Tres
Title: Tres
Rating: T
Summary: Unveiled, a naked hatred was something he wasn't used to and didn't care to see again anytime soon.
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I own nothing and no harm is meant. Seriously people, this is FICTION.
Beta: None, all mistakes are mine.
1. Bittersweet Hero
2. Accidentally Damaged?
A/N: Alright so yeah, this one just like the one before it is long over due. It seems that I underestimated what my freshman year in college would be like so this week, being thanksgiving break for me, is the first time I've actually been able to write anything. Without a doubt this has to bearing on the current story line on tv (which yes, I'm pissed about), so clear your mind and enjoy ya self.
"It might be your choice but it's my little brother's heart that's at stake here,"
Dan's words were on constant repeat in his mind. It wasn't like he hadn't been expecting the talk, hell he figured it was only just a matter of hours before John's dad sought him out for their own little talk. He knew the Cena clan was a tight knit family but he just hadn't expected Dan to be quite so blunt.
"I swear, Randy, think long and hard about what your about to get yourself into cause there are no options to change your mind after today."
He hadn't expected the man who shared John's height though had more of a slimmer build to look him in the eyes, his blue so reminiscent of John's but glazed over with an emotion Randy wasn't at all that familiar with. It unsettled his stomach a little and made him take a closer look at the older man, made him listen very closely to the next few words spoken.
"Unless the feelings mutual, don't let me get that phone call Randy, or dear God help me but your mother will receive your little black heart in the mail, the only part of you anyone will ever see again."
Randy knew he had meant every word, knew behind all the good cheer the Cena's exuded there had to be some kind of dark beast just waiting to be released. It just wasn't natural to be that happy without some kind of release for the other emotions.
Dan's tone hadn't held any hint of malice, though. In fact it had been completely devoid of any emotion just cold and even, sending a small chill down Randy's spine. There wasn't much he could have said at the time other than assure Dan he wasn't going anywhere. But to tell you the truth, he was kind of getting tired of having to explain his feelings. He wasn't cut out for this emotional shit.
Now as he walked down the busy hospital hallway, completely ignoring those around him, Randy realized the emotion Dan's baby blues had held for him.
Hatred.
Plain and simple in it's most purest form. He was always used to it being disguised behind fake smiles and false happiness with pats on the back meant to be knives. But unveiled, a naked hatred was something he wasn't used to and didn't care to see again anytime soon.
He waited for the elevator as he lost himself in his thoughts. His movements on autopilot as he pushed the 8 for John's floor and situated himself in the corner with his head down and hands shoved into his pockets as others piled on after him ensuring his ride to be a long one as the floors before his stop were called for.
He figured John had at least another week in this place until they declared him a free man. He would need to get used to the physical therapy and prove to Dr. Morgan that he could care for himself in the area's that mattered. The other area's, Randy and John's family would have to prove competent enough in.
They would probably also have to come to some agreement on other therapy sessions. A small grimace briefly passed his lips as he thought of trying to convince a stubborn John that he would need to talk to someone other than family and friends. Though they all loved the big man, that would be a problem when it came to him healing mentally. Guilt was going to eat away at him and he wasn't going to believe any of them when they told him it wasn't his fault, that he was okay and he would get better.
As his number lit up, Randy politely as he could made his way to front of the crowded elevator. He stepped off, taking a deep breath of stale hospital air to brace himself but instantly regretted it. The unfamiliar smell choking him up, his lungs refusing to complete of process of oxygen in, carbon dioxide out. Taking a few smaller breaths, Randy regained control as he continued his walk to room 819.
The fans were also another issue that needed to be addressed. Without a doubt they had all heard about the shooting, cause whether or not you read the newspaper, it was literally only just a matter of seconds before a few clicks could link you to whatever new juicy gossip that was out there. That being said, Vince wouldn't just be able to remove Super Cena from the story line and expect a whole Cenation to just ignore his absence. Something had to be said, questions had to be answered and fears had to be reign in before the rumors including John being on his death bed.
Randy smiled despite himself as he neared the room. Laughter could be heard even a few doors away, though that didn't surprise him since he'd gotten Cody's text about the guys having arrived earlier. The Cena's weren't the only tight knit clan.
Pushing open the door, Randy could do nothing to stop the cheesy grin that came across his face.
"No, no that's not at all how it happened!" John's face was flush with laughter and excitement as he cut off Adam's retelling of last year's Halloween party. Pushing himself up a bit more, he struggled to catch his breath as he defended his case.
None had realized they'd been joined by another so Randy quietly closed the door behind him and leaned against it.
"The only reason I ended up being a fairy was beca-"
"Oh come on now John," Cody cut him off tutting. "We all know who wears the pants in your relationship."
"What about you?" John shot back grinning madly as Matt and Adam doubled over, tears streaming down their cheeks they were laughing so hard. Evan, Rey and Morrison did their best to hide their laughter behind their hands as Ted stood from one of the sofa's he'd been sitting on. He wisely kept his face blank as he wrapped his arms around Cody offering comfort to his now blushing lover who was undoubtedly cursing John under his breath.
