CHAPTER 1

The dark figure stepped out of his rented car and approached the building. As he made his way across the parking lot, he couldn’t help but notice that the place was packed today. Of course, being the grand opening of the new location, he expected as much. He had been there for the first grand opening, and could remember it like it was yesterday. There would be no joyous celebration today, however. Today he was there to visit a ghost of his past, to catch a glimpse of the love that he threw away like most people throw away plastic cups.

When he walked in, there was his love, hanging on another. Of course, Rob Van Dam, had always been that way. He was one of those people who was out, and out big. He didn’t care what people thought, or said, or how they reacted to him. That was just Rob. That was something that had always bothered Sean O’Haire, who was standing there trying to blend into the crowd. Sean was one of those people that wasn’t out, not even to his family. Mixing someone like Sean with someone like Rob, was a recipe for disaster.

Sean stood there, by the door, just watching the man that he still loved. Remembering all the ways that he’d hurt him. Sean had treated Rob like some kind of dirty little secret, that could destroy his universe if ever discovered. He would pull away from Rob when they were anywhere but at home, when Rob would try to show him any affection. A kiss on the cheek, a hug, even a simple pat on the back, while in public were beacons of shame for Sean. This treatment even stretched as far as their own home. When Sean's family would come to visit, he would move all his things into another room, take down all the pictures of Rob and himself, and even slept in another room.

Sean also remembered how Rob would go along with it every time. He wouldn’t even complain, he just accepted it as a part of Sean. Rob never even lost any of his happy go lucky spirit, through it all. That was a year ago though, and now Sean was all alone. One night Rob had taken all he could. He gave Sean an ultimatum, it was either he tell his friends and family, or Rob left. That was the night that Sean lost his fire and passion for just about anything. Today he was reduced to watching from afar, as Rob clung to the man at his side. A man known to the world as Raven.

Sean looked for as long as his heart would allow. He began looking around the shop. Comic books littered racks in the middle of the store, behind the register and on two walls. The rest of the store was dedicated to wrestling. Action figures, replica belts, t-shirts, and DVDs filled the other two walls. It was actually a very good looking store. That’s when Sean spotted it. The single thing he’d left at Rob’s place. A sword, lay in the glass case by the register. Lights beamed down on it, showing off the ornate carvings in the scabbard. It was one of Sean's favorites, and there it lay, for sale.

“Excuse me sir. Can I help you find something.” The voice pulled Sean from his thoughts, and heartache. That sword laying in that case, might as well said, ‘Hey I’m over you Sean. I’m selling your priceless trinkets.’ Sean looked up and there was a young girl standing behind the counter.

“How much for the sword?” Sean managed to choke out, without letting too much emotion show.

“Oh, I’m sorry sir. The sword isn’t for sale.” The girl said, looking genuinely sorry. “It has sentimental value to the owner.”

“May I see it anyway? I’m an avid collector.” Sean said, wanting to hear her response more than anything.

“I’m sorry, sir. The owner is the only one with keys to this case.” She said, looking down at the sword. “He put it in there himself, and no one has ever touched it since. But I can call him over if you’d like.”

“No, no. That's alright. Just tell him it’s a beautiful weapon.” Sean said, starting to walk away. He turned around within a couple of steps. “Ma’am? Could you also tell him that I’ve told him time and time again to take it out of the scabbard or it could rust. Besides he’d hiding the beauty of the blade, and beauty should never be hidden.”

“Yes sir.” The woman said, and began to walk away.

“And please tell him in those exact words.” Sean said.

“May I tell him who said it?” The woman asked.

Sean thought for a minute and then decided. “Just tell him an old very good friend.” With that said, Sean walked out of the building and got into his car.

The woman walked up to her boss and pulled him away from Raven. “Rob, a man just wanted me to tell you that he’s told you time and time again to take the sword out of it’s cover so it won’t rust, and something about hiding the beauty of the blade.” She said, looking frustrated. “He wanted me to tell you what he said word for word, but I was stopped by some customers and I forgot.”

“That’s alright.” Rob said, pulling his attention away from Raven who was playing with a couple of wrestling action figures that Rob had on display. “The guy was right. It needs to be taken out of there. Thanks.” Rob added walking toward Raven.