"ITVR: Chapter 51"
News.
By Jadedoll, Penumbren, & Raising Kane
|
"...But he did find Hunter and Dave. Kissing." Scott didn't immediately see the problem with that. It certainly wasn't a sight that he'd disdain at all. In fact, he'd probably be very appreciative of such a sight. And he'd missed it... damn. As far as the three of them being serious... he certainly hoped so. Shawn had had enough people jerking him around in this lifetime. He deserved something more than just a fling. Hunter would certainly be more than that for Shawn and he had little doubt that Dave's feelings ran deep considering the reaction he'd had to Scott's little faux pas the night before. The three of them would be good together, as long as everyone else managed to keep their damn noses out of it. Yes he did realize that included him as well, but that was only valid as long as no one got hurt. Scott winced over Mark's reaction. Yeah, he could certainly see the Deadman arriving at the wrong conclusion given the information that Mark had... that being that Shawn was in love with Hunter, but he'd known that for a long time. Certainly he'd known before Hunter had married Stephanie, so why had Dave being with Hunter set him off? Unless someone had informed Mark that Shawn was interested in Dave as well, but who would have done that? Meh. It really didn't matter. At least things seemed to have been straightened out. Scott frowned at Kevin's comments about Vince. Surely the man wasn't going to try to stop them from being together. It couldn't be jealousy... at least not only jealousy. Vince had never said a word when Shawn was with him and Kevin. There had to be something else provoking Vince's reaction and Scott aimed to figure out what it was. They were heading into the man's office after all. Might as well pick his brain while they were there since they were bound to be here for awhile. Scott still had his apologizing to do, his request to submit, and a few other things to discuss with the man besides the pay per view. Might as well get it all over with at once... right? When Vince looked up at them, Scott smiled. He had no hard feelings towards the man, though he wasn't sure that Vince was aware of that fact. Scott's mom had told him once upon a time that you could catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Scott wasn't real good at spreading honey, at least in regards to anyone but Kevin. Still... he could try to avoid antagonizing the man too much. Couldn't he? The frown directed at them when Vince noticed Kev's arm around him phased Scott not at all. In fact, he smiled all the more. He listened as Vince explained the situation. It made sense. It was a good way to get them in front of the camera. It was almost too good to be true, considering what had happened the night before. Scott was wary of things that seemed to be too good to be true. "That'd be perfect. What do you think, Scott?" What did he think? He wasn't quite sure yet, but he'd figure it out. At least he'd had sense enough to push the door closed behind them on the way in. This was between him and Vince... and Kev in a way, but it didn't need to be fodder for every Tom, Dick, and Harry in the company. This way he and Vince could be honest with each other and that was something that Scott had always demanded from Vince... honesty. He pulled a toothpick from his hip pocket and tucked it between his teeth as he studied Vince. Vince wouldn't take it as disrespect, he was well aware that Scott preferred the old habit when he was thinking about something important. "I think it sounds great." He noticed that Vince visibly relaxed at least for a second or two. It might not last any longer than that though. Vince had left out an important piece of the puzzle... Scott crossed his arms over his chest and kept his eyes on 'the man'. "I have to wonder though how you plan to end this match Vince?" He ignored the raising of Vince's brows. "In other words, Vinnie, I was wondering if this is my punishment for jumping on your boy last night. I'll apologize to you for the fact that he'll have to visit makeup, but I will not apologize to that little prick. He deserved everything he got. So what I want to know is... am I taking a dive in this match as retribution for my actions?" Vince's eyebrows lingered somewhere near his hairline for another moment. "No." Vince sat back in his seat and pressed his hands together in a temple as he leaned back in his seat. "Actually I'd completely forgotten about the incident with everything that has gone on tonight. And in any case, I can't stand the little snitch myself. I'm sure he probably did deserve it. I would greatly appreciate it however if you could try to limit those kind of incidents though now that you're back." That seemed fair. Actually more than fair, but it hadn't answered his question completely. What did Vince have planned for the match? "Certainly, Vince. You know me." He had to grin. Vince did know him... as witnessed by the almost uncharacteristic rolling of his eyes. "Look, Vince... we both know that my last stay in this fed didn't end well. I take full responsibility for that. I know that you had no choice but to let me go and I have no beef with you over that." There went those eyebrows again. So he was pandering a little bit. It was the truth after all. "I can't promise there won't be other incidents, but I promise that