{Chapter 1}

Shelly watched as Wildcat Chris Harris stormed backstage toward the locker room he shared with his tag partner, the Tennessee Cowboy James Storm. He had just been in an eight man tag match, teaming up with Matt Bentley and Frankie Kazarian. Together America’s Most Wanted, Bentley and Kazarian had taken on the teams of Sharkboy and Norman Smiley and the James Gang.

She had been happy to see her friends seemingly putting their differences aside and working as a cohesive team once again. Seeing Storm nail Smiley with the super kick and Harris getting the pin brought a wide smile to her face. Her smile fell as she watched Storm and Harris arguing in the center of the ring after the match. Gail Kim tried in vain to get the men to stop the argument. Before she knew it Harris had flipped Storm off and stormed up the ramp and down the tunnel.

With a sigh, Shelly knew she had to say something to one or both of them. She hated seeing her friends fighting this way. "Hey, Wildcat," she called hustling to keep up with him, finding it hard to do in the heels that she had been given to wear that night. He glanced over his shoulder at her and sighed heavily, but stopped and waited for her.

"I’m not really in the mood," he said once she had caught up with him.

"Mood for what," she asked with a smirk. "I wasn’t going to seduce ya or nothin’. Just wanted to talk."

Her words brought a small smile to his lips, knowing she was just kidding. Since her arrival in TNA early last year they had been fast friends. He considered her a little sister and as a little sister she loved to torment him.

He sighed heavily, shoulders slumped as he took a seat on a nearby crate. "I guess you saw what happened out there, huh," he asked, his chocolate brown eyes meeting hers. She could see the pain and confusion in them and it tore at her heart.

With a sigh she shook her head yes as she took a seat next to him, giving his knee a gentle squeeze. "What happened out there," she asked softly.

Harris sighed and ran a hand through his damp hair. "I don’t know," he replied, pondering the question. "Things between James and I have been fucked up for a while now. I shouldn’t have been surprised by tonight."

"What was James so pissed about," Shelly gently pressed. She knew there had to be more to the story than what she had seen on the monitor.

"He felt that since he super kicked Smiley that he should be the one to get the pin," Harris replied. "It’s just retarded for him to make such a fuss. We won. Why does it matter who got the damn pin?"

"There must be more to the story than just you getting the pin," Shelly said thoughtfully. "Seems like you boys snap at each other over the slightest thing these days."

"Whatever," Harris said standing. "I’m gonna hit the showers and head back to the hotel. I need some alone time to think things over."

"If you need to talk you know my number," Shelly said giving him a quick hug. She watched him stalk off to the locker room, a frown on her face. She didn’t like the sounds of what Harris had just said. She knew that her favorite tag team was in jeopardy unless these two men could work things out.

"James," Gail called, her chunky heeled boots clicking madly as she struggled to keep up with the angry man. "James, just slow down, please!"

Shelly saw the Cowboy come into view, anger clouding his crystal blue eyes and turning them cobalt blue. She knew it would not be easy to talk to him, but she needed to put him in a better mood before he went to the locker room with Harris. She met him half way, holding up her hands to stop him. He did indeed stop, his angry glare softening somewhat.

"Darlin’ I really don’t have time for you right now," he said, attempting to move her out of the way.

"I know you’re mad, James," Shelly said fighting his attempts to move her. "I understand that, but if you go storming in there right now you could do irreparable damage to a four year friendship. Do you really want that?"

"She’s right, James," Gail said finally catching up with him. "You need to cool down before you go confront Chris."

Storm grumbled something under his breath, kicking the crate Harris and Shelly had been sitting on just a few moments ago. "Did you see what he did to me," he demanded of both women. "Did you see what he fucking did to me?"

"I saw, James," Shelly said placing a hand on his shoulder to try to calm him. She could feel him quivering with anger. "To be fair, you did the same thing to him a few weeks ago." He opened his mouth to reply, but she quieted him with a wave of her hand. "I’m not saying you didn’t have your reasons for doing it, but Chris had his reasons too." She could feel him begin to relax a little. "What you guys need is to talk things out. Just the two of you."

"I don’t think that’ll happen anytime too soon," he replied with a sigh, dropping onto the crate he had just kicked. Shelly took a seat on one side of him, Gail doing the same on the other side.

"Nothing is going to be solved if you two keep fighting the way you have been," Gail said. "Quite frankly, I don’t want to have to play peacemaker in the ring anymore."

