The following is what happened when my just arrived Taker muse coaxed my, until now, pretty shy Matt muse out to play. It’s really kind of a side story to a much larger fic I’m working on, but I think it will stand alone with a few brief explanations. The Cali character is one of the medical personal that travels with the WWF. She is currently dating Sean Waltman and has assumed a maternal kind of role with Matt and Jeff. Her relationship with them is explained briefly later in this fic. Also, in this universe Kane and X-Pac are friends once again, and Kane is engaged to Lita. And since I can’t seem to get Jeff and Jericho out of my head as a couple (thank you Lady J – they are one of my favorite couples), they too are mentioned and make a brief appearance. With all that said, for better or worse, here is my humble offering.

Listen to your heart

Matthew Hardy was bored and lonely. It seemed that all his friends were off doing things that didn’t include him. Cali and Sean were off celebrating some sort of anniversary or other such nonsense, Kane and Lita were out looking for rings for their impending wedding, and his brother, hell, his brother was off doing god only knows what with Chris Jericho. Matt shook his head at the thought and headed down to the hotel bar, in hopes that some of the other guys would be there.

Much to his disappointment the bar was virtually deserted so Matt sat alone nursing his beer. He was thinking about his brother. He was glad he was so happy. Really, he was. But the idea of his brother sharing his bed with another man, that took some getting used to. Cali told him to quit trying to make sense of it and just accept it for what it was - two people absolutely head over heels for each other. So that’s what he’d been trying to do. Without much success. He took another drink of his beer and shook his head as if to clear his mind of the thought.

Mark couldn’t believe his luck when he entered the hotel bar and saw Matt Hardy sitting alone at a table. Mark had been watching the eldest Hardy ever since his return and had decided he definitely wanted to get better acquainted with the young man. Mark knew that the younger Hardy attracted more attention, but he preferred Matt’s subtle beauty to Jeff’s striking features. Mark ordered his drink and strode over to the table where the eldest Hardy brother was sitting.

"Hey, Matt. Can I join you?"

Matt was a little taken aback. He’d always been a little in awe of "The Phenom" and tended to get rather nervous around him. Nonetheless he managed to get over his shock and respond, "Be my guest. All my friends seem to off doing things in pairs, so I’m on my own. I could use the company."

The bitterness in Matt’s voice was not lost on Mark and as he slid into the seat across from him he asked, "What’s the matter? Do I sense some jealousy there?"

Matt kicked himself as he realized how he must have sounded. "No, not jealous, not really. I’m happy for my friends, really I am. I guess sometimes I just feel a little left out, that's all. But, I’m sorry Mark, I’m sure you didn’t come down here to listen to me feel sorry for myself."

"Think nothing of it. If it makes you feel any better you’ll notice that I’m alone as well."

"No offense Mark, but you scare the hell out of people, did you ever think that maybe that’s why you’re alone? If I wasn’t in such a foul mood myself I probably would’ve darted out of here as soon as you came in."

Mark looked across the table at the surly looking young man and couldn’t help but laugh. "I suppose your right. Tell you what, since were both alone why don’t we make the best of it and keep each other company?"

Matt shrugged his shoulders, "fine by me." After all it was better than drinking alone.

Several hours and countless beers later the two men were talking and laughing as though they had been friends for years; Matt discovered that Mark really wasn’t so scary after all, he had a wonderful sense of humor, and had shared stories of wrestling days gone past, that only a 10 year veteran of the federation would know.

As for Mark he was now more determined than ever to make the charming Matthew Hardy his own. It would be a little harder than he first thought; as it became clear that Matt had only ever been with women, but that only made it a little more challenging. Not impossible.

When they left the bar and headed to their rooms, Mark insisted on seeing Matt safely to his. When they reached Matts room he turned to say goodnight and Mark reached down to brush a few stray curls from Matts face. As he did so, he paused for the briefest of moments and caressed Matt’s cheek. His voice was just above a whisper when he spoke, "good night Matthew. Sweet dreams."

Matt was too shocked to respond, he could only stare, dumbfounded, as Mark disappeared down the hallway.

Finally, after fumbling with his keycard, Matt went into his room. As he got ready for bed he wasn’t sure what he was most worried about. The fact that Mark clearly had more intimate intentions or the fact that he wasn’t repulsed by that thought. With that one simple touch Mark had stirred something in him that had never before been tapped.

When Matt saw Mark at the arena the next night he was more than a little nervous. But Mark had a way of putting him at ease and much to Matt’s surprise he found himself agreeing when Mark asked him to meet him for dinner after the show. ‘It will be a good opportunity for me to tell him I’m flattered but not interested’, thought Matt.

Their dinner was a comfortable one. So much so that Matt convinced himself that he was mistaken about Marks intentions and shelved his plans to tell him thanks, but no thanks. That is until they got back to the hotel. At Matt’s door Mark leaned against the doorframe, trapping Matt between himself and the door. Mark leaned down to the shocked man and whispered in his ear, "Matthew, have you ever been kissed by another man?"

Matt couldn’t believe this was happening, and damn it, why did he get that tingle in his spine every time Mark called him by his full name like that? As it was he couldn’t find his voice to respond and could only shake his head slowly in answer to Marks question.

Mark delicately trailed his fingers along Matt’s jaw line until they rested under his chin. He tilted his chin up and allowed himself to get lost in his eyes. He then lowered his lips to Matt’s and ever so gently kissed the trembling young man. Matt tensed for just a moment but Mark’s lips felt so good on his own that soon he relaxed into the kiss.

All too soon Mark ended the kiss and smiled down at Matt as he said, "Now you have" before disappearing down the hallway.

Matt was stunned beyond comprehension. He entered his hotel room in a daze. He didn’t know what had possessed him to allow Mark to kiss him like that. I am not into guys, Matt thought to himself. ‘Oh yea’, a voice somewhere deep in his soul answered, ‘you may think that, but that bulge in your jeans tells a different story.’ Matt got into bed but sleep eluded him as his mind tried to sort through all it’s conflicting emotions.

It was a very tired Matt Hardy who met his friends in the hotel lobby the next day to head to the airport. When Cali saw him, she immediately knew that something was wrong. She managed to get him alone while the others were checking out. "Matt, do you want to talk about it?" she asked him.

For a brief moment Matt considered telling her what was going on, but then changed his mind. He wasn’t ready to confide in anyone just yet. Not even Cali. So instead he managed a small smile for her, "Thanks Cal, but I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep too well last night".

She gave him a knowing look that said, ‘I don’t really believe you, but I’ll let this go for now’, but said only, "All right, but you know you can talk to me if you need too."

"Thanks Cali. I’ll be fine, I just need to get some rest."

Once at the airport and on the plane, Jeff noticed his brothers’ tired eyes and odd mood and asked, "Hey big bro, you don’t look so good. What’s wrong?"

"Nothing Jeff, I’m just tired. I just want to try to get some sleep", he snapped.

"Fine, sorry I asked. Forgive me for being concerned about my brother."

The brothers said nothing more to each other and finally Matt gave in to his exhaustion and fell asleep.

As soon as Jeff was sure Matt was sleeping he leaned across the aisle to Cali and asked, "Cali, what’s up with Matt?"

"I don’t know Jeff. He told me he was just tired. Don’t worry yourself though. You know Matt, if it’s serious he’ll tell us in his own time."

