"ITVR: Chapter 47"
Crushes.

By Jadedoll, Penumbren, & Raising Kane

Having heard Mark's inquiry in the background, Scott was hard put to keep a straight face. Now that should be an interesting conversation. Especially if Mark happened to find Shawn with Dave and/or Hunter. He wondered for a moment how things had gone with Hunter's conversation with Vince. If that hadn't gone well then Shawn might not be in the mood for talking to anyone but Hunter or Dave, but being the person that Shawn was, he would talk to Mark anyway. Scott picked up on the humor in Kevin's voice as he suggested checking Evolution's locker room. Oh Kev. And Kev said that he was naughty? Of course Scott wasn't going to fall all over himself to warn Mark either, so maybe Kev was right. "Scott, would you mind keeping Jeff company for a while?" Nodding in response, Scott exchanged a smile with Jeff. He didn't miss the look on Kevin's face when he caught the exchange. Now Scott could have told Kevin that they weren't going to do any more than check up on Copeland and maybe go razz 'Shaw some more, but it'd do his lover good to sweat it out. Besides, Kev was going to have his hands full getting all the details about Mark's conversation with Shawn. He almost laughed when Kev mentioned catching up on all the gossip. An immediate picture of Kev and Mark as doddering old men sitting on a porch whittling while telling 'the man that got away' stories popped into his head and he couldn't help but laugh. He wouldn't share that thought with them though because he did like living. Now to the mystery of Jeff Hardy... Scott honestly didn't doubt that he and Copeland did actually have a contest going on, which in a way was kind of scary, but after the TLC matches they had been involved in it was also believable. Watching his 'subtle' goodbye to Mark, Scott hid a smile and returned Kevin's wink. A serious case of everyone seeing what these two didn't was certainly applicable here. So Vince was giving the kid a contract and it looked like Mark was in on it in some way. Scott didn't need the details to figure out why Mark was involved, it was enough to know that he was. If Mark was going to bat for the kid, then he must believe in him and that was a good enough endorsement for Scott. They walked away from the other two and headed towards the locker rooms first. Not finding Copeland there, they headed towards catering. Scott had been mostly silent as had Jeff, but then Jeff spoke again. He wasn't sure what Adam's reaction to Jeff getting a contract would be, though he could guess that Adam would be surprised to know that Mark was involved more than that Vince had opened talks with the younger Hardy. As far as Chris and Adam together... well yeah Scott had to agree with him. They certainly would look pretty hot together, not that he'd every really looked at either of them or anything. Yeah... right. Much as he loved Kev, he wasn't dead yet, and looking certainly wasn't a crime. "Not sure but if that's not what set Terry off, from the way things looked when we came in. Adam and Jericho being together I mean. Jericho was all over himself to get back to Adam's side once Dave pulled him off of Terry. Either way, Terry is an idiot. If Vince doesn't handle it, you can bet there will be some in the locker room that'll pay him back in kind, though maybe in a less obvious manner. I have the feeling Hunter will be looking for his head as well and that's one man it's not good to be on the bad side of." As they came closer to the catering area, Scott turned and looked at Jeff consideringly. "Look Rainbow," seeing the look on Jeff's face, Scott sighed and tried again. "Sorry. I'll make you a deal. I'll try to stick to Jeff if you agree to call him Mark. You may think calling him 'Taker is going to keep things simpler, but it's not. In fact, since he asked you to call him by his real name, if you stick to his stage name all you are gonna do is offend him. I'm pretty sure you don't want to do that... considering how you feel about him and everything." It was a shot in the dark, but one that Scott felt comfortable taking a gamble on considering the dynamics between the two. He was waiting for an explosion or denial and had a feeling he might have gotten one, if Reso hadn't barreled into him just as they reached the doors to catering. Turning with a quizzical look in the blond's direction, Scott noticed his apparent agitation. "You okay Reso? Where's the fire?" **** He stood unflinching as Vince stared at him. No flinching, no blinking, no moving. As far as anyone could tell he might as well be a statue with the way he was standing there. Even as Vince made his demand for everyone to leave, he still didn't move, showing no reaction at all. If that was how Vince wanted to deal with this, then fine. He was not going to change his mind or his decision. It took him a moment to realize that no one else had moved either. "Not going to happen McMahon." 'Oh Hunter, what are you doing?' was his first thought. Since Vince had singled him out, it was more than apparent where Vince's problem lay. Whether it was the three of them together or just him in particular, Dave wasn't sure, but it really didn't matter. Still he stood there, still as stone as Hunter threatened to leave this job that he loved. TNA would indeed snap him up in a moment, but what would it cost Hunter to do it? What had it cost him just to say those words? Opposing Vince was bad enough in itself, but to do it in front of the people present here was worse. Despite the fact that Vince relented, in a most ungracious way, Dave had no doubt at all that someone was going to suffer his wrath... the question was who and when. Finally as Hunter approached with Shawn, Dave moved. As they stepped out into the hallway he closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath. What had happened in there, while having the desired end result, had not been good. As he was about to suggest that they head back to the locker room to regroup, a technician approached them. "Mr. Michaels? If