"I know we’ve been putting you in the middle," Storm said softly, not meeting her gaze. "I’m sorry for that, Gail. You’ve been a good friend to both of us and we’ve abused that lately." With a sigh he stood, looking from Gail to Shelly. "I’ll go try to talk to him calmly, but no guarantees."

Both women watched as he stalked off to the locker room. As he disappeared behind the door Shelly turned to Gail. "Do you think it’ll work," she asked.

"I don’t know," Gail sighed. "I hope so."

"Just to be safe," Shelly said walking over to Abyss. "Hey, big guy," she said smiling. "Would you mind doing me a huge favor?" Abyss shrugged and nodded. She motioned for him to come down to her level so she could whisper in his ear. When she had finished a smile lit up his eyes and he nodded, patting her on the shoulder. "Thanks, big guy."

"What did you just ask Abyss to do," Gail asked when Shelly joined her again.

"Just watch," Shelly said smirking. The women watched as the large man grabbed a folding chair, setting it up right up against the AMW locker room door and sitting down. "If that doesn’t keep them in there to talk out their differences then I don’t know what will."

"Think it’ll work," Gail asked, worried about the future of her friends’ tag team and friendship.

"I hope so," Shelly replied honestly. "Only time will tell for sure."

{Chapter 2}

When Storm entered the locker room he could hear the shower running and Harris humming to himself. With a sigh Storm sat down on the bench, pulling off his elbow and knee pads as well as his boots. He was just rummaging around in his bag for his clothes when Harris exited the shower, drying his hair.

When he realized that his tag partner was in the room he stopped, glaring at him. "What the hell are you doing here," he demanded.

"Last time I checked this is AMW’s locker room and unless you’ve gone and replaced me I’m half of AMW," Storm replied trying to remain calm.

"I don’t want to see you right now, James," Harris said sighing.

"I need to shower and change," Storm replied, standing.

"Go do it somewhere else," Harris replied tossing the towel he had used on his hair on the floor.

"I see," Storm replied, grabbing his things. "This locker room isn’t big enough for the two of us all of a sudden." He stalked toward the door, grasping the knob. "I came here to see if we could talk things out like the friends I thought we were. I guess that was just too much to ask." With that he turned the knob and attempted to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge.

"Get out," Harris demanded.

"I’m trying," Storm hissed. "It won’t budge."

Giving an exasperated sigh Harris stalked over to the door, shoving Storm out of the way. "I’m in no mood for your crap," he said grasping the knob and attempting to open the door. "What the f*ck is going on?"

"Told you it wouldn’t budge," Storm replied tossing his bag to the ground.

"Shut up," Harris growled. "I’m trying to think."

"We could be here for a while," Storm replied taking a seat on the bench. Harris glared at him.

"This is a problem, James," Harris replied. "How the hell do we get out of here now?"

"I dunno," Storm replied shrugging as if being trapped was no big deal. "While you think of something I’m going to take my shower." With that he grabbed his soap, shampoo and towels, heading into the shower.

Harris frowned, not understanding what was going on. With a sigh he dried off and dressed. He was just tying his boots when Storm exited the shower. He looked at the Cowboy, wanting to say something, but not knowing what.

"Come up with a plan yet, genius," Storm asked sarcastically as he dried his hair. He didn’t see the fleeting pained expression pass across his partner’s face. When Harris didn’t answer Storm looked at him. "Well, any ideas on how to get out of here?"

"How the hell can I think with you yammering in my frigging ear," Harris asked turning his back on Storm. He tried the knob again and pushed with all of his might against the door. Still it did not budge. "Someone put something against the door," he said more to himself than to Storm.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious," Storm muttered pulling on his clean clothes. Harris shot a glare in his direction.

Harris began to bang on the door. "Is anyone out there," he called as he banged.

"Oh that’ll help," Storm said slipping on his cowboy boots.

"It will if someone is passing by," Harris replied.

Storm thought a moment and shoved Harris out of the way, banging on the door. "HELLO! WE’RE TRAPPED IN HERE," Storm yelled. "GET US OUT OF HERE!"

~*~

Shelly and Gail heard Storm and Harris banging on the door from inside the locker room. They exchanged glances with Abyss, who was quite content to ignore the screaming. Shelly patted the big man on the shoulder and smiled, though she was not happy about having to do this to her friends.