From next to Jeff, Chris spoke up, "Cali’s right babe, there’s nothing you can do unless he tells you what’s wrong, and he very well might just be tired". Chris put his arm around Jeff, who snuggled into the embrace and Chris rested his cheek on Jeff’s head. Before long they were both sleeping.

Cali looked at Chris and Jeff and couldn’t help but smile. They really did seem to be made for each other, she’d never seen either one of them happier. Then she glanced over at Matt who was still sleeping. There was something on his mind, and she was pretty sure it had something to do with the seven foot, auburn haired, ‘American Badass’ sitting several rows in front of them. She had noticed Mark watching Matt lately, and two nights ago she had seen them leaving the hotel bar together. She had a feeling that perhaps Mark had awakened some emotions in Matt that he hadn’t known were there. She just hoped that Matt would talk to someone and not let it eat him up inside.

Matt was much more rested by that evening. He had slept throughout the entire plane ride and had managed to get several more hours of sleep when they had checked into the hotel. He was in his dressing room alone. Jeff had finished getting dressed and had gone off to be with Chris before the show started. Matt was standing in front of his locker thinking of what he would tell Mark. ‘Exactly what you were going to tell him in the first place, your flattered, but not interested.’ He was telling himself. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t hear the door open. Just as he was about to close his locker two muscled, tattooed arms extended on either side of him pining him between the mountain of a man behind him and the lockers. Even though he was facing the other way, he instinctively knew it was Mark. He recognized the alluring smell of him, not to mention the feel of his hard body pressed up against his own. ‘Oh god,’ Matt thought, ‘I am not having these feelings about another man.’

Mark bent to Matt’s ear and rumbled, "Go for a ride on my bike with me after the show." It was more of a demand than a request and it sent tantalizing chills through Matt’s body. But no, he couldn’t do this, and he was just about to tell him so when Mark spoke again. "Please Matthew?"

The warmth of Marks body, his warm breath in his ear and the desperate need in his voice caused an overload of Matt’s senses. He couldn’t refuse. Not trusting his own voice he simply nodded his reply.

"Good" Mark responded, "meet me outside the arena after my match". He planted a soft lingering kiss on his cheek, and with that he was gone.

Matt stared dumbfounded at the door as it closed. He didn’t understand what was going on inside him, all he knew was that although his mind was screaming ‘no’, his body and soul were demanding to find out what was awaiting him beyond Mark’s sweet kisses and gentle caresses.

Matt could barely concentrate on his match. As soon as it was over he rushed back to the locker room to shower and change. He felt as though he were in a dream and although his mind kept screaming at him to put an end to this, his heart was telling him something different entirely. No matter how he tried he couldn’t get off the ride, that Mark had set in motion. As he got out of the shower he saw on the monitor that Mark had just begun his match. In less time than it took Matt to get dressed Mark had neatly pinned Kurt Angle without even building up a sweat. Matt finished getting dressed and hurriedly went to find Cali. He found her and Sean at the monitors nearest the entrance ramp. "Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know I won’t be around tonight, I’m leaving now."

They were a little surprised but nodded and Sean asked, "Where are you off to Matt? You didn’t pick up some ring rat did you?"

"No nothing like that," just then Mark came through the curtain and as he walked by winked at the now blushing Matt Hardy, an exchange that was not lost on Cali. Matt continued, "I just want to get out by myself for a while."

Sean shrugged, oblivious, "Whatever, have fun." Sean turned back to the curtain to get ready for his entrance and Cali watched with great interest as Matt headed to the door that Mark had just exited through.

When Matt got outside Mark was already revving up his bike. Mark grinned at him as he spoke, "Hop on." Matt got on the back of the bike and was left with no choice but to grab Mark around the waist and hold on as the bike jerked to a start.

As they raced through the streets Matt found himself leaning into the big man and clutching him a little more than the ride deemed necessary, and he was more than a little troubled by the fact that it felt so right.

Meanwhile, on the front of the bike what Mark felt, was evidence of Matt’s arousal pressed tightly against his backside. Mark reveled in the feel of Matt wrapped around him and wondered if he could ever get enough of it. A serious involvement was not what he originally had planned, but he had to admit to himself he was falling for Matt. He made up his mind that whatever patience it required of him it didn’t matter. He would wait as long as he had to for Matt to let him love him.

Mark pulled off the main rode onto an overgrown path surrounded by trees. Eventually the path began to open up and Mark brought the bike to a halt. They were on a small hill overlooking a lake flanked on the far side by a series of weeping willow trees. The moonlight shimmering off of the waters surface made for a surreal effect enhancing the beauty of the entire scene. Matt gasped when he got off the bike and looked around. "Mark it’s beautiful here."

Mark nodded as he fumbled with the pack on his bike. "I know, I found it the last time we were in town here before I got hurt. I was out alone riding around and just happened to stumble on it."

As Mark spoke Matt noticed a wistfulness, almost sadness in his voice. It then occurred to Matt that he’d rarely ever seen Mark that he wasn’t alone. With all the traveling they did there were several ‘clicks’ of people that traveled, and played, together and were seemingly always together. But Mark was almost always alone. It made his heart ache for the big man. While he was wondering why he had never noticed his isolation before Mark had spread a small blanket on the ground and was motioning for Matt to sit down. Matt sat tentatively, Indian style, on the blanket. Mark settled himself next to Matt, on his back, propped up on his elbows. They were silent for several minutes before Mark broke the silence. "I try to find a place like this in all the cities we go to. Someplace I can come and just get away. I’ve never brought anyone else to one of those places before."

Matt shifted uncomfortably, "Mark, I’m still not sure about this."

"I know, but understand, I have no intention of making you do something your not comfortable with."

Matt looked at the man lying next to him and saw a vulnerability in him that he never would have expected to see in 'the dead man' and something in him broke, the feelings were just too strong to fight. He leaned back into the big man and rested his head on his chest. As he did so Mark wrapped his arms around him protectively and sighed in contentment, as Matt responded by clinging to him tightly. They stayed liked that for several quiet moments, Mark enjoying the feeling of the Matt snuggled close to him, Matt only half believing how right it felt to be nestled in Marks embrace.

Mark shifted slightly and leaned down to capture Matt’s lips in a kiss. He put all the passion into that kiss that he had been holding back in fear of scaring him off entirely, and was pleasantly surprised when Matt parted his lips invitingly. Not one to pass up such an invitation Mark eagerly explored the caverns of Matt’s mouth with his tongue. Matt whimpered into Marks mouth as he tangled his hands in Marks silky hair and arched his body into his touch. Mark groaned at the sensations Matt was causing in him and wondered if he could ever get enough of the sweet taste of him. Without breaking the kiss Mark rolled Matt beneath him pinning Matt between the ground and his own hard body. Finally, both men breathless, Mark abandoned the sweetness of Matt’s mouth to taste the rest of him. He placed featherlight kisses up Matt’s jaw until he reached one sensitive ear. When he nipped at the lobe and swirled his tongue inside he was rewarded with a desperate moan from Matt who was squirming beneath him. Next Mark went to work on his neck gently nipping and sucking the exposed skin, at the same time he slowly pulled Matts shirt up and gently coaxed his arms over his head so he could remove the offending piece of clothing. Matt was overwhelmed by the riot of sensations Mark’s ministrations were causing and although he was still unsure of himself it just felt too damn good; he was powerless to tell Mark to stop. Mark continued his explorations, caressing Matt’s chest, and lowering his mouth to one pebbled nipple to gently bite and suck it to attention. Matt gasped and lurched up into the touch nearly throwing Mark off of him. Mark chuckled, "like that do you?"

