At Her Mercy

Chapter 6: BBMA

"I can't take anymore / I'm not asking for a lot"

○ ○ ○

Sunday morning Shawn was awake before the sun. His subconsciousness taunted him in his sleep with visions of Mer. He laid in the hotel bed un-restful. Staring up at the ceiling, he drummed his fingers against his torso. He felt at war with his own brain as his mind plundered through every memory with her.

Shawn was restless and frustrated, the exact emotions he needed to avoid in order to perform his best later that night. Needing some fresh air Shawn grabbed a t shirt knowing a run was his best option in clearing his head. He jogged around the block with his earbuds playing at its loudest.

Shawn ran for what felt like days but was merely just a couple hours. In the final stretch around the block he raced the sunrise back to the hotel. Andrew had texted him questioning his whereabouts. He ignored the message seeing as he was on his way back already.

Inside the hotel he continued his workout, running up the stairs to the suite instead of using the elevator. Taking long deep breaths to calm his breathing Shawn let the room door shut behind him. Andrew paced around the living area on the phone while a handful of individuals worked among him. Shawn recognized his hair groomer, publicist and stylist.

"Hey, next time you leave at the crack of dawn at least text someone or leave a note. Mer woke up with strangers in the room with no clue what they were here for and panicked." Andrew said covering the mic on his phone.

"Where is she?"

"Balcony with breakfast. Go eat, then wash up so we can get you both ready."

Shawn made his way to the balcony overlooking the city. Outside Mercy sat at the table with a buffet of fruits, muffins, and eggs before her. Hearing the sliding door open and shut she gazed up from her phone to see who had joined her. Shawn smiled at her and she smiled back waving him over.

"Hey, come say hi to the family." She greeted. Shawn leaned over her shoulder waving at the phone.

"Good morning Mr. Conyers." He smiled.

"Afternoon Shawn." Mercy's dad said reminding Shawn of the 3 hour time difference between them. "You know you can address me as John or even dad."

"And you know I'm all about manners sir." Shawn chuckled. Mercy's dad loved him like he was his second son and would never fail to let him know. "How is everyone?"

"Everyone's great. We're actually getting ready to go over to your place in a few to watch your performance with the rest of the fam- Jay get over here and say hey to your sister." Mercy's dad ordered at the sound of a door slamming shut. They watched the phone be handed off and Mercy's younger brother came into view.

"Oompa Loompa!" Mercy squealed her nickname for her brother. Jay rolled his eyes playfully.

"Will you stop calling me that? I'm taller than you." He groaned.

"Everyone is taller than her." Shawn laughed and Mercy shot him glare making Jay laugh along.

"Shawn! Hey man, when you get back we have to hit the gym together first thing! I've been working out and I swear I can bench more than you now." Jay challenged and Shawn's grin grew wider.

"Is that so? Alright, we'll see when I come home." Shawn replied.

Mercy smiled to herself as they continued their conversation. Shawn had a real relationship with her little brother. Jay looked up to Shawn calling him the older brother God forgot to give him. When Mercy first brought Shawn home to meet the family the two instantly clicked.