"It really doesn't matter why or how it happen," Matt said, his southern drawl more pronounced, "just know that I feel scarred for life after seeing John in that tutu."
"Nah man, remember the thong?" Rey supplied nudging Matt with his elbow
The mental picture that created was enough to send them all into fits of laughter again including Cody and Ted this time. Though Randy joined them, he made a mental note to find that picture. If it wasn't on his phone it had to be somewhere on his laptop.
Evan spotted him first, a softer grin breaking out as their eyes met. "Hey Randy"
Pushing away from the door, he made his way into the room, acknowledging everyone with a nod as he made a straight line for the older man's bed, deliberately ignoring Adam's smirk. The added color to John's cheeks effortlessly removed the years that had been added by stress from the past few days.
"Feeling better?" His left hand automatically found John's right giving it a gently squeeze.
"Yeah, though I can't wait till I can have this damn thing removed." John replied a second after catching his breath, speaking about the catheter. Adam's smirk worked it's way on over to Evan and Morrison's face.
For the next twenty minutes or so, they continued to talk about everything except John's legs. Cody and Ted's decision to move in together, Evan's recent push, Morrison's possible new love interest though he wasn't giving any names and whatever bullshit Adam, Matt and Rey had managed to get themselves into, it was a new trouble every day.
A soft knock at the door interrupted further conversation as John bid the newcomer enter.
A red-haired man of about his early forties stepped through the door with a pleasant smile and some equipment none of the guys had ever seen before.
"Hello, Mr. Cena," He set down his load on the table at the foot of John's bed as he introduced himself. "I'm Dr. Leonardo, your physical therapist."
Before John could respond to the doctor, Edge herded the guys out of the room claiming "play time was over and john-john had to get down to business."
After everyone but Randy had filed out, John turned his attention back to his therapist. Offering up a smile he was sure the other guys could tell didn't reach his eyes, John acquiesced to his fate. "Doc...Man, I know it could be worse but damn...never would I have imagined that I would have to learn to walk all over again." Chuckling a little, he looked down at the bedsheets, blinking away the sudden build up of tears hoping it went unnoticed.
"Guess...the sooner we start the sooner things can get back to normal, mainly me kicking the ass of whoever is going to get the title."
"Exactly!" Dr. Leonardo affirmed with a soft smile before turning his attention to the tanned younger man standing next to the bed. He'd taken the warnings in stride, disbelieving the accusations at first but now that he stood in the guy's presence, felt those cold grey eyes boring a hole straight through him, his face a mask of indifference, the tension in the room truly thick enough to cut through, he sent up a silent prayer.
Sensing the Doctors sudden unease, John gave the hand he still held a tight squeeze, warning the viper to back off and let the man do his job without fear of his life.
"Dr. Leo, this is my boy, Randy. Randy, this is Dr. Leo." The silent "don't threaten him" understood between the two lovers as Randy's lips curled into a little smile and he stepped forward offering his hand.
"Alright then." Hands were shaken though the tension was still hanging strong.
"I'll just check your vitals then we can begin. First times always the hardest just like with anything else but also it gets easier each time thereafter just like anything else." Informing John of this, Dr. Leo moved to his left side, jotting down a few things on his charts as he read the monitors.
John let go of a shaky breath. Now was the moment of truth. No, he wasn't expecting for all sensation to come rushing back and for him to be able to stand up five minutes into the session but he was hoping for some sort of miracle no matter how small. Just to be able to feel sore after the exercises would be a great start for John. That was a feeling John was familiar with. Soreness meant his muscles were performing, meant they were working in tandem to build themselves.
That was a good thing, right?
"Randy, son, if you will let down that railing on your side and help John sit up facing you with his legs hanging off the side of the bed, we'll get started." As Randy made quick work of the rail and helped John sit up without treating him like a lame individual, Dr. Leo lowered the bed as far down as it would go. He then moved over to John's right and sat down in the bedside chair, grasping the younger man's left leg which was probably bigger than both his arms put together.
"Do you feel anything below the waist whatsoever?"
"Everything goes numb around mid-thigh on my right side but I can't really feel anything on my left side." John explained, sparring a glance up at Randy. Though his face was blank, the fact that he was hiding his hands behind his back, his shoulders twitching slightly with the unseen movement of his hands was a dead give away of his nerves. John himself could feel sweat starting to bead up around the edge of his hairline.
Changing tactics, Dr. Leo switched his grip to John's right leg. "Alright John, on the count of three I want you to try and lift your right leg. Slowly but don't lean back on your hands, just use the muscles that you can feel." He waited until the younger man nodded before moving his hand down to where he was just holding John's leg up by his foot. "One...two..."
John drew in a deep breath, bracing himself for the worst. He had to lift his hands away from the bed to stop himself from leaning back or pushing up with them.
"Three..."
A/N2: I can't promise anything but I'm hoping it won't take me another three months to get the next chapter up. Let me know if guys think I should continue or if I should just scrap it now and start something new. By the way, I'm aware that I owe a few stories to at least two people that I promised a while back, trust me I haven't forgotten! :)