you could come with me, we're ready to shoot your promos now." Great. Dave shared a look with Shawn. The three of them being together in front of an audience right now would not be the best of ideas. Too much tension, too much emotion was running rampant and others would pick up on it without having to try. Placing one hand on Hunter's arm, he turned and smiled at Shawn. No need to air their problems in front of others... especially with Vince already on the warpath. "We'll be waiting in the locker room, Shawn. See you soon." He wasn't at all sure that Hunter didn't want to follow Shawn, but he steered him gently towards their locker room. There were so many thoughts flying through his head from 'what the hell was up Vince's ass' to 'why the hell had Hunter and Shawn both threatened to quit', but he knew they wouldn't rehash it until Shawn came back. So he let his thoughts settle on the other big question that had been floating in his head from earlier. They were both silent as they entered the room, but after a moment or two of haphazardly playing with things in his locker, he knew that he had to ask. He approached Hunter from the side, unsure as to what the man was thinking right now. Laying one hand on his shoulder, he spoke Hunter's name and waited for his acknowledgment. When Hunter looked at him, he raised his other hand to comb the hair back from Hunter's face, his gesture almost unconscious, so that he could see his eyes. "I know we have a lot to talk about when Shawn comes back, but before he does, there is something I need to ask you." He could see the question in Hunter's eyes and smiled, hopefully it would ease Hunter's worry about what he might be asking. "I think... I think after what just happened that I know the answer, but... I still need to know. When we were in the shower earlier, you said..." Dave ducked his head for a moment, his insecurities welling up despite what he thought he knew. "I know that sometimes when people get swept up in the moment they say things without thinking." Dave lifted his head again. He wanted to look in Hunter's eyes when received his answer. "You said you loved both of us and I just wanted to know... if you really meant it?" **** "You stay here and bully Austin into having some balls, I'll find Jay. Then we leave." That stare was almost enough to make him think twice about his plans to go see Vince... almost. He knew that Chris was serious in his desire that Adam 'stay put', but Adam had never been good at doing what he was told. Luckily for him, there was the distraction of Austin to keep him busy for now, but who knows how long it would take Chris to find Mutt & Jeff so that could certainly change his plans. "...and go beat the shit outta the guy for usin� me like that or drag him off to my cave to make it a two night stand." He was hearing things right? Austin, king of 'I don't care what's between its legs', actually giving two cents about a one night stand? This was going to be more interesting than he thought. Later he'd blame his head injury for what he was about to do, but he was actually starting to like Steve in a way. Imagine that. He figured he could offer up some information he'd gleaned during his 'watches' without actually admitting that he was starting to warm up to the guy. Wouldn't do to actually admit to liking him after all, he'd probably give the poor guy a heart attack. Letting his gaze linger for a moment yet on Steve's face, Adam smiled. "Ya know baldy, you used to scare the hell out of me sometimes... and I have to be one of the most fearless people I know. Of course that was before I noticed how you are with Chris. Turns out Steve Austin is just a big ol' pussycat beneath that badass roughneck exterior. I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't watched you... I watch everyone, it's just something I do." He let that sink in for a moment as he considered what to say about the other part involved in this little problem. "Your boy... he's spoiled, arrogant, a right pain in the ass... at least that's the image he gives off. Of course if someone looks beyond the image, if you take the time, he's as different as you are to your image. He has crappy taste in friends, probably because he feels comfortable around the younger guys. He's still in awe of the 'stars' around here, despite the way he acts. He's thankful for Hunter's support, even if he doesn't always show it. He lives his character because he thinks no one will take him seriously otherwise... especially guys like Ric, Mark, and... you." Tapping his fingers on the tabletop, he considered what else... if anything he should say. This might seriously put him out on a limb as far as revealing the fact that he wasn't just tolerating Austin, but what the hell. Maybe the man would start acting like Austin was supposed to act instead of this weird moping around. "If I were Randy, which thank god I'm not," he said, turning to stick his tongue out at Austin, "I'd be steering clear of you for the foreseeable future. Most likely because of your reputation, he'll think you just wanted a one off anyway. That he worked up the balls to be anywhere in your vicinity that he could end up in your bed... he has to be interested. He's probably thinking any old body would have done. If that's not the case, then maybe you should get him off by himself and tell him that. Might be surprised what happens if you do. Maybe he'll drop the fa�ade and you'll get to see who Randy Orton really is." That was it, the gist of his advice. He wasn't sure whether Austin was taking it seriously or not, but he'd done his best either way. If Steve didn't go talk to Randy, it was because he didn't really want to. If that was the case then maybe it was better off that he didn't. For all of Randy's attitude, once in awhile Adam had caught a glimpse of the vulnerable side of the younger man. Steve messing with him would have bad results, but Adam honestly didn't think that was what Steve had in mind. About that time, Adam saw Jeff, Jay, and Scott Hall walking