Matt was breathless, "Oh, oh god, Mark"

"In that case…," Mark trailed off as he repeated the process on his other nipple.

Matt whimpered and groaned with pleasure as Mark continued kissing, sucking, caressing, and licking every inch of his exposed upper body, but never venturing below his waist. Finally, as Mark returned to the sweetness of Matt’s mouth he cautiously moved his hand to the bulge in Matt’s jeans, but Matt tensed immediately his entire body going rigid in Marks arms. Mark groaned, mad at himself for getting carried away, and rolled off of the startled young man.

Matt sat up, embarrassed, fumbling for his shirt in the dark. "I’m sorry Mark", he said quietly.

"No Matthew, I’m the one who’s sorry" the pain of his arousal causing a sharpness in his voice that he didn’t intend. "It’s late anyway, we should probably get going."

Matt nodded, startled by the sharpness of Marks voice and inexplicably saddened by the thought that this would mean the end of this brief affair.

Mercifully the ride back to the hotel in the cool night air helped to ease the throbbing in both men’s groins and they were both considerably more in control of their bodies by the time they returned.

They were silent as they entered the hotel and made their way to Matt’s room. Matt was surprised when Mark followed him into his room. "Mark I’m sorry about this ", he told him.

Mark cupped Matt’s face in his hands and tilted it up to look into his own. "Matthew, you say that like were not going to see each other again", he said softly.

Matt lowered his eyes shyly, "But I thought, I mean I didn’t….." he trailed off.

Mark smiled tenderly at him, "Matthew, do you think all I want is to get laid? No Matthew, I want much more than that, I want to know you outside and in. We’ve got four days off before the next show, spend them with me?"

Matt blushed, "I don’t know Mark, this all so new to me, I never so much as even thought about being with a man before."

"I know, but I knew that when I started this too. I really think you and I might be on to something here Matthew. And I also believe that sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for. If you give this, give me, a chance, you’ll set pace, nothing will happen that you’re not ready for and comfortable with. Please say you’ll spend this time with me. We’ll find some secluded place to get away to, just you and me."

Matt was tempted but still hesitated, "I, I’m sorry Mark I just don’t know."

Mark tried to hide his disappointment, "Tell you what. You sleep on it and let me know either way in the morning. I won’t make any plans until I hear from you. OK?"

Matt nodded, and before he could think about what he was doing, he leaned up to kiss the man who had ignited so many conflicting emotions in him. Mark was pleased that Matt had initiated the kiss and eagerly returned it. Their tongues met and danced together for several long minutes until their bodies demanded air.

Reluctantly Mark broke the kiss, "Goodnight Matthew, I’ll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Mark", Matt responded, as the door closed gently behind him.

I kind of struggled with this next part as I was trying to avoid using the Cali character. She is central to the much larger fic this spun off from and was originally written for a friend (you know who you are) who has an overwhelming desire to ‘take care of’ the Hardys. I just wasn’t sure she belonged here. But my Matt muse, who has suddenly become very demanding, insisted that her guidance was necessary. So for those who frown on the use of outside characters, I tried to keep her appearance relatively brief and I think this is the last we’ll see of her.

Cali and Sean were spooned up together, sleeping soundly when there was a knock on their hotel room door. Cali stirred first, trying to form coherent thought and figure out what had awakened her. Her answer came when there was another knock. Sean groaned next to her as he too began to wake. "Whaisitbabe?’ he mumbled.

She began to disentangle herself from him as she answered, "never mind love, it’s just the door, I’ll see who it is."

She was just climbing out of bed when his mind seemed to register her words, "Wait just a minute, it’s late, you stay here, I’ll see who it is."

As they each pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, there was yet another knock, this time louder, and more frantic.

Sean headed to the door as he shouted, "WHOEVER THIS IS IT BETTER, wh… Matt? Is something wrong?"

"No, I’m sorry to bother you guys but I really need to talk to Cali."

Sean looked at him as if he’d grown a second head, "Matt, it’s 2AM, can’t this wait until morning?"

"No, I know, I’m sorry but it’s important."

Sean looked at Cali and she nodded. He groaned, leaving Matt in the doorway and flopped back onto the bed.

Matt watched fondly as Cali petted Sean’s hair and spoke, "Go back to sleep love, Matt and I will go to his room to talk."

Before she could get up Sean wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her tenderly, "hurry back babe, you know I can’t sleep without you in my arms."

She smiled as she answered, "I know love, I will. Let’s go Matt."

Cali followed him out the door and to his room in silence. Once inside she spoke, "this is about Mark isn’t it?"

Matts eyes widened in surprise, "how did you know?"

"Call it women’s intuition. Anyway, out with it."

"I’m not sure where to begin."

Cali sighed, "How about the beginning?"

So Matt proceeded to tell her the whole story, leaving out only the most intimate details. As he finished he told her, "Mark wants me to spend the next four days with him, but I’m still just not sure about any of this. Cali, what should I do?"

"Matt, you know I can’t answer that for you, only you can make this decision."

"But Cali, I’m so confused, I’ve never had feelings like this for a man."

Cali pulled him into her arms as she spoke, "Matt, the only thing you need to be asking yourself is this, If you were feeling the things your feeling for a women, would you hesitate for even a moment to take a chance on this?"

Matt shook his head, "I wouldn’t even have to think twice."

"Well then I think you probably have your answer, just be true to yourself Matt, if your not and you enter into this with too many doubts, in the end you’ll end up hurting yourself and Mark."

Matt sighed, "God Cali, I feel like such a hypocrite. Here I was all freaked out about Jeff and Jericho, and now here I am falling for The Undertaker."

"Darling, that’s because you simply couldn’t understand what he was feeling. Now you can. That doesn’t make you a hypocrite. Besides, even if you were freaked out, you still tried to be supportive because he’s your brother and you love him. And he’ll do the same for you."

Matt sighed as though a huge weight had been lifted from him, "Cali, I think I’m going to give this a chance."

"Matt, I think you had already decided that before you dragged me out of bed at 2am."

"I guess you’re right, I just needed to talk through it, and I don’t know, maybe I thought I needed your blessing."

"You don’t need my approval Matt, as long as you’re happy, I’ll be happy for you."

"Thanks, Cal. So you won’t mind if I don’t visit your family with you guys?"

Cali smiled, "No Matt it’s fine. You spend your time with Mark. As a matter of fact I’m sure no one’s using the house at Great Oaks this week. Why don’t you take Mark there? It’s only about a 2 hour drive from here, you can take my rental car and just turn it in when you guys head to the next show."

"Cali, your too good to me and Jeff both, you know that."

"Yea, I know but you guys have wormed your way into my heart and I can’t seem to get you out", she teased. "Come by my room in the morning and I’ll give you the car keys. You remember how to get to the house and the combination to the door?"

He nodded, "yep I remember. Thanks, Cal, I owe you big time for this."

"No you don’t doll", she said as she pecked him on the check and headed for the door.

