Scott's POV
I don't know why Shawn is more comforting than Kid but he is. I guess because Shawn knows exactly why I'm so distraught over Kev getting� Well� you know. Fuck how pathetic am I. I can't even say to myself what happened to my love.
It should have been me. It should be me in there right now. Kevin has never done anything to deserve this. I jump to my feet as a sudden thought occurs to me. "Have any of you called Kevin's boys?"
Hunter shakes his head and frowns. "Why would we?"
"Because he'd want Chuck and Sean and Shawn and Mike and Mark here. They mean the world to him. You know that Sean. Why didn't you call them?"
Sean shrugs and I know I'm yelling at him but I can't seem to make myself stop. I don't know why it's so important to me to have those guys here. I don't even know if they'll come. But they have to be aware of what's going on.
I start to head for the phones but I feel a hand on my arm. Turning I take a swing at whoever is touching me. Lucky for him; and me; Shawn's still got his quick reflexes. He ducks and has my hand back by my side before I can take another breath. "I'll call them. Scott calm down baby. We'll get them here. I promise. If I have to go chase all of them down and drag them here I will. Now please. Sit down and eat something."
Nodding my head I watch him walk across the room. He picks up the phone and begins dialing. I don't know what I would do without Shawn here. I guarantee I'd be falling apart way more than I already am.
Sean's glaring at him and it takes all of my strength not to reach out and slap him silly. He has no right to be angry with Shawn for keeping me from freaking out. If anything he should be thankful for Shawn. "What the hell is your problem?" I hiss out at Sean.
"What are you talking about?"
"Why are you being such a jerk to Shawn? What the fuck has he done to you?"
"He's in love with you." He yells back at me.
"He's not in love with me you fucking idiot. He's in love with�" I trail off knowing I have no right to discuss whom it is Shawn loves with Sean. "He's not in love with me Sean." I say softly. Even to myself my voice sounds defeated and tired. "Even if he was he knows that I love Kevin and that Kevin loves me."
I don�t know whom looks more shocked by that. Sean or Hunter. They're both gaping at me when Shawn returns. He looks from them to me and smiles softly in my direction. "I take it you told them about you and Kev."
He's not asking so he has to have overheard us. I nod my head and he sits down next to me. "Chuck's going to get ahold of the others for us. He's a little distraught but he's going to call them and then hop on the next plane down here."
I nod my head and lean against Shawn. I need him right now. He's the reason I haven't fallen completely apart. "Thank you." I look over and Sean and Hunter are still freaking out.
Shawn's POV
It's been about three hours since I called Chuck. It was harder than I expected when I had to talk to him. Considering I'm halfway in love with his lover it's I think perfectly normal for me to not want to have a conversation with him. I don�t think anyone knows how I feel about O'Haire but I can't take any chances, which is why I didn't call him.
Sean and Hunter are suddenly being very nice to me because of what Scott said. I have to smile when I think about him going off on them. It was kind of nice to have someone sticking up for me. I don't think that's happened in my life for a long time. Not since Montreal has anyone stuck up for me. Actually it had to have been before then.
Scott's sleeping on my shoulder after having finally eaten something. I still am not quite sure what those sandwiches were but I guess they almost have to be good for you right. I mean we are in a hospital.
Hunter's fast asleep with Sean curled up in his lap. I'd sleep too but I just can't manage it. I've been sitting here with my eyes closed for quite some time but sleep evades me.
I nearly jump out of my skin when I feel a hand on my knee. Opening my eyes I'm startled to find myself staring into cobalt blue eyes. "Hey Shawn. Any new news?" I shake my head not trusting my voice when O'Haire is right in front of me. He frowns and sits on my other side. I look around but he's the only one here.
"Where's everyone else?" I ask finally finding my voice.
"Chuck's flight got delayed. Mike and Mark have matches tonight that if they miss they're out so they'll be here as soon as they're matches are over. Stasiak is on the same flight as Chuck last I heard." He shrugs and I get the feeling something else is going on there.
"Scott will be glad to see you." I say not having the slightest clue as to what else to say.
"What about you?" He asks turning those intense blue eyes on me. "Are you glad to see me?"