"Thanks for doing this, big guy," she said.

"Can we get you anything? You could be here for a while," Gail asked. "Magazines, something to drink or eat?" Abyss nodded his head to all three items.

"We’re on it," Shelly said grabbing Gail’s hand and dragging her off.

~*~

Inside the locker room Harris and Storm had given up on trying to get out for the time being. Both men sat on the bench, elbows resting on their knees and their heads in their hands. They couldn’t understand why no one could hear them. The backstage area of TNA was always bustling with people.

Storm looked up, carefully measuring up the door. "I have an idea," he said standing and walking to the back wall of the room.

"James, what are you planning on doing," Harris demanded.

"Just stay out of the way," Storm said getting a running start. He rammed shoulder first into the door and fell over in pain. The door still would not budge. "Bad idea."

"I could have saved you the trouble," Harris said offering Storm his hand. Storm swatted it away, getting to his feet, cradling his shoulder.

~*~

Shelly and Gail came back to where Abyss sat bearing goodies for him. Shelly carried a stack of magazines. Gail carried a tray piled high with sandwiches, snacks and sodas.

"Here you go, Abyss," Shelly said smiling as she handed over the magazines. Abyss held up copies of Cosmo, Glamour and Jane and quirked a brow at them. "They were Traci’s contribution. She wants them back when you’re done." Abyss nodded, setting the magazines down on the ground beside him.

Before he could accept the tray from Gail there was a loud thud from behind the door and Abyss jerked forward. "What the hell was that," Gail asked.

Shelly shrugged, struggling with the decision to call out to the guys or stay silent. Her conscience won out and she knocked on the door. "Chris? James? Are you all right," she called.

{Chapter 3}

Hearing Shelly’s voice both men ran to the door. "We’re trapped in here," Harris called.

"You gotta get some help, darlin’," Storm called.

"Guys," Shelly said hating herself for deciding to cage them like animals. "Calm down. I know you’re trapped."

"Then why aren’t you getting help," Harris demanded.

Shelly looked at Gail and Abyss for advice. They both shrugged in response. Groaning inwardly she turned her attention back to the door. "Guys…listen..um..don’t be mad," she began.

"Why would we be mad," Storm asked and then he realized what she was going to tell them. "You did this didn’t you," he demanded.

"Well…"

"You’re responsible for trapping us in here," Harris asked in disbelief. "Let us out now!"

"Not until you guys talk," Shelly replied.

"This is ridiculous," Storm yelled kicking the door. "Let us out of here now!"

"Only if you promise to work things out," Shelly replied.

"Do you really intend to let them out of there," Gail asked. "They could say anything just to get out of there."

"Is that Gail’s voice I hear," Harris asked. "You’re in on this too, Gail?"

"Shut up, Chris," Gail said before turning her attention back to Shelly. "You’re not letting them out of there, are you?"

"What are we going to do leave Abyss sitting here permanently," Shelly asked.

"You have a Abyss blocking the door," Harris asked.

"No wonder it wouldn’t budge," Storm said.

"Would you two shut up," Gail screamed. "I’m not saying that we have to leave Abyss here permanently, but how else will they ever talk if they’re not trapped in a room together?"

Shelly placed a hand on Gail’s shoulder. "Gail, I think you just crossed that bridge into Carzy Town," she teased. Gail slapped her hand away with an exasperated groan. "They’re grown men. If they don’t want to talk to each other then they’re not going to. I should have thought this plan out better."

"Are you going to let us out or not," Storm called. "I’m getting tired of looking at Chris’ ugly mug." Harris punched Storm in the arm, not realizing that it was the shoulder he’d rammed into the door. "Ow! You son of a bitch!"

"Sorry," Harris called before the women heard Storm punch him. "Damn it, James! I think you broke my nose!"

"We better let them out before they kill each other," Gail and Shelly said in unison.

"Thanks for your help, Abyss," Shelly said giving him a kiss on the cheek. Abyss grabbed the stack of magazines and the tray of food and headed on his way.

Tentatively Shelly opened the locker room door and found Storm and Harris wrestling each other on the floor. Both men were too preoccupied to notice that the door was now open. Blood was dripping from Harris’ nose and his right eye was already bruised. Storm seemed unscathed except for a bruise on his shoulder where Harris had punched him.

"Go get as much ice as you can," Shelly said to Gail, who nodded and ran off. Shelly stepped into the room intent on breaking them up. "Boys, could you give it a rest? I’m in no mood to judge a pissing contest."

