DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. The characters belong to WWE and Vince McMahon. This is a work of fiction and I claim no knowledge of the actual events that went on in real life.

"You no good, back-stabbing son of a bitch! After everything I've done for you... That's how you repay me? C'mon, twist that knife a little deeper, will ya? That's what those closest to you do best, right? You sure as hell are a master at it. Fuck knows why I've never seen it before. The one time I actually need you to have my back... You know what, Hunter? I am sick and tired of your sorry ass. Go fuck yourself!"

Shawn's vicious outburst still rang in Stephanie's ears. When she stepped into the locker room earlier that day, the fight had already been in full swing. It had attracted quite the crowd and you could tell it had only been moments away from coming to blows had Shawn not decided to storm off right then. An uncomfortable silence had settled in the wake of his departure, and everyone had suddenly seemed keen to busy themselves so as not to have to look at the man the words had been directed at. However, Steph's eyes had briefly met Hunter's who only shook his head. Even though she had wanted to, she realized it wasn't the right time to talk about what had just happened.

After that, the whole day had revolved around getting ready for the SmackDown taping and preparing their segments so it wasn't until now that the show was done that she got the chance to seek out Hunter again. In the last year and a half of working together, they had developed quite the close friendship and she simply had to make sure he was alright.

It was what had led her back to the guys' locker room. When she knocked on the door in front of her, there was no answer, but as she strode inside, she found Hunter still sitting on one of the benches. He was already dressed in street clothes with his gear bag at his feet. The rest of the boys had left by now, it seemed. Quietly she sat down next to him. He was leaning against the cold metal of the locker behind him, eyes closed.

Her fingers gently touched his thigh. "He'll come around. Just give him some time to cool off."

Hunter did not even raise his gaze when he spoke, "I just can't do this anymore."

She wished there were words of comfort she could offer, but those died on her lips when she noticed the defeated expression on his face when he did finally look at her.

"I mean it, Steph. I am done." He paused before he even more quietly continued, "We are done."

Her heart was breaking for her friend. Stephanie knew things had not been easy for Shawn and Hunter in a while, but somehow they had still made it work. Despite Hunter's crazy schedule and Shawn's issues.

"You're upset and rightfully so. Just... Sleep on it and talk to Shawn in the morning before you make any rash decisions."

When Hunter didn't reply, she took his hand, squeezing it slightly.

"You still love him, don't you?"

He nodded, but his voice was laced with sadness. "I don't think that's enough anymore."

She knew that at least for now there was nothing left to say. However, if McMahons were good at something, it was at taking charge - and she'd be damned if she didn't make sure Hunter would be okay tonight. With a new determination she got up and thanks to the element of surprise managed to drag Hunter with her.

"Well, here's the plan: You are crashing in my room tonight. I got a suite and a king-size bed."

"Steph, I..."

Off his look, Stephanie knew he was just about to argue, but she didn't even give him the chance. "And you are welcome to sleep naked. Now how's that for an offer?"

Finally, he cracked a small smile at her teasing. She knew she almost had him.

"It's about time you spend the night with your wonderful wife again, you know?"

Hunter put up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. As always Mrs. McMahon-Helmsley will get her way."

She was relieved that he was giving in. Hunter might be a tough guy on the outside, but Shawn's behavior had left its mark and therefore she desperately didn't want him to be alone.

He shouldered his bag and gave Steph a quick peck on the forehead, before he turned serious. "Thank you, Steph. I really wouldn't have been too big on going back to Shawn's and my room tonight."

"I can imagine." She put her arm through his, nudging him. "We'll figure everything else out tomorrow."

She could tell Hunter wasn't convinced, but he seemed too tired of it all to disagree. Taking her wins as they came, she led him out of the locker room area, only stopping at hers to grab her own stuff.

It had been a long day and she tried to keep up a positive attitude for Hunter, but she had this sinking feeling it might get worse before it got better.