Chapter Nine
San Antonio, TX
The Hickenbottom Residence
We're here in Shawn's hometown. It has been such a long time since I've been here it should be a crime. Everyone here has good hearts and big personalities. You know what they say, everything is bigger in Texas.
He promised his parents that he'd stop by before the show tonight so here we are traveling down the familiar long gravel road. When we pull up to his parent's house and his mother comes outside just as we're getting out of Shawn's huge truck.
He chuckles. " Here we go. I've been gone for months and she has missed me like crazy. "
We get out and she's on us in an instant. " He's here Dick! Michael! Oh! He has Chloe with him! " She says hugging him tightly before rushing over to give me a bear hug. " Look at you dear, you haven't aged a bit! "
Laughing without losing oxygen I pull away and smile at the older woman. " It's so good to see you again Mrs. Hickenbottom. "
Mr. Hickenbottom shows his smiling face in the front doorway. " Hello! It's such a pleasant surprise to see ya darlin'. He must have gotten on his knees and begged you to forgive him. Personally, I'd have told him to kick rocks. "
Frowning I look from his father to him. They've always been good what happened?
Shawn looks tender on that subject as he changes the subject. " What did I tell you about saying that name? "
" Oh, hush. " I say kissing his cheek.
His smile is once more in place and my job is done. " Is that fried chicken I smell? "
" And mashed potatoes, and gravy, and greens... " Carol says with a knowing grin.
Shawn interjects immediately. " You can't fatten her up too much mom, she has her first match back in a few days. "
I let his comment slide because I know he didn't mean anything by it. " Please, my metabolism is just as good as it was when I was nineteen. "
" How's the bragging camp going? " He asks as we head inside.
I laugh. " It's going great! "
Carol looks back at us smiling widely. She has always loved the two of us together. Since the moment he introduced us as a matter of fact. I think they were tired of all the floozies he used to date. ( Ehem Tammy Ehem ) But let's not get to talking about that skank.
" So Chloe... What have you been up to all these years? Besides the obvious. " Dick asks breaking the silence of the four of us mowing down.
Shrugging I say, " besides business, mostly raising my little sister. She's up in Alberta with the Hart's right now, but I've given her a stable life so far. Which has been the number one responsibility.
" Oh, that's right! You did take custody of her. What's her name again... Amethyst? No- Agatha- " Carol says trying to remember.
Shawn rolls his eyes. " It's Arlette mom. "
" That's it, Arlette. How is she dear? " She asks ignoring her son.
Smiling I say, " She's better than great. The whole reason for her being up in Alberta is to train with the Foundation. She and Nattie, that's Bret's niece, are both going through the torture, I mean the Hart's vigorous regimen. "
" If she's anything like you, I'm sure she'll be an amazing asset to the WWE. " Dick says before taking a sip of his sweet tea.
Shawn for the first time since sitting down actually softens up. " She's the carbon copy of Chloe. And just as headstrong. "
" I can't wait for her to debut. She's going to be the female face of the company one day. " I tell them proudly.
Dick raises his glass in a toast. " To Arlette. "
" To Arlette. " We all follow suit.
Lunch is amazing as it usually is when I get to have Carol's cooking. It's nice to get to spend this time with them after all of these years. This is what I have been missing.
I miss Arlette. She has been up in Alberta for a little bit and will remain there for the next few years of her life. It's going to be hard on her but if this is what she really wants to do she'll make it work. Just like I did.
I can't think about that now though because the little set for our backstage promo this week has just been set up and ready for us. Not that it isn't anything more than us standing in front of a white banner with DX spray-painted across it but it works for our aesthetic. We're also doing a little something with the Highlanders but that is Hunter and Shawns thing... I'll be in a meeting with my sister in law Stephanie to see about getting me back into the ring.
" Come on Chlo we need to get in position. " Hunter says impatiently.
Damn, can't I have a moment to think about myself? I give I'm the death claw of doom and join them smack in the middle.
Once the camera starts rolling we get serious and I start grinning like an idiot as planned.
" This message is a public service announcement, " Hunter says whispering.
It's my job to pretty much stand here in the middle still grinning like a fool with both of my thumbs up.
" Brought to you by D Generation X. " Shawn whispers sticking up his thumbs as well.
We all then sweep across to introduce the D Generation X's video PSA that will play for the audience.
" Well, we have that taken care of... Now, what do we do? "
" Well in that case... " Shawn says taking my hand and looking at me seriously. " There's a bible study I usually go to when I'm home... Come with me? "
Any time with him away from Hunter is welcome. They're like a married couple. It isn't even a thought. " Sure. "
" Hey! What am I supposed to do now? " Hunter calls after us.