Gail was back with the ice just as both men realized that they were no longer trapped. "Here," she said tossing ice packs at Harris and Storm.

Shelly pulled Harris over to the bench, looking over his nose and eye. She grabbed some paper towels from the bathroom and wet them, cleaning the blood from his face before settling the ice pack over his eye. Gail pulled Storm over to the bench, checking him over for any injuries. Content that he was all right she allowed him to place the ice pack on his shoulder.

"You really did a number on him, James," Shelly said chuckling nervously.

"Wouldn’t have had to if someone hadn’t gotten the brilliant idea to lock us in here like a couple of animals," Storm replied tossing the ice pack away and grabbing his bag.

"If the shoe fits," Gail muttered, earning a glare from the Cowboy.

"I’m going to the hotel," Storm said before stalking out of the locker room.

"We were just trying to help," Shelly called to him.

"Help," Harris scoffed tossing his ice pack aside. "Next time you want to help try minding your own business." He grabbed his bag and headed out too.

"Well, that blew up in our faces," Gail said.

"I have an idea," Shelly said pulling out her cell phone. "Do you know what hotel they’re staying in?"

"The Grant, I think. Why," Gail replied.

Shelly quickly dialed the hotel. "Yes, I’m calling on behalf of Chris Harris," she said. Gail rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know he has a reservation there. I’d like to cancel it. Yes, that’s right. I’ve made other arrangements for him for tonight. Thank you." She hung up and gave Gail a triumphant smile.

"He’s going to kill you when he finds out what you’ve done," Gail said shaking her head.

"Who says he’ll find out," Shelly said with a shrug. "He’ll just think it was clerical error on their part."

"How do you know he’ll room with James," Gail asked.

"He’ll try to avoid it, but when he weighs his options he’ll see that he really doesn’t have any better choice," Shelly replied.

"How do you know James will take him in," Gail asked.

"Because if I know the Cowboy, he will always help a friend in need," Shelly replied with a confident smile.

"I sure hope you know what you’re talking about," Gail sighed. "I can’t stand seeing them fighting like this."

{Chapter 4}

When Harris arrived at the Grant Hotel he headed directly for the front desk to check in. "I have a reservation for Harris," he said to the blonde woman behind the desk.

She began typing away on the computer and looked back up at him with a frown. "I’m sorry, sir, we have no reservation under that name."

"That’s odd," Harris said. "I made the reservation myself last week."

"I’m sorry, sir," the blonde replied.

"Well, could I have a room for the night then," he said pulling out his wallet.

"I’m sorry, sir, we’re booked solid for the night," the blonde replied.

"Great," Harris replied scowling. "Thanks anyway." With a sigh he grabbed his bag and headed toward a couch in the lobby.

Pulling out his cell phone he went over the numbers he could call to see if he could room with someone. He debated rooming with Jarrett, but decided against it. He knew that Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens roomed together to save money and didn’t want to have to share a bed with either one of them. Styles and Daniels also roomed together on the road.

With a sigh he realized his options were dwindling. Finally he decided to call Gail’s number. She picked up on the second ring. "Hey, Gail," he said. "The hotel lost my reservation. I was wondering if you had an extra bed I could use for the night."

"Well, I’m rooming with Shelly for the night," Gail replied. "But we can bunk in one bed and you can have the other."

"You’re a life saver," he replied smiling.

"It’s room 251," Gail said before hanging up.

"Gail," Shelly exclaimed. "The plan was to get him to room with James!"

"Trust me he’ll wish he never came here when I get done," Gail said smirking as she pulled a couple of Victoria Secret catalogs, some shoe catalogs and some fashion magazines out of her bag. Shelly smirked and nodded that she understood just as there was a knock at the door.

"I’ll get it," Shelly said as she bounced off the bed and headed toward the door. "Hey Wildcat," she said smiling up at him. "Come on in. That sucks that they lost your reservation."

"Yeah," Harris replied with a sigh. "Listen, I’m beat. Which bed is mine?"

"That one," Gail said popping her gum as she pointed to the one closest to the bathroom. Harris nodded setting his bag down on the bed before heading into the bathroom to change. When he emerged in a pair of sweats and T-shirt, he saw the women leafing through magazines. "Would the light bother you if we read a while," Gail asked innocently.

