Chapter 17

The night was stressful for Syd. She spent hours working on Jon and Joe. The instant they entered their suite, she sent them both to soak in an Epsom Salt bath. Then it was time to deal with Joe's lacerations and welts with peroxide, triple antibiotic ointment and ice packs. He was in a tremendous amount of pain but tamped it down to ease her worry. It didn't work.

"You're an idiot if you think I'm buying the tough guy act. Here, take these," she held out two pills and a glass of water.

"Are you seriously handing me Midol right now? I'm not on my fucking period, Syd. Shut up, uce!" he snapped at Jon when he chuckled into his pillow.

"You could have fooled me, grumpy. Let me tell you a secret, big man. When I'm crampy during that glorious time of the month that you all run from me, I take this shit. Tylenol and Advil don't put a dent in my pain. So you're going to take these and quit being a pain in my ass. Now, Joe," she met him glare for glare when he took the pills and washed them down before handing the glass back to her. "Here's another secret, I've been giving you three bitches Midol for a year now," she winked at him with a mischievous grin. "You're fucking adorable when you pout. No wonder Piper pinched your cheek. If you get up to pee or raid the snacks or drinks, you call out so I can repack your back. If you feel dizzy or weak when you stand, you call out so I can help you. I don't care if I need to keep you steady so you can aim, you call me. Our doors stay open tonight," she leaned forward, kissing his forehead before helping Jon out of his room.

"Love you, Mama Bear," Joe mumbled wearily.

"Love you too, Papa Bear," she winked at him before leading Jon into their room. "On the bed, my Prince," she patted his ass before collecting the supplies she'd need to work on Jon. "I won't bother to ask how your arm is feeling; you'll just lie to me," she sat beside him, giving a small smirk before gently lifting his left arm to settle across her lap.

"You know my body, Kitten; you know everything about me. You know me so well I don't need to lie," he raised his free hand to palm her cheek, staring lovingly into her eyes. "I know nothing will convince you otherwise but we'll both be fine."

"You rolled with one of those hits; threw off Colby's timing, and took several to this arm, baby," she rubbed it down with alcohol with careful yet sure hands. "I need these arms to hold me tight at night so I have to make it better."

"I can hold you tight with one arm, my Queen," he yawned and smiled softly when her hands moved to his torso. "I can't wait to get you home later," his free hand ran gently over her bare thigh.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Jon?"

"Hey, none of that," he sat up, cradling the back of her head in his palm. "We've done everything at a fast pace, Kitten. I will admit that. But you can't deny that we were made for each other, and I think that is what pushed us along. I can't begin to tell you how much I wish I could've worked up the nerve to walk into your room long before I did but my opinion of myself was low; I didn't think I was worthy of you. I don't think I am now but I'll be damned if I let you go," he brushed his lips over hers, staring deep into her eyes. "You're mine, Kitten," he pulled her down to lie beside him, resting the hand of his injured arm between her breasts. "Sleep, baby; we go home in a few hours," he kissed the back of her head, snuggling his body around hers.

Las Vegas, NV

Jon's condo

June 4th, 2014

"Are you sure about this, man?" John glanced at his best friend with a skeptical look on his face, surprised to see the certainty in his gaze when he nodded his head.

"Yeah, I am. She came to me before Raw and told me he's moving in. I admit I was skeptical and she looked downright terrified but I've never seen her so certain about anything in my life, other than when she told me she loved him," Randy shrugged, shifting on his feet. "You've seen her lately, man. She's told me she loves me. That is huge for Syd and he's the reason. Jon is the man that is pulling my sister out of her shell with barely any effort whatsoever. Fuck knows he isn't the grumpy bastard he was anymore and that's all on her. Who am I to stand in the way of that?"

"Don't you think it's moving fast though?"

"Yeah it is but it's working for them. Those two are not normal so we can't compare their relationship to normal human relationships. Now quit with the twenty questions and knock on the door," he jerked his head, earning a scowl from Cena.

"What?" Jon snapped upon opening his front door a few minutes later, startling the two men standing there. "Randy? John? What are you doing here?" he asked on a yawn, scratching the back of his head while he stood aside to let them enter.

"Man, put that thing away before you hurt someone," Cena pulled a face at Jon's morning wood tenting his boxers.

"I was about to," Jon smirked, turning to Randy, "in your sister until you knocked and ruined those plans, unless you want to wait."

"I can't stand you and I still don't understand what she sees in you," Randy mumbled with a hand over his eyes.

"Can you see the scratches Syd left on his back or that 'freshly fucked bed-hair' he's sporting? I think you'll have your answer on what she sees in him," John asked with a grin before turning when Syd entered the den wearing Jon's wifebeater and nothing else.

