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When Bret agreed to let Hunter crash at their place for a few days, this wasn’t exactly what he had in mind.
It was a couple of weeks ago when Hunter showed up to their front door unannounced.
“It’s ok, Bret! I got it,” Shawn yelled across their home as he made his way towards the front door. He looked through the peephole, immediately lighting up once he laid eyes on his best friend.
Shawn swiftly opened the door as he exclaimed, “Hunter!”
However, his smile soon faded as he took in the state of Hunter, a sorrowful expression on his face as he stood there with a small backpack slung over his shoulder.
Before Shawn could ask what happened, he noticed Hunter’s lips tremble and eyes water just before stepping into the house to pull Shawn into a desperate hug.
Shawn quickly hugged back in concern, turning his head to look over his shoulder at Bret who was walking up behind him in confusion. Bret mouthed ‘what’s going on’ to which Shawn shrugged before turning his attention back to Hunter.
Shawn lightly patted Hunter’s back as he asked softly, “What’s wrong, buddy? Why are you crying?”
That only seemed to cause Hunter to cry harder, shoulders now shaking as a sob escaped his lips. Shawn had no idea what was upsetting Hunter, but it hurt him deeply to see his best friend so upset.
“Come on, Hunt,” Shawn whispered as he led the two of them to the guest room, hoping that Hunter would open up if it were just the two of them. Shawn threw his husband an apologetic look, the older man following the two in concern, before closing the door behind them.
It took some time for Hunter to calm down, Shawn gently rocking him and rubbing his shoulders in comfort until Hunter was ready to tell him the reason for his unexpected visit.
He and his girlfriend, now ex-girlfriend, Chyna, broke up a month ago, which was news to Shawn as Hunter had yet to tell him. He’d always like the two of them together. Every time he was around them, they both seemed to be doing fine.
Hunter explained that they were on the outs way before then. So when they officially broke up, Hunter wasted no time moving on to pursue Stephanie McMahon. He’d developed a crush on her as soon as he’d laid eyes on her.
However, due to the unfortunate timing, things blew up once his ex found out about Stephanie.
“You should have seen her, Shawn,” said Hunter, shaking his head in disbelief as he stared at the floor. “She went ballistic, accused me of cheating with Steph while we were together, which never happened. I would never do that to her.”
“I know you wouldn’t,” Shawn said. “You’re not that kind of guy.”
“If only she believed that. Then there’s Steph-” Hunter’s voice cracked. “Steph,” he said again weakly, his breathing getting heavy as tears welled up in his eyes again.
Shawn brows furrowed as he shushed Hunter, bringing the man into another hug. Whatever happened with Stephanie must have been what was truly upsetting him.
Shawn felt his own heart break at the pain that Hunter was going through. He personally knew the pain of heartbreak all too well and he didn’t want Hunter experiencing it. Although Hunter was taller than him, Shawn would always consider him as a little brother, and he wanted to protect him as much as possible.
After calming down a bit, Hunter sniffed, resting his head on Shawn’s shoulder as he said, “I didn’t even tell you the worst part.” Shawn didn’t want to believe it could get any worse. “She caused a big commotion backstage, almost fighting Stephanie in front of everyone. Vince had to call the cops to escort her out.”
“Holy shit.”
“I stayed behind to try to check on Stephanie but…but she wanted nothing to do with me or my drama. She broke up with me on the spot,” Hunter said with an unsteady voice. “When I returned home later, I found all of my stuff thrown out on the lawn.”
Shawn gasped, “She touched your shit?!”
Hunter nodded, “Yeah. My clothes, shoes, jewelry. Everything.”
“Oh, my god, Hunt. That’s so horrible.”
“Maybe I didn’t handle the situation as delicately as I could have. Maybe I moved on too fast-”
“Doesn’t give her the right to touch your shit, Hunter.”