"Of course." I have to make him believe this is just about Kevin though. "You're one of Kev's boys. I know how much you guys mean to him so of course I'm glad to see you." He nods his head and sits back with a grimace. "What's wrong?"
"Bad match last night. Got thrown around a little too much."
"Oh. Did you get hurt?"
"Not really. Just my shoulder to the ring post and I hit harder than I should have."
"Sit up and I'll massage it for you."
"Are you sure Shawn? I get the feeling you guys aren't too thrilled with us being friends with Kev."
"It's not that. It's just� Well, I don't know. You guys I think just remind us too much of us." I bite my lower lip knowing it's kind of silly. "But like a better version because you're not nearly as fucked up as we are� or were� or are. Depends on who you ask."
He laughs softly and I feel a shiver run down my spine at the sound. It's so deep and sexy. I shake my head and shrug as he starts talking. "I always thought being compared to you guys was a good thing. Hey if any of us gain even half the popularity that you guys have we'll be doing good. But as for us being the better version� nothing's as good as the original."
I watch somewhat dumbfounded as he moves in front of me. I just stare at his back for several seconds before he speaks up. "I thought you were going to give me a massage."
I blink away the confusion and smile sheepishly at him before nodding my head. I reach out and softly touch his shoulders. He winces when my hand comes in contact with a sore spot. "Sorry." I say so softly that I'm not sure he heard me.
I begin rubbing his muscles gently. I don't want to hurt him. At the same time I want his shoulder to start feeling better so I can stop touching him. Not that I don't love the feel of his muscles bunching and clenching under my hands but such thoughts lead my mind into dangerous waters. I'm having to tell myself constantly that he has a lover and would never be interested in a broken down old man like me anyways.
He begins purring or at least it sounds like he is so I guess he's more relaxed now. I pull my hands away and he turns to face me. "You're good at that."
"Thanks. Lots of practice." I say with a forced smile. If nothing else I'll make myself out to be the slut everyone else thinks I am and he won't want anything to do with me.
"Yeah I guess you give these guys massages all the time."
"Them and anyone else who's interested." I say forcing myself to smirk at him.
He raises an eyebrow and nods his head. "I see." I don't want to do this. I really don't. I don�t want him thinking badly of me. But at the same time if he doesn't look at me with disgust on his face I won't be able to stop myself from telling him I'm in love with him.
He drops into the seat next to me and smiles. "What exactly are you trying to say to me Shawn?"
Okay he called my bluff big time. "Nothing. Just telling you the truth."
He nods his head and places a hand on my knee. "Shawn? Do you not like me or something?"
I shake my head but don't answer him. I can't. No matter what else I've never been able to lie. He grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet before leading me from the room. "What's going on Shawn? Why are you suddenly trying to convince me you're a slut?"
"'Cause I am." I say knowing it's the truth.
"You know what? Kevin talks about you all the time. All the time. Says that other than Scott you're the only one he'd trust with his life. So the way I see it, even if you have slept with more people than most people know, that still makes you one hell of a guy. Now, do you want to tell me why you're trying to make me think badly of you?"
I'm biting my lip in an effort not to cry. Kevin's never said anything about trusting me. I always thought he, like the others, thought I was nothing more than just baggage they had to put up with. I turn away from O'Haire not wanting him to see my cry if I do. I know that the other guys don't think I'm good enough to hang out with them and maybe they're right. Maybe I'm not good enough to be hanging out with them. Of course that doesn't stop me from thinking of them as my brothers but I've never thought any of them cared anything about me.
I feel like I should feel bad. I mean Kevin's in there getting cut open while they try to remove a bullet from his lung and all I can think about is myself. I feel strong arms encase me and when I look down I've no doubt as to who is holding me. The tattoos on his hands prove its O'Haire. I know I shouldn't. He has a lover. But I lean against him anyhow. I need that strength right now.
Sean's POV
I walk out into the hallway stiff and still tired to see Shawn making time with O'Haire. Why am I not surprised that he's being a total whore? Jesus even knowing that Kevin could be dying he's still trying to make time with another man's lover.