"What are you two doing here?" she darted her gaze between her brother and his best friend, only to smile when John handed over a Venti Starbucks cup. "Oh, I love you," she sighed happily, taking a sip.

"I know you do, Peanut," John smiled; shaking his head when Syd clutched it to her chest like a Golden Ticket.

"We brought breakfast and movers. Let's sit and talk," Randy steered them over to the table, setting the bags down.

"Movers?" Syd cocked her head only to smile lovingly when Jon pulled her down on his lap.

"Hear me out, little sister," Randy held up a finger to silence her while he and John divvied up the food and remaining coffee. "I've been setting appointments to look at properties over our days off. I know your house is big enough that we wouldn't run into each other if we tried but you two need your privacy, and I respect that. Your relationship is new and you both deserve the chance to explore it without any interruptions. I know I'm not going to find the perfect place to settle down in before we have to hit the road so I figured Jon could pack up the things he wants in his new home and I could stay here until I close on a house." He glanced at his sister and her boyfriend when they remained silent, just staring into each other's eyes having a private conversation. "What do you think? Of course, if Jon agrees I'll be burning that bed."

"There's a lot of bed burning in your family," Jon quirked a brow at Syd; grinning when she nodded her head with a laugh. "That sounds really good, Randy."

"Which part?" her big brother asked cautiously.

"Both and you definitely want to burn that bed. The things I've done to your sister on it," he shook his head with raised brows.

"You really have no filter between your brain and mouth, do you?" Randy sighed; resting an elbow on the table and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Not when it comes to her, no," Jon smirked; kissing the side of her head before showing his happiness to her brothers.

"I also think it might be a good idea if we keep this place for visitors. Your circle of friends have expanded and I know you'll have two extra rooms to put people up in the house but these extra rooms here will come in handy," Randy added; glancing at the couple through his lashes. "I'd let John crash at my new place but no one else and I know you are especially protective of your suite at the Luxor. How about we split the cost of the lease and we can both use it for guests?"

"I'll sign it over to you two," Jon glanced between the twins; settling his gaze on Syd and stroked his hand along her thigh while she thought it over. Keeping the condo was an idea that almost cost him his love, and he was damn curious how her brother knew. He had to know; he was almost quoting Phil word-for-word.

"Deal," she nodded her head and Jon released a silent sigh of relief. "So you plan to stay in Vegas then?" Syd asked nonchalantly while letting Jon take a bite of her breakfast sandwich.

"Hey, I know I've lived off of you since the divorce but I've gotten used to this city. Plus Alanna would be devastated if she didn't get to visit her Aunt Syd and Uncle Jon during her scheduled visits with me," he shrugged his shoulders while he focused on his meal, only glancing up at his sister when he felt her stare. "Yes, I've gotten used to being near you and traveling together. I'm just not prepared to give that up."

"Aww, that is fucking adorable," John pinched his best friend's cheek and laughed when he swatted his hand away.

"Fuck off, man. She fought me off in the womb to make sure we had separate eggs but we stayed together then and I want her close now." Randy kept his eyes on the table, looking up in surprise when his sister plopped down in his lap and hugged him. He held her close with a soft smile on his face for a solid minute. "You aren't wearing underwear, are you?"

"Hardly ever do," she hummed serenely.

"Get off my lap," he ushered her up.

"You can sit on mine, Peanut. Ow!" John rubbed the back of his head when he received a double swat from Jon and Randy.

Jon was an easy move. He packed all of his clothing and wrestling memorabilia, which was the extent of his belongings aside from the furniture he left behind for Randy's use.

"I was going off the assumption you'd say yes," Randy smirked at Jon, shrugging his shoulders. The movers brought up his boxes of clothing, wrestling memorabilia and little things like family photos, and Alanna's possessions from her room at Syd's. "I left her furniture and half of her stuff there so she'd have them when she comes to visit you. I hope that's okay?" Randy asked while directing the movers into the spare room.

"Of course, it is. We'll split from here and head to a mattress store, buy a set for both rooms, come back here to set them up and then take Jon's stuff to the house. After that, I think food is in order," she glanced between the three men, getting nods in return before stepping up to the man in charge of the movers. "You guys up for making some extra cash today? If you tag along with us to the mattress store and cart them back so we don't have to wait for them to deliver, I'll make it worth your while."

"I think we could handle it. I'll call the office to reschedule our other appointments. Thank you, Ms Orton," he shook her hand with a slight nod before letting his guys know what was going on.

"Are you going to miss it?" Syd asked, wrapping her arms behind Jon's neck while they watched one mover carry his boxes out to the truck.

