Chapter Text
“Roman?” Dean’s wide eyes stared at the larger man, now on the mat, writhing in pain. Dean’s confused expression frozen on his face as he prepared to beat whoever the fuck had hit his brother within an inch of their life. He flicked his head up to his baby brother, who no doubt, was-
Wait. Seth was holding the chair.
Why was Seth holding the chair?
He didn’t see another person on the ground that he would have stolen it from, he just saw Seth…standing with a chair in his hands, glaring holes into his soul.
Dean’s wide eyes stared at Seth in disbelief.
No.
No, no, no.
This couldn’t be happening. This had to be a mistake. This had to be a part of another plan Seth had devised.
Because Seth always had a plan.
“Seth.” He whispered, voice small. Dean walked towards him, holding his hand out.
He had a million thoughts going through his head, but the loudest one was to let Seth know that it was ‘okay, just tell me what’s wrong, we can figure it out’.
“Wha-“ he was cut off by a chair to the midsection, all air leaving his lungs as he collapsed to the ground in a heap.
And as Dean stared up at Seth, he couldn’t recognize the man he once loved. The darkness that was behind his eyes-Dean didn’t understand where it came from. Dean didn’t know where he went wrong, he didn’t-
Jon shot up in his bed, sweat pouring down his forehead. The sound of his phone ringing pulling him from the throws of the nightmare. He picked it up, staring at the name on the phone- Seth- contemplating wether or not to answer.
Eventually he slid his thumb across the screen, bringing the phone up to his ear. “Hello?” He croaked, still scratchy from the sleep.
“Hey man, did I wake you?” Seth’s voice rang in his ears.
Jon sighed, “nah man, I was just chillin at-“ he glanced at the clock. “Three in the morning.” Sarcasm lacing his tone.
He could hear Seth scoff on the other end of the phone. “Well fuck you too.” He mumbled.
“That’s the dream baby.” Jon shot back, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “What’s so important that you had to call me up this early?” Jon paused. “Wait, why are you even up at three in the morning?”
Seth cleared his throat. “Umm…well…I was kinda busy.
“What? You and Roman just finish fucking?” Jon snickered.
Silence.
Jon straightened his shoulders. “Are you kidding me?” He groaned, grabbing the bridge of his nose in his fingers.
“What? Roman and me just-” Seth defended himself, his voice rising in pitch.
Jon rolled his eyes. “Okay, okay, calm down. Why’d you call me?”
“When are you gonna be in Las Vegas?”
Jon scoffed. “I live in Las Vegas dipshit.”
Seth groaned in annoyance. “No duh. I mean, when are you gonna be home?”
“I dunno, I have the weekend off, I think. Why?” Jon absentmindedly picked at his nails.
“Can we come over?”
Jon nodded before realizing Seth couldn’t see him. “Yeah man. Y’all are always welcome to stop by, I’m sure Renee-“
“No.” Seth cut him off. “I mean can we come over?”
Jon froze, his breath stopping in his lungs. “Oh.” He whispered.
Renee knew about the three of them. When Jon told her what the deal was, he was sure she’d kick him to the curb and call off the engagement. But all she did was smile and let out a chipper ‘at least it’s not a woman!’ And slapped him on the back. It honestly caught Jon so off guard he thought she was joking, and that he’d see his shit thrown out the window the next morning.
‘Babe, everyone already knew. I’m surprised it took you this long to tell me.’ Jon took offense to that. Because they hid it pretty well.
At least he thought they did.
‘Are you kidding me? You guys are so far up each other’s asses I’m surprised you don’t wipe for each other. Pun intended.’
Renee was surprised Jon was so baffled at her confession. So she sat him down like a child about to be told his parents were getting a divorce and explained that she knew Jon would always have that certain itch that she couldn’t scratch. And she was okay that he was able to find two people to do it with that he loved. And that Renee herself trusted them enough to respect his and hers relationship. ‘Or else I’ll beat their asses.’ Her smile lit up the room and filled Jon’s heart with such admiration that he had to fuck her right then and there
God, he loved her.
Seth cleared his throat, bringing Jon back to reality as he snapped out of his thoughts. “Uh, yeah. Yeah man, lemme just talk to Renee first? Ask her if she’s cool with it?”
