Aftermath

John went into the kitchen. He enjoyed cooking, it relaxed him. He hummed quietly to himself as he cooked.

After a few minutes, Heath figures he might as well get back up. He hops into the shower just long enough to rinse off the chlorine, then throws on a pair of baggy, slightly ripped blue jeans. He probably should have thrown them out months ago, but they were comfortable. He didn't wear them out in public anymore, but they were perfect for lounging around the house. He starts to head into the kitchen.

Buster the dog sits down on a small mat a couple of feet away from Johnny. He barks, as if trying to get the man's attention, then offers him a paw. It's a trick that usually gets him a scrap or two.

John glanced at the dog, smiling softly. Keeping his distance, he throws the dog a few scraps of bacon before going back to cooking.

"So he managed to con you too, huh?" Heath laughs, leaning against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms. "He'd have you believe that nobody ever feeds, pets or loves him."

John chuckled, looking down when Hunter rubbed his leg. He winced when the big cat hissed at Buster, warning him to back off away from John. "Watch your, dog Heath. There's a reason why I named him Hunter." He chuckled, fixing up two plates of food.

"Go to bed." Heath gestures outward and the dog obediently trots away. "He likes to sleep almost as much as I do." Heath laughs. He wants to go over and see Johnny, but he's still a little wary of the cat.

John chuckled. "I'm sorry, Hunter isn't as obedient... he never leaves me alone." He said, rolling his eyes as the cat stared Heath down. "Damn feline..." He grumbled, taking the plates and putting them on the kitchen table, Hunter always hot on his heels.

"So this is what it's like to be the other man," Heath jokes, sitting down. "You find everything okay? Sorry, I like... never shop."

"Yeah, you'll always come second best to Hunter, sorry. And yes, I found everything okay, just tell me if it's good." John said, smiling.

"I'm used to being second best." Heath digs into his food, nodding. "Damn, you're an awesome wrestler, hot as hell and you can cook. Anything you can't do?"

John shrugged. "I can't ride a horse... I can't do math... I can't draw... And high flying moves are I know how to do." He said, pouting cutely.

"Hey now, I've seen you do some pretty bitchin' kicks out there. And hell, I've been on the receiving end of a couple of them, so I know what I'm talking about."

John chuckled. "You're not to bad yourself. It's pretty uncommon to have a ginger on the roster. I-" John was cut off when his rang. He grabbed the phone, rolling his eyes and answering. "Hi Daddy..."

Heath starts to say something about Sheamus, but he stops, focusing on his food, trying not to listen in. That'd be rude after all.

"Yes Daddy, I'm fine... yeah I know... Why does it matter if I'm with someone? We've only been together for like, a couple weeks... Daddy!" He yelped, his face turning beet red.

Well, at least this wasn't an angry or upset call. Heath reaches out, giving Johnny's hand a quick squeeze, flashing him a bright smile.

John smiled at Heath. "Daddy... you wanna meet him?" John turned hesitantly towards Heath. "Wanna meet my Mommy and Daddy?" John asked shyly and hopefully.

Heath gapes at him; okay, two weeks and a hospital stay... certainly a little early, but how can he say no to a request like that? "Of course," he smiles.

John smiles and squeals in delight. "Okay Daddy, we'll be there tomorrow." He said before hanging up.

Heath nearly swallows his tongue. "Tomorrow? Holy crap, I gotta get ready, I gotta pack... I gotta bring something... holy!" He bolts out of his chair, going to his room, starting to pack a few things. Truth be told, he can't remember the last time he met the parents. Probably picking up his prom date; holy fuck, he has no idea what he needs to do, or say, or anything...

"Heath! First of all, they don't live that far away. They live in LA, it only a few hours drive from here. And secondly, calm down! You'll be fine. Just... don't be intimidated my my father. Stand your ground, okay?" John said.

"Why wouldn't I stand my ground?" Heath looks over. "I've never really met anyone's parents before. Well, anyone I was dating, you know..."

John winced. "My Dad is... protective. You see I've always been... okay lets just say I'm the male version of Daddy's Princess, and he can get overprotective." He said.

"Oh, so no pressure, right?" Heath runs a hand through his hair.

"Hey, it'll be fine. He's very nice once you get on his good side. So long as you don't hurt me, he won't hurt you. And as long as it goes like that, you'll be fine. My sisters like anyone, and so does my mother. You'll be fine." John assured.