I call over my shoulder, " go find your wife and love on her Hunter. Cherish some quiet time before our niece is born. "
RAW Live
Lunch with his parents was amazing. Good food and conversation is always great. Now it's back to work. We have a job to do tonight and we won't take no for an answer. What am I talking about? You'll see.
We just got in the ring and everyone is on their feet chanting DX and we love it so much that we take a moment to bask in it. Now it's time to do our shameless merch plug, which we are masters at by this point.
Hunter looks at us both frowning. " Hold on a second we were supposed to wear the new shirts tonight? "
We both throw our hands up in disgust.
" Yes, we're supposed to wear the new shirts! " I say rolling my eyes.
Shawn put his arm around me and speaks into his mic. " The new shirts Hunter, are available at Merchandise stands all over the building. "
" You can also get them at . " We both say together.
Hunter shakes his head. " Yeah, but that's the new shirt... I was out there Sean this is the original! this is the original D Generation X shirt. And I was up there! It's on sale at Merchandise stands all over the building and also available on . "
" So what you're telling me is you can get all your D Generation X merchandise oat souvenir stands all over the building or, you can get it at W W W... " He sputters look at his wrist and reading slowly, " ".
Hunter pats his back. " Easy Miz. " He says making me laugh. " I couldn't help but notice that Shawn, tonight that Vince is just in a really bad mood... He's walking around in that back all crabby. He's grumpy! "
" Word around town is that he's on edge. " I conquer loudly.
Shawn nods in agreement. " And the rumor mill says we three have something to do with it. "
" What?! " Hunter asks in fake shock.
Hitting him on the shoulder I ask, " what could we have possibly done to Vince McMahon to make him mad? I don't see that as being possible. "
" I don't know, maybe we're biased. " Hunter says to me before turning to the crowd. " Maybe we need an objective opinion... Does anyone think we've done wrong by Vince McMahon? "
The crowd yells " no "!
I step up in between the ropes and ask. " I mean really, do you think we should stop doing the things we're doing to Vince? "
They disagree twice as hard just like we knew they would.
" I agree with you," Shawn says quickly. " I agree with them but the fact of the matter is he is really really angry at all of us! And he and his son Shane want us right here, right now! Right here, right now! "
The sight of him pretending to be scared almost makes me break character.
" Come on Shane I mean Shawn. " Hunter stumbles as the crowd boo's him. " It's live TV give me a break. " He says making them laugh again. " Nobody I wants to see Vince McMahon and his son Shane fight D-Generation X. Especially right here in your hometown of San Antonio Texas! I don't know maybe I'm wrong, is that something you people would be interested in seeing? "
Shrugging my shoulders I say, " Oh... Well, I don't know, maybe we should make a match between the two of them and the two of you right here tonight in this very ring! "
" That settles it. It's official. " Shawn says like it's nothing.
Hunter puts his hand up. " Hold on a second, hold on a second... Can we do that? "
Shawn scoffs. " Of course, we can do that who's gonna stop us? "
And that's Vince and Shane's cue to come on out.
No chance, that's what you got. Up against a machine too strong. Pretty politicians buying souls from us are PUPPETS who'll find their place in line.
They both walk out looking pissed off as usual. " The last time I checked, you three were nothing but a bunch of juvenile delinquents! "
The crowd goes nuts at that making the vein in Vince's forehead bulge even more than it usually does.
" The last time I checked, you three don't run things around here, we do. " He says gesturing to him and Shane, who is standing there as if he wishes he were anywhere else. " We're sick and tired of watching you every week... Make fools of us! "
The DX army starts chanting " You Suck! You Suck! You Suck! " much to their chagrin.
Vince ignores it this time. " It's not about what you want, it's about what we want. As far as your challenge is concerned... I've got two words for ya!... Shane O'Mac! "
Shane looks a little surprised but shakes it off.
" Because tonight, in that very ring, Shawn Michaels goes one on one with my son Shane! " He says handing the mic to his son. " Tell 'em, Shane. "
Shane looks at him like he wants to set fire to his suit before taking the mic. That's when the crowd turns on him. " Shut up! " He spits out just as good as his father. " You know Shawn... As far as your little impression of me... Your little impression of me sucked. I do not dance around the ring like a mentally challenged kid on crack. "
Oh yes, he does.
He then says, " I have more talent, more God-given talent in my finger than you do in your whole body... "
The crowd boos him and so do I. Never in his lifetime could he match my man in his prime.