through the doors. Weird trio that was. And Jay looked like he was in the midst of freaking out. Oh man. Thanks Chris. He had no doubt at all that that was who he had to thank for this visit. Turning to Steve, he rolled his eyes and braced himself for the onslaught that was Jay. He loved the guy, really he did. They were great friends, but any time he so much as bruised himself, Jay over-reacted. Considering his condition and who was responsible for it? Jay would be off the hook this time. Maybe he could get Jeff to distract Jay while he got out of dodge. He doubted it though. **** "Maybe we'll all just move down to Orlando." Shawn managed to hide most of his shock at Dave's words, but from the expression on Vince's face, he didn't have to. McMahon was still pale from his own threat---and threat it had been. While the thought of giving up the business that he loved so much was incredibly painful for him, the thought of not being with these two men was even more so. Working�for Jarrett hadn't even occurred to him... and he wasn't too sure that he would, if it came down to it.�He and "Double J" cordially loathed each other, and although Jarrett would suck it up if the opportunity came along,�he�couldn't imagine working in that kind of environment. "Get out all of you... Batista... you stay here." Oh, hell no. He hadn't been able to stop Vince from making Hunter pay for the Clique breaking kayfabe back in the day; no matter what he'd offered, that particular breach had just been too huge back in the day not to suffer for. No way in hell was he going to step back and watch that happen again, especially for something that wasn't in the ring and wasn't on TV. His lips tightening as his eyes narrowed, he leaned forward slightly. Hunter's words cut him off before he could try to speak. "Not going to happen McMahon." Before he could turn to gape at Hunter for using that tone of voice with his father-in-law, he was being lifted and moved. There were times that he hated being one of the smaller wrestlers in the company; the only thing that saved Hunt from having his head bitten off for that little maneuver was the kiss that followed it. Even as brief as it was, it made Shawn want to melt against the man, audience or not. The look on Vince's face was priceless, even if it did send a brief pang to Shawn's heart. They hadn't been friends for years now, but he'd never thrown his own relationships in Vince's face and he knew that the man had changed over the last several years... but any instant of remorse was wiped out by the situation Vince had caused. No way in hell could he dictate his employees' private lives, and to the best of Shawn's knowledge, he'd never tried before. That meant that this whole scene was either because of Stephanie, or because of who they were. Shawn personally was voting for a combination of the two, combined with what had to look to Vince like his favourite "pet" throwing his formerly hidden independence in Vince's face. Hunter seemed to be thinking along the same lines... but his next words just stunned Shawn. "...is Hunter Hearst Helmsley quitting the WWE and going to TNA." God. He knew he'd probably gone pale at those words, but he couldn't stop the reaction. If anyone hated Jarrett more than he did, besides Vince, it would be Hunter... and the feeling was definitely mutual. But for Hunter to even say that... Hunter's whole life was the WWE. Even with the rocky start he'd gotten off to in the company, mostly because of Shawn and the rest of the Clique, he'd given himself to the company body and soul and nearly ended his career because he wasn't willing to throw a major televised match. What it had cost Hunt to even say the words, Shawn could imagine... because he'd been there. He'd never quite threatened to quit outright even when Bischoff was practically offering him the moon, but after his back surgery, Vince had had to bribe him outrageously to get him to stay when all he'd wanted was to crawl into a hole and die. WCW had been a convenient excuse to get the concessions he'd wanted, since he knew all too well what Kevin, Scott, and Sean were going through there and had no desire whatsoever to share those experiences. But this... with the ties Hunt had to WWE now... The unexpected feeling of Dave's arms closing around him brought his tumbling thoughts to a stuttering halt, and he leaned back into the comforting embrace, not missing the quick glance that Vince gave them at the movement. Screw him. No matter what he tried, they were not going to bow to this pressure and they were not going to be separated. "Fine. Go ahead, do what you want then.�You always will anyway. I can't stop you." Shawn saw the look�that Vince directed at Hunter even as he heard the bite behind the words and felt his fingers clench. The man was absolutely right---he couldn't stop them. But he'd find some way to make them pay for defying him; that was a clear message. Shawn was probably clear of any real problems since his hiatus started in less than a week, but that didn't make him feel any better. If anything, it made him feel worse. This was too close to what had happened to Hunter in 1996. Hunter approaching with an indescribable look on his face forced Shawn into movement, stepping out of Dave's grasp to wrap an arm around Hunter's waist as they walked out of the office in silence. There was so much that he wanted to say, but the words seemed stuck in his throat as they all grappled with what had just happened. "Mr. Michaels? If you could come with me, we're ready to shoot your promos now." Dammit. Of all times... He cast a look at Dave, his apologies written in his eyes. He wanted so badly to just huddle up in their arms... At the very least, they were leaving early. To hell with Vince's policy; he could fine them if he wanted to, but they needed to get out of here, and soon. "We'll be waiting in the locker room, Shawn." Squeezing Hunter's waist before dropping his arm, he nodded and forced a smile to his face before following the tech down the hall. The actual shoot went