick outta watching you try to take on a whole bar full of marines and the bar tenders."

This earned him a smile from his friend, who up until this point, wondered if he was capable of smiling again. "Hunter, you know those guys were asking for it. Was it my fault I was so pretty," he teased, grateful for the first time all day that Hunter was in the room.

Only Hunter would know just what to say to bring him out of his funk.

Hunter grinned, squeezing his friend's hand. "Yeah you were something else but I'm pretty sure you did a lot of that stuff cuz you knew big Kev, Scott, and I wouldn't let nothing happen to you."

"I suppose you could be onto something," Shawn grinned. "So what brought this trip down memory lane hm? Are you getting ready to toss the hammer and rage for a new life of saintism and sanity?"

"Oh fuck no!" H laughed. "That's what you are for. Naa man I just…this is my way of saying I'm sorry. I had no right to just barge up in here trying to tell you how to live your life." He reached up cupping the side of Shawn's face and at this, Bret pulled out his phone not wanting to intrude or gag at such a moment since he was still pretty convinced Hunter was a manipulative little shit.

"Shawn, it's hard not to love you, but I know you and I have always been better friends than lovers. I think it's cuz I'm still a selfish bastard and until I learn how to be what you need, I have no right to stand before you asking for your hand again."

Shawn shook his head. "Hunter, I'm kinda used to this. You always come to my aid and I yell at you for doing it but…" He leaned forward pressing their foreheads together. "You make me smile H. You're the reason I'm hanging on now. I'm beyond fed up with this shit and I'm gonna snap soon if I can't leave this room. I think your being here-in the end-was a good thing."

"Yeah well I'm glad one of us think so," he chuckled before pressing a light kiss to his lips. "But I think I should go now."

Shawn did not like this suggestion one bit. "Huh? But why? You were there too you know. You were there that day and you know just as much as I do." He did not like the idea of being left alone for this portion of the interview and what was worse is that he had to be left alone with Bret, the one person he was sure to start biting his head off once the interview picked back up again. He shook his head. "I don't want you to go Hunter. Please," he begged. "Please stay with me."

H kissed his cheek then stood to his feet, cracking a smile though it was horribly forced. "Jeff finally called me. Besides, I know when I've lost Shawn and I don't want to lose everything." He shot one last glare at Bret who merely looked annoyed with him. "I'm sure I'll see you at some point after all of this blows over…even if I don't get invited to Thanksgiving dinner." He thanked Chris for letting him stay then like a bat out of hell, hurried to get out of the building. He needed to buy a plane ticket, roundtrip because he was determined to come back and not empty handed.

Shawn watched H leave, feeling sick to his stomach. He didn't realize how much of an impact Hunter's presence had on him. However, even though his comic relief was gone, he still had to get through this part or he would be stuck here, something he did not want. With a sigh, he leaned back and just started speaking, not really caring if he caught Chris off guard or not. It was weighing too heavily on his mind now anyway so it was time to finish this up. "When I got to the arena, Pat was already waiting for me…"

x-x-x

Shawn and Hunter entered the arena; Hunter had his arm around him no doubt in a way to comfort him or possibly ease the tensions he felt but nothing was working. Once they got inside, it was pretty clear to him that everyone knew something was up. As he walked up the hall to put his bags in the locker room, he heard the hushed whispers and could feel eyes on him, eyes that made him extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, Pat was lurking outside the door which meant he was waiting for him to show up. Hunter took the bags from him hurrying inside leaving him to speak with Pat alone. Shawn tried to make it look like he was just warming up. He started jogging in place a bit while Pat hovered near him looking stone faced but Shawn could tell he was just as nervous about tonight as he was. "Pat, I'm not sure you should be standing here with me," he said quietly, now stretching a bit. "I'm fine, but all you're doing is drawing more attention to me than necessary."

"Sorry Shawn, but I'm actually here on Vince's orders," he said. "I don't know if you've talked to him since last night but people are talking now."

"Oh yeah you think?" Shawn snapped, but then he quickly apologized. "Look, I'm sorry Pat. I'm just stressed is all. No, before you ask, I have not changed my mind. I'm doing this. I already agreed to go through with it so save the speech."