“Of course, whatever you need to do.” There was a slight pause before Seth piled in- “and don’t think you have to just because I asked. I can tell Ro that it’s a no go and it’ll be perfectly fine if we just have a barbecue or something like that-“
Jon rolled his eyes. “Seth.” He cut him off. “If I didn’t wanna ask, I would’ve said no.”
Seth gave a sigh of relief. “Okay, alright, gotcha.” Jon chuckled at Seth giving three confirmations in a row. A tell tale sign he was still anxious, but trying to calm his own mind.
“And hey, we can still have a barbecue man.”
He heard Seth give a small laugh before answering. “I’d like that.”
“Shrimp?”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Jon smiled. “Wouldn't expect anything less.”
“But seriously, make sure Renee knows she doesn’t have to feel pressured to let-“
“Seth.” Jon replied in a warning tone.
“Right, sorry.” Seth gulped. “Bye.” A quick pause before Seth added on. “I love you.” His voice was quiet.
Jon snorted, laying back down on the bed. “Love you too idiot.” And the other line clicked as Seth hung up.
Jon fell asleep with a prayer he wouldn’t have a nightmare again.
He was so glad to be home, even if it was in a fucking dessert. It was better than Cincinnati.
He’d take unbearable heat over constant rain any day.
Hell, he’d take, well….Hell, over Cincinnati.
“I’m home babe!” He called out as he kicked his shoes off. Renee was smiling and running up to him as soon as he closed the door. The large grin on her face couldn’t help but make Jon grin back. She jumped in his arms, Jon barely having enough time to drop his suitcase to catch her. He swung her around as she squealed in excitement, her blonde hair tied up in a bun, and her body smelling like the lavender lotion she used.
“Hey babe!” She stuck her face into his shoulder as he set her down. “I missed you.” She hummed.
Jon sighed, taking her all in. “I missed you more.” He kissed her cheek before pulling back and looking into her eyes, giving her a deep kiss.
Renee pulled away, slapping his chest as she hurried towards the kitchen, almost slipping on her socked feet against the wooden floor. “Okay, so I got this new recipe that I thought we could have for dinner?” She started, beckoning Jon to follow when she noticed he still stood at the door. “It’s really cool!” She exclaimed, taking her place at the island, which was full of different ingredients displayed like a museum exhibit.
Jon whistled at the amount of food, taking it all in as he put his glasses on his head. “That’s…impressive.” He mumbled, hooking his fingers in the pockets of his jeans. “What’s the recipe that calls for enough food to feed an entire army?”
Renee frowned and waved her hand in dismissal. “It’s a Hawaiian chicken with-“
“I didn’t know they had chickens in Hawaii.”
Renee huffed, rolling her eyes at him. “No, it’s like grilled pineapple, and this sauce that you bathe it in for three hours before you-“
“I didn’t know a dead chicken needed a bath.”
Renee groaned, crossing her arms over her chest in annoyance, glaring at Jon. “Are you just gonna be a smart ass?”
Jon shrugged. “Maybe.”
She tapped her foot and threw her hands in the air. “Fine then, you just won’t have dinner!” She turned away from Jon, sticking her nose in the air.
He made his way behind her, wrapping his arms around her torso. She laid her head back on his chest as he laid his on top of her head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It wasn’t funny.” She mumbled.
Jon nodded. “I know, I get you’re excited about this stuff.” He kissed the top of her head. “And I’ll stop being a jerk.” He turned her around, holding her shoulders and kissing her forehead. “I promise.”
Renee looked him up and down skeptically. “Pinky promise?”
He smiled, holding his pinky out for her. “Pinky promise.”
Renee had rambled on and on about the ingredients and the process of cooking the ‘Hawaiian chicken’ that Jon had to struggle to stay interested. But he had to admit that the Hawaiian chicken was probably one of the best dishes she had ever made, and the best meal he had eaten in his entire life.
“So, babe, I have a question.” His mouth full of pineapple.
Renee scrunched her nose. “Don’t talk with your mouth full Jon.” She pointed at him with her fork.
“Oh, sorry.” He gulped down the chicken and wiped his mouth with his napkin.
Renee gave a soft smile. “It’s okay.” She took a drink of her wine. “What’s your question?”
“I was wondering- well, Seth and Ro were wondering- if it were cool if they came over?” Jon asked, taking a sip of his own wine.
