Author: Katie
E-mail: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Only in my dreams do I have any say in what these guys (or girls) do. I don't own 'em & I'm not claiming that this happened, only in my mind.
Distribution: Only on Castles In The Sky http://members.tripod.com/katemarie_1
Rating: R
Summary: Mark Calloway is trying to get over his husbands death� and Matt Hardy is finally marrying his lover.
Notes: Part 6 in the Love Story series� Takes place a year after Take With You The Memories
"I love you baby." Glenn says as he looks down at his young husband.
"I love you too Glenn." They smile at one another and continue to watch the party that surrounds them. Matt looks around for Mark and sighs when he can't find him.
Shane Helms catches the sigh as he sits next to his best friend. "What's wrong Mattie?"
Matt smiles at his best friend. "I can't find Mark. I know he was at the wedding but he has disappeared."
"I saw him head outside and Chris followed him." Shannon says from his seat beside Shane. "Mark said something about needing some air."
Matt smiles sadly and nods. Glenn reaches over and wipes away the tear that slips down his husband's cheek. "Baby, Mark is gonna be okay. Today just has to be hard for him is all."
Meanwhile outside
"I don't know why you followed me Chris. I'm fine. I just needed some air."
"I know that Mark. But so did I. Besides, you know I hate leaving you alone." Mark looks down at the younger man and breaks into a smile. Chris grins at him and laughs. "Come on ya big goof. Let's go back in there and you can make fun of Glenn and Matt looking like monkeys in their suits.
Mark laughs and shakes his head as the tears start to fall down his face. "I just can't be in there. Not today."
Chris looks at him puzzled and asks, "Why is today so special Mark?"
"For one, today should have been Jeff and mines second anniversary. And second, today is the day we buried him, one year ago."
Chris covers his mouth in shock. "Oh damn. I can't believe I forgot. I�" Chris trails off knowing that his friend doesn't want to hear any more apologies.
Mark smiles sadly at him and walks down to the parking lot. "Do me a favor Chris. Tell Matt and Glenn that I went back to the hotel and that I'll talk to them later."
Chris nods and is about to go back into the reception when he turns around. "Wait! Mark! I'm going with you. Just let me go tell Matt and Glenn so they don't worry."
Mark shakes his head. "Sorry kid but I need to be alone. See ya around." Mark walks through the parking lot until he comes upon his motorcycle. Climbing on he roars off. Chris watches sadly as his best friend drives off.
He heads back into the reception and approaches Matt and Glenn's table. "Mark took off. He said he needed to be alone." Chris sits down next to Glenn sadly. "Do any of you guys realize what today is?"
Matt, Glenn and Shane shake their heads. Shannon nods. "Yeah. On both counts."
Chris smiles sadly at the younger man and tries to stop the tears that are welling up in his eyes. Shane looks from his lover to their friend. "Okay would one of you like to inform the rest of us?"
Shannon speaks up. "Today would have been their two year anniversary." Matt gasps and Shannon keeps talking. "And it's also�"
Matt interrupts. "It's also been one year to the day since my baby brother�" Matt starts to cry and Glenn pulls him close. Shane wipes away the tears that are slipping down his cheeks. Shannon is snuggled into Shane's embrace and crying unashamedly. Chris sits there stoically refusing to allow himself to cry in public. The party ends quickly after that with Glenn ushering everyone out of the building. He walks slowly back to where his husband and their friends are all crowded around the still crying Matt. He takes the younger man into his arms and carries him out to their awaiting limousine. Everyone waves goodbye and Shannon sniffles as they head back in to clean up from the reception.
Two weeks later
Mark walks slowly down the halls of the arena. He looks up when he hears someone call his name. "Hey Chris. What's up?"
"Not much. Are you heading to the airport to pick up Glenn and Matt?"
"Yeah. They should be getting in about forty-five minutes from now. Do you want to go with me?"
"If you don't mind. I have something for Matt from Shane and Shannon." Chris smiles up at his friend and they head for the car. On the drive to the airport they listen to music and talk about work. It's then that Mark drops his bombshell. "I am quitting."
Chris looks at Mark shocked. "Why? Mark, I thought you loved wrestling."
"I do but I can't keep doing this. I've been in the business for over ten years now and my heart just isn't in it. I don't feel like I belong there anymore. Especially with all of these young guys taking over the business. And besides, I haven't felt right about going to work since Jeff�" Mark trails off and stares straight ahead. Chris stares at him sadly. They lapse back into silence.
They finally reach the airport and Mark parks the car. They head into the terminal and sit in silence waiting for Matt and Glenn to arrive. The two newlyweds reach the cross section where Chris and Mark are sitting and hug their friends. Chris, Matt and Glenn are talking up a storm, as Mark remains completely silent. They grab their bags and head for the car. Glenn and Matt climb into the back and Chris watches sadly as Mark climbs in. He leans over and whispers to the bigger man, "Tell them about your decision. They deserve to know." Mark nods and tells the other two about his plans. Matt and Glenn start yelling out reasons that Mark shouldn't quit. Mark listens quietly and when they are through, he looks at the in the rearview mirror. "Listen guys. I appreciate everything that you have said but you have got to understand this isn't just about how long I've been in the business. I miss Jeff and I hate knowing that every time I step into an arena, he isn't going to be there. The fans all but forget him these days and that knowledge kills me. I can't do it anymore. I can't keep coming in and acting like everything is okay. I miss Jeff and I hate having to hide that fact. I hate it. So, when I drop you guys off I am going to go see Vince and tell him about my decision. This isn't up for discussion. It's my choice and I am going to make it." Mark silences any other comments about him leaving. He stares straight ahead hoping that no one notices the tears rolling down his face. Chris though does notice and while part of him wants to reach over and brush the tears away, another part of him says that isn't such a good idea.
They sit in total silence for the remainder of the trip. Matt and Glenn are the first out of the car. Chris follows them with these parting words to Mark. "Just think about one thing Mark. That house that you will be in every day for the rest of your life, alone, everything about that house says Jeff. Everything. Do you really think you can stand to live there all alone?" With that final statement Chris leaves Mark sitting in the car, contemplating his decision. He finally gets out of the car with a sigh. Part of him knows that Chris is right and the other part keeps thinking about how much of Jeff he still feels around every arena. He walks into Vince's office suddenly unsure about his decision. He sits down to wait for Vince. Mark isn't waiting long when Vince walks into the room. "Mark? What can I do for you today?"
"Vince, I need to talk to you about my retiring."
Vince's eyes widen and he takes a deep breath. "Mark, I think I know why you want to retire. But I want you to think this over very carefully. I'll take you back whenever you want but make sure you want to leave okay?"
Mark nods and gets up to leave when Vince stops him. "Mark, what can I do to make your staying easier?"
"There's nothing anyone can do Vince. Unless you can somehow make me stop missing Jeff." Mark walks out leaving Vince standing there feeling slightly foolish.
Mark walks slowly through the halls certain that this will be the last time he walks through the halls of an arena to get ready to wrestle. He bumps into Rocky who apologizes. "Hey man. I didn't see you."
"It's okay Rocky. It happens."
"What's wrong man? You look like you just lost your best friend�. Oh shit man. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I�" Rocky trails off unsure of what to say next.
Mark smiles sadly. "I'm retiring. I can't do this anymore. I hate coming into these places and looking around at all of these happy people, knowing that Jeff is gone."
"But Mark, you can't retire. Whose gonna keep the locker room together if you leave?"
"Hell, Rocky, I'm too old to keep doing this shit anyways. As for the locker room, well, you and Steve and Hunter will just have to take over." Both men turn around when a voice calls out to Mark. Mark smiles slightly at Shannon Moore. "What are you doing here kid?"
