The locker slammed with a bang. The "game face" he'd been wearing during the meeting was long gone. Heaving a sigh, Christian zipped up his bag and turned to exit the arena before anyone came to offer condolences.
"Hey," a hand closed over his shoulder.
Closing his eyes wearily, Christian turned to find Adam behind him, an apologetic look on his face.
"It's not that bad you know."
Digging down deep within himself, Christian managed a smirk. "Yeah sure, whatever."
"You know, what with the alliance invasion and all, a lot of things are changing. They're gonna be giving the WCW teams a big push. Guess they just figured it was time for us to step aside. It doesn't mean we don't have singles careers in front of us."
Christian raised an eyebrow. "Singles careers? Maybe for the 2001 King of the Ring, but not for me Adam. I know it and you know it." He slung his bag over his shoulder and shoved his hands in his pockets. "I'll just be a hanger-on, waiting around for my big moment to job to you or Jeff."
Adam looked hurt. "That's not true."
"Well, like I said, whatever." Christian turned away quickly, and walked briskly out the back door toward the parking lot.
"Pissed, isn't he?" Jeff said softly.
Adam whirled, then grinned at Jeff. "Well, can you blame him? You know what he said was true."
Jeff grinned ruefully, thinking about Matt.
"C'mon," Adam said, slapping Jeff on the back. "Let's go get hammered."
"I'll meet you at the club, I gotta," Jeff paused, running a hand impatiently through his hair. "Gotta talk to Matt first."
~*~*~*~*~
Matt sighed and sat back on the locker room bench, his hands coming up to cover his face. It had finally happened - what he and all the other tag teams in the federation had been dreading ever since the Invasion angle had started�they were being broken up.
And for what? Matt thought bitterly as he rubbed absently at his tired eyes. So that the �new� guys could get their shot at fifteen minutes of fame? It was bullshit and Matt knew it - hell, the entire industry knew it. Frustrated, he slammed his fist into the wall beside him.
�Whoa, did I come at a bad time?� Glancing up, Matt was a little surprised to see Jeff standing there, a silly grin on his face. Not amused in the least, he remained silent and watched as the younger man casually sauntered over and plopped down on the bench beside him.
�You wanna talk about it?� Shooting him a glare, Matt shook his head curtly and went back to sulking - his eyes downcast as he stared petulantly at the floor. Shrugging, Jeff threw him an exasperated look and then got up to leave.
�I�m going out to the club with Adam. If you�re done feeling sorry for yourself, you can join us.� Shoving his hands into his pockets, Jeff headed for the door - grabbing his jacket on the way by.
�You really don�t give a fuck, do you Jeff�� Pausing, Jeff looked back over his shoulder and saw Matt sitting there - an angry scowl on his face. Knowing that his older brother was only trying to bait him, Jeff shrugged.
�It�s not like it�s the end of our careers Matt, we�re still wrestling in the fed - just not as a team anymore. I don�t know why you�re getting so wound up over this, you should be relieved, if not happy about it.�
Matt�s eyebrows shot up at his brother�s seemingly uncaring words, and he stared at him in disbelief.
�I should be happy about this? Why Jeff - tell me why? I can�t believe you�re saying this to me - after all we�ve done together as a tag team you�re just gonna stand aside and let it all get thrown away? Well fuck you, Jeff - I can�t do that!�
Jeff�s eyes widened, his face showing the hurt his brother�s words had caused.
�That�s a little unfair, don�t you think?� Sneering in disgust, Matt shoved his hair back over his shoulders and laughed cruelly.
�You know what? I don�t give a fuck if it�s unfair or not. Why don�t you just go, Jeff�go find Adam and go out to your Goddamned club. Go out and pretend that everything�s okay�but JUST GO.�
Realizing that his brother had nothing left to say to him, Jeff�s shoulders slumped in defeat. Turning, he walked out the door and let it slam shut behind him - not looking back. On the bench, Matt sighed and let his head drop into his hands, his heart beating painfully inside his chest.
He hadn�t meant to yell at him like that - hadn�t meant to hurt him by dumping all his issues right on top of him. Groaning, Matt let out a shaky breath and closed his eyes.