Renee nodded, putting a piece of chicken in her mouth before swallowing. “Yeah, of course!” She smiled.
Jon leaned in, “I mean.” He started, Renee looking up at him in confusion. He locked eyes with her as she raised her eyebrows. “They want to come over.”
Renee nodded again, grabbing Jon’s hand. “I knew what you meant the first time, Jon.” Explaining it like he was a toddler.
He sat back, pursing his lips. “Oh…okay.” He tapped his fingers on the table as Renee went back to her dinner. “Well, where are you gonna stay?”
Renee shrugged. “There’s a spa and resort I’ve been wanting to try. I can make a reservation tonight and head on up tomorrow. That’ll give you Friday the rest of the weekend before you have to leave Monday.”
Jon quirked an eyebrow. “And you’re okay with spending our weekend apart?”
Renee smiled, placing her fork down. “I called Tony, and he said it was okay for me to travel with you this week.” She stood up from her chair, grabbing her plate, and then Jon’s, taking them to sink. “So we’ll have all week to spend as much time together as we want.”
She turned back and winked at him. Jon shot up from own chair and picked her up, cradling her bridal style. She squeaked and laughed, wrapping her arms around Jon’s neck. “I love you.” He pecked her on the lips. “And I’m gonna get a head start on this coming week’s activities.” He growled, a smirk on his face.
The phone rang a total of three times before Seth picked up. “Hey man.” Jon started.
He could tell Seth was anxious. “Hey, hi, what’s up?” Another three in a row.
Jon chuckled, “Everything’s good. You all can come over tomorrow if that’s a good day for you?”
He could hear Seth gasp in delight before choking on whatever he was drinking. “Yeah! Absolutely! We’ll be there tomorrow afternoon!” He managed to croak through a coughing fit.
Jon smiled, heading back to his bed. “Alright, good. See you then. And be prepared to be out of breath for the next four days.” He added on quickly before pressing the small red button, setting his phone down on the nightstand.
Renee rolled over to him as he laid down, cuddling close. “Everything set?” She mumbled against his neck.
Jon gripped her hands tight and settled in. “Yeah, Seth can barely wait.” They both laughed at the same time.
“Sounds like him.” She gave a content sigh. “Have fun, but don’t break anything, okay?” Jon grunted and gave a small nod. “I know all three of you need this.” She said softly, kissing the back of his neck before wrapping her leg around his waist, leaving Jon to his thoughts as the soft sound of her snoring filled the dark room.
Renee had departed with a small kiss and another “Have fun!” As she basically skipped out the door with the excitement of having a relaxing weekend. Jon waved as her car pulled out of the driveway.
He laid his hands on his hips and took a deep breath, breathing in the dense Nevada air. “Alrighty.” He said to himself, walking back in the house and closing the door a little too hard. Blue shot up from the couch, barking at the loud noise. Jon rolled his eyes and leant down, petting the bulldog's head in comfort. “Yeah, yeah, loser. You’re a big guy.” He cooed before kissing his head, giving one last pet before standing back up, staring at the dirty house. “Shit…” he snarled at himself.
And so Jon spent the rest of the morning furiously cleaning his whole house. He even did the laundry, folded it, put the clean sheets on the bed, and put away his and Renee’s comforter so the three of them didn’t-
A.) tear it
B.) Get cum stains on it.
C.) get whatever other bodily fluids would be coming out of this weekend.
He instead replaced it with an older one that neither of them would miss too much if it were to be sacrificed in the war that was sex between Seth, Roman, and Jon.
And with that, he changed into a pair of basketball shorts and plain white t-shirt, discarding the now sweaty pajamas he had cleaned in. He looked at his phone and gawked in disbelief.
It was only ten thirty am.
How, the hell, did Jon clean the entire house, and do two loads of laundry in only an hour and a half? Whatever. He’d just make himself a late breakfast. That would pass the time, right?
Wrong.
It only took around fifteen minutes. And Jon spent about an hour pacing around aimlessly, and then another ten minutes to take a smoke break, and then another fifteen minutes to take a shower because he noticed that he now smelled like smoke, and Seth hated the smell of smoke.
And finally, finally, at one o clock, he got a text from Roman that said
‘Five minutes away.’