I clear my throat and watch puzzled as Shawn tries to pull away. O'Haire doesn't let him go though. He just turns so that they're both facing me. "Hey Sean."
"Sean." I say curtly not looking at him but glaring at Shawn. I watch satisfied when he looks ashamed and stares down at the ground. I shake my head at both of them and turn to see O'Haire frowning. "How've you been?"
"Better. Any word on Kev?"
"No. Not yet." I say shortly. Who the fuck does this kid think he is anyhow? I snarl at them both and head for the bathroom. I storm past them and into the bathrooms. After I finish peeing I wash my hands and stare into the mirror. I'm surprised. I don't look nearly as bad as everyone else. I'd wonder about that but I don't think Shawn should get too cozy with O'Haire.
I walk back into the waiting room and O'Haire sitting talking quietly with Scott now. Shawn's off in a corner snoring softly. Hunter's still sleeping. I sit down on Scott's other side and force a smile onto my face.
Scott looks between the two of us and excuses himself and me. He grabs my hand and pulls me into the hallway. "Whatever you're trying to do to Shawn knock it the fuck off. I won't deal with this. Not when Kevin's in surgery and could be dying. Shawn is the only person Kevin honestly would want here so knock it the fuck off."
"Scott I wasn't," I start but he cuts me off.
"Shut up and knock it off Sean. I know that for some fucked up reason you and Hunter think that Shawn is less than nothing but he means a lot to Kevin. And he means a lot to me too. So knock it off or leave. The choice is up to you."
I can't believe he's talking to me like this. This is bullshit. Kevin wouldn't want Shawn here. He despises everything about Shawn. Scott doesn't know what he's talking about. Dumb fuck is so blinded by Shawn being nice that he obviously can't see what's right in front of him. I shake me head and head back into the waiting room. I guess I'll just ignore Shawn. Pretend he doesn't exist. That should get Scott off my case. At least until Kevin wakes up and tells Shawn to go home. Then we'll see whom Kevin wants around.
I walk back into the room for the second time this time even angrier when I see the other Thrillers standing there talking to Shawn and Scott. They don't belong here. They aren't his family. They have no right to be here. None at all.
Hunter's POV
I know Sean's mad at Scott for wanting Shawn and the Thriller's here but I wish he'd relax. When Kevin wakes up if he doesn't want people here he'll send them away. There's no way we wouldn't listen to him.
I admit it's a little unnerving seeing the Thriller's all present. It bugs me as much as it bugs Sean. I mean we've been friends with Kevin for so much longer than they have. But like I said if Kevin wants them gone then he'll tell them to go.
I pull Sean onto my lap when he gets close enough and hold him. He's frowning and glaring at the other's in the room. "I don't know what makes Scotty think he's in charge here. I'm Kevin's best friend too."
I'm tempted to point out the fact that Kevin loves Scotty but I keep my mouth shut. Now is not the time to back talk Sean. He'd hurt me. I just nod my agreement and keep holding on to my lover.
He gets up dragging me with him when a doctor walks in asking to speak to anyone from the Nash family. We all say we're his family so the doctor looks down at his notes. "Okay. Let me be a little more specific. Scott Hall or Sean�" He looks back at his paperwork and Sean heads forward stopping in his tracks as the doctor continues, "Hickenbottom?"
They both step forward and Shawn throws an apologetic look in our direction but without even seeing his face I can tell Sean is pissed off. Nothing anyone says or does is going to calm him down now. I have to agree in this case. He should be listed as next of kin. There's absolutely no reason that Shawn should be listed in any way shape or form.
Scott turns around sniffling but smiling, as he cover's his mouth in disbelief. I watch as Shawn wraps a supportive arm around his waist and guides him to a chair. "He's okay. Or rather he's going to be okay. They removed the bullet and all of its fragments and there isn't any permanent damage."
For some reason hearing Shawn saying this instead of hearing it from the doctor makes Sean explode. He starts yelling incoherently at Shawn and Scott calling them names I can't believe he knows. I even shrink back from him, scared of what he's going to do. Sean is not someone you want to mess with when he's angry.