"I’m so tired that nothing could bother me," Harris replied with a yawn. He crawled into bed and sighed, content to be resting on a comfortable bed instead of being forced to sleep on a hard couch in the lobby. "Night ladies."

"Night," the girls said in unison, Gail being sure to pop her gum as loud as possible.

They waited until they heard Harris’ breathing become slow and even. "Oh my God! Gail that top would look so cute on you," Shelly exclaimed. Both women glanced over to see Harris jump a little and stir.

"No way! That would look much better on you," Gail replied just as loud. Once again Harris jumped and stirred.

"I think that skirt and those shoes would look wicked with that top," Shelly said, fighting back the giggles when Harris groaned.

"Not to sound ungrateful or anything girls, but could you keep it down," he mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"Sorry, Chris," Gail said popping her gum. "We’ll try to keep it down."

"Thanks," he replied pulling the covers up over his head.

Once again they waited a few moments before speaking again. "Now that is hot," Gail said looking pointedly at Harris. "I bet you could have any guy in the locker room in that!"

"You little skank," Shelly teased, pleased to see that they were getting to Harris.

"Ladies," he said sitting up, having listened to their banter for as long as he could. "Thanks a bunch for letting me stay here, but I think I’ll try my luck with James." He grabbed his bag and headed toward the door. "What room is he in?"

"347," Shelly replied. He nodded and was gone.

"Do you think James will let him in," Gail asked.

"Yeah," Shelly sighed. "He’ll give him a hard time about it, but I think he will let him in."

"You thinking what I’m thinking," Gail asked, a devious smile on her face.

"Grab a glass and we’ll go see what’s going on with them," Shelly said slipping on her flip flops.

{Chapter 5}

Harris trudged up to the third floor and made it to room 347. With a sigh he knocked on the door and waited. He heard Storm grumbling inside the room and a moment of silence as he assumed his partner was looking through the peephole. He then heard Storm mutter something before opening the door.

"What do you want," Storm demanded, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I don’t want to fight, James," Harris said wearily. "The hotel lost my reservation. I tried rooming with Shelly and Gail, but they talk too much. I just want to sleep for a few hours. Can I please room with you for the night?"

Storm looked at his partner long and hard and sighed. "All right," he replied. "You’re lucky I have an extra bed because I do not want you in the same bed with me!" Harris chuckled at the joke and followed Storm into the room.

"I appreciate it, James," he said setting down his bag and climbing into the bed that was still made. "Goodnight."

"Night," Storm replied crawling underneath his covers and shutting off the light.

"They’re just going to bed," Gail frowned, holding her glass to the door.

Shelly sighed, frowning as well. "Maybe they’ll talk in the morning when they’re both well rested."

As the women listened they heard the sound of one man snoring loudly. They heard Harris muttering curses and knew that it was Storm snoring. "This can’t be good," Gail said. "How come you didn’t know James snores?"

"Have you ever slept in the same room with him," Shelly replied.

Harris couldn’t believe his luck that night. He shifted positions and tried to ignore the snoring, but it seemed to get louder and louder. Unable to get to sleep with the noise he rolled out of bed and stood over Storm’s bed. He stared down at his partner for a long while, amazed.

"What the hell is going on in there," Shelly asked. Gail shrugged.

Before Gail could say anything they heard Storm yelling. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"

"You were snoring, James," Harris replied. "I was trying to figure out how to make you stop."

"By staring at me until I wake up," Storm replied sitting up in bed.

"I’m sorry," Harris said going back to his bed. "I didn’t know what to do."

"Next time don’t do that," Storm replied and snuggled back under the covers.

"Well, that went well," Gail sighed, slumping to the floor outside the door.

"Don’t worry," Shelly said sitting next to her. "They’ll talk in the morning. I’m sure of it."

Before long Storm was sound asleep again and snoring away. Harris pulled the pillow over his head and tried desperately to sleep, but the sound permeated the material. With an exasperated sigh he sat up, gripping the pillow tightly in his hands. Quietly he crept over to Storm’s bed and placed the pillow over his face. A smile spread across his lips as the snoring stopped, replaced by the sound of his frantic yelling.

"Something’s wrong," Shelly said frowning. "The snoring stopped." The women placed their glasses to the door and heard the commotion inside the room.

"What the hell is going on," Gail asked as they heard the sound of Storm thrashing. "Why does James sound so muffled?"