"Vince wanted to talk to me about maybe signing on with WWF. And I asked if I could hang out until after the show." Shannon smiles at the two bigger men. "Hi Rocky. I don't know if you remember me but I'm�"
Shannon is interrupted by Rocky. "Who could forget you Shannon? You have way too much energy kid."
"Thank you." Shannon smiles again.
"That wasn't supposed to be a compliment." Rocky says unable to stop himself from smiling back.
"I know. But I take it as one anyways." Shannon looks up at Mark expecting him to be smiling. He frowns when he sees the sad look in his best friends husbands eyes. "Mark, are you okay man?"
Mark snorts. "Why does everyone insist on asking me that stupid asinine question? Do you think I should be all right? My husband, the man I loved, is dead. Now tell me why should I be all right?"
Shannon blinks in astonishment as Rocky frowns. "Mark, the kid didn't mean anything by it. Why don't you calm down?"
Shannon shakes his head. "No that's where you're wrong. I did mean something by it. I loved Jeff too Mark. He was my best friend and my first love. I'll never forget him. I know that what he and I had is different from what you and he had but you need to realize that you aren't the only one hurting here. He was like a big brother to me. And Matt is so much less than what he used to be because Jeff is gone. Everyone who ever met Jeff was affected by his death. Now I realize that you were his husband and all but pull your head out of the sand for a minute and take a good look around you. Yes Jeff is gone and yes we all miss him. But he wouldn't want you to be so sad a year after his death. Mark, he loved you too much to ever want you to be unhappy." Shannon pauses to take a breath and Mark takes that opportunity to speak up.
"You don't get it Shannon. I can't do this anymore. It's not about just missing Jeff. It's about missing a part of myself. When Jeff died he took that with him. I can't get that back. And I can't stay in this business that he loved."
Shannon frowns. "Why not Mark? Do you really think Jeff would want you to give this up? He knew how much you love the business. I agree that maybe you need to take a few weeks off and get away for a little while but I do not think you should quit the business. Face it Mark, you'll miss it too much and even though you won't admit it a part of you will miss the memories of Jeff as well. I know that there are a lot of memories built into that house but you'll always remember him better if you stay in the business. How do I know this?" Shannon asks before Mark can. "Because everything about how you two first met� everything about how you fell in love is centered around wrestling and you know it." Shannon finishes his speech and stands with his hands on his hips daring Mark to defy him.
Mark stares down at the young man and bites his lip to keep from laughing. He finally can't hold it in anymore. Mark starts to laugh and Shannon still glares at him. "I'm sorry Shan but you look so damn funny trying to intimidate me. You're so small."
Shannon tries to keep the frown on his face but Mark's laughter is contagious. Shannon soon joins him in laughing. "Shut up." Shannon gets serious. "Mark, you know I adore you. And because Jeff loved you so much I feel like you're part of my family. But as much as I hate to say this, you need to get past this. You'll always love Jeff and he'll always be a part of you but he wouldn't want you moping around for him. And he certainly wouldn�t want you to retire from wrestling just because he's gone. Think about this some more before making a final decision."
A Few Weeks Later
Mark sits on the cliffs near his home and sighs. 'Maybe Shannon and everyone else were right. Maybe I shouldn't have quit. I am going crazy without anything to do.' Mark sighs again and gets to his feet.
As he's walking back to the house, Mark notices Jeff's bike, the one he had gotten him for his birthday the year they got married. He smiles and walks over to it. Jeff had painted a picture on the side while he had been sick. Mark notices for the first time what the picture is of. In the picture, Mark is looking down at a headstone while Jeff is sitting on a cloud watching him from above with tears in his eyes.
Mark sniffles and wipes away a stray tear. He nods his head and says out loud, "I get the point Jeffrey. I miss you baby. I'll never forget you but you're right. I can't live in the past."
Mark kisses his fingers and places them over the picture of Jeff. He feels a breeze pick up and surround him. He smiles softly to himself and heads inside to make a phone call.
Two months later
"Mark wait up!"
"What is it Shannon?"
Shannon frowns up at the man who has become one of his best friends. "Geez, you don't have to sound so mean. I was just wondering if you'd take me to the airport to pick up Shane?"
Mark rolls his eyes. "Why don't you take your rental?"
"Because I didn't get one this time?"
"How'd you get to the arena?"
"Chris. He gave me a lift." Shannon grins up at the much taller man. "But before you say it he can't take me to the airport because he's in a meeting all night until the show with the McMahon's. So will you? Please?" Shannon begs.
Mark smiles and nods his head. "Fine you little brat. When do you have to be there?"
"Like in forty five minutes." Shannon says sheepishly.
Mark groans. "Come on. Let's go. It'll take at least that long to find a parking spot."
Shannon smiles at him and they head out to the car. Once at the airport Shannon hops out of the car and runs into the airport. Mark walks behind him slowly. Once Mark reaches the terminal he frowns when he sees Shannon and Shane hugging. "Uh guys shouldn't you wait to have your little reunion until after we leave the airport?"
"Come on Mark. Lighten up. If any fans see us hugging, it's cool. Shane and I have been friends for years and everyone pretty much knows that. Friends hug." Shannon says sticking his tongue out at Mark who rolls his eyes.
Shane smiles and shoves Shannon away. "Hey Mark. How've ya been?"
"Good Shane. And you?"
"Good. Better now that I have Shannon back."
Mark just smiles at this and they head to the baggage claim. After they grab Shane's bags they head back to the arena. "So how're Matt and Glenn doing?" Shane asks on the way.
"Good. I've never seen them happier. They are totally in love with one another."
Shane smiles happy for his best friend. "And how have you been Mark?"
"Good. Very good."
"Great. So everything is good now that you're back?"
Mark smiles and nods his head. "What is it you really want to ask me Shane?"
Shane smiles sheepishly. "Actually I need to talk to you alone." Shane looks back at Shannon who is fast asleep. "Well, I guess I can ask you now. Shan's sleeping. How did you ask Jeff to marry you?"
Mark smiles. "I just asked him. He freaked out for a while but everything worked out in the end. How long have you and Shanny been together?"
"Forever? About six years now I guess. Why?"
"And you haven't asked him before now?"
"Everything has been so perfect I didn't want to fuck it up. But Shan deserves so much more than I have given him so far. Besides I want him to have my name."
Mark smiles softly. "Then set it up so that he doesn't know anything is going on. Is there any special event coming up or anything?"
"His birthday is in a few weeks."
"Here's what you do." Mark and Shane conspire the rest of the way to the arena. Shannon wakes up upon their arrival and asks what they've been talking about.
Shane smiles and kisses Shannon softly. "Your birthday baby. Do you mind if I said I want to throw a huge party for you?"
Shannon grins up at his lover. "I'd love it Shane. But I don't care if we don't do anything. I just want to be with you. That's all I want for my birthday is you."
Shane smiles. "How about me wrapped up in a pretty little ribbon just for you?"
Shannon grins. "Is that all you'll have on?" Shane nods and Shannon giggles. "Sounds like the perfect present to me."
Shane laughs and picks up his young lover twirling him around. "I love you Shannon."
"I love you too Shane." Shannon turns to Mark and thanks him for the ride. Shane thanks him as well and the two young lovers head into the arena. Mark watches them, a sad smile on his face.
Mark jumps when someone claps him on the shoulder. "Hey Mark. How's it going?"
"Good Chris. I just went with Shannon to pick up Shane. Those two are so in love."
Chris smiles up at the older man and nods. "Yeah they are. And Shannon has been so excited. He's talked Vince into signing Helms and Shane's contract is up in a week so Shan's gonna make Shane talk to Vince."
"Those two deserve to be together."
"Yeah they do." Chris stares up at the man he has developed a crush on in recent weeks.
Mark turns to him and smiles. "So what are you doing right now?"
"Just waiting for the show to start. I'm getting the belt tonight and if it's all right with you I'd like to dedicate the win to Jeff."