Jon’s heartbeat sped up, and he frantically made himself a glass of water, and scrambled to sit on the couch and turn on the television. He was desperately trying to make it look like he didn’t just spend the last three hours anxiously passing time. He heard Blue pant in excitement as Jon sat on the couch and hopped up in his lap. The small dog helped ease his anxieties a little as he bounced his leg furiously.
He heard the car pull up, and Blue immediately started barking. Jon shushed him, nipping him on the neck with his fingers before shushing him once more as the dog let out a quieter little-
‘Boof’
The knock on the door made Jon’s blood thrum in excitement. “Come on in!” He called out, and Seth and Roman entered, both their overnight bags flung across their shoulders.
Seth set his bag down first, laughing as Blue ran over to him and started jumping up and down, attempting to be held. He groaned as he scooped up the bulldog and held him in his arms, smiling as Blue attempted to lick every inch of his face. “Dang buddy, you’ve gotten big! I could hardly pick you up!”
Roman immediately shot over to Jon, wrapping his arms around his neck from behind the couch, kissing the side of his head. Jon leant back, resting his head against Roman’s bicep and relishing in the feeling of his big arms. “Did you clean the house for us?” Roman mumbled against Jon’s neck.
Jon blushed and turned his head to look at Roman. “N-no! Why would you think that?”
Roman smiled, ruffling his hand through Jon’s shaved locks. “You’re messy as fuck dude. No way you and Renee keep your house this clean.”
Jon was about to defend himself once more before Seth piped up from behind the two men. “Why haven’t you brought out the alcohol yet motherfucker? I see the bar-“ he held his hands out as he walked in front of Roman and Jon. “But the booze seems to be mysteriously missing from my hand.” Seth pursed his lips giving Jon an expectant look.
Roman snickered and stood up, walking over to Seth and flinging his arm over his shoulders. “This man has been talking about drinking one of your famous ‘Blackberry Vodkas’ since we hit Virginia. It’s the only alcohol he says he’ll drink.”
Jon raised his eyebrows and nodded his head in amazement. “That’s a long time to put up with that shit Ro.” He started clapping quickly, making Seth huff in irritation. “I applaud you.” Roman gave Seth’s shoulders a squeeze as Jon stood up from the couch with a loud groan, cracking his back and neck as he did so. “Alrighty, so…blackberry vodka for princess.” Seth opened his mouth to say something in retort, only to have it physically shut by Roman’s ring finger. “And for you Ro?” He asked, hoping over the bar to get a start on Seth’s drink.
He poured more blackberry juice in it rather than vodka, because let’s face it- Seth was gigantic light weight.
Roman shrugged then pulled Seth along with him to the bar to sit down. “Just a beer.”
Jon smirked at Roman’s simplicity. “The fridge.” He pointed with his head as he finished making Seth’s drink, pouring it into a glass and sliding it dramatically towards him. “Here ya go sweetheart.”
Seth rolled his eyes and took a small sip, slurping it just to annoy Jon. Roman came back and slapped Seth on the chest, silently scolding him. Jon cackled at Seth’s face, which was a mix of anger, confusion, and disappointment.
He had missed them…so damn much.
Honestly, nothing happened during the day.
The three of them were happy to just be in each other's company that there was no need for sex. They had spent the entire night talking and laughing and telling stories of their recent days on the road, just being brothers again. And at the end of the night, as all three of them settled into bed, they assumed their usual positions, like they hadn’t been apart for almost six months. Seth in the middle, Roman on his right, and Jon on his left.
Roman gave a long deep sigh as he wrapped his arms around Seth, spooning him. Jon was facing Seth, running a hand through his hair gently, the younger man purring at the attention. And when Jon heard Roman’s snoring and knew it was safe, he tapped Seth’s nose. “Hey hun.” He mumbled, placing his hand on Seth’s cheek.
Seth opened his eyes, focusing from the half sleep daze he was in, and locked eyes with Jon’s. “Mmm, yeah?” Jon could tell he was fighting back a yawn.
“How’re those bruises?” Jon whispered, his eyes flicking to Seth’s neck.
He gave a small smile before moving his head up, straining his neck so Jon could see. “Sore, but healing, slowly.”
Jon ran his calloused fingers over the yellowish green marks that littered Seth’s neck, making him jump at the contact. “Has Ro said anything about them?” Jon said.