�Are you okay babe?� It was Amy. Raising his head, Matt could only stare at her in his abject misery, not able to hide the tears that were even now were so close to spilling over. As if understanding what he was feeling, Amy dropped to her knees in front of him and held her arms out, her clear hazel eyes sympathetic and full of love.
�Oh Matt�� That did it. With a broken sob, Matt fell forward into her arms and clutched her tightly to his body, letting out all the pent up emotions that had been building inside him - eating at him and poisoning his mind.
Amy held onto him while he cried, her own heart bleeding for him as she felt his anguish. She gently ran her fingers through his long, silky hair as he pressed his face into her bosom, his breath hot on her skin as he continued to shake and sob against her - his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
�Shhhh, it�s okay Matt�� She soothed gently, leaning down and resting her cheek on the top of his head. �It�ll be alright�� It was a long time before Matt�s tears finally subsided, his body and mind emotionally drained. All he could do was cling to Amy, as if afraid that if he let go she would disappear.
Smiling lovingly, Amy reached down and tipped his chin up to her, leaning down and pressing a soft kiss onto his trembling lips. With her thumbs, she carefully wiped away the remnants of his tears away and then dropped another kiss onto his forehead.
�Come on baby, let�s get you out of here��
~*~*~*~*~
Numb. Not drunk, just pleasantly numb, that's how he felt. Christian slouched on the barstool, and absently picked up a pretzel. He knew he had to slow down, or he would be drunk, and a morbid drunk was not a pretty sight.
"So, is anyone invited to your pity party, or is it a private affair?"
Christian looked over his shoulder, finding Sean sitting behind him, a full beer in front of him.
"Fuck off," he said, turning back to plunge the straw into the few ice cubes in the bottom of his glass, jabbing viciously.
Sean chuckled, and reached down to spin Christian's stool around so they were facing each other. "Oh come on," he said softly. "Don't be that way." He looked away for a moment, signaling to the bartender to bring Christian another drink, then looked back, a smile on his face. "It helps to talk about it some, believe me, I know."
Christian closed his eyes miserably. "I don't wanna talk about it, and I don't want another drink." He sighed deeply. "I think I'll just go back to my hotel and crash."
"Huh uh," Sean said, placing his hand on Christian's knee. "Don't have the drink if you don't want it, but you're not going anywhere until you release what you're holding inside you."
"Why?" Christian asked, a hint of an angry edge in his voice. "Why the fuck do you care?"
"Because you're looking at the bottom of the barrel, the jobber extraordinaire. I've been through it more times than I care to remember. Believe me, if you bottle it up inside you, you'll just get bitter, and do something you regret."
The bartender set the new drink down in front of Christian and took his empty glass away. Christian stared at Sean morosely as the dark-haired man picked up his beer and took another sip. Finally, with a sigh, Christian turned and picked up the glass.
"This wasn't my dream you know, a has-been at the age of 27."
Sean snorted, "You think it was my dream? You think I liked being a stepping stone for Hunter? Fuck Christian, that's what this company does, uses you for all your worth."
Christian rolled his head to the side, gazing at Sean for a long moment, then took a sip of his drink. "How do you deal with it then?"
"You really wanna know?" Sean said, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Would I ask if I didn't wanna know?" Christian said, draining half the drink at once.
"Sex," Sean said casually, picking up a pretzel from a basket on the bar. He slid it into his mouth suggestively before taking a bite.
Christian's mouth dropped open, and color flooded his face, his eyes glued to Sean's mouth. At last, the alcohol making his inhibitions drop away, he moved a little closer and whispered, "Well, I always wanted to know if it was true."
Sean smiled seductively, sliding his hand a little farther up on Christian's leg. "If what was true."
"That X-Pac sucks."
Sean threw back his head and laughed, then looked at Christian and winked. "It's true."
~*~*~*~*~
Matt sighed as he allowed Amy to push him down on top of the bed, his eyes drifting shut as he felt her fingers slowly running through his hair - something that never failed to calm him down. Smiling faintly, he reached out instinctively and cupped her face in his palms, drawing her face down to his. Eyes still closed, he groaned when he felt her soft tongue licking lightly at his lips - begging entrance. Parting his lips, he felt a wave of heat wash over him as their tongues met and tangled with each other�s, the intimacy of their embrace filling him with a sense of contentment. It was a feeling that only she could bring about, and he knew that no one else ever would.