Mark takes a deep breath and smiles. "Jeff would have loved that. Thank you Chris." Mark leans down kissing the younger man on the cheek before heading into the arena to go over his match with the Rock.
Chris stands there his hand on his cheek smiling until Matt and Glenn walk up. "What's up Jericho?"
Chris jumps startled by his friends. "Nothing guys. What's going on with the old married couple?"
Matt grins. "I love the way that sounds. Things are good. Have you seen Mark? We wanted to talk to him about putting the house in Hawaii up for sale."
Chris frowns. "Jeff loved that house. Why would Mark want to sell it?"
"Listen Chris, I know Jeff was my brother and there is no one I was closer to with maybe the exception of Glenn but Mark needs to move on with his life. He can't go around mourning Jeff forever."
Chris stares at Matt amazed by his callousness. "He loved Jeff deeply. It's only been a year. It's too soon to ask him to move on with his life."
Matt shakes his head. "Does Shannon still mourn for my brother? Do you? Do any of our friends still mourn his loss?"
Chris shakes his head. "But it's a completely different circumstance. None of us was planning on spending the rest of our lives to make him happy. And actually I do mourn for Jeff still. He was far to young and I miss the hell out of him."
"Ya know I thought you would have been with us on this. I really thought you'd want Mark to get over Jeff so that you could have him to yourself."
Chris steps back from Matt. "I cannot believe you just said that to me. Yes I like Mark but there's no way in hell I'd risk our friendship just to as you put it have him to myself. Christ Matt, what kind of man do you think I am? No wait don't answer that. If you honestly think I want to move in on Mark so soon after Jeff has died than I already know what kind of man you think I am." Chris turns around and walks away leaving Matt and Glenn gaping after him.
A Week Later
Mark smiles from across the locker room as Shane and Shannon celebrate the dark haired man joining the WWF. Chris looks up at him with a smile. "Are you happy that Shane is here or happy that Shannon is happy?"
Mark smiles down at his young friend. "A little of both. Shannon reminds me so much of Jeff. He's got that same bouncy energetic attitude. Plus he's been so kind to me. What can I say? If I hadn't known better I'd swear that Shannon and Jeff were brothers. So in that regard I want Shan to be happy. And Shane makes him very happy."
Chris smiles. "That's true."
Mark smiles a little wider this time. "What do you say we go invite them out to dinner to celebrate Shane's joining us?"
"Sounds like a plan."
The two friends head over to the young couple and convince them to go out to dinner with them.
At dinner, Shane and Shannon sit and stare at each other the entire time not even paying attention to the older men sitting with them. Mark laughs. "So much for celebrating with them."
Chris nods his agreement, feeling very jealous of the two younger men across from him.
Mark frowns. "Are you okay Chris?"
"What? Oh. Yeah. I'm fine. I just wish I had someone who loved me as much as those two are in love."
Mark smiles sadly. "It's the best feeling in the world. To love someone so much that everything and everyone else ceases to exist."
Chris sighs. "Is that what you and Jeff had?"
Mark nods and then shakes his head. "Sorry Chris. I guess I got a little bit morose there for a minute."
Chris smiles at his friend. "It's no big deal Mark. You and Jeff were so much in love. As jealous as I am, I love hearing about you guys."
Mark smiles at him. "You know, the pain gets a little bit less the more I talk about him. He really wasn't just my lover. He was my best friend." Mark sighs as he shakes his head again. "I'm sorry. This must be so boring to you."
"No it's not. Jeff was such a bright star. I love hearing stuff about him I didn't know. There were so many facets to him that most people didn't get to see."
"You were in love with him."
Chris shakes his head slowly. "Not in love. Lust more than anything. Jeff was probably one of the most beautiful men I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. But it wasn't love."
"He meant a lot to you though."
"He did. He was the first person to befriend me when I joined the WWF. I had an amazing crush on him. He was so beautiful and probably the sweetest person I've ever met."
Mark smiles and nods in agreement. He looks over at the happy couple and grins. "Come on you two. We're supposed to be celebrating the fact that Shane has joined us here in the WWF not you two sitting there acting like if you stop looking at one another the other is gonna disappear."
Shane laughs. "Sorry man but what can I say? It feels like if I stop looking at Shan and seeing his beautiful face this is all going to disappear."
Shannon blushes and finally tears his gaze away from his lover's chocolate eyes. "Sorry. So what have you two been talking about?"
"Jeff." Chris and Mark speak at the same time and both start laughing.
Shannon giggles. "What about him?"
"Just how much he meant to us. Obviously on totally different levels but still." Chris smiles at Jeff's best friend.
Shane nods his head. "Jeff meant a lot to everyone who knew him. Well, at least those of us who really knew the real Jeff if you follow what I'm saying."
Mark raises an eyebrow. "No wonder you and Shannon have lasted so long. You speak the same language; whatever the hell language it is you speak."
Chris laughs. "Oh come on. You could understand Jeff so you had to understand Shane."
Mark laughs. "I didn't always understand Jeff. He liked throwing me for a loop when he'd start talking in circles."
Shannon giggles. "Sorry Mark but its kinda habit. We used to talk that way so that Jeff and Matt's dad couldn't figure out what we were talking about."
Mark laughs. "Well, that I can understand. I mean who wants their dad listening to their conversation."
Shannon smiles. "Exactly. Although I'm not sure why we still do it. It's not like I hide anything from my parents."
Shane grins at his young lover. "We do it to confuse the old man here."
Mark rolls his eyes. "Oh hush you little brat."
Chris laughs. "You are all certifiable."
Mark grins at him. "You hang out with us so what does that make you?"
"In serious need of a straight jacket?"
Mark, Shane and Shannon all laugh and Chris is quick to join in. "Come on guys. Let's get out of here and go get a drink."
Shane and Shannon nod and get to their feet. Mark follows behind after paying the tab. They hit a couple of bars and Mark finally ends up having to drive everyone back to their respective hotels. Chris is just drunk enough to have forgotten where his hotel room is. "I am so sorry Mark." Chris says giggling as Mark sits in a hotel parking lot.
"Do you even remember which hotel you were staying at?"
Chris giggles some more. "Nope. Sorry."
Mark laughs. "That's okay. You can crash in my room I guess." Mark looks over at the young blonde sitting next to him and catches him staring. "What do I have something on my face?"
Chris keeps staring the alcohol making him bolder than he normally would be. "Actually�" Chris trails off as he leans over and pulls Mark down kissing him.
Mark pulls back as if he'd been burned. "What the hell are you thinking Chris?"
Chris giggles. "I have no clue." He turns' away looking out the car window as Mark drives back to his hotel. Tears roll down his face as he realizes that he probably just threw away the best relationship he's ever had.
Mark steals glances over at the young Canadian and frowns. He thinks to himself, 'What the hell am I Thinking having any kind if more than friendly thoughts about Chris? Jeff's only been gone for a little over a year. I need to talk to someone about this but who? No one really understands what I�m going through. Maybe Shannon could help me though. He's the only person I can think of who was closer to Jeff than I was. That's what I'll do. Tomorrow I'll find Shannon and talk to him about what's going on.'
They finally reach the hotel and Mark looks over one last time to see Chris has fallen asleep. Mark smiles at how sweet and innocent the young blonde looks and contemplates waking him up. He decides against it and locks his door. He walks around and lifts the younger man out with ease and somehow manages to lock the doors as well.
He carries Chris into the hotel thankful for the lateness of the night. He heads straight for his room and lays the younger man down on the bed with a frown. He had forgotten that he was in a single room not a double. He shrugs and undresses the younger man. Mark heads into the bathroom and splashes some cold water on his face and stares at his reflection. "I'm in mourning, not dead. Of course the sight of Jericho completely naked turns me on. It doesn't mean a damn thing." Mark shakes his head and looks away. "I cannot be developing feelings for Chris Jericho. He's a child." Mark laughs at the absurdity of that comment and looks back at his reflection. "This can't be happening. I still love Jeff. What the hell is going on with me?"