Seth shook his head, closing his eyes once more and sighing as Jon’s touch quickly turned relaxing at the constant thrum of dull pain. “He just ignores them, mostly.” Seth’s body melted into the bed once more. “There was one time, though, that he stared at them from across the locker room when he thought I wasn’t looking.” Seth bit his lip as Jon ran his thumb deeper across one particularly bigger bruise. “And he looked…really sad.” Seth opened his eyes again, moving his head so he was at eye level with Jon. “He did what he had to do to win.” Seth whispered, like a desperate plea.
Jon shook his head. “He doesn’t see it that way.” Jon began petting his hair again. “He sees it as he hurt you, and the reminder isn’t going away.”
Seth gave a quick breath through his nose, furrowing his eyebrows. “He did what he had to do. Why doesn’t he see that?”
“Because he’s not you.” Jon whispered, searching Seth’s eyes.
He paused, his lips a thin line as he tried to get his thoughts wrapped around what Jon had said. “I get it.” Seth mumbled finally. “I’m an untrustworthy asshole. And you two seem way to keen on reminding me-“
Jon gripped both sides of his head. “And I’m an impulsive idiot who doesn’t think things through, and Roman doesn’t know when to say no to the point it becomes self destructive.” Jon smiled softly at Seth. “We’re all three messed up. Jon pecked Seth’s nose, making the younger man snicker.
“Do you think he’s finished?” Seth mumbled.
Jon gave a thoughtful grunt. “I think he’s as finished as he can be.” He tapped against Seth’s temple. “Ya know, he’s still Roman.” He moved their faces closer to each other. “And I’m still Jon, and you’re still Seth.” Seth nodded slowly in understanding.
“Do you think this’ll last?” Seth huffed out quickly.
Jon chuckled. “Hun, if it hasn’t broken by now, it never will.” He smiled at Seth, who in turn smiled back. “We fought our shit out years ago.”
Seth nodded. “And I told him that.” Seth looked at him with determination, like he was desperate for Jon’s approval. “I apologized for not giving him a chair.”
Jon kissed his nose again. “Good for you baby brother.” He teased, “I’m proud of you.” He hummed.
There was a quiet moment as the two of them stared into each other's eyes where Jon briefly couldn’t explain what the feeling in the air was. It hit him as he watched Seth lick his lips and gaze at him.
It was peace.
Being with these two men, holding them once more, it was peaceful.
Seth’s pupils blew as he shifted around on the bed. “Can I ask…”
“Yeah?” Jon asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Seth squirmed more, looking anywhere but Jon’s face. “Can you, umm, touch the bruises again?”
Jon felt Seth’s body tense up a bit, unsure of his reaction. “Why’re you embarrassed?” He asked with a large smile on his face, giving a small laugh.
“Because it’s weird?” Seth shrugged, a blush crossing his cheeks.
“Hey.” He brought Seth’s attention back to Jon’s face. “I’ll do whatever you want.” He kissed Seth. “So long as you ask nicely.” He mumbled against Seth’s mouth. Jon pulled away slowly, watching with amusement as Seth chased his lips. “Whaddya want?” He deepened his voice.
Seth’s sigh shook as he shifted his neck up a bit. “Touch the bruises?”
“Why?”
Seth pursed his lips, defiant for a moment, but then giving in. “Because it hurts, but it feels really good.”
Jon smiled. “It feels good?” Seth bit his lip once again, fighting back a moan at the statement.
“Y-yeah…it’ll help me sleep.” he nodded.
Jon teasingly ran his hand up Seth’s chest. “Oh, it helps you sleep, does it?” His voice low in his throat. Seth nodded frantically, his body squirming again as Jon made his way up higher on his chest, teasingly close to his neck. “Well…I’m awfully tired. I myself wouldn’t have any issue falling asleep.” Jon fake yawned. Seth’s eyes shot open and he shook his head frantically, his eyes big and pleading.
Seth gripped Jon’s t-shirt and stretched his neck up more so Jon could see the bruises better. “Jon.” His voice squeaked out. “I need-please touch them. Please touch me.” Jon couldn’t help but recognize how beautiful they were, and he couldn’t take his eyes off of them. “Please!” Seth blurted out, louder than the hush whispering and quiet mumbles they had stuck to up until that point.