�Matt�� She whispered, breaking the kiss and urging him to open his eyes. Obliging her, Matt gasped when Amy suddenly swung her leg over his waist and straddled him - her back ramrod straight as she slowly ran her hands over his broad chest. Smiling seductively, she trailed her fingers up to his face and let them rest on top of his lips.
�Do you want this, Matthew?� She whispered. Unable to answer, Matt could only nod silently and then moan when she reached down to pull her shirt up and over her head, tossing it into the corner of the room. Sitting on top of him in only a lacy black bra and her red leather pants, Amy sighed and tossed her hair over her shoulders, her eyes smoky with desire.
Reaching up behind her, she deftly unhooked her bra and let it drop onto the sheets beside her - her full breasts quivering as they were released from their silken prison. Leaning down, Amy stretched out fully on top of him and pressed her lips hotly against his, the softness of her breasts crushed against the rock hardness of his chest.
Looking into her eyes, Matt felt his breath catch in the back of his throat at the intense expression of love he saw swirling in their depths. �Let me take away your pain, Matthew��
~*~*~*~*~
Christian stood in the center of the room, swaying slightly, his head bowed. Sean closed the door behind them and stood watching him silently. At last he dropped the card key on the dresser top and walked up behind Christian and wrapped his arms around him.
"Stop, you're making me dizzy," he said softly against his ear. He led him over and gently urged him down to sit on the edge of the bed, then sank down to his knees on the floor in front of him. "Listen Christian, this is up to you, if it's not what you want, then just let me know."
Christian's warm honey gold eyes locked on Sean's for a moment, and then he smiled. He reached out trailed one elegant finger down the side of Sean's cheek toward his mouth, then outlined his lips.
"I want it," he said softly, then sighed. "I want it all I'm afraid."
Sean reached up to trap Christian's hand, and pulled it down, cradling it against his chest. "I want it all too Christian, that's the problem. I have come to the realization that I won't get it all, so I make the best of what I have. Corny as it sounds, I make lemonade."
Christian closed his eyes and bowed his head. "I don't know how to."
"How to what love," Sean asked, squeezing his hand.
"Make lemonade," Christian said softly, his voice choked sounding.
"Then let me show you," Sean said, shifting on his knees, and moving to place his hands on Christian's hips.
Christian's eyes fluttered open then, and he met Sean's eyes in a long gaze. At last, with a small gasp, he whispered, "Show me."
Sean smiled warmly and raised up to claim Christian's lips. At first, he just kissed him, then slowly slipped his hand under the edge of Christian's shirt, and began to caress the small of his back until Christian moaned a little.
"That's it love," Sean said, sliding his hands around to the front, and slowly opening the front of Christian's jeans. "Just feel, don't think."
Slowly, they removed their clothing, and then Christian resumed his seat on the edge of the bed, Sean kneeling in front of him. Sean reached out, and lightly ran his fingertips up Christian's legs, raising goosebumps. He moved forward and touched his lips to the tip of Christian's erection.
"Oh," Christian said, shivering at the intimate touch.
"Shh," Sean said, his breath whispering across Christian's skin.
Christian's eyes remained locked on Sean as his cock began to disappear into the velvet warmth of his mouth. He reached up and began to twine his fingers through Sean's hair, guiding his head. Sean moved slowly, one hand caressing Christian's hip, the other teasing against his sack. He tightened his lips, creating a tight suction.
"Oh my god," Christian murmured, his head falling back, his hair cascading across his back.
Sean began to move a little faster, his tongue teasing the sensitive underside of Christian's cock, his hand squeezing his sack a little more insistently.
"Fuck," Christian exploded as he felt the release being drawn out of him. Sean eagerly sucked him, taking it all, swallowing every drop. Christian's head dipped forward, his hair curtaining them around them both.
Teasing his sensitive flesh until he judged that it was too much, Sean finally released him, and gazed up at him wordlessly. Christian cupped the side of his face and drew him up, kissing him deeply.
"Mmm," Sean murmured against his mouth. "Let me take you, let me be inside you."
"Yes," Christian hissed, kissing him again. "Please."
Sean chuckled lightly as he boosted Christian up on to the bed, and went over to retrieve the bottle of lube from his bag. He smiled warmly as he came back to the bed and climbed up next to Christian. Christian reached for him, holding him close as Sean poured the lube over his fingers.