Hunter shrugged dejectedly, “It is what it is, I guess. I got a call from Vince yesterday saying that both Joanie and I are suspended until things get sorted out. And because we technically still live together since our lease isn’t up on the house, I didn’t want to go back home. So I’m here. Sorry-”
“Don’t you dare apologize, especially after the shit you’ve been through. You don’t need permission to come over.”
That managed to pull a faint smile out of Hunter. “Thanks, Shawn. I just didn’t know where else to go. I promise I won’t be here long. Just a few days.”
“You can stay as long as you like. You don’t need to be alone right now. Don’t worry about it.”
Of course, being the supportive husband that he is, Bret agreed, albeit reluctantly, to allow Hunter to stay at their house. There was no way he couldn’t when Shawn all but begged with misty eyes. Plus, from what little Bret saw of Hunter, the man looked like he could use Shawn’s company.
However, Bret would be lying if he said was excited that Shawn’s attention would be divided.
With Bret now working for WCW, he was granted less time on the road, which also meant he had more time to spend at home with Shawn. So he was still getting used to having the blond all alone.
But it was only a few days, right? Bret could handle a few days without Shawn all to himself.
Unfortunately for Bret, a few days turned into almost two weeks, and he was starting to lose his patience.
“So, how long is he staying again,” Bret asked Shawn for what felt like the millionth time since the first day Hunter came.
“Hey, don’t start that,” Shawn scolded as he looked in their closet for more clothes for Hunter – Bret’s clothes because Shawn’s were too small for Hunter. Yet another reason why Bret was ready for Hunter to leave.
“It was just a question. He’s been here longer than I thought.”
“His heart’s broken, Bret. He’s going through a lot. Aha!” Shawn left the closet triumphantly after finding a pair of pants he thought Hunter could fit.
“Yeah, well I’d like to have my husband back in my own bed.”
Because he’s a concerned friend, Shawn’s been spending the night in the guest room with Hunter every night to make sure he was ok. Shawn never meant to stay all night, but he and Hunter would often lose track of time talking or watching TV, and Shawn would just fall asleep, not having the energy to crawl into bed with Bret.
Shawn turned to Bret saying, “Oh, don’t take it personally.”
“It’s kind of hard not to when I’ve been walking around with a severe case of blue balls.”
Shawn rolled his eyes saying, “Well, that’s not the only thing you’ll have to worry about if you don’t stop complaining.” He leaned up to peck Bret on the lips saying, “Now, I’ll see you in the morning, ok?”
Bret frowned, placing his hands on Shawn’s hips as he said, “You’re leaving me for the night again?”
Shawn nodded, “Hunter needs me.”
“But I need you, too.”
Shawn said fondly, “Aww, I know, baby. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you, ok? Just hang in there a little longer.”
Bret didn’t know how much longer he could do that. But he’d try for Shawn.
Bret woke up the next morning in a grumpy mood, which had become the norm since he stopped waking up with Shawn in his arms. In desperate need of his morning kisses, Bret got out of bed, leaving the room in search of Shawn.
He intended to head downstairs, the blond usually cooking breakfast around this time. That was until he passed by the guest room, pausing as he heard the faint sound of a sob coming through the door.
Knowing that it was probably Hunter, Bret stood in silence lost on what to do. But what if it had been Shawn crying?
With that thought in mind, Bret let out a sigh, gently knocking on the door before coming in. He opened the door to see Hunter sitting on the edge of the bed, scrambling to wipe his eyes before looking up at Bret.
After realizing that Shawn was nowhere in sight, a wave of embarrassment washed over Bret as well. He gave an awkward cough before saying, “Sorry, I was looking for Shawn.”
Hunter cleared his throat before saying, “He went out for groceries. Said he’d be back in about 10 minutes.” Knowing his husband, Bret knew Shawn would be back in at least 30 minutes, the blond never failing getting distracted in the supermarket.