"It is just another bed surrounded by four walls to me. There's nothing to miss unless you're gone. I told you, you're my home," he whispered against her lips before taking her mouth in an endearing kiss.

"Alright, lovebirds, let's hit the mattress store so we can get on with our day," Randy rolled his eyes and ushered them out the door. "Just wait until you experience the sheer joy of bed shopping with Syd and John. There is nothing else like it in the world," he smirked, shaking his head at Jon.

"Are they like this all the time?" Jon leaned towards Randy; his fist hovering over his mouth to hide his smile while the Viper watched his best friend and little sister with a grin.

"Always," he answered, folding his arms over his chest while the two bounced horizontally on the beds until they settled. "This is how they test them out to see which ones are the most comfortable in the long run. Syd picks mine and John picks Ally's. I tried disagreeing with her over her choice for me once, it…it didn't pan out. I was stuck with the crappy thing for months before I finally gave in and admitted she was right. She's never let me live it down since."

"Yeah, she doesn't strike me as the type to let anything go. Just how close…" Jon pointed towards them when John jumped on the mattress Syd was reclining on.

"Never! I'd fucking kill him," he ended in a lower tone after his initial outburst. "He flirts because he knows it pisses me off but no, she's a sister to him."

"Get off! Ally wouldn't like this one!" Syd pushed Cena, using her feet to edge his butt off the bed. "Randal, this is it! Come check this one out, Bro," she waved him over; smiling softly at him once he sprawled out beside her. "What do you think?"

"I like it," he sighed, relaxing into the memory foam. "I know better than to argue, Syd. Let's see if John has settled on one for Ally and JoJo's room. We'll pay up and get the hell out of here. What do you think; a California King for me and a Queen for the girls?"

"You plan on having JoJo over?" Syd turned her head on the pillow to see her brother shrug.

"We can't separate the sisters. Besides, I'm sure there will be nights Joe and Gal come to visit and you'll all want to go out. I can keep the girls if you want," he lowered his gaze, only to snap his eyes to hers when she kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Randal."

After returning to the condo and setting up the beds, the four of them followed the moving truck back to Syd…and Jon's house, and pointed out the rooms the boxes went to.

"Where are they taking my wrestling stuff, Kitten?" Jon asked, watching two of the men carry a few boxes outside.

"Oh you didn't get a chance to see it when you were here last," she took his hand and led him out the backdoor. They walked along the pool to another small addition to the house that appeared to connect to the house but where, Jon didn't know. "I have a small gym in here; just basics with the treadmill, free weights and such, plus my office is in the next room. I figured we could do one of two things; you can decorate the gym, the office or the theater room with your belts or, we can swap out a bedroom in the house and turn it into an office that you can decorate with your things, and expand the gym. It is up to you and we don't need to decide now. I'm hungry, so you can think this over at your leisure but, if you don't feed me soon, I'm going to get cranky," she pecked his lips before following the movers back to the house.

Later that day, Jon and Syd came home, put his clothes away in the large walk-in closet and drawers that she cleared out for him. Jon then took his lady by the hand, led her into the bathroom, and stripped her bare before disposing of his clothes. He gave her a soft smile before placing a lingering kiss on her lips; leaving her breathless, he turned to start the shower.

"Come with me, Kitten," he lifted her up by her waist; smiling when she wrapped her legs around him, and walked them into the spray of water. "Mine," he purred against her neck, kissing and nibbling along the column of her throat. "Mine," he growled when he entered her body moments later, taking her hard and fast. "Mine," he howled when he erupted inside her thirty minutes later.

Lips met, tongues mingled and hands explored while they washed each other, rinsed off and dried the other with soft towels. Jon was hard again by the time he carried his lady to their bed. "Home," he groaned when he entered her this time; making love for the rest of the night.

June 9th, 2014

Target Center

Minneapolis, MN

Syd was in her usual seat beside JBL while 3MB's mouthpiece, Heath Slater, ran on making snide comments about her boys. A smile split her face when The Shield's theme hit and the crowd erupted with cheers. A sigh escaped her lips when their third was missing.

She hadn't seen Colby at all today.

It was almost too quiet on the bus when they were driven to the arena by Frank. The silence was oppressive for a while before Syd began to interrogate Joe about his time off while she checked out his back. The big man was surprised to discover that Randy moved into Jon's condo, and his former bedroom was now designated his and Gal's when they visited.

"I'm honored, Syd," he gave her a soft smile, glancing over her shoulder to see a peaceful expression on Jon's face.

"You're our brother and best friend, Joe. We're family and you'll always have a room in our home," she kissed the top of his head and wandered off to talk to Frank; leaving the two best friends grinning at each other.