"Relax love," Sean said, nudging his legs apart. "I'm not going anywhere."
Christian still clutched at him, moaning a little as one of Sean's fingers invaded him. He felt himself begin to harden again as Sean's finger grazed against his prostate. Sean raised up, bracing himself on an elbow and watched Christian as he gently inserted another finger.
"You're beautiful Christian," he murmured, his gaze sweeping over the blonde's body. "Golden perfection."
Christian was beyond words, his hips bucking up toward Sean's hand, his legs shaking a little with the intensity. Sensing he was ready, Sean removed his fingers and moved between his legs, hooking them over his arms as he positioned himself.
"Look at me love," he said softly, waiting until Christian's eyes fluttered open.
With eyes locked on one another, Sean began to sink in, savoring the tight warmth of him. Once completely seated, he stopped, bent forward and brushed his lips against Christian's.
"Magnificent," Christian breathed softly.
With a stifled cry, Sean reared back and began to slide in and out of Christian's willing body, angling his thrusts to nudge against his spot with each one. Christian began to moan, and he reached up, gripping Sean's shoulders tightly. He curled against Sean's body, hiding the fact that he was completely overwhelmed at this tender taking.
When he felt Sean's hand closing loosely around him, he fell back on the bed, arms outstretched. "I'm gonna cum again Sean," he moaned.
"Do it love," Sean whispered fiercely. "Let me see."
Christian arched up off the bed with the force of the release, his cum splashing against his belly, his face screwed up with sweet torment, his legs gripping Sean tightly. Sean watched him, feeling Christian's muscles spasm around him, sending him over the edge.
"Oh fuck Christian," he wailed at last, his head arching back, tendons standing out on his neck as he released deep into Christian's ass. His hips rocked against him several more times, as if he were reluctant to end the pleasure.
At last, Sean slipped out and lay down next to Christian, touching their foreheads together lightly. Christian reached down and took his hand, holding it loosely. They lay in silence, silently communicating to each other the overwhelming feelings they felt, but were not able to give words too. At last, they drifted off to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~
Amy sighed as Matt�s hands roamed down the smooth column of her back, his fingers sending tiny sparks of sensation straight down to her aching center. Above her, a faint smile tugged at Matt�s lips - he loved touching her like this, and he knew it was something he could never get tired of.
�Feels good, baby�� He heard her whisper, and he paused briefly in his exploration and leaned down on top of her - planting a hot kiss on the nape of her neck and chuckling when she shivered. Straightening up again, he swung off of her and stretched out on the sheets beside her, his arms immediately drawing Amy into the strong cradle of his embrace. Sighing, he dropped a kiss onto her forehead and then rested his chin on top of her head - his dark eyes softened by contentment.
They had made love several times already, each time more intense than the last. With the help of Amy�s touch, his feelings of hopelessness and anger had fled from his body - erased by the tenderness that they�d shared. Now all that remained was a lingering sense of security, a sense of belonging that left him relaxed and ready to face whatever challenges might face him next. As long as he had Amy, he knew he could get through anything the future had in store�
�Baby?� Shaken by his reverie by the softness he heard in Amy�s voice, Matt glanced down to where she lay cuddled against him, her fingers idly stroking his arm where it rested around the tiny span of her waist. Smiling, he gave her a gentle squeeze.
�Hmmm?� Her eyes shining brightly in the darkness, Amy leaned closer to him and softly brushed her lips against his, eliciting a low groan from Matt�s throat as he was unable to stop it from escaping. Whimpering in response, Amy suddenly rolled out of his embrace and pushed him flat on his back, startling him.
�Amy, what -� A low gasp escaped him when she suddenly covered his mouth with hers, her tongue sliding in between his lips and licking hotly at his. All further thoughts slowly melted into the swirling haze of Matt�s mind as Amy continued her sweet torture on his mouth, her nimble fingers trailing down his hip and finding his throbbing cock. Matt could only moan and arch helplessly into her body as she began stroking his length with long, slow strokes - his eyes fluttering shut as once again, he felt himself nearing another mind-shattering climax.