“Oh, ok,” said Bret, another awkward silence lingering between the two. This was probably the most amount of time they spent around each other without Shawn present, so they were both at a loss for words.
Just as Bret was backing up to leave the room, Hunter stopped him by saying, “Thanks again for letting me crash here. I know I kind of sprung it on you guys, but I really appreciate it.” Hunter had been meaning to tell Bret that personally since arriving, but never found the right moment.
Bret was thrown for a loop, not expecting a thanks. “Uh, don’t worry about it. It’s fine.” Although he’d been complaining to Shawn about Hunter’s stay, he didn’t want the man feeling unwelcomed.
Another awkward moment passed before Bret asked, “How are you feeling?” He didn’t know the details of what caused Hunter to be upset enough to stay with them for this long, and it’s not like he was curious enough to ask Shawn, but the man looked miserable.
Hunter let out a humorless laugh saying, “Like shit.”
“You look it,” Bret said lightheartedly, noticing how visibly rattled Hunter looked with his unkempt hair and puffy eyes.
There was a slight twitch of Hunter’s lips, almost as if he wanted to smile, before frowning again. “Yeah, it’s been rough.” Even with the help of Shawn, Hunter’s heart still weighed heavily over the situation.
“I bet.”
There was another pause until Hunter said, “Sorry for overstaying my welcome. I know you’re probably ready for me to give Shawn back. It’s just that he’s the only person I can go to when I’m like…this.”
Bret certainly was ready to have his husband back, but he also knew how loving and caring his husband could be, always able to bring Bret out of a bad mood. And it was obvious that Hunter needed the same attention from Shawn.
Bret rubbed at the back of his neck saying, “I wouldn’t mind having Shawn back. It’s been a lot lonelier without him.”
“And quieter, I bet.”
Bret gave a light chuckle. “Yeah, definitely.” There was another silent moment that passed before Bret sighed, “Look, I know we’re not close by any means, but you’re always welcome here. You can stay for as long as you need to.”
And Bret truly meant it this time. He and Hunter may not be friends, but Hunter was clearly a man in desperate need of support.
Hunter flashed a grateful smile, “Thanks, man.”
Later that night, Bret settled into bed, expecting it to be another lonely night, until he heard a knock on his bedroom door. He got out of bed and opened the door, revealing Shawn standing there, hair pulled up a messy bun, a blanket hanging off of one arm, a pillow tucked under another arm, and a massive pout on his lips.
“He kicked me out,” Shawn moped.
Bret lifted a brow, highly entertained before cooing at Shawn, “Aww, come here.” He pulled Shawn into a hug, further pulling the man into the room before shutting the door as he silently thanked Hunter for returning his husband to him.
Shawn continued his complaints as they made their way to the bed. “I mean, I’m happy that he’s feeling better and all, but he didn’t have to be so rude.”
Bret failed at hiding his smile as he said, “How dare he?”
“I know! So much for being a good friend,” Shawn said as he dumped the pillow and blanket onto the bed.
Bret rubbed at Shawn’s shoulders as he said soothingly, “It’s ok, baby. I’m here for you.”
Shawn smiled at Bret, his bad mood melting away as he wrapped his arms around Bret’s neck. “Yes, you are,” he said before nudging his nose against Bret’s in an Eskimo kiss. “Sorry for ignoring you for these past couple weeks. I know I haven’t been doing a good job of putting you first lately.”
Bret leaned forward, pecking Shawn for a proper kiss. “It’s fine, Shawn. You were busy being a good friend. You care for those you love, which is one of the reasons I fell in love with you.”
A dopey grin spread against Shawn’s lips as he melted in Bret’s arms. “Uh, you’re so sweet it makes me sick, sometimes.”
“Poor you,” Bret whispered before bringing Shawn into another kiss, this one deeper and more sensual than the first. Bret broke away from the kiss, stating, “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you,” before bringing Shawn’s lips back to his.