"Cali, there’s one more thing, outside of Sean could you keep this to yourself? I’d kinda like to get used to it myself before it becomes common knowledge."

"Sure thing Matt, you know I’d never betray your confidence anyway." She paused with her hand on the doorknob, "Matt, enjoy this. Don’t over analyze everything, just listen to your heart" and with those final words, she left.

When Cali returned to her hotel room, she wasn’t surprised to find Sean was awake and absently flipping through the TV channels. "Thank god", he told her as he shut off the TV, "there’s nothing on at this hour. Come back to bed babe." She didn’t hesitate to crawl into the bed and Sean’s open arms.

"So what was that all about?" he asked as they settled into each other’s embrace.

"Your not gonna believe this one." She yawned into his chest.

"Try me."

"Well it looks as though Matts found himself a bit of romance."

"So? What’s so unbelievable about that?"

"The unbelievable part is the fact that the object of his interest is another man."

Sean was shocked, "No shit!? I never would have guessed. I mean Jeff, I wasn’t all that surprised, but Matt? I never dreamed he swung that way."

"Neither did he. That’s why he came knocking on our door at 2am."

"Christ, you mean this is new? No wonder he seemed so upset. How is he."

"Seems better now. I think he just needed to talk about it. Get this though, guess who the guy is."

"I couldn’t even begin to imagine."

"It’s Mark."

It took Sean a minute to figure out who she was talking about. When it dawned on him who she meant he was dumbfounded, "TAKER? NO WAY!"

Cali nodded, "and from what Matt told me, it seems ol Mark can be quite the charmer."

Sean was doubtful, "Mark a charmer? I don’t believe it."

"Well evidently he’s charming enough that he’s convinced a, up until now, completely straight man to spend the next four days alone with him."

"Matts not coming with us."

"Uh-uh, they want to spend some time together so I told Matt they should go to Great Oaks."

Sean kissed her on the forehead as he asked, "Cal, are you sure that’s such a good idea?"

"Actually, I am. It’s awkward enough beginning a relationship under the best of circumstances, this will give them a chance to explore their feelings without any distractions or prying eyes. I know what you think of Mark, but I think you should give him a chance. I really believe he’s a changed man. Besides, I have a good feeling about this."

"Far be it from me to argue with one of your feelings, although if I wasn’t so tired I might", he yawned as he pulled her tightly to him.

"Wouldn’t do you any good", she responded as she curled around him.

"Don’t I know it. I guess as long as he’s happy and being treated right that’s all that matters," he told her as he made a mental note to have a little chat with the Dead Man in the morning.

"I knew you’d see it my way. And one more thing Sean, Matt asked that we keep this to ourselves for the time being."

"Who’d believe me anyway? Not to mention when Kane does hear about this he’s going to flip. He’s even more protective of Matt and Jeff than you are."

"Don’t worry about Kane, when the time comes I’ll talk to him."

"Whatever you say. G’night babe"

"Good night love."

And within minutes they were both asleep.

The next morning, after a quick stop at Cali and Sean’s room to get the car keys, Matt headed to Marks room. He hesitated outside the door for a moment thinking about what he was doing. In his mind, once he knocked on that door, there would be no turning back. Then he remembered how good Mark made him feel and with a deep breath knocked on the door. When Mark answered the door he was wearing a pair of faded, worn in all the right places, blue jeans, and nothing more. Barely aware that he was doing it, Matt stole an appreciative glance at his firm chest and muscled, tattooed arms.

Mark smiled broadly, "good morning Matthew. Come in."

"Hey, Mark", he responded shyly as he entered the room.

"So, have you made up your mind? Will you come away with me Matthew?"

"Mark I’m sorry, this is just all so new to me", Mark was certain he was about to be turned down, and his heart began to sink. But Matt continued, "I’m gonna go out on a limb here and be honest with you. You scare me Mark. You scare me because I’m starting to feel things for you that I never thought I could feel for another man. But, as much as that scares me, it scares me more to consider not exploring those feelings. I can’t make you any promises as to what will or will not happen, but if you’re really ok with that then yes, I’ll go with you."

Mark could barely contain his relief and pulled Matt into a tight embrace as he spoke, "Matt, I meant it when I said you’ll set the pace. Just being with you is enough to make me happier than I’ve been in a long time, and there’s no need to think beyond that right now." As he finished he sealed his words with a kiss so passionate that it warmed Matt to his very soul. When they finally ended the kiss Matt spoke, "Cali’s family has a beach house in Great Oaks, it’s a small town about two hours from here. It’s quiet, secluded and Cali said we can use it and her rental car."

Mark was pleased and surprised, "you told Cali about this?"

Matt nodded, "I hope that’s ok."

"No, I don’t mind, I’m just surprised you told anyone."

Matt became defensive and there was a slight edge in his voice, "well, Cali’s not just anyone, and besides, I did ask her to keep it to herself, outside of Sean."

"Hey", Mark responded soothingly, "don’t be mad at me, like I said I’m just surprised, that’s all. Great Oaks sounds perfect, and the car will be more comfortable than my bike for a long trip. I’ll make sure I thank Cali the next time I see her."

Matt relaxed, "I’m sorry I snapped at you. I guess I’m just nervous."

"Well then, let’s see what I can do to help calm your nerves", and with that Mark pulled him in for another mind blowing kiss.

Finally, reluctantly, they pulled apart and Mark spoke as he gently caressed Matt’s cheek, "as much as I’m enjoying myself, the sooner we get going, the sooner we’ll get to our destination, don’t you think?"

Matt nodded, "I’ll go get my stuff together, how about I meet you in the lobby in about an hour."

Mark grinned and he led him to the door as he spoke, "sounds perfect, I’ll see you then." Mark bent to steal one last kiss before closing the door behind him.

As Mark started to gather his things together, barely a few minutes had passed when there was a knock on the door. Mark, laughed as he headed to the door, thinking it was Matt coming back, "What happened, do you miss me al.." he stopped as he opened the door and saw Sean standing there.

"Not who you were expecting huh", Sean said flatly as he entered the room not waiting to be asked. "What the hell are you doing Mark?"

Mark kept his voice even. "I think most people would refer to it as packing."

"Don’t fuck with me Mark, I’m talking about Matt and you know it."

Mark struggled to contain his anger, he was unclear as what exactly Matt’s relationship was with Sean, or Cali and Kane for that matter, but what he did know was the three of them were uncommonly close and that Matt and Jeff both were very close to all three. And looking at the man glaring at him, he couldn’t help but feel as though he was facing an angry father. "I think what’s between Matt and I is our business and our business alone, wouldn’t you agree?"

"No, I wouldn’t agree, Matt’s like family to me and I don’t want to see him get hurt. You’re not exactly known for your kind and loving ways now are you Mark?"

Mark winced, as the words were all to true but decided that perhaps honesty would be the best course of action under the circumstances. "Look, I know you don’t really have any reason to believe me but the truth is I care a great deal for Matt and I have no intention of hurting him."

Sean studied him as if trying to decide if he could be trusted or not, "I hope you mean that Mark because if you hurt him you’ll have not only me to deal with but Kane as well. As it is, I hate to think how he’s going to react when he hears about this. He’ll probably want to kill me when he finds out I knew about this and let Matt go with you. But, Cali seems to think you’re a changed man and could be good for Matt, I’m not quite so optimistic, but her intuition is usually right so I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Don’t make me regret it." And before Mark had a chance to respond, Sean was out the door.