Jon put a finger to his lips, “shhh don’t wanna wake Ro up.” He huffed a laugh.
Jon nodded, giving in to Seth’s insistent whining and gripping his neck gently, not wanting to give too much pressure straight away. Seth let out a small gasp, Jon released a bit concerned that he’d done too much. But Seth’s hand flew back up to Jon’s, holding it there. Seth ran his thumb on the inside of Jon’s wrist and hummed contently.
“This good?” Jon asked.
Seth nodded, his face completely relaxed. “Yeah, just keep it there.”
Jon couldn’t help but smile. “Okay hun.” He whispered, leaning in and kissing on top of Seth’s head. “Do you still wanna-“
Seth shook his head. “Happy like this.” He pulled Jon’s body closer. “Sorry.”
Jon cocked his head to the side. “About what?”
Seth placed his hand on Jon’s crotch, a barely their tent in his shorts. “Leaving you with this.”
Jon smiled and kissed Seth once more, placing their foreheads together. He gripped Seth’s hand that was on his crotch and laced their fingers together, letting their hands rest in between his and Seth’s chests. “It’s okay hun, I didn’t even realize it was there anyways.” Seth scrunched his nose at that. “Hey, I can't control it anymore than a horny teenager can.” Jon teased, wrapping his leg around Seth’s waist and part of Roman’s leg, pulling each of the men closer to him.
Roman growled at being woken up by Jon, and proceeded to show his discontent by waving his arm around, managing to slap both Seth and Jon before he grumbled “go the fuck to sleep assholes.”
Jon grunted as he held his head. “Dammit Ro, we were having a moment!” Roman slapped him harder that time.
Dean was trapped, his body unable to move. The sound of a thousand roaring fans flooding his ears.
Seth stood there, chair in hand, smirking at him deviously. He shook his head before stepping closer to Dean. “You thought I cared about you?” He gripped Dean’s chin tight to the point it was painful. “Who could ever love you, you fucking psychopath!” Seth screamed in his face, slowly turning on his heels and stalking away. “And this-'' Dean noticed Roman was laying in front of Seth’s feet. “Is what I think of this team.” He slammed the chair into Roman. “This is what I think of our friendship!” Another hit to Roman, who cried out now. “This is what I think of your love!” A bigger blow, Roman flinching and curling in on himself, trying to guard his body.
“S-stop Seth. Please stop.” Dean pleaded, tears threatening to fall from his eyes.
Seth’s head shot towards Dean. He couldn’t quite tell what was behind Seth’s eyes, it looked like a mix of fury, fear, and regret.
Dean sobbed. “Seth I-I need you to stop this.” He took a shaky breath. “We can figure this out, just please put the chair down.” He fought against his body, which refused to move. “We can help you, whatever it is, we can help you. I promise.” Dean finally got his fingers to move, clenching and unclenching into fists. “We love you, okay?” Seth turned away from him, raising the chair above his head to attack Roman once more. Dean growled, finally letting out a loud cry. “Please! I’m begging you! Put the fucking chair down!”
Seth paused, his breathing ragged as his wide eyes stared down at Roman, who was gasping for air. “I…” he started, shaking his head. “I can’t?” His voice was small, laced with confusion. Seth quickly looked at Dean, tears in his eyes. “I can’t put it down.” He took a deep shaky breath, his grip shaking as he fought against his arms which were still holding the chair above his head.
Dean shook his head, “look at me, look at me Seth.” Seth’s eyes flicked back up to Dean’s face. “Put it down.” He pleaded.
“I wish I could.” Seth closed his eyes as he brought the chair back down again, hitting Roman who cried out Dean’s name to help him, to stop Seth, but he couldn’t.
“No! No! No!” Dean strained so hard he was sure his head was about to explode. “Stop! Seth, stop! Please! I’m begging you! I’ll do anything! Just stop this! Please!”
Seth turned to him once more, Dean noticed tears now flowing down his face. “Dean.” He whispered.
That’s when he broke free. Dean instantly strode towards Seth, whose eyes had become wide as saucers. “You son of a bitch!” He yelled, gripping a hand around Seth’s neck as he backed the other man against the ring post. There was nobody there, only him and Seth now, the two rivals staring into each other's eyes. A stare so deep they could practically hear what the others were thinking.