�Amy�� He whispered, the kiss finally breaking as Amy released his cock and swung herself onto his midsection - her palms flattening out against the hard planes of his chest. A devilish smile tugging at her lips, she slowly began sliding down his body - her hands reaching down and grabbing his hands. With a quiet sigh, she dragged them up to her breasts - forcing him to cup them firmly. A low moan on his lips, Matt began gently massaging her firm flesh, rolling her nipples into stiff peaks with his thumbs and forefingers.
�Mmmm,� Amy moaned as she pressed him tighter against her. �That�s feels so good, baby�� Without warning, she reared back and lowered herself onto his pulsing cock, slowly impaling herself on his hardness bit by aching bit. His jaw clenching, Matt�s face screwed up in concentration as he struggled not to explode at the feeling of her wet heat encasing his cock - the sensation exquisite, the intensity of it almost too much for him to take.
�Jesus�� Was all he could bite out as she started riding him, her strong thighs pushing her up and down on his rock hard staff and making him shudder with need. Her head falling back, Amy closed her eyes and let her emotions take her - her breath coming out in broken gasps as stabs of pleasure coursed through her body. Watching her undulate above him, Matt thought she was the most beautiful creature he�d ever seen - the expression of pure abandon on her lovely face making his heart squeeze painfully in his chest.
Suddenly feeling his orgasm close at hand, Matt grunted and abruptly flipped Amy underneath him, crawling up onto his knees as he began slamming himself into her tight sheath. A ragged cry escaping her, Amy arched her back off the bed and wrapped her long legs around his waist - her fingers tangling in her own hair and tugging until it was almost painful.
He was so close - so was she. Matt knew that she was just seconds away from falling apart in his hands, and the knowledge filled him with a heady sense of pride - pride that he was the one making her scream with ecstasy, that he was the one who had her heart above all others.
Moaning, Matt slipped his hands beneath the small of Amy�s back and lifted her slightly off of the bed, his hands cradling her to him as he dropped his head into the sweet valley between her breasts and licked a hot path up to her neck. Feeling her tense around him, he abruptly latched onto the sensitive skin of her throat and began sucking strongly - pushing her over the edge into her climax. With a tortured shriek, Amy clenched her inner muscles around Matt�s cock and pulled violently at her hair - the pleasure rolling over her in waves.
�Oh God�love you so much�� Was all she could manage as she was continually battered with sensation, her nerves in sensory overload as with an abrupt yell, Matt stiffened and released into her body - filling her with his essence and propelling her into an even more intense orgasm than the first. Tears running unchecked down her cheeks now, all she could do was cling to him and sob as he laid his forehead against her shoulder and groaned as he continued to spasm within her.
When the last tremors finally left their shuddering bodies, neither of them could find the strength to move. Whimpering softly, Amy clung weakly to Matt as he laid on top of her - his mind too blown to really think straight. It was a long while before either of them could find their thoughts, much less the inclination to move, and when they finally did, it was Matt who decided to break the silence. Smiling tiredly, he nuzzled affectionately at her cheek before lightly brushing his lips across hers.
�I love you babe�� Nodding contentedly, Amy sighed and hugged him to her - not caring about his weight in the least. Lying there in his arms was all she needed, and she was happy just to get her wish. When she�d come upon him tonight at the arena, she�d known instantly that something was wrong. Seeing his dejected expression had nearly torn her heart in two, and she�d vowed to make him forget his troubles. Now, in the aftermath of their lovemaking, she knew she�d done just that. Gently kissing his pouty lips, Amy closed her eyes and let sleep overtake her.
�Love you too Matthew�only you��
~*~*~*~*~
Christian's eyes fluttered open, and he found Sean's face close to his on the pillow. He couldn't help but smile as he thought back on the previous evening. Sean's face was relaxed, and Christian studied him, wondering if the beauty he saw was something that was wrought by the incredible tenderness he had shown, or if it had really been there all along.
"It's been there all along," he finally whispered, just as Sean's eyes opened.
"What love?" Sean asked, his voice gravelly with sleep.
Christian shifted closer, insinuating his legs between Sean's, and placing his warm hand on Sean's back. Instead of answering, he bent forward and touched his lips to Sean's lightly.
"Mmm," Sean murmured, returning the kiss. "How do you feel today?"
"Lovely, warm and slightly liquid," Christian replied softly.
Sean chuckled. "Liquid?"