Shawn happily returned the kiss, wrapping his arms tighter around Bret’s neck. “Is the door locked,” Shawn asked after pulling away from the kiss, head resting onto Bret’s.
“Yeah,” Bret whispered as his lips hovered over Shawn’s. “Why?”
Shawn smirked as he brought a hand down to palm at the front of Bret’s boxers, the man’s arousal not hard to find. “Show me how much you’ve missed me.”
Both men had been deprived of each other, bodies instantly responding to each other’s touch. With Shawn being so forward, Bret wasted no time pulling Shawn onto the bed, giving him what he’s wanted to for so long.
Thankfully for Bret, his case of blue balls was no longer an issue after that night.
Both men woke up the next morning highly satisfied, Shawn wondering how he could have went so long without having sex with his husband.
Shawn got out of bed, quickly throwing on his favorite silk robe before heading out of the room to cook breakfast for them all. He stopped by the guest room on the way to check on Hunter.
“Knock knock,” he said as he lightly knocked on the door while entering.
“Hey, Shawn,” said Hunter who was sitting on the bed, busy tightening his wristwatch.
“I’m surprised to see you up so early,” said Shawn as he sat next to him. “You must’ve slept well without me hogging up all the space on the bed,” he snickered.
Hunter shrugged, “Not really. I didn’t get much sleep, but from the sound of your bed creaking all night, I’m guessing you didn’t get much sleep either,” he ended with a sly grin.
Shawn felt his blood rush to his face in embarrassment.
He wasn’t one to be shy about his sex life, but out of respect for Hunter, he tried his best to be as quiet as possible with Bret last night, which was easier said than done as he’s usually very vocal in bed. Unfortunately, he and Bret were too into the moment to notice the bed creaking.
Shawn groaned, hiding his face into his hands, “Hunter-”
“Hey, it’s none of my business,” Hunter said in amusement, noticing Shawn’s embarrassment.
Hunter then stood up, grabbing his backpack off the floor and throwing it over his shoulder.
Noticing that the bag was full and zipped close, Shawn asked, “What are you doing?”
Hunter turned to Shawn saying, “I think it’s time for me to head back home.”
Shawn stood swiftly in alarm. “You’re leaving?! Was I really that loud in bed?”
Hunter snickered, “I’m not leaving because of that, Shawn. It’s time for me to face my issues head on.”
“But, but you don’t want to wait another week?” Shawn was really enjoying having Hunter around, and although he’d been there for two weeks, it wasn’t long enough in Shawn’s eyes.
“I’ve got to go back at some point, Shawn. I can’t keep prolonging it.”
“I know, but…I’m gonna miss having you around, Hunt.”
A sad smile made its way to Hunter’s face. He pulled Shawn into a hug, whispering, “I’m going to miss you too. But I need to go handle my shit.”
Shawn frowned, nodding, “Ok.”
Shawn walked Hunter downstairs towards the front door, his cab awaiting him outside.
Once at the door, the two were interrupted when Bret came downstairs asking, “What’s going on?”
“He’s leaving,” Shawn said in obvious disappointment. Shawn turned to Hunter, giving him another tight hug as he said, “Don’t be a stranger. Come back soon, ok?”
Hunter nodded, hugging Shawn back just as tightly as he said, “I will, Shawn. I will.”
Hunter let go of their hug and turned to Bret, not sure what to say. He was surprised to see Bret extending out a hand. Hunter slowly lifted his hand, shaking Bret’s firmly with a respectful nod.
“Safe travels,” said Bret as they detached their hands.
Shawn looked on stunned, but also pleased that his husband and best friend seemed to be on common ground.
The two waved their goodbyes as Hunter’s cab pulled out of the driveway. Once the car was out of sight, Shawn turned to Bret asking, “So are you two besties now?”
Bret snorted, shaking his head ‘no’ before wrapping an arm around Shawn’s shoulders, guiding them both back into the house. “Baby steps, Shawn. Baby steps.”