He felt his hand slowly squeeze around Seth’s neck. The other man’s face started to contort in panic at the loss of oxygen. “Wait-wait, wait, Dean!” Seth mumbled. But Dean didn’t care, he wasn’t listening to the manipulating words of his baby brother. “I-I can’t breathe-“ he was cut off by Dean squeezing harder, shoving his head hard against the turnbuckle. Panic and fear filled Seth’s eyes as he kicked his legs and frantically flailed his arms around in an attempt to escape. He started banging on Dean’s chest and attempting to shove him away.
But it was no use. Because there was no escape.
And as Dean felt Seth’s hits to his chest get lighter and lighter, and the life drain ever so slowly from Seth’s eyes, he could only feel-
Jon’s eyes snapped open as he gasped awake. He blinked a few times as he tried to get his vision to adjust to the pitch black, dark room. As soon as his eyes focused, he saw Seth, laying next to him, content in his sleep, with Jon’s hand around his throat.
And he fucking panicked.
He flew away from the man, ripping his arms from the hold Seth had made sometime during the night, and scrambled away, taking the sheets with him as he fell back onto the carpet with a loud thud.
Roman and Seth both shot awake, looking around confused and on alert. Roman immediately flung out of bed and was ready to beat the fuck out of whatever had just caused the ruckus. And Seth had continued to look around, confused, before he saw Jon, sitting on the opposite side of the bed on the floor and looking at Seth with intense fear in his eyes.
“Jon?” He asked, concern lacing his features. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head frantically, his lips chapped and dry as he tried to form a sentence. But his heart was beating too fast, and he couldn’t speak. All he could think about was that he had to get away from Seth, because Seth was a liar. But he had to protect Seth. He had to protect him from himself.
Because Jon wanted to kill him.
Roman had made his way to Jon, and when he caught the sight of him, he frowned deeply and followed Jon’s eyes to Seth. Roman made a knowing face before crouching in front of Jon on his knees. He cautiously stuck a hand out to touch him on the shoulder, and when that didn’t cause Jon any grief, he ran his hand up and down Jon’s bicep comfortingly.
“Hey.” Roman whispered, attempting to catch Jon’s attention. “Can you look at me?” Jon couldn’t tear his face away from Seth, because Seth would hurt them the moment Jon looked away. And he couldn’t trust himself enough to try and do the same to Seth the second he let his guard down. Roman gripped the sides of Jon’s head and forced him to look into his chocolate orbs. “I understand.” Roman whispered, a small smile on his face. “Remember it’s us.” Roman’s voice was laced with comfort.
“What? What’s wrong?” Seth asked, confused out of his mind. “What do you understand Ro?” Panic had started to set in for Seth at being left out of the conversation, unsure what he needed to do in order to help.
Roman shook his head. “It’s okay Seth, can you go sit on the couch?” He asked gently, glancing back at Seth and giving him a comforting smile. “It’s okay.” He whispered, nodding, gently nudging him to exit.
Seth reluctantly got out of the bed and shot Jon a worried look as he made his way out of the room and to the couch, wrapping the comforter around himself like a security blanket as he did so.
Jon heard Blue make his way out of his bed at the excitement of Seth emerging, and the prospect of belly rubs.
Roman locked his eyes back on Jon’s. “It’s okay babe.” He hummed, gently rubbing a thumb across his cheek. “It was a dream.” Jon’s eyes began filling with tears, he was unsure why. Roman shushed him gently, digging his thumbs into Jon’s temples, making him relax at the relief of pressure. “That wasn’t real.” Roman kissed his forehead. “I’m alright, see?” He smiled as Jon searched his body up and down for any sign of injury. “I’m here with you. He’s here with you.” Roman forced Jon’s gaze to focus on him. “He’s here with you.” He repeated, determined. “It was a dream.”
Jon took a deep breath and nodded. “A dream.” He repeated, his shaky hands placing onto Roman’s shoulders. “It was a dream.”
Roman nodded. “Yes. You’re safe.”
Jon closed his eyes and let his body relax as he regained his bearings. “I’m safe.” Roman noticed he was repeating that sentence like a mantra in order to calm himself. Jon opened his eyes and let out a small sob. “I wanted to kill him.” Jon started. “I did kill him.” He coughed, as if the words were like venom. “I don’t wanna-but I-was so afraid.” Jon rambled, his eyes flicking throughout Roman’s features to try and find something to hold onto.