surprisingly quickly, considering the state of his voice, but fortunately there wasn't much talking... mostly just dark looks into the camera as they did dramatic lighting shots to splice together for the Bad Blood ad. That brought to mind what exactly he was going to be doing at Bad Blood, and he shuddered slightly as he waved the techs on their way. He knew that they'd put on a hell of a show, a Hell in a Cell for the record books, but he hadn't been thrilled about the Cell to start with. Now that things had changed between him and Hunt... He forced himself to stop. It was a match. A nasty match, but still just another match, and the only difference now was that he had even more motivation to be careful... as much as he could be, in the Cell. He was not going to get worked up about it now. Instead, he'd enjoy the time coming up with his lovers. After all, neither him nor Hunt was really going to feel like doing more than collapsing in bed and sleeping for 18 hours Sunday night. His lips twitched slightly at the thought. For the first time in years, at least they wouldn't have to do that alone. Poor Dave. Frowning at the thought, Shawn reminded himself to try to talk to Dave sometime between now and then, to reassure him as much as he could. Ideally, he'd convince the man not to watch the match while it was going on, but he already knew he wouldn't be able to. It was worse to not know what was happening than to watch people you cared about beat the shit out of each other. He'd tried not to watch the Cell match between Hunt and Kevin the year before and had lasted about ten minutes before rushing off to find a monitor. Shaking his head, he wondered if they'd ever get used to this. It was one thing to watch a friend in a match... it was a whole different thing to watch a lover. A genuine smile came to his lips as the thought reminded him of what exactly was waiting for him, and he hastened his steps as he headed down the hallways toward the locker rooms. **** Hunter was still tingling with anger�over what had just occurred. Damn Vince. Why oh why, did the man have to try and control everyone with such an iron fist? Didn't he know that half the roster would kill themselves in the ring just on his say-so? And that other half wished they could? Vincent K McMahon was The Man in the wrestling business, bar no-one, and every wrestler's fate was in his hands. No matter what the management said about 'creative issues', you were gone if Vince said so and that's that. Hunter's revelation had obviously hit a delicate nerve in his father-in-law, to cause such a�brutish reaction. The question was why? Was is because Hunter dared to fall in love with Shawn? Vince's feelings for his gorgeous lover weren't news to Hunter, nor Shawn's for the older man. But it hadn't been jealousy in McMahon's eyes when he'd narrowed them at Hunter, no, it had been something else. Disgust? Hardly. There wasn't any kind of relationship combination that hadn't been explored in the locker room of the WWE, under Vince's nose or not. So, his choice of partner then. Vince had been quick to target Dave as the one of them to be removed, something neither Shawn or Hunter would permit. But as far as Hunt knew, Dave was considered to be an excellent talent by both Vince and Pat, they wouldn't want to be rid of the man for any reason to do with work. Strange. And why had his father-in-law been more focused on Hunter? Because he'd been the first to challenge him? To defy the Tyrant Vince and get away with it? The sudden, unpleasant return of his headache had Hunter almost stumble as Shawn and Dave led him from the office. Too many questions and no answers from Vince in the foreseeable future. But he'd been on Vince's shit list before, although not about such a personal subject. And the look he'd received over Stephanie's shoulder while she'd animatedly discussed merchandising with her father, had stiffened�Hunt's spine even further. That look had said one thing... this isn't over. The warm bar of Shawn's arm around his waist was a comfort that Hunter hadn't�known he'd needed.�But hadn't Shawn always been there for him? Been the best of best friends a man could ever want? Teasing and supportive, judgmental when he was being an asshole, but never blinking an eyelid at any of Hunter's more dubious confessions. If Shawn wasn't beside him, Hunter knew he'd be lost. Lonely and alone just like he'd resigned himself to be not twelve hours ago. God. They hadn't even started the taping yet. "Mr. Michaels? If you could come with me, we're ready to shoot your promos now." Hunter managed to muster a smile for Shawn as his lover was hustled away for his promo shoot. They world may be about to end emotionally for a wrestler, it didn't matter, when the crew said you needed to move, you damn well moved.�Despite all appearances on TV,��the talent didn't control so much as a paper bag backstage. Mess with the running sheet at your own risk. Dave's guiding hand led Hunter back into the Evolution dressing room. The familiar sight of their gear, wet towels draped on benches and Shawn's jeans on the floor shocked Hunter back into reality. Dave. Dammit, the man had been ready to just throw away his career because Vince was being an asshole.�That he and Shawn had done the same thing, Hunter chose to ignore. Dave wouldn't be targeted no way, no how, not as long as Hunter haunted these halls. Pulling a water bottle close, Hunter roughly�twisted off the cap while they waited for Shawn. He knew he was still pissed at Vince and shouldn't take his anger out on Dave, but god, his lover being threatened like that had been just wrong. Dave wasn't meant to be a part of�the shit that could come down on them for raising Vince's ire, yet it seemed like Vince was blaming the big man for Hunter's rebellious actions. And didn't that just make him feel worse? His name, so softly spoken it sent hot messages to his groin, caused Hunter to look up. He'd been so caught up in having a little mental bitch-fit, he hadn't noticed Dave's silence. Of course the man would be thrown by what had just happened and Hunter should have kept him out of it, instead he'd made Dave one big target. Looking deep into curious chocolate eyes, Hunter noted that Dave's bruises weren't getting any worse. Vince hadn't commented on their presence, or the red mark on Hunter's jaw, but that might just have been postponed until later. Hunt wondered if he could blame their faces on the Jericho/Copeland/Terry debacle. When we were in the shower earlier, you said... You said you loved both of us... He had, hadn't he? Hunter felt his anger drain away at the embarrassed determination apparent in Dave's question. God, he'd just blurted it out hadn't he? When Shawn's touches and Dave's magnificent blow job�had pushed him over the hurdle of his own mental block.