Mark shook his head only half believing that the smaller man had the nerve to threaten him. Then again, coming from Waltman he shouldn’t be all that surprised, it was true what JR so often pointed out, what he lacked in size he more than made up for in heart.

Within the hour Mark and Matt were on the road headed to the beach house. Matt was driving and Mark was overcome with pleasure at the mere nearness of him. Mark reached for Matt’s free hand and he jumped at the sudden contact pulling his hand away.

Mark sighed at his reaction, "Matt, what do I have to do to show you that you don’t need to be frightened of me?"

Matt smiled apologetically as he took Mark’s hand in his own and their fingers laced, "I know Mark, you just startled me, I’m sorry".

Mark raised their entwined hands to his lips and kissed the back of Matt’s hand, "just try to relax Matt".

After a few minutes Mark spoke again, "Matt, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"What’s the deal with you and your brother and Cali, Sean and Kane?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it’s obviously something that extends beyond friendship."

Matt snorted and his voice became defensive, as he tried to pull his hand away but Mark held tight, "We’re not having wild orgies if that’s what you mean".

"Come on Matt, don’t get mad at me. I’m just wondering how you all got to be so close".

Matt looked at him a little oddly, "you mean you really don’t know"?

Mark shook is head.

Matt sighed, "jeez you really don’t pay any attention to any of the backstage going ons, do you? I thought everyone knew the story."

Mark only shook his head again, waiting.

Matt began to speak slowly, deliberately, his eyes never leaving the road. "It’s been just over a year now since my parents were killed in a car accident. Jeff and I were at a house show in Detroit when it happened. Vince ended up with the unlucky task of telling us. Cali always tried to especially look out for us younger guys and Vince knew it, so I guess that’s why he had her help break the news. When they told us Jeff and I were both kind of in shock, so Cali traveled back home with us so we wouldn’t have to be alone. Jeff and I don’t have any other siblings and both our parents were both only children so we don’t have any other family. The next morning Sean and Kane showed up, them and Cali are so tight they’re sort of a package deal. Anyway, it’s only because of the three of them that we got through it. They helped us make all the arrangements especially Sean who helped me see to all the details while Cali stayed with Jeff. He was overwrought with grief and I’m ashamed to say I was so caught up in my own pain that I couldn’t offer him much comfort. He looked to Cali for that comfort and she provided it, he clung to her like a drowning man to a life preserver. And Kane offered a silent strength to all of us that you could never know how important it is to have until you need it. But the thing that really makes them special is not that they were there for us during those first heart wrenching days and through the funeral, but that they have been there for us every day since. They made us their family when we no longer had one of our own. So what is it you asked? What’s the deal? The deal is, they are our friends, our family, our surrogate parents. They are the people who give Jeff and I their unconditional love and support. Does that answer your question?"

Mark didn’t know what to say. He knew about the death of Matt’s parents and as he thought back he realized there was a period of time after the boys returned to work that Jeff was not his usual bouncy self and always stayed close to Cali. Something Mark didn’t give much thought to at the time but now made perfect sense. He looked at Matt, tears glistening in his eyes, and cursed himself as he spoke, "I’m so sorry Matt, I didn’t mean to upset you".

Matt managed a slight lopsided smile, "I know Mark. It’s not something I usually talk about, but it somehow seems right talking to you."

"I remember that time now, Jeff didn’t handle it well."

"No, he didn’t. We were really frightened for him. I think I would have lost him too if it hadn’t been for Cali. He spent a lot of time crying on her shoulder."

Mark leaned over to stroke Matt’s hair and kissed him lightly on the cheek, "and who’s shoulder were you crying on"?

"Oh, I did my share of using her shoulder too, but the truth is Kane was my lifeboat. He spent a lot of hours just listening to me talk and letting me cry. It’s a shame most people don’t know what a good person he really is. But Mark, why don’t you know all this? Do you never talk to your brother?"

"You know my history with my brother, we go from friends to enemies and back again over, and over. Even when we were getting a long we weren’t exactly prone to having your heart to hearts. Of course much of that is my own fault. I’m not exactly proud of many of the things I’ve done or the man I used to be."

Matt gave a small squeeze to Marks hand still clutched in his own as he maneuvered the car to the shoulder. Once the car was safely in park he leaned over and kissed the big man tenderly, passionately, and thoroughly.

It took Mark by surprise and it was a moment before he regained his senses. "Not that I’m complaining, but what was that for?"

Matt kissed him once more this time more softly, just lightly brushing his lips, before he spoke, "I’m glad your not that man any more and thank you for letting me know the man you’ve become".

Soon they arrived at the beach and Matt showed Mark around. The home was a large comfortable one, complete with several large bedrooms, a weight room, swimming pool, hot tub, and most other luxuries a person could want.

Mark was a little disappointed when Matt showed him the bedrooms and gave him one separate from his own, but said nothing.

They spent the day working out, relaxing by the pool and simply getting to know each other better.

As the day had wore on Matt’s fears had begun to ebb away and he had all but stopped of thinking of Mark as another man and began to think of him, simply, as someone he was becoming very fond of.

When dusk became night they decided watch a video. Matt agreed to let Mark choose and chuckled at his choice of ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, "I see not all your darkness is gone."

Mark grinned. "I wouldn’t be me if it were, now would I?"

They settled in on the couch in front of the TV and popped in the tape. Somewhat unsure of himself Matt shyly cuddled up next to Mark and rested his head on his chest. Mark responded by wrapping an arm around him and rubbing his back soothingly. Matt sighed in contentment thinking how easy he could get used to the feel of Mark’s strength surrounding him. Soon Marks gentle caress and the sound of his steady heartbeat in Matt’s ear lulled him into a peaceful sleep.

When the video ended Mark gazed lovingly at the beautiful man sleeping soundly in his arms. Somehow, in a very short period of time he had brought light into his life, where for so long there had only been darkness. Mark kissed the top of his head and then stood as he gently lifted the smaller man in his arms. Matt stirred at the movement. "Where w'goin," he mumbled.

"I'm putting you to bed babe," Mark whispered, but he was already slipping back into dreamland.

Mark carried Matt into his bedroom and gingerly tucked him into bed. He contemplated crawling in next to him and wrapping himself around his dark haired beauty, but he resisted the urge. It was too soon and Mark didn't want to scare him now that he had finally relaxed around him. He kissed him lightly on the lips and then slipped out to his own room.

A few hours later Matt woke with a start and was a little surprised when he realized what had awoken him. He missed the warmth of Mark's body next to his own. He tossed and turned for a while before finally making his decision. He rose and headed for Mark's room. He paused in the doorway to gaze at the sleeping man. He was sprawled on the bed on his back and had kicked most of the covers off allowing Matt to see he was wearing only his boxers. Matt unconsciously licked his lips at the sight. He wanted to feel the big mans arms around him again. And he wanted to feel skin to skin. He removed his own t-shirt and padded quietly into the room. As he righted the covers he timidly slipped beneath them to curl up next to Mark. He was startled when a big arm snaked around him and he looked up to see Mark gazing at him intently. "I missed you," Matt told him. "Is… is that ok?"