"He’s holding a pillow over his face," Shelly realized. "We have to get in there."

"How? We don’t have a key," Gail said, panicking.

Shelly banged on the first door she could see, hoping that someone occupied the room. "Come on," she muttered impatiently.

Finally the door opened and Rhino peered out at them, bleary eyed from having been woken up. "What’s going on," he asked through a yawn.

"Thank God," Shelly said. "We need to get into room 347. It’s a matter of life and death. Can you help us out?"

"No problem," Rhino replied. He exited his room and backed up a bit before running and goring the door open. "I’m not paying for that," he said seeing the splintered door jamb.

"Thanks," Shelly said rushing past him and into the room.

"Chris stop," Gail called, seeing Harris still had the pillow over Storm’s face.

Harris looked up, surprised that the girls were there. Storm thrashed about wildly on the bed. In desperation the Cowboy brought his knee up, connecting right between Harris’ legs. The aggressor crumpled in a heap on the floor.

"What the hell is wrong with you," Storm gasped.

"You were snoring again," Harris replied, groaning. "I didn’t know what else to do!"

"Do you really hate me that much, Chris," Storm asked, his voice filled with hurt. "Do you really hate me that much that you tried to suffocate me?"

"I just wanted the snoring to stop," Harris replied getting to his feet.

"You didn’t answer my question," Storm said, now standing and staring the taller man down.

"You know what," Shelly said stepping between the two men. "Gail, why don’t you take Wildcat back to our room? He can have my bed. I’ll stay here with the Cowboy." She turned to face Storm, who was still glaring at Harris. "Does that work for you?"

"Fine," Storm said turning his gaze to Shelly. "At least I know you won’t try to kill me while I sleep and you're much easier on the eyes than him."

"Come on, Chris," Gail said picking up Harris’ bag and leading him out of the room before the men could come to blows again.

{Chapter 6}

"Are you all right," Shelly asked handing Storm a glass of water. He sighed and sat down on the edge of his bed, accepting the water and taking a sip.

"I just never expected him to do something like that," he said finally. She could see the hurt in his blue eyes and it broke her heart. "Things between us have been so fucked up lately. I just can’t seem to understand what’s going on in his head."

"Oh, Cowboy," Shelly said with a sigh, taking a seat next to him on the bed. "Do you really want to be inside Harris’ head?" He chuckled a little. "Maybe he’s just as confused as you are about what’s going on between you two."

"What," Storm said, thoroughly confused by what she had just said.

"Perhaps he doesn’t understand his own feelings," she said, placing her hand over his. "Maybe he’s torn between wanting the team to stay together and wanting to strike out on his own."

"Then he should come talk to me about it," Storm said, setting the water down on the bedside table. "Instead of picking fights or trying to suffocate me."

"The suffocating thing may just have been the workings of a sleep addled mind wanting the snoring to stop," Shelly pointed out. Storm shot her a look. "I get what you’re trying to say, James," she said with a sigh. "Maybe you should sit down and try to talk things out with him. You said yourself that you felt bad about putting Gail in the middle of this. This would be the best time to stop doing that and just talk to each other." He sighed, staring at a spot on the carpet. "What do you say?"

~*~

"You feel like explaining why you tried to kill James," Gail demanded once she and Harris had made it back to her room.

"I just want to sleep, Gail," he replied.

"Tough," Gail replied shoving him down on the bed. "You’re going to talk to me, Chris. I’m sick of this shit with you and James. You’re grown men for God’s sake. You should at least act like it."

Harris sighed and ran a hand through his brown locks. "I wasn’t trying to kill him," he replied softly. "I just…wanted the snoring to stop. I guess I was so tired that I wasn’t thinking straight. Now, can I get some sleep?"

Gail sighed, frowning. She knew that there was more to the story than this. "No," she replied. "You never answered James’ question. Do you really hate him?"

"Of course not," Harris replied. "He’s like a brother to me. Gail, how could you ask such a question?"

"Your actions earlier spoke louder than words, Chris," Gail replied. "James thinks that you hate him."

~*~

"He hates me," Storm said with a sigh. "We’ve been friends for four years and it just seems like he wants to flush all of it down the toilet."

"Maybe…he’s tired of being half of America’s Most Wanted," Shelly said. Storm glared at her. "Hear me out, Cowboy. You guys are the most decorated tag team in TNA. You’ve held the titles six times together and hold the record for longest title reign. What else is there left for you guys to do as a team? Maybe Chris sees that and doesn’t know what else to do."