� Did he really mean it? Of course he did, but how to tell Dave without putting too much pressure on the man. Loving Dave was really very easy. It wasn't the angsty hell, he'd almost turned his and Shawn's love into, it was admiration, friendship, and fiendish sexual attraction all rolled into one. There was no way he was going to lie here. He'd done that to Shawn and while he'd wanted to believe he'd survive it, Hunter doubted he would have. Now Dave deserved the truth from Hunter, as Shawn had last night. Dropping the bottle of water back on it's crisp white napkin, Hunter moved inside the arm that rested on his shoulder. For some reason he'd always thought Dave was taller than him, but they actually stood eye to eye.�Maybe because Dave just exuded strength unconsciously. Maybe because beside him, Hunter always felt small... a lesser man. Tipping his head so the strands of hair Dave had shifted fell back into place across his cheek, Hunter smiled into his lover's nervous expression. "I did say it without thinking Dave." Hunter quickly continued, trying to soothe the sudden shock of pain he saw in�the man's dark�eyes. "Because I was so lost in what you were doing to me, making love to me like that, that I just gave up trying to hold myself back from you. I decided, while your lips were on my cock I might add, so give me credit for having any mental capacity at that point at all, that I wanted you both, you and Shawn so much that I couldn't have let you go if I allowed myself to love you. But I knew you wouldn't deny me Dave. You gave yourself to me back there. How could I not love you?" There was a moment of silence as Dave processed Hunter's words. Fearing he'd messed up another explanation, Hunt tried again. "Yes Dave, I love you. Like I love Shawn down to my toes, I lov..." **** At Scott's use of the dreaded 'Rainbow' nickname, Jeff�leaned his head back and sent the taller man a look from under his lashes that thousands of poster's mirrored. It was his 'get fucked' look and while he didn't mean it towards Scott, it was nice to tease someone right back without worrying about the consequences for a change. Hall relented which was nice, except Jeff could handle the joke, until he was told that not using Mark's first name was likely to offend the guy. Well, he didn't want to do that. No way, no how. considering how you feel about him and everything. Blink. What? Since when was Scott Hall so fuckin' perceptive? Jeff sized the other man up for a moment with narrowed eyes, trying to judge whether he actually knew anything or if he was just taking a shot in the dark. A bit of both, it seemed. Jezus, he'd only been in the man's company for twenty minutes and the guy was putting two and two together. Which was nice for Scott and his radar, but would suck to high heaven if it got back to 'Taker. Last thing that man wanted was a horny Jeff Hardy all over him. He'd play Scott's guess off as truth, but only lightly. Pulling a relaxed air around him like armour, Jeff kept his surprise at�Hall's remark totally hidden. "Fair enough Raze, I don't wanna hurt anyone, particularly not 'Taker," Seeing Hall's frown, Jeff grinned. "I'll call him Mark okay? Just kinda hard to move from that schoolboy crush every wrestler has on the guy, into being�his pet reclamation project ya know?" So what if he'd said crush, rather than totally obsessive, adoring, probably-become-a-stalker type 'thing' he had going on for Mark? He hadn't actually lied. Jay Reso ran into them like a slim freight train and Jeff moved gracefully out of the way of flailing elbows. Jason was a great wrestler in the ring, knew his moves like the back of his hand and had never, in Jeff's sight, put less than a hundred percent into his matches. Beat the hell out of him why the guy was such a spaz the rest of the time. Must be like he ground up all his talent into one excelled little ball and let it out in the squared circle, leaving him flailing when it was gone. Scott's question was unanswered as Reso continued into the catering area with a wave that almost smacked Scott in the jaw and a "sorry, sorry" in a distracted voice. Jeff smiled at Scott's confused expression. You just had to know Jay. Joining the dark man as they followed Jay's tumble across the room, Jeff explained. "Jay tends to freak out if Adam's hurt. Those boys have been friends since they were little and Adam used to get in all sorts of trouble so I hear. Reso developed a kinda 'red alert' thing for Adam being hurt. Adam fell out of a tree, equals freak out and run for the parents, Adam's in a shopping cart as it goes over an embankment..." and that one Jeff was sure was true, "...panic and call an ambulance. Adam takes a bad bump,�Reso freaks�and gets an EMT...." Jeff let his sentence trail off into a physical example of Jay's worrying natures by gesturing at the crowd of men near the corner of the room. "Adam gets jumped by Terry... you do the math." Jay was crouching beside Adam's chair, hand on his friend's shoulder, asking what looked like a series of pseudo-medical questions. A long-suffering but fond expression on his face, Adam was answering them, while Austin was chuckling into his hand. Arriving at the table, Jeff hooked a hand under Jay's armpit and pulled his friend to his feet. "Dude, ya gotta give him a chance ta breathe okay? And obviously people don't get welcoming hugs in this place unless they get broken ribs huh?" Jeff teased, keeping a hurt expression on his face until Jason, mollified by Adam's smile, turned to his tropical haired friend with a guilty expression and lifted Jeff into a warm hug. "Sorry Jeffo, just that Adam was jumped by that asshole and I had to make sure he was okay...." Jeff cut off Reso's explanation with a thwack to the side of the head. "Just kiddin' man. I came to see what was up with the choir boy here too." Keeping an arm around Jason's waist, Jeff�leaned in close to his friend's warm body and tilted his head at Adam, looking him over�critically. "Hey Adam, ya look like shit man. How many?" Wow. Jeff realised, it was so good to be back. **** "I did say it without thinking Dave." 