There was laughter in his voice when Mark answered. "At the risk of sounding like Christian, that is soooooo ok." He pulled Matt closer to him and wrapped him up tightly in his arms. "I missed you too baby." Soon they both drifted off into contented slumber.

As the early morning light peaked through the bedroom window Matt began to wake. When he opened his eyes, Mark was propped up on one elbow gazing down at him. Matt shifted uncomfortably under Marks stare. "Your beautiful, you know that?" Mark told him.

Matt blushed at the complement, but before he could respond Mark covered his mouth with his own. The kiss started out gentle but become more demanding. Mark's tongue brushed across Matt's soft lips gently probing, requesting access, and receiving it. As Mark's tongue feasted on the sweetness that was Matt his hands roamed freely over the smaller mans chest causing him to squirm beneath him. Mark gently caught his lower lip between his teeth and tenderly nibbled and sucked the flesh eliciting a moan of pleasure from Matt. He then turned his attention to the younger mans sensitive neck. Matt whimpered as first warm lips, then wet tongue, then gentle teeth trailed their way from one side of his neck, under his chin, to the other side of his neck, and back again. The assault on his sensitive skin left in its wake a fire on the surface and a burning desire deep in his soul that he had never felt before. Seemingly unable to get enough of the taste of him, Mark returned to the sweet ambrosia of Matt's mouth. As he ravaged his mouth, Mark's hands reached between them to tweak first one taut nipple and then the other. He then licked and kissed his way down his chest to suckle each sensitive nub in turn. Matt arched into the touch tangling his hands in Marks hair, as a noise escaped his throat that could only be described as a purr. Mark's hands explored Matt's chest, kneading and massaging his over sensitized skin. They traveled over his ribs and past his belly button. When he hesitated at the waistband of his boxers there was no telling which of the excited men was more surprised when two, choked, whispered words escaped Matt's mouth. "Don't stop."

Mark smiled as he kissed his way down the younger mans tight chest as he began to gently stroke his throbbing erection through the cotton of his boxers. When his mouth reached the soft skin below his belly button, never stilling his hands, he began the return journey up his chest until finally claiming his mouth once more. Matt whimpered when Marks skilled hands left his aching member to tease and torture his sensitive nipples yet again. Finally he left his mouth to rain soft kisses all over his face as he began to whisper huskily in Matt’s ear. "Matthew, you have no idea how good I can make you feel. Will you let me take your sweet cock in my mouth, bury it in my throat and suck you until you explode in my hot mouth as I drink all you have to offer? Will you allow me to do that for you baby?"

The words alone were nearly enough to send the younger man, already trembling with need, over the edge. Bodily pleasures long sense overriding any remaining doubts he may have had he sobbed out his answer. "Please Mark, pleeeeease."

Mark smiled and kissed Matt’s swollen lips once more before inching his way down his long lithe body. Ignoring his own aching need, he slowly slid Matt’s boxers off his hips and down perfect legs before tossing them on the floor. Mark groaned and licked his lips at the sight before him. Matt’s cock stood proudly erect and glistened with precum. He bent to taste him lapping at the tip savoring his taste. "Hmmm you taste even better than I imagined baby, hot and sweet and pure baby, just like I knew you would."

Matt, lost beyond coherent speech, was moaning and thrashing on the bed dimly aware that the sounds of passion permeating the room were his own.

Mark lay across Matt’s hips to steady him and bent to taste him once more. He started at the tip and then licked his way down the shaft, swirling his tongue around the stiff rod before trailing back up gently nipping at the sensitive underside of his cock. Finally he took the head in his mouth, applying gentle suction as he ever so slowly eased the throbbing member down his throat. Once he had swallowed all of him he slowly made his way back up again. He repeated the process again and again increasing his pace at each turn with maddening slowness.

Matt frantically tried to hurry his assault, but Mark would have none of it. Through his haze of passion Matt was vaguely aware of Mark freeing his own aching cock from the confines of his boxers and stroking it in time with his movements on Matt’s cock.

Matt felt as though his body was on fire and as Mark increased his rhythm he began to hurtle towards his climax. Finally the floodgates opened and his orgasm racked his body as he went crashing over the edge. Mark greedily drank all of him as he brought himself to climax, following Matt over the cliff and joining him in the abyss.

After a few moments to allow trembling bodies to still, and haggard breathing to become even, Mark crawled up the bed and planted a soft kiss on Matt’s lips. He could taste himself on Mark’s mouth and he found it oddly erotic.

Matt had just had the most intense sexual experience of his life and as he looked fondly at the big man who had provided it he tried to speak. "God Mark, that was… wow…"

Mark chuckled as he enveloped him in the circle of his arms. "Shhh, just sleep now. You can tell me how wonderful I am later." 

Mark woke several hours later to an empty bed, and the unmistakable smell of breakfast wafting in from the kitchen. Just as he was getting out of bed Matt stuck his head in the door, "Good your up, I’ve got breakfast going, I hope you’re hungry"?

Mark grinned at him. "You bet I am. Give me ten minutes to take a shower and I’ll be in."

Matt returned his smile and headed back to the kitchen as Mark headed for the bathroom.

When he emerged in the promised ten minutes Matt was just setting a plate of pancakes on the table. "Sit down," Matt told him. "I wasn’t sure what you liked so I made a few different things."

Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, French toast, hash browns, and fresh fruit adorned the table. Mark looked at the feast appreciatively, but instead of sitting he walked around the table to take Matt in his arms. He bent to steal a kiss that took Matt’s breath away. "Good morning Matthew."

"Good morning," Matt responded, a little breathless.

They both sat down and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. When they were done Mark helped Matt clean up the kitchen. That task completed Mark asked, "so, what’s on the agenda for today?"

Matt shrugged his shoulders, "I don’t know. I kinda liked just hanging out yesterday. It’s rare to get more than a day or two off at the same time, it’s nice to be lazy for a change."

"Then lazy it is," Mark answered.

As he pulled the rental car out of the airport parking lot Sean glanced at his large silent friend. Kane had overheard Sean and Cali talking about Matt and Mark and they had been left with no choice but to explain what was going on. To say that Kane had been furious doesn’t really give proper merit to the intensity of his rage. Sean knew that it was only their very close bond of friendship that had spared him any physical harm. Kane had declared he was going to the beach house to get Matt, and ‘he’d be damned if anyone was going to stop him’. So Sean had tagged along to try to reason with him and if that didn’t work, try to keep things from getting even more out of control once they arrived at the house.

Sean sighed as he drove, "Come on man, you haven’t said two words to me since we boarded the plane to get here. Say something."

Kane continued to stare straight ahead as he spoke, "I just don’t understand how you could let this happen. I thought you cared about Matt."

"Of course I care about him, you know I do. And I wasn’t exactly thrilled about this myself, but he is a grown man you know. Entitled to make his own decisions. What should I have done forbid him to go?"

"Yes."

"Do you know how ludicrous that sounds?"

"All I know is you let Matt go off alone with my brother. Have you lost your mind?"

"I’m going to say this one more time, he’s an adult. It wasn’t my place to tell him not to go."

"He’s young and impressionable."

"So what are you going to do? Go in there and drag him out kicking and screaming?"

"If I have to."

"And risk having Matt end up hating you?"

"If that’s what I have to do to keep him safe."

"What makes you so sure he’s not safe now. From what I heard Mark seemed to be taking pretty good care of him."