Roman furrowed his eyebrows. “I get it.” He gripped Jon’s bicep tighter. “But it’s just a nightmare, and we’ll help you through it.”
“But what if I-what if I hurt him?” Jon’s voice quivered, sweat pouring down his forehead.
Roman shook his head quickly. “You won’t. Don’t even think that way.” He gave an encouraging look to Jon, who relaxed a bit. “You love him?” Roman asked, softly. Jon nodded. “He loves you.” There was a pause. “You hate him?” Jon shot his head up, skepticism filling his face. “Not a trick question.” Jon waited a moment before slowly nodding. “He loves you.” Roman ran his hand up and down his bicep once more. He laid his hand on Jon’s shoulder. “I’m his, he’s mine.” Roman kissed the top of Jon’s head. “You’re mine, I’m yours.”
Jon scoffed. “Fucking weirdos. With your sayings and all that shit.”
Roman laughed, his heart leaping at Jon returning to his normal self. “Hey, it gets us through all this bullshit. And that’s all that matters.” Roman and Jon were both content in the happy silence that followed, just looking into the other's eyes. Roman hugged him, cautiously dragging him in incase Jon didn’t want to be touched more than he already was. But he gripped Roman tight, almost a death grip, it knocked the air out of him. Roman squeezed him back, giving him that comfort. “You’ve got this babe. You can get through this.” Jon took a deep sigh in Roman’s shoulder and took all of him in, before pulling away. He gave Roman a small smile and repeated ‘I’m safe’ once more. “Can I bring him in?” Roman asked.
“Yeah.” Jon muttered.
“You sure?”
“I already said yes, Jeez.” He grumbled.
Roman smirked. “Okay.” He stood up, leaving Jon cold without the bigger man’s body heat.
He could hear Seth and Roman muttering outside in the living room, and Jon started anxiously biting lip. A moment later he heard Roman enter with his arm wrapped around Seth’s shoulders, guiding him in. He sat Seth on the edge of the bed, facing Jon, and Roman himself sat on the right side of them, making a semicircle, on the floor. “Okay so-“ Roman started.
“What did I do?” Seth interrupted, overcome by anxiety. “I mean…the way you were looking at me-I just-what did I do?”
Roman frowned at the interruption and looked at Jon, seeing if he was able to give an answer. Jon cleared his throat before finally looking up at Seth, only to see intense fear and anxiety in his face. “You didn’t do anything.” Jon shook his head.
Seth let the blanket fall off of his shoulders and leant in, placing his forearms on his knees. “What did I do Jon?” Seth’s voice was pleading with him to give him an answer. Roman sat idly by, watching the interaction, ready to intervene if the need be.
“You-“ Jon sighed. “You didn’t do anything. At least, not in real life, ya know?” He shrugged. Seth looked at him with confusion, raising his eyebrows. “I had a dream- nightmare- that you were hitting Roman…with a chair.” Seth’s eyes closed, his nostrils flaring, his hands gripping into fists. “I couldn’t stop it.” He whispered. “But you were so scared, and I didn’t know what to do. You couldn’t stop it either, you just kept hitting him.” Jon’s eyes filled with tears. “And you were so scared, and you were crying, and you needed my help.” Jon shook his head as some tears fell down his cheeks. “But…instead I just….I fucking-“ he paused, his breathing becoming ragged as he tried to push the words out. “I fucking choked you.” He cried. “I choked you until you…you were dead. And you begged me to stop. And I wouldn’t-“
His rant was stopped by Seth flying forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Jon’s chest, making him freeze. He slowly wrapped his arms around Seth in return. “I trust you.” He whispered. “I love you.” Seth mumbled against his neck. Seth looked up, “get in on this Tribal Chief.” He motioned to where Roman was sitting, cross legged on the floor. Roman laughed before crawling over to the two, engulfing the men with his large arms
And Jon felt safe.
“We can have that barbecue tomorrow.” He grumbled out, though it was muffled by the large group hug.
Somebody laughed, making the whole circle shake. “That’s a great idea.” Seth said, a smile evident in his voice. “Then maybe after that we can make sure Renee vacating her house wasn’t in vain.”
Roman nodded, and Jon laughed. “Oh yeah.”