'So that's that. You wanted to know and now you do,' he told himself as soon as the words left Hunter's mouth. Hadn't he told himself that that was most likely what had happened? As much as the thought might hurt, it wasn't the end of the world. Hell, they'd just started their relationship... what had he expected? Miracles? He didn't react right away, because he knew Hunter was watching him. He didn't want to show how disappointed he was. Then Hunter started talking again and he listened... really listened. "...that I wanted you both, you and Shawn so much that I couldn't have let you go if I allowed myself to love you." It took him a minute to process it and he still wasn't sure he had the right of it once he had. Didn't Hunter realize that he never had to let him go? 'Of course not you idiot. It's not like you've told him how you feel either.' Dave knew that. That's why he had worked out his own little surprise for tonight, but maybe it would be better if he just came out and said it now without all the trappings. Then everything would be on the table. But saying it out loud was so daunting. He'd never said those words to anyone outside his family or his close circle of friends and this... this was completely different. There weren't any guarantees. "...You gave yourself to me back there. How could I not love you?" Truth be told, he couldn't deny Hunter. Dave would give him anything he wanted if he asked and some things even if he didn't. How could he not... does that mean that he does? It sounded like it, but he was so afraid to let himself hope without Hunter actually spelling it out. His heart was beating fiercely in his chest, but he would swear it stopped for a beat when Hunter broke the silence that had enveloped them. "Yes Dave, I love you." If he were the type to dance, he'd have danced a jig right then, but Dave didn't want his lover to think him insane so he stood there instead, his heart bursting with happiness. He let the words sink in for barely a moment. Hunter had just handed him his future with those words because Dave was never going to let him go... never. Hunter was now his. Not in the obsessive, possessive, psycho sort of way, but his to love, protect, and cherish. And even though he hadn't said the words yet, he was Hunter's as well. He'd be sure to tell him so too, just as soon as he... "Like I love Shawn down to my toes, I lov..." Drawing Hunter into the circle of his arms, he covered Hunter's mouth with his own. Not to stop the words, but to take them into himself. From his mouth to lodge in his heart... there to stay. The kiss was gentle at first, promising all the things he hadn't yet said. Then he took it deeper, giving Hunter everything he was... heart, soul, body... passion. He knew that as soon as he pulled away, he'd give him the words as well. He couldn't withhold them anymore, plan or not. The light knock at the door and the door swinging open behind him didn't register at all. **** "No, Jay. I do not need a second opinion. I do not need to stay overnight at a hospital. I definitely do not want you to call my mother," Adam grimaced as he realized that he would have to call her before Sunday so she didn't have a complete freak out when she saw his ribs taped up. "I can breathe just fine, I do not need stitches, and yes I am going to wrestle on Sunday... unless you smack me in the head and give me post concussion syndrome," he said as he ducked away from Jay's wild hand gestures. He could hear Austin trying to smother a laugh and turned to toss him a pleading look which Austin ignored, reaching out to pat him on the shoulder as he stood. After a nod, Austin was on his way out the door, passing by Jeff and Scott on his way. He was so paying Steve back for his lack of assistance later. Maybe he'd have to have a talk with Shane and Rosey again... or he could always have a nice enlightening talk with Randy. Thankfully Jeff took the initiative to distract Jay rather nicely. At least he didn't have to worry for the moment about getting belted in the head. "Hey Adam, ya look like shit man. How many?" "Thanks Jeff, I can always count on you to cheer me up," Adam said dryly sticking his tongue out at his friend. "Can't claim any breaks this time. Three ribs, five incomplete fractures. I didn't even rate stitches," he said tilting his head and pointing at the back of it where Sandburg had glued him back together. Lifting his shirt carefully, front and back, he rolled his eyes. "Although I think my back and ribs might be a match for your hair by the time their done turning." The bruising on his ribs was now a pretty impressive array of colors. He had no clue what his back looked like, but it was tender so he assumed that it was a few nice shades of blue as well. Noticing Scott standing in the background, he tipped his head in the man's direction before turning his attention back to Jeff. "You just visiting or playing tiddlywinks with Melrose again? And what was up in the hall earlier? Looked like someone was about to give Heyman what he deserves. Thought about checking it out, but Chris would have had my head on a platter if I'd even thought about it." **** Chris wasn't about to put himself