He turns from the mirror and strips out of his clothes leaving on his boxer shorts. He walks back into the room and smiles at Chris who is moaning in his sleep. It takes a few seconds for Mark to realize that you younger man isn't groaning in pain but moaning in pleasure for some reason. Mark sits down in a nearby chair and watches his young friend.
Chris whimpers in his sleep. "Oh Mark� More baby, please."
Mark's eyes widen as the Canadian on the bed thrashes about frantically, obviously trying to cum. Chris finally explodes shouting Mark's name. Mark watches with a smile as Chris stirs from his dream. He looks around and frowns. "Where am I?" Chris winces as soon as he's done talking. "Oh god how much did I drink and please tell me I know the person who's room this is?"
Mark laughs, a low soothing rumble that has Chris suddenly aware of his semen covering his cock, balls, upper legs and lower stomach. Chris sits' up the sheet slipping to reveal his slickened hardness. "Oh shit. I shouldn't have done that."
Mark smiles. "It's okay Chris. You're in my room. You couldn't remember what hotel you were staying at much less the room number so I brought you here." The older man says soothingly trying to ignore his own rock hard cock.
Chris winces. "How plastered was I?" Chris asks aware of how bold behaviour while drunk.
"Drunk enough not to remember your hotel."
Chris shakes his head shadowy memories of kissing Mark coming to mind. "Oh shit. I kissed you."
Mark nods his head. "Yeah you did."
"Shit Mark. I'm sorry. I'd lie and say I thought you were someone else but I can't. I am sorry though. I know you're still mourning Jeff."
Marks nods his head again. "Yeah I am. Which is why I didn�t kiss you back. Chris, it's okay. Really."
Chris frowns as memories of his dream come back to him and he looks down. "I'm assuming you weren't around when this happened?"
"Actually I was sitting right here trying to go to sleep."
Chris winces. "Did I say anything? Like anyone's name?"
Mark nods his head and lies. "Yeah you said more baby please. That's all I heard though."
Chris sighs in relief knowing full well that he had been dreaming about the older man pounding into him. "Well, that's a bonus."
Mark grins. "Why don't you go get a shower and clean yourself off and then I'll take you to your hotel?"
Chris nods his head and climbs slowly off the bed. He comes back a few minutes later and smiles through his pain. "Dude my head is killing me."
Mark smiles. "Stay here for the night then. That way you can just go back to sleep and worry about your hangover in the morning."
Chris nods his head and winces again. "Only if you're sure Mark?"
Mark nods his head and watches silently as the young blonde undresses. "I don't feel right about taking your bed. I'll take the chair or the floor or hell even the bathtub but I'm not about to take your bed out from under you."
Mark shakes his head. "And I'm not about to let you sleep in a chair or on this floor or in a bathtub. So it would appear we're at a crossroads."
Chris groans and sits on the edge of the bed. "My head feels like it's going to explode."
Mark laughs. "Lay down brat. We can manage to share a bed without crossing any lines right?"
Chris shrugs. "Yeah."
Mark smiles again as the younger man lays down and pulls the bedcover over his naked form. Mark slides into the bed next to him and groans the length of the day taking its toll. Chris closes his eyes and flips onto his side at the sound. He swallows several times attempting to make his hard on go away. He sighs when he finally hears Mark softly snoring. He rolls over onto his other side and watches the red head sleeping peacefully. He scoots closer careful not to wake the older man and lays his head on the large arm lying there. He eventually falls asleep, Mark snoring softly with their swollen cocks pressed against one another.
Chris wakes up the next morning wrapped up in someone's arms. He smiles at the familiar smell of his best friend, Mark and snuggles closer. Mark smiles in his sleep and Chris looks up at his face. He whispers in the silence, "God I'm so in love with you Mark. I don't know what to do or how to act anymore. I love you."
Mark stirs in his sleep and Chris freezes. The big red head just shifts lightly and goes on snoring. Chris smiles and then saddens. "Jeff was a lucky man to have you love him. I can only hope I haven't totally fucked up our friendship."
Mark stirs again, this time rubbing their crotches together. Chris can't stop the moan that slips from his lips and Mark wakes up groggily. "Where am I?"
Chris rolls over and slides out of bed, quickly getting dressed. "Your hotel room Mark. Remember?"
Mark props himself up on his elbows and blinks sleepily. "I remember. Where are you going Chris?"
"Back to my hotel. Sleep. I'm gonna call a cab."
Mark shakes his head and yawns. "I don't think so man. Give me a minute to shower and shave and I'll take you out to breakfast and then back to your hotel."
Chris nods trying to hide what the thought of Mark naked with water running over him does to his body.
Mark smiles at his discomfort. "Don't worry Chris. I'm not going to hold anything you said or did last night against you."
Chris manages a small smile. "Thanks man."
Mark nods as he shuffles off into the bathroom. He strips out of his boxers and flips on the water. Once in the shower he leans his head against the cool tile and groans. "I've got to talk to Shannon today."
He washes himself quickly avoiding any sensitive areas before stepping out and drying himself off. After a quick shave he brushes his teeth and sticks his tongue out at himself in the mirror. "Give it a rest Mark. Jericho was one of your husband's best friends. You can't pursue him. It's wrong." Mark growls and turns away from the mirror. He steps out into the main room wearing just a tiny towel and ignores the lust filled looks Chris is throwing at him. He pulls on some clothes as quickly as he can find them and scowls at Chris when he laughs. "What?"
"You man. You just put on the same clothes you had on yesterday."
Mark looks down at himself and frowns. "So?"
Chris laughs again. "Come on man. Put on some clean clothes."
Mark shakes his head but strips again and finds some clean clothing. He thinks back to when he traveled with Jeff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mark, honey you're not wearing the same outfit twice."
"Jeff, I don't have anything else clean."
"Yeah you do baby. I just did laundry. You cannot honestly tell me you've already worn all those clean clothes."
Mark rolled his eyes. "Oh hush. This is my favourite shirt and my favourite jeans."
"I know. I wash them at least once a week. Now go put on clean clothes or I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Baby, don't be like this."
Jeff scowled. "Clean clothes or you can deal with Glenn and Matt on your own."
Mark stuck his tongue out at his young husband and stripped. Jeff giggled. "Ya know if you're gonna stick that thing out you'd better be prepared to use it."
Mark turned around and grinned. "Who says I'm not going to use it?"
Jeff grinned and pulled off his own clothing. "Then get to it baby."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mark is snapped out of his daydream by Chris waving his hands in his face. "You okay man?"
"Yeah. Sorry. Just remembering having a similar fight with Jeff over my choice of clothing."
Chris pales unnoticeably. "Oh. I'd believe that. Jeff wouldn't go out in public with anyone unless he thought they looked their best."
"Which was never a hard task for him. But for me it took a while to get used to it. Before I'd always just worn the same clothes for a few days until they started stinking. Once he came along he wouldn't even leave the room if I tried to wear the same shoes more than one day in a row."
Chris laughs. "I believe that. Of course your husband had more shoes than most women I know."
Mark laughs as well. "That's a fact." He sobers a little. "Chris, the holidays are coming up. What are you doing?"
Chris shrugs. "Same as usual I guess. Go home, heat up a frozen dinner and sit in front of the TV watching football since nothing else is ever on."
Mark laughs sadly. "Come to California with me. Matt and Glenn are going to be there. So are Shannon and Shane. I believe Lita may be able to make it. Not sure about her. I do know that Steph and Molly are going to be there. A couple of Shane and Shanny's friends have been invited. Hunter and Shawn will be there. I believe, don't quote me on this but I believe that Austin and Debra will be there. Please say you'll be there Chris. I don't know if I can make it through another holiday season without him."