Pat lowered his voice. "Look, I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable, but you've been attacked twice already in the last month and your dressing room has been trashed several times. Just…let me do my job alright?"

Shawn rolled his eyes. "I'd rather not." He left Pat outside the door and went inside to find Hunter who was pretty much sitting alone scowling at the others. Of course when Shawn entered the room everyone seemed to find some reason or another to step out. Once they were all alone, Hunter cursed loudly, his frustrations clearly showing in his voice.

Shawn was equally frustrated and it did not help that his best friend was too. He sat down next to Hunter and started combing through his hair, the gesture keeping him from going insane due to the enormous amount of tension in the building. There was a soft knock on the door and Shawn all but snapped. Angrily he got to his feet, pulling the door open. He blinked, most of his anger subsiding due to the shock. "Bret?"

"Uh…yeah. Say listen…can we maybe go somewhere and talk privately?" Hunter cast him a look that pretty much said fuck no, but Bret sighed and Shawn was pulled out of the room anyway.

Shawn snatched away from him frowning, not wanting to be anywhere near Bret let alone seen conversing with him alone. "What do you want? Can't you see I'm trying to get ready?"

Bret rolled his eyes. "Yes, because combing your hair over and over while already dressed to perform is getting ready."

"You know what? I don't need this." He turned to leave but was once again pulled back. "Bret!"

"Shawn I just wanted to go over the match with you is all," he said admittedly. "I…well I'm sure you can understand why since you, me, and Vince have been disagreeing on finishes all week. I honest to God just wanna know what I'm getting myself into. Not that I don't trust you but, you know. Just gotta be sure."

Shawn had to fight to make himself ignore the word 'trust' because trust was definitely something Bret shouldn't be thinking so naively about. Shawn couldn't really bring himself to answer so he nodded, listening as Bret went over a few false finishes all the while somewhat spaced out since he still had no idea what exactly Vince was planning to do. "So I'm gonna put you in the sharpshooter but I want you to reverse it since I know you probably don't wanna tap at all. It's not your thing."

"Huh?" Shawn blinked, looking down as the wheels in his head started turning. This was the opening needed since up until now, nothing was set in stone. Last he heard, they were gonna go with a DQ finish, which is exactly what Bret was pitching to him. The problem Vince had in those secret meetings was that he was pretty sure Bret wasn't crazy enough to allow a hold to be put on him. But here Hart was digging his own hole and though Shawn was excited to finally have something to give Vince, he also felt gut-wrenching guilt that made him want to hurl all over the place.

"Hey Shawn? Shawn are you alright?" Bret asked, genuinely concerned.

Shawn looked up realizing that he had zoned out a little too much. "Oh yeah. I'm fine. Just was going over the finish in my head," he lied, feeling that much sicker. He was starting to sweat and he was sure his headache was reaching borderline migraine status.

Bret reached out touching his face. "You feel hot." He touched his neck too just to be sure. "You might even have a small fever. You should get some rest after tonight."

"Yeah. I'm sure I will." He started backing away reminding himself that those hands would never comfort him again. "Guess I'll see you in the ring."

Bret nodded. "Yeah but…for what it's worth, kinda wish things could have ended differently."

Shawn shrugged, pretending not to care. "You know what they say-all good things must come to an end someday." He turned hurrying away as quickly as possible, needing to find Pat to deliver the news of the finish and trying his damndest not to look back, for it was too late.

AN: This is a bridge chapter. Only 3 chapters left folks and its done. How do i know you have 3 left? Because I actually finished it! Ha! I FINISHED this fic xD Imagine what u can do when u are internet-less for months

- I don't think I need to add anything to this note. By now u know that there are some inaccuracies tho most of the stuff with Bret and Shawn this chapter came straight from Heartbreak & Triumph the DVD. Shawn said he talked with Bret before the match and Bret gave him the opening Vince needed.

- I'm doing a happy dance. It is totally finished xD

- To Icon HBK, THANK YOU! To log in and see such a wonderful honest review makes my day. I'm glad you enjoyed my fic and I promise you that it's finished in full. I hope you all enjoy the ending. It's not great but I am at peace with it.