" So tonight lets up the stakes a little bit. " Shane says shaking off the crowd's jeers. " Why don't you have your buddy Triple H be in your corner... How's that? Cus I'm thinking I'm gonna have somebody in my corner... "
He says pausing to make some kind of douche effect. " Let me think... Who comes to mind? Oh! The chairman of the board, Vincent Kennedy McMahon! He'll be ing mine! "
It's Vince's turn to look shocked. I bet he wasn't expecting that.
" But quite frankly Shawn, what all of these San Antonians will be saying tonight, not only will they remember the Alimo... But they'll remember me beating their home town boy! 1.2.3. " He says getting the last word as their music plays once more.
No chance, that's what you got. Up against a machine too strong. Pretty politicians buying souls from us are PUPPETS who'll find their place in line.
Five Minutes Into The Match
I'm stuck watching the match in our dressing room as a " special rule " we were informed of as soon as we walked backstage. I'm not allowed anywhere near that ring while they're in it. If I leave this locker room, I lose my job here by default. It pisses me off but there's nothing I can do about it. I came here to change things and I'm not getting fired before I can.
The match is starting off good and the fans are loving it. That is until Shane knocks the wind out of Shawn mid-air. That's when both McMahon's get involved. Eww, Vince is literally jumping up and down with glee.
It goes on for another minute when Shane starts trying to tune up the band. Come on Shawn... Yes! He blocks it! Now he's gaining momentum just like in his younger days. He sets Shane up for sweet chin music. Just as he's tuning up the band, Vince grabs his leg and Hunter is on him in a second chasing him up the ramp.
Just as Shawn turns around the Spirit Squad comes out of nowhere jumping him ruthlessly. Once Hunter realizes it's a ruse he runs back out and slides into the ring with grace. Once he starts whooping them one by one the bell is rung and the Spirit Squad gets the best of Hunter.
Now we have half of the Spirit Squad in the ring pummeling Shawn and half out of the ring throwing Hunter against the steel stairs. Once Hunter is incapacitated they all join in the ring and toss Shawn into the air, letting his body crash onto the mat being goaded on by Vince at the turnbuckle.
" Come on Shawn I know you can turn this around. "
He does get a burst of energy but it doesn't last long as they quickly overpower him once more throwing him into the air. Shane gets out of the ring and gets a steel chair to hit Hunter in the back with. He then slides it into the ring along with another. They set Shawn up to do some damage when Hunter springs up with his little friend I like to call Sledgy. He clears the ring of those dumb cheerleaders and he and Shawn look ready to do some more damage. They do our signature crotch chop look just like the hungry young men they once were.
The match is over and I'm not staying here. I open the door and run out to gorilla. Once I see them emerge I run to Shawn.
" Are you okay? " I ask checking him over.
He nods but lets me put his arm over my shoulders to keep him steady while we walk back to the locker room. I'm taking him right back to the hotel and take care of him.
We got back to the hotel and I said goodbye to Hunter before leading the tired Shawn to his room. I hated having to sit there and watch helplessly as he got pummeled. When he hits certain moves, particularly the high-risk moves, once he executes it you see the pain written all over his face. He doesn't have to see it, because he actually feels it. And that has me worried even more tonight.
He's currently in an ice bath. Don't ask me how many buckets of ice I had to fill for that to happen. It has been an hour and he's still in there. I already went back to my room for the muscle rub and laid towels on the bed. The little bedside clock/radio is playing soft rock which is perfect to unwind to.
The bathroom door opens abruptly and he emerges looking a little better than he did before. " Come lay down babe. Show me where it hurts. "
He adjusts his towel and climbs onto the bed, lying flat on his stomach. " Be gentle Chlo. "
Frowning, I squirt some of the muscle rub into my palm and work it into both. " What hurts where Shawn? "
" Lower back. " He sighs.
Gently touching the tender spot I rub the medication into his skin in soothing circles. His breathing is even which tells me that I'm not hurting him.
" When was the last time you saw the doctor? Not the WWE's but your own? " I ask genuinely.
He grumbles a few times before saying, " a few weeks ago. I'm okay Chloe, I promise. "
" I worry... I don't want to call you old, but you aren't as young as you used to be. " I say kissing his shoulder.
His body shudders. " I know. You know, part of the reason I came back was to feel like my old self again. "
Wiping my hands I say." Maybe you were trying to feel this feeling again. " I sit on the bed next to him and sigh. " I came here because I wanted to do what I came to do when I first entered the company. I still want to do that, but if God was ever trying to speak to us, it's right now. "
" I think you're right. "
Authors Note: Hey guys, sorry for the delay. What do you all think about another flashback next chapter? I'm working on a kind of prequel to be released after this one ends.