Chris frowns. "I'll be there. But who are Shane and Shanny's friends? If they're WCW I might know 'em."
"The same guys that dropped off Shane and Shanny's stuff when we first found out that Jeff was sick. Chuck something or other and something O'Haire."
Chris nods his head. "I remember them. Big guys right?"
Mark nods his head. "I wasn't too impressed when I originally met them but I've had a couple of opportunities to talk to them after Jeff funeral and they've been really good friends to Shane and Shanny so that makes them part of the gang as far as I'm concerned."
Chris nods his head. "Well if they're friends of those two boys I'd be glad to get to know them better. Are they straight or gay?"
Mark thinks about that question. "They're gay. A couple if I'm not mistaken."
Mark smiles down at his friend. "Come on kid. We'll get you back to your hotel so you can change out of those day old clothes. Where are you staying?"
Chris laughs. "Remembrance Inn."
"Really?"
Chris nods. "It was the only place in town with any rooms to rent. And since we're here for five days I figured why the hell not. What sucks is I'm paying for a suite but I only use half of the space."
Mark laughs. "I'd offer to let you crash here but that doesn't exactly solve anything does it?"
Chris shakes his head. "Nope. But maybe you'd be interested in crashing with me. I mean there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms so we couldn't possibly get on each other's nerves."
Mark nods. "That's a good point. Help me get my stuff together and I'll move in with you for the next five days."
Chris smiles and grabs one of Mark's bags. They pack his stuff in silence neither man exactly sure just what happened. Both men jump guiltily when the phone rings. "Hello?"
"Hey Mark. It's Shane. Listen man I've been calling everywhere for Jericho. Is he with you?"
"Yeah he was so plastered last night he couldn't remember his room number or even his hotel so he crashed with me. Let me put him on."
Mark hands the phone over to the blonde Canadian with a smile. "It's Shane."
Chris smiles and nods his thanks. "Hey Shane what's up?"
"Well, actually I just wanted to ask a huge favour of you. I know you've got that huge suite up at Remembrance and Shan's and my friends, Chuck and Sean came into town since we leave right after the holidays for California with Mark. Are you going?"
Chris laughs at Shane's round about questioning. "Yeah he just invited me. What's the favour?"
"Well, there aren't any rooms available here in town and since you've got that huge suite I was wondering if Sean or Chuck could crash with you. Neither of them minds crashing with Shan and me but they don't want to share a bed. They broke up not long ago so can one of them crash with you?"
Chris smiles and fights back a laugh. "Actually Mark is gonna crash at my suite� but there is still an extra room if they want it?"
Shane asks Chris to hold and the blonde can hear him whispering quietly on the other end. "Either one would be happy to take the room. But a good thing about this is Sean wants his new lover to join us but I wasn't sure if Mark would want him to bring him. So can you put Mark back on and I'll ask him?"
Chris laughs and raises an eyebrow. "Okay what did you ask?"
Shane laughs. "Am I confusing you?"
"Well, duh. Yeah dude."
Shane snorts. "Put Mark back on the phone please."
Chris smiles and hands the phone back to Mark. "Yeah what do you want Shane?"
"Well, Sean wants to bring his lover. But I wasn't sure if it that was okay so I told him I'd ask. So can he?"
"Huh?"
"Can Sean bring his lover with us for the holidays?"
Mark laughs. "One of these days you boys are gonna confuse the wrong person. Yeah O'Haire can bring his lover. What's his name?"
"His name is actually Mark. He was with Chuck and Sean in the Thrillers but since Chuck and Sean broke up Mark made his move. But it's Mark Jindrak so we'll probably call him Jindrak since you're named Mark too. And I know I'm talking way too much so I'm gonna shut up and tell Sean to call Mark and have him meet us here. By the way Chuck is the one crashing with you guys so he'll meet you at the hotel in say fifteen minutes?"
Mark blinks, confused again. "Repeat that in English this time."
Shane laughs. "Talk to Shannon."
"Hey Mark. Thanks for letting Jindrak come. Sean's all happy now. What he was trying to say was Chuck is going to meet you guys at the Remembrance Inn in about fifteen minutes. That is if that's okay?"
Mark turns to Chris and frowns. "I've got a headache. You figure out what they're saying."
Chris laughs and takes the phone. "Shane?"
"Nope. Shannon. Chuck is going to meet you guys at your hotel if that's okay in about fifteen minutes?"
Chris nods. "Oh no problem. Once we get Mark and Chuck unpacked do you guys want to meet in the restaurant there for some breakfast?"
Shannon grins. "Yeah. Thanks Chris. Talk to you in a bit."
"Bye Shanny."
The two men hang up and Chris relays the message so that Mark understands. Mark nods his head and they head out.
Once at Chris's hotel, the two men climb out of Mark's rental laughing. Chris stops short when he runs into a young brunette. "Sorry man. I didn't see you."
The other man smiles. "Nah it's okay. I wasn't exactly watching where I was going."
Mark walks around the car and frowns at the sight of Chris smiling up at the curly haired man. He shakes his head and extends his hand. "Hey Chuck. It's been a while."
Chuck turns and smiles at Mark. "Yeah it has been. How ya been Mark?"
"Pretty good now. So I hear your gonna be rooming with me and Jericho here."
Chuck smiles and turns to the blonde. "Nice to meet you Chris. I'm Chuck Palumbo."
Chris smiles back softly. "Nice to meet you too Chuck. Well, why don't we head up to the room and get you two settled in?"
Both men nod and head up the stairs in front of the hotel. They pass up the front desk and head straight for the bank of elevators. After letting the other two men into the suite Jericho smiles almost shyly. "Well, I'd better grab a shower and get changed. You two pick out your rooms and I'll be back in a bit."
Chuck smiles at him as does Mark. Both men offer each other slight smiles and head into two separate bedrooms. Chuck sits down on the bed in his room and frowns. 'What am I thinking? I don't date anymore. Besides, Chris is obviously taken.' Chuck shakes his head and starts to unpack his clothing.
Meanwhile, in Mark's room, the red head is throwing his belongings into the available drawer. 'Son of a bitch. That little jackass wants my Chris.' Mark pales as he realizes what he's thinking. 'Wait. My Chris? Since when? Oh god. When the hell did I fall in love with him?'
Chris is showering and slowly stroking himself. He frowns when he actually realizes what he's doing. 'What the hell am I doing jerking off to thoughts of Chuck Palumbo? I'm supposed to be in love with Mark, aren't I? But why then did I get hard just looking into those gorgeous brown eyes? Why did I immediately want to run my fingers through those sexy curls? Why am I even thinking this at all?' Chris scowls as he finishes showering. He dries off and stands in front of the huge mirror staring blindly at his reflection but not seeing himself at all. Instead he sees a tall man licking his luscious lips stepping towards him. They each cock their heads to the side and continue towards each other until their lips meet, softly at first the kiss growing hotter with each passing second. Chris reaches up and runs his fingers through the thick head of hair pulling the kiss deeper. The other man skims his hands down Chris side and towards his straining cock. One hand locks around the shaft and starts to slowly pump it. Chris leans his forehead against the taller man's and allows the pleasure to wash over him. The muscled man increases the pressure whispering the words, "Cum for me." Chris moans softly and his head drops backwards as he cums all over the mirror. Chris leans his head forward and crashes it against the glass. "Dammit." He says gasping for air. He looks down and frowns. "Well shit. Now I need another shower." He laughs giddily and wipes down the mirror before turning the water back on. He steps under the steaming water and rinses himself off. After drying himself off again he heads straight for his room but stops short at the sight that greets him when he steps from the room.