Kane snorted. "Damn it Sean, Matt’s young and easily taken in but I would expect more from you. You know what my brother is capable of."

"Yea, I know. I’ve been on the receiving end of his wrath, remember. But even you have to admit he does seem like a changed man."

"I don’t have to admit anything. It’s probably all an act."

Sean was getting more and more frustrated. Not only at Kane’s stubbornness but that it was forcing him to have to defend The Undertaker. "Can’t you, even for like a minute, entertain the idea that maybe, just maybe, he really does care for Matt."

"No!"

"Kane, don’t you-"

"I said no! My brother isn’t capable of caring for anyone but himself!"

They rode in silence the rest of the way, as Kane refused to say another word to his friend.

Just as agreed upon Matt and Mark spent the better part of the day not really doing much of anything. They swam, they talked, Matt even convinced Mark to play some video games with him, and interspersed throughout all their activities was some good old fashion ‘making out’. They were quickly becoming absolutely enamored of each other and when they returned from a stroll on the beach each man was too lost in the other to notice the furiously flashing light on the answering machine.

Sean followed as Kane bounded into the house calling for Matt. When they reached the family room both men stopped short. Through the glass patio door that led outside they could see both Matt and Mark standing on the deck. Matt was standing in front of Mark; his back leaning against the larger mans chest. Marks arms were draped over Matt’s shoulders hugging him protectively. Kane watched, paralyzed with anger as Mark bent to nip at Matt’s ear. Matt then turned in Mark’s arms and reached up to steal a deep kiss.

Sean spoke quietly, "Well he doesn’t seem to be in any danger and he sure appears to be enjoying himself."

Kane shook his head before barreling out the patio door with Sean close on his heels.

Matt and Mark jumped at the noise, and Mark cursed when he saw his brother.

Matt was flabbergasted, "Sean, Kane? Wh-"

"Let’s go Matt, we’re taking you home," Kane told him as he grabbed his arm and started to drag him inside.

"Home? What are you talking about?"

"Kane, try to calm down." Sean told him.

Mark followed them inside and grabbed Kane, "what do you think your doing little brother?"

"You heard me I’m taking him home."

"Kane, I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here." Matt told him.

"You heard him," Mark said, "now I suggest you let him go."

Kane looked at Matt, "I’m sorry but you’ll just have to believe me when I tell you this is for the best."

Mark watched as Matt’s eyes clouded with confusion and doubt, and he was enraged and frightened that Kane might succeed in taking Matt away from him. Mark got right up into Kane’s face as he spoke; "Who the hell do you think you are? You’re not Matt’s keeper."

Kane released Matt so he could use the full strength of both his arms to push his brother away.

Matt was too shocked to protest when Sean pulled him into his arms as the two big men started to fight.

Mark tackled Kane sending them both sprawling on the couch and tipping it over backwards. They pounded into each other as Matt watched horrified. "Sean, let me go, we have to do something."

Reluctantly Sean released him, and joined him in trying to pull the big men apart. But, it was no use, apparently they were determined to kill each other. Sean and Matt backed off and watched helpless as they continued to fight sending lamps, tables, and anything else in their way flying.

Kane had Mark pushed up against the wall and was shouting at him, "what the hell are trying to pull?"

Mark broke free and pushed him away, "what are you talking about?"

Kane went back after him, "come on, I know you don’t really care about Matt, so what’s your angle?"

Matt choked back a sob at Kane’s words and sagged into Sean's arms, searching for comfort. Mark caught the look of anguish in his baby’s eyes and it infuriated him even more. He punched Kane square in the jaw with a force that sent him flying, depositing him on the floor.

"GOD DAMN YOU TO HELL, KANE. I LOVE HIM. DO YOU HEAR ME? I! LOVE! HIM!"

The words hung in the air as a stunned silence fell over the room. Matt looked at Mark, shocked, as Mark went to him and took his face in his hands, "It's not the way I envisioned telling you baby, but I love you Matthew. You make me happier than I've ever been, and I won't have you believing even for a moment that I don't care about you."

Maybe it was the words themselves, maybe it was the passion in his voice as he said them, or maybe it was the light of love in his eyes as he spoke, but even Kane, who was still sprawled on the floor, had to admit there was no questioning his sincerity.

Kane got slowly to his feet as Matt glared at him. "Kane, how could you do this? You had no right."

"Matt I-", Kane started, but Matt turned into Mark's chest and the big man wrapped him up in his arms.

Kane stopped, the look of defeat and sorrow in his eyes, "I'm sorry," he whispered and then he slipped away.

Sean watched silently as Matt unfolded himself from Mark's arms and began inspecting him for damage. "I'm fine", Mark told him, "I've taken worse beatings in the ring."

But Matt wasn't satisfied, he righted a fallen chair as he spoke, "whatever tough guy, but sit down while I go get you some ice for your hand." He indicated Mark's right hand, which was bruised and bloody.

When Matt left the room Sean straightened the rest of the furniture, then stopped to gaze intently at Mark for a long moment.

"What?" Mark finally asked.

Another moment passed before he answered, "Take good care of him Mark."

Mark stared at him surprised as he nodded, "Always."

When Matt returned Sean gave him a quick hug. "I've got to go Matt." He looked pointedly at Mark, "I think you're in good hands."

"I always was," Matt told him.

Sean looked at him grimly. "I'm sorry about all this, but try not to be to hard on Kane. He only did this because he cares about you and he was concerned for you.’’

"I’m a grown man Sean, I don’t need a babysitter."

"I know that, but remember Matt, Kane considers himself protector for everyone in this makeshift family of ours, and he was truly afraid for you. Try not to stay mad forever o.k? I'll see you in a few days."

Matt nodded slowly and Sean left in search of Kane.

Matt went to Mark and kneeled beside him as he silently tended to his injured hand. When the wound was sufficiently cleaned, bandaged and set with ice, Matt looked up at the big man, "I’m so sorry about this Mark."

Mark pulled him into his lap as he spoke, "it’s not your fault babe, if anything it’s mine."

Matt shook his head, "no Mark, Kane had no business acting like that."

Mark sighed, "maybe so but, as you know, he has valid reasons for doubting me."

Matt reached up and stroked him gently on the cheek before kissing him lightly. "I don’t want to talk about it anymore. We’ve got two days left before we have to go back on the road. Let’s make the most of them."

"Whatever you say babe." With that said he stood up, gently lifted Matt to lay him over his shoulder and headed for the bedroom.

Matt screeched with mock protest. "Mark! What are you doing?"

"I’m making the most of it darlin." 

When they reached the bedroom Mark set Matt on his feet and claimed his mouth in a breathtaking kiss as he wasted no time in freeing both of them from their clothes until both men were clad only in their boxers. When he pulled Matt onto the bed Mark gasped in surprise when he rolled on top of him and began to trail kisses along the big mans neck.

Matt looked adoringly at him as he spoke, "I’ve been thinking Mark, you’ve been doing all the giving and I’ve been doing all the taking around here. That’s hardly fair to you. Let me do some of the giving."

Mark grinned, "whatever you want baby."