"I can see your point, but we’ve been a team for so long," Storm replied.

"And it’s scary to think that perhaps you should go your separate ways," Shelly finished for him. "I understand that and believe it or not, so does Chris."

"I’ll talk to him in the morning," Storm said after a moment of silence. "If we can’t save the team, maybe we can at least salvage our friendship."

"Good," Shelly said, kissing him on the cheek. "I don’t know about you, but I could use a good night’s rest." Storm nodded, slipping under the covers. Shelly crawled under the covers in the spare bed, falling asleep almost instantly. Storm lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. He knew that the conversation in the morning could go terribly wrong and that worried him. Before long he succumbed to sleep, drifting off into a dreamless slumber.

~*~

"I don’t hate James," Harris said softly. "There are just times when I can’t stand him." Gail nodded that she understood. "I’ll talk to him in the morning."

"Good," Gail said yawning softly. "Let’s get some sleep." Harris nodded, slipping under the covers. Fatigue set in and he was asleep before his head even hit the pillow. Gail crawled underneath the covers on her bed, lying awake worried about what would happen the next day. After a while her eyes finally fluttered closed and she drifted off to sleep.

~*~

The next morning Shelly awoke before Storm. Quietly she crept out of the room and headed down to the room she had been sharing with Gail. Using her keycard to enter the room she found both Gail and Harris awake. Harris was in the bathroom at the moment.

"How did it go," Gail asked Shelly as she brushed her hair.

"Pretty good," Shelly replied gathering her things so that she could change. "He wants to talk to Chris this morning. He was still sleeping when I left, but he should be up soon."

"Chris wants to talk to him too," Gail said smiling. She hoped with all of her heart that her friends could work something out.

"Morning, Shell," Harris said exiting the bathroom fully clothed. He was towel drying his hair. "Is James up yet? I need to talk to him."

"Morning, Wildcat," she replied. "He wasn’t when I came down here, but he should be soon." She excused herself and went into the bathroom to wash up and dress. When she exited the bathroom Storm was in the room, though neither he nor Harris spoke much.

"James wants us all to go to breakfast," Gail said to Shelly, filling her in on what she had missed.

"What are we waiting for," Shelly said linking her arms through both Harris and Storm’s arms. "I’m starved."

The group headed down to the hotel restaurant and took a table in the back. Everyone sat in awkward silence while they waited to place their orders. As they waited for their food to come Shelly and Gail made an effort to start the conversation, though all they were able to get the men to participate in was small talk. The food finally arrived and everyone sat in silence again, eating a little of their food.

"What happened to wanting to talk," Shelly asked Storm. He looked up from his eggs, bacon and hash browns and sighed.

"Yeah," Gail added as she picked at her fruit salad. "Didn’t you say you needed to talk to James, Chris?" Harris looked up from his pancakes and made eye contact with Storm.

"We do need to talk," Storm finally said setting his fork aside.

"I know," Harris replied setting his down as well. "James, I’m sorry about last night. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t hate you. You’re like a brother to me and I hope we’ll be friends for a very long time."

"What’s going on," Storm asked. "It seems like we’re snapping at each other all of the time."

"I guess I didn’t want to have to face the facts," Harris replied with a frown. "It’s been a hell of a run as a team, James. We’ve really made a name for ourselves in TNA." Storm nodded. "But I think we’ve gone as far as we can go as a team."

"I understand," Storm replied, though he hated to admit it. "It’s time for us to try our hand at singles action." Harris nodded.

"I think that we can both make a hell of a run for the heavyweight title," Harris said, relaxing now that he had gotten that off his chest.

"We could probably even start a hell of a feud," Storm said smiling, also relaxing.

"Just don’t ask me to choose sides," Shelly interjected.

"Or me," Gail added. "You know we love the both of you equally."

"We won’t put you guys in the middle anymore," Harris said chuckling. He turned his attention back to Storm. "So, are we agreed that AMW has run its course?"

Storm nodded and held out his hand for Harris. Harris took it and the men shook on it. "To bigger and better things buddy," Storm said smiling.

"Bigger and better things," Harris agreed. With that they finished up their meal and headed to the arena to speak with Cornette and Zabyszko about the decision they had come to. Gail and Shelly were happy that their friends had finally settled their differences and that they would no longer be at each other’s throats.