between Tyson and anything right then. Then intense look on the face of his normally stoic friend was a little unsettling. They were stomping up the hall at a pace that almost had CJ skipping to keep up, stopping every so often to look into various rooms along the way. Chris had to admit to himself that if Bunnykins actually found Terry, he wouldn't intercede. Even though his own rage had receded to a cold little lump in his guts and Adam wasn't too badly injured, Chris would still like to see someone break a few of Rhyno's ribs in return. He'd do it himself but furious, blinding rage wasn't Chris' revenge method of choice, he liked to be cold, psychotic and cruel about it. Although following Ty as he searched every room in the arena would probably get a tad exhausting as for all he knew, Terry had left the building. Perhaps he should divert that rage somewhere else? He'd found Jay first after all. "Not that this isn't fun Ty, I mean really, having a total ball here, but as Adam's in catering with Austin watching over him, I'm gonna head back there. See if he's ready to leave yet." CJ thought for a moment that his words hadn't registered until�he noticed Ty didn't open the next door they came to, but was walking, blood hound like,�straight towards the area set up with tables of food. Just as they reached the door, Austin came through it, a smug smile on his normally scowling features. Chris felt his exasperation rise. Why was it that people never did what he told them too? He would hardly cop the 'Napoleon' nickname if no-one every took him seriously now would he? Letting Ty go through the door alone, Chris raised a finger and opened his mouth to chastise his friend. A large hand covered his mouth. "Keep yer trap shut Kitten, I'm goin' right now." Austin didn't moved his hand�even when�Chris sank his teeth, with gentle warning, into the flesh of his palm. "That boy a' yours gave me sumthin' ta think about so I'm gonna go think. Then I'll talk ta 'him' okay?" Chris nodded reluctantly with the hand still covering half his face. "Good, now go save Copeland from Reso." The hand removed and a sharp swat to his ass before Steve made a break for it in the other direction. And they called him 'bossy'. Looking curiously into the room, Chris began to smile in a manner to match Austin's. Jay was indeed fussing over his childhood friend as usual and seemed on the verge of calling either a) Adam's mother b) an ambulance or c) the police, on his cell phone. Knowing that his lover wouldn't appreciate any of those events right now, Chris was pleased that the presence of his own lamb Tyson seemed to distract Jay from his intent dialing. Joining the circle of people hovering over Adam, Chris raised a curious eyebrow at Scott Hall's tall form. Much as the Clique and more specifically the Outsiders,�were on good terms with most of the wrestlers, he hadn't thought they knew many of the younger WWE guys that well. As far as he knew it was only his own programme with Nash that had even had them moving in the same circles. But then, Chris acknowledged, he'd never had a lot of perspective when it came to the Clique. Why shouldn't they be concerned about a fellow workmate? The other figure standing next to Adam brought a delighted smile to CJ's face. Having no idea why he was here, but also not caring, Chris walked quietly up behind his slim, young friend. Having spent far too much time with the Brothers Hardy while traveling together, CJ had learned a thing or two about them, including some very sensitive information. Sliding his arms around Jeff's waist, Chris leaned his body into the taller, but only by two inches!, man's back and squeezed. Resting his chin on one black clad shoulder, Chris winked at Adam past Jeff's ear. "As I live and breath, JefferyNero is back! What trouble you in this time?" Chris asked. He'd been given permission to get so up close and personal with the younger Hardy years ago. Not by Jeff of course, by Matt. The elder Hardy had confided a secret to CJ that he'd taken full advantage of since that moment. Jeff was a cuddler. **** you used to scare the hell out of me sometimes... Austin was genuinely surprised at Copeland's admission. He and Vince had spend many months cultivating Steve's fearsome reputation and had succeeded extremely well. Mostly because half of it was the truth. As Dwayne had said in his book, most modern gimmicks were just the personalities of the wrestlers... with the volume turned waaayyyy up. Even with his own dial�going to eleven, Austin had often seen the result of his often intimidating presence on some of the younger guys. He didn't have the height and power of guys like the Undertaker, but a history of being a pit-bull about most things certainly worked in his favour. Till now apparently. It had actually kinda chuffed him to know that people moved aside when he came walking down a hallway. Fear? Respect? Didn't bother him none, only the people he cared about knew he had more going on sometimes than beer, wrestling and sex. CJ had been the first in a long time to see beyond the gruff exterior to the slightly-less-gruff interior. In fact the small blond hadn't even seemed to notice Steve's reputation when they'd first met. Pretty blue eyes had laughed at him when he'd given Chris the once over and that legendarily sharp tongue had responded to his offer to go to bed with a, "Don't hold your breath Redneck. I'm gonna like you better if I never�fuck you... trust me." And that had been that. The precious nature of Chris' honest regard had obliterated all desire to climb between the sheets with his Kitten. Oh and hadn't he loathed that nickname the first time Steve had used it. But the likeness was true in Austin's twisted opinion. Small, compared to everyone around him at least, too cute for words with big blue eyes and soft blond hair... and claws that could slice you to the bone if you handled him wrong. And then there was Randy. God damned stunning to look at, he'd given Steve a hard-on the moment he'd seen the kid. Then he'd opened