Christian nuzzled against his chest, lightly tracing his fingers around Sean's nipple. "Like my bones are made of water."
"You knucklehead," Sean whispered lightly, caressing Christian's arm. "I meant, about what happened yesterday, before I turned your bones to water."
"Well," Christian said softly, "Nothing's changed. I'm still destined to be a under card jobber, but," he turned and looked up at Sean, "At least now not only do I know I'm in good company, but I know how to make lemonade too."
Sean smiled, and bent down to kiss him again. "Last night wasn't lemonade after all Christian." He pulled Christian over on top of him, wrapping his arms low around his waist. "Last night was fine wine, something meant to be savored. If you'd let me, I'd savor you again, and again."
Christian colored softly, and bent forward to kiss Sean deeply. His fingers pushed gently until he was cradling the back of Sean's head. Finally, he whispered into his mouth, "Yes."
Their joining was sweet and unhurried, both gaining and giving. Later, as they walked to the coffee shop in the lobby of the hotel, Christian reached over and took Sean's hand, as if it were the most natural thing he could do.
At the door of the coffee shop, the paused, waiting for the hostess. Sean looked across the room and spied Matt sitting with Amy. He squeezed Christian's hand, then pointed, raising an eyebrow in question.
"He's probably feeling the same, you think?" he said softly.
Christian nodded and stepped a little closer. "Let's join them."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Amy looked up from her plate and smiled when she saw Christian heading over their way - Sean following closely behind him. As they came closer, Amy saw that their fingers were intertwined, and her eyebrow raised in questioning. Just looking up from taking a bite out of his waffle, Matt caught her look and turned in his chair to follow her gaze - a low whistle escaping him when he understood what Amy was staring at.
�Hey guys,� Christian said softly as he and Sean came to a halt beside their table. Nodding in greeting, Amy recovered somewhat from her initial shock and gave them a warm smile - her hand already indicating the empty chairs at their table.
�Have a seat.� Murmuring their thanks, Christian and Sean cautiously sat down next to each other, their hands immediately finding each other�s and grasping tightly. Smiling faintly at the couple, Matt sighed and laid his fork down on his now empty plate - questioning in his dark eyes as he looked first to Sean, and then to Christian.
Catching the elder Hardy brother�s look, Christian blushed and then turned to grin at his lover, giggling a little when he saw a similar grin of pride on Sean�s handsome face. Facing Matt again, Christian drew Sean�s hand up to his lips and pressed an affectionate kiss into his palm.
�Sean helped me through a tough time last night�� He murmured gently, �I don�t know what I would�ve done without him.� Feeling Sean squeeze his hand tightly, Christian smiled as his heart tripped inside his chest - his feelings undoubtedly registering on his face.
Across the table, Matt grinned and gently clasped Amy�s hand within his, knowing all too well what Christian meant. Seeing the looks of absolute adoration passing between the two, Matt knew that something extremely special had happened between them last night - something that he and Amy had shared as well. They had shared their love�
Quietly clearing his throat, Matt turned his concerned gaze onto Christian.
�Are you�okay with what�s happening?� His expression sobering, Christian reached up and tucked a few loose strands of golden hair behind his ear before sighing deeply. Turning frank eyes onto Matt, he shrugged and shook his head.
�Of course I�m not okay with it, I don�t think anyone would be in our situation - but at least now someone else gets to live their dreams, right?� Glancing briefly over to Sean, Christian smiled sadly and stroked the back of his hand with his fingers. �But I know I�ll get through it - you will too Matt, it�s only a matter of time.�
Feeling Amy�s hand creep up the back of his neck and massage him gently, Matt smiled and leaned back in his chair, knowing that Christian�s words were the truth. He would get through it, he had Amy and their love to make sure of that. And judging from the vibes he was getting from across the table, he knew Christian had someone very special to look after him as well.
�You�re right Christian, it�s only a matter of time�� Smiling faintly, he leaned over and captured Amy�s lips in a searing kiss, letting all of his love and emotion into it. Out of the corner of his eye, Matt saw that Sean and Christian were in a similar predicament, and he couldn�t help but grin into Amy�s mouth.
Yes, Matt thought as he gave his full attention back to Amy, his tongue slipping in between her lips to stroke at hers - things would definitely be alright�
THE END!