Mark relaxed into the bed as Matt began his timid explorations. He placed gentle kisses down his throat as his hands tentatively played over the wide expanse of his partners chest. Encouraged by the soft growls of pleasure escaping the big man when his fingers lightly brushed his nipples, Matt shyly bent to taste one taut nub, gently taking it between his teeth while flicking the surface with his tongue. The sensation caused Mark to tangle his hands in Matt's dark curls as he arched into the touch. Satisfied that he was pleasing the big man he moved to repeat the process on his other nipple. Trying to recall the things Mark had done to him to make him feel so good, he continued his sensuous torture licking and kissing his way down his stomach as Mark groaned his encouragement. When Matt's hand cautiously slipped beneath the waistband of Mark's boxers to hesitantly stroke his notable erection Mark lurched forward in surprise. "God Matthew, you're killing me", he choked out.

Becoming bolder, Matt grinned as he freed Mark of his boxers and then returned his attention to the big mans aching cock. He started at the tip licking experimentally surprised by the salty sweetness that assaulted his mouth. Wanting more he took the throbbing member in his mouth and applied gentle suction. When he began bobbing his head slowly Mark gently guided his movements. The hot wetness of Matt's mouth had Mark quickly tumbling toward his climax, Matt's innocence making the act all that more intimate. When Mark felt his release quickly approaching he tried to pull Matt away, but the younger man remained, eager to please his big lover as he had pleased him. When Mark came with a howl of pleasure Matt greedily drank all of the sticky sweetness that flooded his mouth. When the shudders that racked his body subsided, Mark drew Matt up to lay on top of him, kissing him deeply. Matt laid his head on the big mans chest, absently playing with one of his nipples. "Did, did I do O.K?"

"Oh yea baby, you did fantastic." In a heartbeat Mark flipped Matt over reversing their positions, pressing him into the bed, kissing him thoroughly before saying, "now you."

As Marks skilled mouth and hands began to set his body on fire Matt whimpered beneath his touch. In between strangled groans and gasps Matt managed to sob out, "Mark, make love to me?"

Surprised, Mark stilled his movements. "Are you sure?"

His response was one simple word, "please."

"O.K baby, don't move, I've got some lube in my bag."

As he started to get up to get the aforementioned lube Matt stopped him. "Check the drawer of the nightstand."

Mark looked at him a little oddly, but obliged. When he opened the drawer he was shocked to find a vast array of massage oils, lotions, and body paints, not to mention, handcuffs. He cocked a questioning eyebrow at Matt.

The younger man giggled as he explained, "Jeff and Chris usually use this room when we come here."

Mark chuckled, grabbed a bottle of oil and returned to the bed to ravage Matt's mouth once again with his own.

When they stopped for air Mark looked at him with concern, "baby, are you sure about this?"

Matt took his face in his hands and kissed him tenderly before answering, "I've never been more sure of anything. I love you and trust you. Please Mark, take me and make me yours."

Mark groaned at the passion in his voice and the love in his eyes. "I love you too darlin, now just relax while I show you just how much."

Mark wasted little time removing Matt's boxers and settled between his legs. He poured a generous amount of oil on his hand and began to gently caress Matt's puckered opening while tenderly nipping and licking his throbbing erection. Matt squirmed beneath him at the sensations and when Mark swallowed his aching cock while simultaneously slipping a slick finger in his entrance Matt was nearly overcome with pleasure. Mark continued his intimate assault moving increasingly faster on Matt's cock while slipping a second finger in his entrance, gently stretching his virgin tunnel. When his fingers found their target Matt nearly rocketed off the bed from shocked pleasure. "Maaaaaark!"

Mark chuckled, the sensation around his cock, causing even more tremors in Matt's frenzied body. "That's your sweet spot baby," he explained before returning his mouth to Matt's cock and adding a third finger to the first two.

Matt was lost in delight and soon crashed over the edge, flooding Mark's eager mouth with his release.

Mark removed his fingers from Matt's shuddering body and quickly covered his own, hard again, cock with oil before hooking Matt's legs over his arms. He slipped easily into his lover who was still drunk with pleasure and relaxed from his orgasm. When he met with slight resistance he stopped, waiting for Matt to adjust, he felt the muscles relax and slipped the rest of the way in.

Matt gasped in surprise at the feel of Mark buried deep within him and pulled his big lover to him to crush his lips against his own. Mark groaned into his mouth as he began to move slowly inside him. "You're so hot and tight baby. Feels so good", Mark rumbled.

Mark continued to thrust in and out slowly angling each thrust to hit that secret spot that had Matt whimpering with need and clutching desperately at Mark's shoulders. Matt met each thrust matching his rhythm and trying to speed Marks movements. "Please Mark, harder, faster."

"Not this time baby. There'll be plenty of time for that later. This time we're gonna take it nice and slow." Mark continued his maddening slow pace and reached between them to stroke Matt's renewed erection.

Matt was lost beyond all reasonable thought, aware only of the fire dancing through his veins and the delightful feeling of Mark possessing him. Waves of pleasure racked his body, but the final thunderous crash kept escaping him, as he whimpered with need.

"Come apart for me baby," Mark growled. "I've got you."

His lovers words were all it took, as his orgasm shook him and he tumbled over the edge. As Matt writhed beneath him Mark gave one final thrust before his own orgasm sent him plummeting after Matt, spilling his seed deep inside the smaller man. When the tremors racking his body subsided he gently slipped free and collapsed next to Matt, gathering the trembling man in his arms.

His voice filled with concern he asked, "what is it baby? Did I hurt you?"

He shook his head against the big mans chest before reaching up to steal a kiss. "No Mark. I just-I never knew it could be like that. You know, so intense."

Mark stole a kiss of his own. "Me either baby."

When Mark looked at him he saw the question in his eyes and answered it with a grin, "I've been with others, but nobody who I felt about, the way I feel about you. I love you."

Matt flushed with happiness, "I love you too Mark."

They settled into each others embrace and fell into a peaceful sleep.

The lovers remaining vacation days were spent making love and enjoying the high that comes with new romance. By the time they returned to work they were interacting with the ease of lovers who had been together for a long time.

As Chris and Jeff walked down the corridor to Jeff's dressing room Chris listened patiently while Jeff chattered. "He better be here Chris. He's got a lot of explaining to do. I can't believe he disappeared for four days without telling me where he was going. And why wouldn't anyone tell me what was going on. I mean what's the big secret? And where did Sean and Kane disappear to that one-day. Whatever it is, it's still got Kane upset. I mean what in the hell is going on around here?"

Chris had been listening to the tirade for days now and he sighed as he answered, "well I'm sure Matt will be here. You can start with him. Maybe he can clear everything up."

They had reached the dressing room and when they opened the door both men stopped stunned.

There in the locker room was none other than The Undertaker, sitting on the bench, with Matt on his lap, Matt's legs wrapped around his waist, and they were locked in a passionate kiss.

Both men stared open mouthed at the sight before them. Chris regained his senses first and cleared his throat.

They broke the kiss and Matt looked over the big mans shoulder, blushing slightly when he saw his brother.

They unwrapped themselves from each other and stood. Mark kissed Matt lightly before saying, "I'll see ya later babe."

Matt nodded and watched as Mark went to the door and put a friendly arm around Chris' shoulder, "come on Jericho, I think these two need to talk."

Chris was too stunned to argue and followed Mark out. When they were gone Matt looked at his brother who was still shocked. Finally Jeff found his voice, "what the hell was that, Matt??"

Matt smiled widely as he responded, "If you don't know little brother, you and Chris must be doing something wrong."

End