Syd snapped back to the present when Joe flipped his hair back; the excess water hitting her in the face. "Douche," she hissed at him, getting a playful glare over his shoulder before he joined Dean in the ring; the two of them dispatching Heath, Drew and Jinder with ease.

She watched her man adopt his lunatic persona and cut a promo on their "former" brother. She listened while he described him as a cancer and explained in vivid detail what he planned to do to him to get his revenge for Seth's betrayal. Roman stalked the ring behind him, smiling and laughing his approval of Dean's plans. When he took the mic, he relayed his feelings over Seth's actions before turning his focus on her brother. Roman's mission was to take out Randy and then Hunter for their part in the destruction of The Shield.

Later on in the show, Syd sat ringside once again when Seth came out to explain his reasons for turning on his brothers. The chants of "you sold out" were insane. Her pup avoided her intense gaze throughout Cole's interview but Syd cocked a brow when a camera focused on her periodically while she listened. She turned her head towards John once the camera was aimed at the ring, silently asking a question.

"You got a lot of attention last week when you stood between The Authority and your boys," JBL whispered once he cut his mic. "The crowd knows who you are now. You might want to play with that," he grinned with a twinkle in his eye.

Seth reached the end of his promo, calling his "brothers" business partners and saying he severed a business relationship. He then called out Dean and Roman, and they didn't disappoint the crowd. They stalked down the ramp while Seth removed his suit jacket. Before they reached the ring, the lights went out and came back up with Seth standing with his back to Syd, and Luke Harper and Erick Rowan in the ring with Dean and Roman.

Her boys squared off against two thirds of the Wyatt family with Seth yelling directions from the outside. Only when his former brothers were down on the mat did Seth enter the ring to get his licks in but before he could, Roman and Dean retook their feet and turned on him. Bray rushed the ring before they could get a decent hold on him and Seth rolled out, only to startle when he realized Syd took her feet and stood behind him. She cocked her head; a very Viper-like glint in her eyes, before she flinched her body forward, smirking when Seth ran off towards the ramp.

Not long after, Cena's music hit and he rushed down the ramp, coming to The Shield's aid. The three men cleared the Wyatts out of the ring and sent them backing up the ramp, holding their yard. Being the former heels that they were, Dean stuck close to Roman, leaving space between them and the company's face while they celebrated their masculinity. At least that is how Syd took it while she chuckled in her chair.

The main event came and Syd smiled at her lover when he stopped at the foot of the stairs and did a little dance to their theme while he glanced at her. The big man tossed his hair back again and tried to glare at her when she squealed and wiped water from her face. Syd could not stop her laughter when Cena entered the ring a few minutes later and Dean studied him like a science experiment while he ran the ropes.

The match began with Dean in the ring, tagging out to Roman and then back in again. The two had worked together for so long; usually against Cena and other faces, and they weren't comfortable relying on the Cenation leader just yet. Dean ended up in the wrong corner for an extended period and Syd went to check on him once before he and Erick crawled back in the ring. She took that opportunity to talk softly to Bray; who stood on the apron above her before returning to her chair.

Roman entered the ring, breaking a pin Bray had on Dean before he was kicked through the ropes and to the floor by Harper. Bray legally tagged in Luke until Ambrose took his head off with a clothesline. Dean managed to tag in Cena while Harper tagged in Rowan. John had the upper hand for all of a minute, possibly two before he ended up in the same position Dean had been in – the Wyatts' corner. They manhandled him for several minutes, making quick tags while Roman and Dean watched on from their corner.

Roman finally ended up in the ring doing what he does best; kicking ass. He saw a perfect opportunity to perform his running front dropkick on Harper and Rowan. He rolled out of the ring; finding Bray standing between him and Harper until Syd whipped Wyatt around by his shoulder and slapped a fast RKO on him. The surprise registered on the Samoan's face for an instant before he continued to run, leap into the air and kick Harper in the head. He quickly slid off the apron, ran to the other side of the ring and pulled a double by hitting Rowan with the same move.

Dean quickly moved on Erick, dumping him to the outside and followed to end up getting pulled off the apron to land at Syd's feet. In the ring, Roman had Harper in a pin but Rowan scampered back into the ring and broke the count, attacking Roman while he was down. Cena flew in from the top rope with a crossbody; knocking Erick away from Roman, but got caught in a Sister Abigail from Bray, ending up outside the ring on the mat. While Bray was smiling at the crowd, Roman was crouched in the corner waiting on his prey. Bray turned into a devastating Superman Punch from the Samoan who then threw Erick over the top rope to clear the ring. Dean entered the ring surveying their opponents getting to their feet and ran the ropes, diving through the other side of the ring into Erick and Bray.