his mouth and Austin's libido had died at the arrogant little shit's attitude. There'd been enough pain in the ass pretty boys in Steve's life, that he knew�one when he saw it. If the kid lasted, they'd have another Bob Holly if they weren't careful. Putting the tall young man firmly out of his mind, Austin had moved on to other, softer conquests. He lives his character because he thinks no one will take him seriously otherwise... because of your reputation, he'll think you just wanted a one off anyway... he has to be interested. And damn him if that didn't have the ring of truth to it. Randy would be thinking he was just a momentary fancy given that Steve hadn't had a serious partner for nearly two years. So the kid tries to be Mr. Cool and act like he don't give a damn? Well fuck that! Austin gave more than a damn about Randy and he'd better go make the kid admit the same or�he'd kill him. Looking at the blond who'd presented him with such great advice, Austin was seriously puzzled. Since when did Adam 'reticent is my middle name' Copeland become Dear Abby? Must be the drugs. "Yeah, might just do that," Steve's words were cut off by the sudden and comical arrival of Jay Reso. The gangly young man nearly fell in Austin's lap in his haste to reach Adam. "Sorry Austin," Reso threw at him before crouching beside Copeland and shooting a series of questions at the blond that would make a worried Mama proud. Shaking his head, Austin snickered at Adam's pleading look before rising to his feet. The�boy had helped him though and Steve wasn't the kind of man to take something without offering his thanks. A gentle pat to Adam's shoulder was the first part, but he'd give his gratitude in�a different form later on. He and Kitten deserved a�break after the nasty afternoon they'd already had. Just about to make his escape, Steve raised a curious eyebrow at the presence of Jeff Hardy with Scott Hall just coming over to their group. He hoped the kid was back for good this time. Vince had been off his head to let talent like that go, even with the kid's attitude problem. Not like he'd be the first wrestler, or the last, to have personality clashes with members of management. "Hey Jeff, good ta see ya." Steve greeted as they walked over�to join them. Stopping by Hall, Austin grinned at the taller man.�"Scotty? You and yer man back huh? Didn't I chase you two out of here year before last?" Stopping to�talk a moment with his old friend, Austin let the confidence Adam's words had generated within him spread. He'd go find Randy and tell the kid that he wanted more than one night. If he was rejected,�Steve'd have a tantrum and break something. If he was accepted.... Well... He'd try and improve on last night. ----- Randy had gasped when Steve had finally let him come. Swollen lips parting to let out one tortured breath of air as the long body beneath him tensed for�a long, wonderful�moment. The beautiful sight, coupled with the tight, silky flesh around his throbbing cock was enough to shoot fire directly from Austin's balls to his brain, granting him one of the most powerful orgasms of his life. Still braced on shaking arms, Steve had leaned forward until his face was just over Randy's. A look of absolute peace was on Randy's flushed countenance, while his frightening talented tongue swiped across those same pouty lips that had caused Steve's climax. Still locked in whatever post-orgasmic daze he was in, Steve took note of Randy's long dark eyelashes, resting on the high, sharp cheekbones like some woodland animals. God, he must have just got his rocks off. Since when did Steve Austin think a guy had lashes like a frickin' doe? Breaking his own scary mood, Austin leaned the rest of his weight on his young mattress and plunged his tongue into Randy's mouth in a brutal attempt to quash such foolish feelings. Pity the kid decided that sucking on his tongue was a good idea. It just made Austin think Randy was even more perfect. With a shift of his hips, Steve separated their bodies with a regretful groan and lay beside Randy, looking him over. Chocolate orbs gone nearly black with drugged desire, returned his expression confidently. Not wanting to break the mood with talk, Steve had rubbed his hand lazily along Randy's stomach and the warm cum pooled there. Twisting almost off the bed to grab his black t-shirt, Austin gently cleaned them up, Randy's dark eyes watching him all the while. Feeling exhaustion overwhelm him, Steve lay back down into the dubious softness of the hotel mattress. Reaching out he gently closed Randy's eyelids with his palm. "Sleep kid. We'll talk tomorrow," he'd promised. Funnily enough Randy had obeyed him this time, the eyes stayed shut, the breathing becoming slow and comforting. When Steve awoke next morning, he was alone. ----- A young man who'd just had more than he'd even dreamed of sat up on the bed. Forcing himself not to linger over the man tangled in the sheets behind him, he'd stepped into his jeans, making almost no sound. He'd had them for years, the jeans, fraying seems, worn knees�and all. They'd traveled everywhere with him and were a sign of good luck. Luck had been on his side tonight. He ignored the tight pain his gut while he pulled on his shirt and shoes. Just because he'd finally experienced a long-held fantasy, didn't mean he had the right to anything more. His life was better than he'd dreamed, even with his family's history and he wasn't�a greedy man, no matter what he let people think. At the door he looked back over his shoulder, a weakness he allowed himself that he'd curse later for making it worse. Steve's skin looked like marble in the diffused light from the window, the sheets�twisted at his thighs due to the stifling heat. He could hear the slow repetitive breaths of deep sleep and smiled fondly at the almost snores that occasionally snuck out. Memorising every detail of the night, he turned the handle of the door and quietly moved into the hallway. **** to be continued...

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