Chuck is sitting there staring at him wearing jeans and a t-shirt but Chris blushes anyhow at the memory of jerking himself off to this man's image. "You okay Chris?" Chuck asks. The curly haired man's gaze lowers ever so slightly eyes taking in every inch of Chris's beautiful body.
"Fine." Chris manages to say. He heads quickly for his room trying to make the blush on his face go away.
Chuck gets to his feet and follows him. Chris is just about to close the door when Chuck slides in. "Wait. Chris. I. Don't have the slightest clue as to what I'm doing. But forgive me if I'm over stepping my boundaries." Chuck leans over and brushes his lips against Chris's. Chris puts his hands on the taller man's shoulders to push him away but ends up bringing him closer. As in his daydream, Chris runs his hand through the dark, thick curls and pulls the brunette's mouth harder against his. Chuck moans into the kiss and runs his hand down the Canadian's back to cup his butt pulling their crotches together letting the blonde feel his hardness. Chuck pulls back suddenly. "Oh shit. I'm so sorry Chris. I shouldn't have done that."
Chris steps back, face flaming. "Don't. Don't apologize. If I didn't want you I wouldn't have pulled you closer."
Chuck steps forward making Chris take another step back. "Why are you avoiding me then?"
"You didn't mean to. You didn't want to."
Chuck frowns. "I meant to. I wanted to. But I saw how you and Mark looked at one another. I don't poach on other men's territory. So I shouldn't have."
Chris frowns. "Mark and I are friends. Nothing more."
Chuck takes another step forward and Chris doesn't back up this time. "So what would happen if I kissed you again?"
Chris steps closer to Chuck and smiles into chocolate eyes. "Why don't you find out?"
Chuck smiles and leans down kissing the blonde again. Their mouths press against each other's passionately. Bodies pressed full length against one another Chris maneuvers his mouth so that Chris is practically swallowing the other man's tongue. Chuck licks the roof of the blonde's mouth and deepens the kiss even further. Chuck reaches between their bodies and captures the smaller man's cock in his hand. Chris pulls back from the kiss and looks at Chuck with wide-eyed. "What are you doing?"
"I want to feel every inch of you."
Chris shudders at the words and Chuck ushers him onto the bed before climbing on top of him. Chuck licks and caresses every inch of skin making Chris moan and writhe beneath him. "Oh god Chuck. You feel so good."
Chuck smiles and starts to stroke Chris's leaking shaft. It doesn't take long before Chris is shooting his sticky seed all over Chuck's hand. Chris looks up expecting to see smiling brown eyes and frowns when the eyes looking back at him are green. Chris scrambles backwards and smacks his head on the edge of the tub. He scowls as he looks around the bathroom and drops full length to the floor. "GODDAMMIT." He screams not caring if the others hear him.
Chuck looks up from his position on the bed in his room and frowns. He clambers to his feet and rushes to the bathroom knocking on the door. "Chris are you okay man?"
Chris yanks open the door and scowls at him. "I'm fine." He stalks across the living room area and slams the door to his bedroom.
Mark steps out of his room and frowns at Chuck. "What the hell happened?"
Chuck shrugs. "I don't know. I heard him swear but when I asked him if he was all right he tried to take my head off."
Mark smiles. "Oh. Who knows? Maybe he's just feeling a little temperamental." Mark heads back into his room, silently celebrating the fact that Chris was so short with Chuck.
Chuck rolls his eyes over the older man's giddiness and heads for his room. Chris walks out into the main room just after the door to Chuck's room shuts. Chris sighs and walks over to Chuck's door knocking softly. The young brunette pulls open the door. "Yeah?"
"I'm sorry I snapped. I� Well, I kinda had a daydream and bumped my head. I got pissed and I shouldn't have taken it out on you."
Chuck smiles. "Don't sweat it. I don't mind. If you wanna yell at me then feel free."
Chris laughs softly. "No. I was wrong. You're supposed to get mad at me now."
Chuck scowls and then bursts out laughing. "Sorry man. I can't get mad at someone as b� funny as you." The curly haired man turns away as he realizes his almost slip up.
Chris smiles. "You've got a great laugh." Chris sighs and turns away. "We're going to meet the other's for breakfast in a little while so if you want to shower or anything hurry up."
Chuck, who had turned around to look at Chris when he was complimented, frowns. "Nah I'm good."
Chris nods his head, face flaming at how attracted he is to the curly haired man. Chuck places a hand on Chris shoulder. "Are you okay Chris? You seem like you're acting weird."
Chris shrugs. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
"Earlier today I would have sworn I was head over heels in love with Mark but now� Well, I've never been so attracted to a man as I am to you." Chris says refusing to look Chuck's way.
Chuck's eyes go wide and a smile spreads slowly across his face. "Are you serious?"
Chris nods his head.
Chuck smiles and turns the shorter man around. "I'm glad you said that. I swore that when Sean cheated on me with Mark I'd never date another man ever again. I swore I'd never date anyone ever again. But the minute I saw you, I knew I had to be with you."
Chris blushes and looks away. Chuck places a finger under his chin and turns his face back. He leans down and brushes his lips lightly across the smaller man's. "Chris, I don't know about you but I want to take this slow. I was hurt pretty bad when Sean and Mark started dating. As much as I want you I also need to know this is going to be more than just a brief fling."
Chris nods his head and smiles shyly up at the other man. They stare at one another for a few seconds before hearing Mark call for them. "Come on you slow pokes. We have to get going if we're going to meet the others for breakfast."
Chuck pulls back slightly. "Chris, do you want to hide this from them for now or can we tell them we're trying to start something?"
Chris shrugs. "No offense but I don't want Sean or Jindrak getting the impression that you're using me to get back at them. I also did some things to make Mark think I like him. So maybe we'd better play it cool?"
Chuck nods his head. "Just so you know, and I don't expect you to trust me since we've just met, but as hurt as I was by Sean's cheating on me, he's happy now and that's important to me. I don't want him back though and I'd never use someone to make him jealous."
Chris nods his head and leans up on his toes kissing the bigger man softly. "Thank you for saying that."
Chuck smiles and is about to kiss Chris again when Mark knocks on the door. They jump apart guiltily. "Just a minute Mark. Chuck and I are talking. We'll be right out."
Mark scowls at the door and backs away. 'How did that happen? I thought Chris was mad at him. God I'm so confused.'
A few minutes later the trio is on their way down to the restaurant. Shane and Shannon greet Chris like they haven't seen him in ages while Sean and Jindrak studiously ignore Chuck after briefly greeting Mark. They all shrug and move into the restaurant.
After breakfast Shane and Shannon suggest hanging out in the local park but Mark is quick to decline hoping that Chris will join him back in their room. Chris looks to Chuck for his decision.
Chuck smiles. "Ya know what? That actually sounds like fun. That is if Jindrak and O'Haire don't mind?"
Sean raises an eyebrow and looks at his lover. Mark stares at Chuck in shock. "We don't have any problem with it."
Chris nods his head at Shane and Shannon. "Should be fun. Are you sure you don't want to go Mark?"
Mark nods his head. "I don't dance. Shannon can you spare me a minute though before you guys take off?"
Shannon frowns but nods his head and follows the older man to the men's room. "Just don't ask me if your hair looks okay."
Mark snorts. "Shannon this is serious. Last night� Last night Chris kissed me. Not only that but he also had a very vivid dream about me."
Shannon raises an eyebrow. "How vivid?"
"He came shouting my name."
"And he was just dreaming? Damn you're good Mark." Shannon laughs.
Mark frowns. "Knock it off kid. This isn't some joke. I think I'm falling for him."
"Falling for him how?"
"Jesus kid isn't it obvious?"
Shannon frowns over the distraught tone in Mark's voice. "Okay Mark. It's not that big of a deal. If you like Jericho than go for it. He apparently likes you so what's stopping you?"