Roman smiled at his brother's handiwork and turned back to Harper only to meet a big boot to his face. Luke covered but Roman kicked out at two, and Harper walked the ring to think of his next move. Just when he signaled to the crowd that he had an idea, he turned to the Samoan and ate a spear that bent him in half. Roman scored the pinfall and his teammates rolled into the ring to celebrate.

Syd smiled when Roman and Dean embraced, laughing a bit when John eyed the Shield warily before giving a nod of approval and raising both of their hands in the air.

"Paul wants to talk to you when you get backstage," JBL leaned towards Syd once they went off the air.

"I figured he would," she smirked before shifting her eyes to him. "I'm telling him it was your idea."

Paul glanced at Jon and Joe that stood protectively behind Syd while she narrowed her obsidian eyes on him. "I find it hysterical that they think you need their help to deal with me," he rolled his eyes before smiling down at her. "That was fucking kick ass!" he picked her up into a bear hug, swinging her back and forth before pulling back to look at her. "I hate that Booker told the WWE Universe who you are but since that ship has sailed, I'd love it if you'd do little shit like that every once in a while."

"I'm their doctor."

"I know."

"I'm not a wrestler or a valet. I'm sure as hell not a fucking Diva."

"I know. I think you've made that abundantly clear."

"I'm not dressing up."

"Okay," he rolled his eyes.

"I won't be scripted into shit. I do it when I do it or not at all," she pointed at him when he went to argue.

"Deal," he grumbled, placing her back on her feet. "You're such a pain in the ass. Now I owe Vince a hundred bucks since he bet me that you wouldn't go for being written in, and I have to wonder when the little Viper will strike."

"Daddy knows me well," she grinned, walking off with her boys.

The three of them were sprawled out on the couch watching TV while Frank drove them to Green Bay. It was a relaxing night after Syd gave the two of them a rub down while they joked about her scaring Colby and hitting Windham with a RKO.

"My little ass-kicker," Jon chuckled for the hundredth time since the end of the show.

"Seriously, Syd, you should consider becoming our third member," Joe elbowed her side, laughing when she huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Damn it," she sighed, climbing over Jon to grab her cell. "Yes, Randal?"

"Put me on speaker."

"You're on," she tossed the phone on to the couch between her and Joe; snuggling into Jon.

"Frank, where are you at?"

"About five miles from River Falls, Randy," Frank answered when he spotted the passing marker.

"My bus is parked just off the road there. Pull up next to me, I have something that belongs to you guys," Randy chuckled before disconnecting the call.

"You seriously aren't kicking me off and throwing me to the wolves here, are you?"

"I divorced my whiny wife and you're not my type. Trust me, this is good for you. Dealing with my sister in the mood she's in is an experience. Now go get your shit; they'll be pulling up soon," Randy grinned at the pout he received before focusing his attention on his television.

"Randal? What is this?" Syd asked, standing outside their bus, flanked by Jon and Joe.

"I have something for you," he gestured to his side and rolled his eyes when he found nothing. "For fuck's sake," he stomped up the stairs and; after some yelling, re-emerged with a pale looking Colby in tow. "He didn't know what to do with himself after you three left last week so I decided to let him travel with me. Here's the catch though," he pushed Colby across the space between buses. "I'll let him ride in and out with me for appearances' sake but stop outside of town so we can pass him back and forth. Sound good to you?" he asked his sister when he walked up with Colby's luggage in hand.

"Yeah, we'll take him," Syd hugged her brother, smiling into his chest.

"You have no idea how glad I am to hear that. He whines like a bitch," Randy chuckled.

"Hey!" Colby snapped.

"You know you do so shut up and get your ass on the bus," Joe pushed him towards the door, carrying his bags up the stairs.

"Thank you, man," Jon held out his hand, for once feeling a genuine friendship with the elder Orton when he returned the handshake.

"You're welcome. We can follow each other to Green Bay and stop somewhere before hitting town to switch him back. Have fun," he kissed the top of his sister's head before returning to his bus.

"You have your pup back," Jon ruffled her hair while escorting her up the stairs, giving Frank a nod to head out.

He stood behind Syd, who faced Colby while Joe stood behind him. The two friends staring at each other for a few moments before Syd stepped forward and pulled him into her embrace.

"I'm sorry," Colby whispered into her neck, holding tight to her back and shoulders.

"Shh, we love you; you'll always be ours even when you're stupid," she kissed the side of his head, running her hands over his back.

That night the four of them shared the extended couch with Joe on the far left, Colby to the right of him, curled into Syd, and Jon pressed up against her back.