Scott gets to his feet and let me tell you he can match Sean temper for temper. I sink into a chair and cover my face. I hate to admit it but when the two of them go at it like this I get scared. Scared of losing my brothers. Scared of being dragged into the middle of it. Scared of losing Sean mostly.
Instead of the roaring yell I was expecting though all I hear from Scott is his voice, soft and scarier than any yell I've ever heard. "Knock it the fuck off Sean. I'm sick and tired of your self-righteous holier-than-thou attitude. Shawn has every right to be named on Kevin's next of kin list. You know as well as I do that he's as close to Kevin as any of us are. More so I think than most of us. Kevin thinks the world of him so no matter what your sick twisted mind thinks of Shawn he stays. The only one who can tell him or ask him to leave is Kevin and I really don't think he's feeling up to it. So shut the fuck up. Just shut up."
Sean's pale by the time Scott finishes but I guarantee he won't say anything else to Scott. He's too stunned. Being the baby of the group no one has ever gone off on him. Even when he has deserved it. He climbs into my lap and cuddles against me. I hold him tightly knowing that in a few minutes he'll be back on his feet and blasting his mouth off again.
Scott's POV
I should be sorry for going off on Sean but it's about time someone did. He had no right to be pissy about Shawn being named on Kevin's next of kin list. Kevin and Shawn have always had a bond. One that I don't think I've ever understood.
In no way have they ever been like lovers but they are very close. More like a, I guess, big brother/little brother type of thing. But it goes beyond that somehow. I don't know how to explain it and I think even they would be hard pressed to explain it.
I sit down next to Shawn and frown across the room where Sean is sitting in Hunter's lap. I know he'll feel better in a few minutes. I never worry about Sean as long as Hunter's around. For some reason though I'm suddenly worried about Shawn. He's so� well not vulnerable but at the same time I can't think of any other word for it.
I watch carefully as O'Haire walks across the room and sits next to Shawn. He leans close, so close in fact that I can't overhear what he's saying. Too bad. I look up when the doctor returns. He's still smiling and he looks directly at Shawn and me. I get to my feet. "What?"
"If either of you would like to come back and see Kevin he's beginning to stir. I don't know if he'll wake up or not right now but he might."
With a grin I start forward and then stop. I look down at Shawn who nods his head and I lean down hugging him. "Thanks Shawn."
"Go look after Kev. He's always needed someone holding his hand when he's in the hospital."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." I say lightly.
Shawn smiles at me and I feel Sean's eyes boring into my back. I don�t care what the little punk thinks of me right now. I need to see Kevin. I have to see Kevin.
I follow the doctor down the hallway and into Kevin's room. I'm not at all surprised to see they've put him in a private room. I immediately head for his bed. I grab a chair on my way over and plant myself in it.
Reaching out once the doctor has left I hold Kevin's hand in mine. "You scared the hell out of me babe. You can't do that shit to me."
I watch ecstatic as he smiles softly. I'm so happy I lean over and kiss him. "You're awake."
"Barely." His voice is scratchy and soft but oh so sexy. Hell he could talk like a girl and I'd still think his voice was sexy. "Hey baby."
"Hey." I say back too overcome with emotions to actually say anything. He squeezes my hand softly and opens his eyes.
"You're okay right? Not hurt?"
"No. Kev, why are you worrying about me? You're the one who was shot."
"Don't want anything to happen to you." It's pretty much all I can do right now not to jump him. He's so sweet and so fucking sexy. I do satisfy my need, sort of, by leaning over and kissing him.
His hand comes up and tangles in my hair keeping me in place. I pull my mouth away. "Kevin, don't. You were just shot."
"I don't care. I want to feel you. I want to know that you're okay. I was so worried when they pulled me into the ambulance. All I saw was you covered in blood."
"Your blood Kev. Not mine. Yours."
"Jesus� Scotty baby� I don�t know what to say."
I shrug. "There's not a lot to say. As long as you're okay now that's all I care about. I love you Kev and if you ever scare me like that again I'm going to kill you."
He laughs softly and then winces. "Do you need something?"
"No. I don't want any nurses in here trying to help me out. All I want is you."