"Jeff."
Shannon's frown deepens. "What about Jeff?"
"I can't� I mean it's only been a year�" Mark trails off suddenly aware of how ridiculous he sounds.
Shannon smiles sadly. "Jeff loved you unconditionally but you can't tell me he wouldn't want you to be happy. If Chris is what would make you happy than go for it. It's not that big of a deal man."
Mark frowns. "Well he did tell me before� well he said that he wanted me to be happy."
"Exactly. That sounds just like Jeff to me. He would have wanted you to find someone else."
Mark nods his head and thanks the younger man and they rejoin the group. Chris smiles up at his friend. "So what's the big secret huh?"
Mark smiles at him and gives a little laugh. "Relax Shorty. I changed my mind. I'm thinking I may go with you guys after all. I don't know what we're going to do but I don't want to go home."
Chuck frowns and mutters under his breath, "Then why don't you go find some other old men to hang out with and leave Chris alone?"
Chris turns to Chuck and frowns. "What did you say?"
Chuck smiles at the shorter man. "Nothing. It's not important. Let's go because I can't wait to lay down in the grass with you and watch the clouds."
Chris blushes and takes the curly haired man's hand. Chuck leads the way out to the vehicles and helps Chris over to Mark's rental car. Shannon frowns at the sight and grabs Mark's hand. "Mark, I think I was wrong. We'll talk when we get to the club okay?"
Mark nods and follows Shannon's gaze frowning at the sight of Chuck with his hand on Chris's lower back, leaning down whispering something in the Canadian's ear. Chris laughs and slaps Chuck lightly on the chest, making it obvious that the two men are flirting. Mark sighs and heads over to his car. He climbs in the drivers seat and Chris gets in front with him. "Mark we need to talk. It's important."
Mark looks over at his young friend and nods. "Okay Chris."
The rest of the drive to the park is uneventful. Mark leans down and quickly explains to Shannon that Chris wants to talk to him. Shannon nods his head and grabs Chuck's arm leading the older man through the park. Chris sits on the hood of the rental and frowns. "Mark I don't mean to seem like a flake here but I really like Chuck."
Mark frowns. "And what if I told you I've changed my mind?"
Chris turns and looks at the older man with a frown. "Huh?"
Mark leans over and kisses the younger man softly. "I think I may be falling in love with you Jericho."
Chris jumps to his feet and begins to pace. "Oh shit. This can't be happening. Mark, I was wrong yesterday. Not only was I wrong to kiss you but I'm not in love with you. It's more the idea of being in love than anything. I don't want to hurt you here but I really like Chuck and I honestly think that we may have something between us. I was wrong to mislead you but face it. Are you and I really all that compatible? I mean pretty much the only reason we became friends is because of Jeff. We never would have been the least bit friendly to each other if it weren't for your husband."
Mark nods his head trying to wrap his mind around the things Chris is saying to him. "I don't get it Chris. Yesterday you were all over me. You even yelled out my name during your dream and now you want me to pretend this is all a mistake?"
Chris glares at the older man. "You said I didn't say anyone's name."
Mark realizes his mistake quickly and tries to cover it up. Chris shakes his head. "I don't want to hear it Mark. Regardless of why you lied to me. Now what the hell kind of relationship do you expect to have when you lie?"
Mark frowns and starts to speak but Chris storms off. Mark follows him into the trees but loses him easily in the darkness. Chris runs into Chuck and starts to speak but finds himself unable to come up with the right words. Chuck nods his head when he sees Mark following them. "He told you he's in love with you?"
Chris nods and bites his lip to stop the tears that are threatening to well up. Chuck wraps his arms around the smaller man and holds him close before pulling back. "Do you love him?"
Chris looks up into the chocolate eyes and frowns. "I thought I did but then I met you. Now I'm confused."
Chuck nods his head. "I see." Running his hand through thick curls the bigger man frowns. "What do you want to do then?"
Chris shrugs. "I don't know. I like you. I want you. But in a way I still want him. I don't know if it's me or if it's because I feel so sorry for him. As far as my feelings for you go, I want you and I like you. Now because of anything else other than you."
Chuck chews on his lip. "Chris maybe we should just back off for a little while? I mean if you still want him than why don't you try to figure out what you really want?"
Chris nods his head again. "Can you do one last thing for me?"
Chuck nods. "I'll try."
Chris smiles shyly. "Kiss me?"
Chuck laughs lightly and leans over pressing his mouth to the Canadian's. The kiss stays soft but passionate until the taller man pulls back. "Just know that I'll be waiting Chris. Whatever your decision."
Chris nods and watches as the larger man walks away. He jumps when he feels a hand on his shoulder. Turning he smiles into the green eyes studying him. "Chris what's going on?"
Chris shrugs. "I don't know Shan. I want both of them but I don't know which one of them is the man for me. I like Mark and in fact have had a crush on him for a while but at the same time the minute I met Chuck sparks flew. So I don't know what's going on. I'm assuming that Mark came to you and asked for your advice and you're the on who told him to tell me how he feels?"
The younger man nods. "I'm sorry Chris. I wasn't aware of your feeling for Chuck. But I did know that you have or had a crush on Mark."
Chris blushes. "How'd you know?"
"Well you made it pretty obvious. At least to me. I've seen you staring at him when you think no one is looking. At first I thought you were insane but then I started to think you were the perfect guy for Mark now I don't know what to think."
"Tell me about it. God I'm so confused. I hate being this confused. I don't know who I want more and it's driving me insane."
"Maybe you should sit them both down at the same time and explain things to both of them?"
Chris shakes his head. "No that won't work because I already told Chuck exactly what's going on and quite frankly Mark lied to me so I don't know that I can talk to him right now."
"What did he lie to you about?"
"Well the other night I had a rather� vivid dream about him and apparently called out his name. Well I asked him about it and he said I didn't say anyone's name but tonight he told me he heard me call out his name during that same dream. I mean I know it's not a huge lie or anything and at the time he only did it to protect my feelings but it still hurts that he'd lie to me."
Shannon frowns. "He shouldn't have lied but he did do it to protect your feelings so maybe you can forgive him?"
"I just don't know Shan. I just don't. I mean I don't usually have such a hard time living with the fact that people lie to me but in this case it really hurts especially when he tells me that he thinks he's falling in love with me ya know?"
The younger man nods his head. "Yeah I guess I can see your point. I wish I could tell you what to do Chris but I don't have the slightest clue to tell you the truth."
Chris shrugs. "Oh well. It's no big deal I guess. I mean I don't know if either one of them would be thinking about me when and if I made love to either of them ya know? I mean it wasn't that long ago Chuck and Sean broke up and while he says he's happy for Sean I don't think that means he doesn't miss him. And Mark is still so hung up on Jeff that I know he'd be comparing me to his husband and I couldn't take that."
Shannon stays silent as he watches the blonde walk away. He heads back to the picnic table and frowns at both Mark and Chuck. "Ya know, at first I was kinda rooting for you Mark. And then when I saw Chris smiling at Chuck I was sure that Chuck was the one for Chris. Now? I don't think either of you deserves someone as sweet and nice as Jericho."
Both men frown at Shannon and Chuck is the first to speak up. "What are you talking about? What did I do wrong? For that matter, not that I really care but what did Mark do wrong?"
Shannon rolls his eyes. "You keep giving Chris vibes like you'd be settling for second best if he chose you and Mark over here lied to him. Regardless of the why the fact is you lied."
Chuck frowns. "What do you mean I give him the impression I'd be settling for second best? I've never once even implied I'd prefer Sean here to him. As much as I still care about Sean we're only friends and that's the way it was meant to be between us. He and Jindrak make a much better couple than he and I ever could."
Mark glares at the young curly haired man and then frowns at Shannon. "Shanny I lied so he wouldn't be embarrassed. It's not like I was lying to make myself feel better."
The blonde rolls his eyes again. "I don't care what your reason for lying to him were Mark. It doesn't change the fact that you did lie."
"Why don't you understand that I did it for him?"
"Because if you really cared about him you would have told him the truth and then told him there was nothing to be embarrassed about but no you had to lie."
Shane finally interferes and wraps a hand around Shannon's mouth. "Baby, hush. Whatever the hell is going on you're not making it better on anyone. Especially Chris. Mark for the last time, you shouldn't have lied and just leave it at that. As for you Chuck since Shanny here got so bothered over Mark's answer I'll reply to you. Maybe you feel that way about Sean but did you bother to tell Chris exactly what you said to us or did you use some lame excuse?"
Chuck frowns. "I guess I didn't. I just kept telling him how hurt I was when Sean cheated on me. Damn. Where'd he go Shan?"
Shannon shoves Shane's hand away and glares at his lover for shutting him up. "Probably back to his room. Give him space Chuck."
Chuck shakes his head and gets to his feet. "Sorry man. I can't do that. As weird and as sudden as all of this is I really care about Chris and I don't want him having the wrong impression of me." The curly haired man heads for edge of the park and hails a cab. It doesn't take long before he's back at the hotel and in the elevator working out what to say to the Canadian.
Once at the door to Chris's room Chuck pauses. He knocks hesitantly and waits for Chris to open the door. The blonde opens the door slowly and looks at Chuck suspiciously. Chuck smiles crookedly. "Can I come in?"
"It's your room too and you have a key so why did you knock?"
"Because I don't want to upset you." Chuck runs a hand through his hair and steps into the hotel suite and grabs Chris's hand leading him to the couch. "We need to talk."
Chris looks away. "I thought you said you were gonna give me some time."
"I was. Until Shannon told me that you think I think you'd be second best?"
Chris blushes and laughs softly. "Shannon had no right to tell you that."
"No he didn't. But I'm glad he did. Chris I never meant to give you that impression. I like you a lot and no matter what I said or how I acted I'm not in love with Sean. I never was. Yes I was hurt but only because he cheated on me instead of telling me how he felt. He and Jindrak are perfect for each other. They really are. Sean and I? Well, I won't lie� The sex was great but that's absolutely all that was between Sean and I. We're friends. We always have been and probably always will be but we suck as a couple. He doesn't love me and I know I don't love him. At least not like that. As a friend definitely but not as anything else." Chris starts to interrupt him but Chuck places a finger on the Canadian's lips shutting him up. "No let me talk. I don�t know if this makes your decision harder or easier but I do know that I have to finish what I'm saying. I don't want to make this harder on you but I have to tell you how I feel. I like you a lot Chris. More than is normal for two people who have just met. I know that even though he lied to you, you love Mark. If he's the one you want to be with than I honestly hope you're happy with him. But I have to say that I think I could easily fall in love with you." Chuck chews nervously on his lower lip waiting for some kind of response from the blonde.
Chris sits there silenced by his shock thinking to himself, 'He could fall in love with me? Oh my god I don't have the slightest clue as to what to do here. I want him. I like him. I want a long-term relationship but is he the one? He can't be if I'm questioning my feelings for him can he? This is so unfair. I don't know what to do.' Chris turns to the curly haired man and frowns. "I don't know what to say Chuck. I want to say to hell with Mark but at the same time� I just don't know what to do here."
Chuck nods his head. "I'll tell you what. I'll leave. That way you can figure out how you feel and all that without having me here pushing you. Shane and Shanny have my number. Just call me if you make a decision okay?" With that the young brunette gets to his feet and heads to his room to pack his stuff.
Chris is staring after him a frown on his face when the door opens up revealing Mark. Chris turns and looks at the older man and frowns deeper. "Mark? Let me ask something."
Mark nods his head and sits next to the younger wrestler. "Anything you want."
"Are your new found feelings for me because you truly like me or are they because you miss Jeff? Please be as honest as you can here."
The older man frowns and takes a minute to examine his feelings. 'I like Chris. A lot. But do I love him? Or am I just trying to replace Jeff?" Mark sighs and looks down at the blonde. "I don't want to hurt you."
"Don't worry about that. I just want the truth."
"Honestly? I think in a way I'm just trying to ease this ache in my heart. I miss him so much. Sometimes I wonder how I�m going to make it through another day without him. When you're around it doesn't hurt as much. I don't feel as alone. But at the same time the ache goes away when I'm with Matt and Glenn or Shane and Shannon too." Mark looks down at the floor and frowns. "I think I'm feeling this way about you because you're single and I know that if I have you around I don't miss him nearly as much."
Chris wraps his arms around Mark's neck and squeezes him tight. "Oh god Mark. I'm so sorry. I know you miss him. We can't�"
Chris trails off as Mark brushes his lips in a soft kiss. "Go talk to Chuck. Whatever you two have or might have is real. He cares about you. Not because of someone or something else but because you're you. So go. I'll be fine."
Chris nods his head and walks over to Chuck's room knocking softly on the door. "Chuck can I come in?"
Chuck opens up the door and nods his head. "Sure Chris. What's up?"
Chris sighs and moves to the bed sitting down. "I don't know where to start."
"From the beginning."
"You might want to sit down then. It's a long story." Chuck smiles and sits next to the blonde as Chris begins to tell the entire story to Chuck. He tells the taller man about his crush on Jeff and about how Mark and Jeff first got together. He tells him all about how Chris was in the wedding and how happy he was for his friend. He talks about how devastated everyone was when Jeff died. He mentions how shortly after the funeral he and Mark started to become friends and how his own feelings began to feel like they were turning into something more. "But I realized something when he was telling me that he would just be using me. I don't love him. I found comfort in him and I wanted that comfort to stay but I don't love him. But I do like you. A lot. I don't know what will or may become of our friendship but I do know that I want to give us a try. That is if you want to?"
Chuck smiles down at the Canadian and smiles. "I want to. But only if you're sure."
"I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life."
Chuck leans down placing a soft kiss on the smaller man's lips. Chris reaches up tangling his fingers in the thick curls and deepens the kiss. Chuck moans into the other man's mouth allowing Chris to slide his tongue in. As their tongue's twist and tangle, Mark steps into the doorway to suggest them all going out to lunch but stops at the sight of the two of them kissing. He smiles and closes the door quietly before heading back to his room. He flips on the radio and smiles at the memories of his husband as a Garth Brooks song plays.
~_~
It don't matter to the sun
If you go or if you stay
I know the sun is gonna rise
Shine down on another day
There will still be a tomorrow
Even if you choose to leave
'Cause it don't matter to the sun (oh baby)
It matters to me
It ain't gonna stop the world
If you walk out that door
This old world will just keep on turning 'round
(Turning 'round)
Like it did the day before
'Cause see to them it makes no difference (ohh)
It just keeps on keepin' time
'Cause it ain't gonna stop the world (Oh baby)
But it'll be the end of mine
What can I say
What can I do
I'm still in love
So without you...
Mmm mmm mmm, oh yeah, oh yeah
What can I say
What can I do
I'm still in love
So without you
It don't matter the moon
If your not in my life
No the moon will just keep hangin' 'round (hangin'
'round)
Like it's just another night
Find another place to shine on down
On some other lovers dreams
'Cause it don't matter the moon (oh baby)
But is sure do matter to me
No it don't matter to the moon (oh baby)
But it matters to me
~_~
Mark moves out onto the balcony and takes a deep breath. He looks out over the city and smiles, knowing his husband is with him no matter where he goes. "It matters to me baby. I'll always miss you. I'll always love you. But I think it's time I got on with my life."
The big man smiles as a breeze blows over him. He heads back into the room ready to start living again.
THE END