I'll at least have a valid reason if there are any." Vince nodded shortly. He couldn't really ask for more because that was all the guarantee that Scott was going to give him. Even during his drinking days, Scott hadn't hurt anyone to where they couldn't perform. Boys would be boys and there would be the occasional scuffle. As long as it didn't interfere with the show then Vince could live with it. "I want him in a dark match." Now that Vince hadn't been expecting. "I'm pretty sure the reason he came running to you about the fight earlier was because he was hoping to get Shawn, Dave, or Hunter in trouble with you because of what happened yesterday. He's messing with family Vince. He needs a lesson. At least in the ring it will be an honest fight and I promise not to hurt him... too much." Vince occasionally used dark matches to settle disputes. This seemed as good a reason as any and just maybe Nitro would learn a thing or two besides the lesson that Scott so obviously wanted him to learn. "Okay, fine. You can have the match as long as it's a regular match. No insane stips." "Of course, Vince. So what about the pay per view? You still haven't said what's going to happen with that." Vince finally managed a grin. "Actually I've decided that the Outsiders should return in spectacular fashion. How about another run with the tag team belts?" Now that was the kind of ending that Scott could live with. "I think that sounds like the perfect ending, Vince." Scott unfolded his arms from his chest and reached out with one hand. He waited until Vince was shaking his hand before he dropped his bombshell. Maybe he should have waited. Maybe he should have minded his own business. Yeah... like that would ever happen. "That leaves us just one last thing to talk about boss. Why do you have a bug up your ass about Hunter, Shawn, and Dave? Enquiring minds want to know." **** The feeling of Shawn's arm around his waist brought back memories, but for the first time in years, they weren't painful. Instead, Mark could remember the happiness of the time they'd had together. Knowing that Shawn was happy, finally, brought some sort of closure to the long-standing wound he'd caused himself by walking away from the man. He found himself looking forward to spending time with Shawn and his new... partners? It'd been a long time since he'd had good friends to simply spend time with, and Glen had been awfully busy lately with Sean's return. "Hunt said you were looking for me. What's up?" Glad for the change of topic and tone, Mark pulled away from Shawn in order to face him, leaning back against a stack of crates as he crossed his arms. He needed to concentrate on keeping his emotions from showing so that Shawn didn't end up pulling more out of him than he wanted... but he wasn't holding his breath for success. He wondered briefly just why Shawn's voice was so rough, then decided that he was probably better off not knowing. "Well... I'm going to be spending the next couple of months working with Jeff Hardy." The look on Shawn's face almost made Mark smile, but he forced it back as he continued. "Since he needs some time to shake off the ring rust, and you're not going to be too busy for the next few months---at least as far as the ring goes---I thought I'd ask if you'd be interested in giving me a hand. You have more in common with his in-ring style than I do, so you'd be good to help him smooth off any rough edges on his moves." Shawn smirked at him, a knowing expression on his face. "Uh huh. And you're working with Jeff why, exactly? Last I heard, Vince fired him and swore up and down he wouldn't take him back. What have you got to do with it, Mark?" Well, shit. So much for keeping this on a purely business level. He knew better, though, he really did. Shawn always did have a way of looking right past his masks and seeing what he was trying to avoid saying. He exhaled, shrugging, as he said, "Ran into Hardy backstage." Using his last name as a way to distance himself from the kid should've helped. It should've. "He was pretty upset 'cause he'd been having talks with Vince for the last couple weeks, but Melrose was being his normal dickhead self and he lost it. Thought he'd screwed himself over. I had a chat with Vince and we made an agreement: I'll work with the kid, and he's got a new contract." Hoping that Shawn would let it lie, he waited for a response. Laughter wasn't what he was expecting. "That's it, huh? You felt sorry for the kid? Give me a break." The grin on Shawn's face told Mark that he'd failed miserably in sounding casual about things, and Shawn's next words proved him right. "I'm sure you went to Vince, and I believe that you see the possibilities in Jeff... they're overwhelming, and Vince let his own prejudices blind him to them." A brief string of bitterness in Shawn's voice there, and Mark knew why. Vince had turned a blind eye to Shawn's talents too, until Shawn gave in to the pressure and followed the traditional way of moving up in the world of wrestling. "What I don't understand is why you give a damn. You've distanced yourself from the politics backstage for years, Mark. Why get involved now, especially for somebody like Jeff? The kid's a hot head, all attitude, even considering his talent. What's your interest in him?" Heaving a mental sigh, Mark thought that he should've known better. If anyone was going to see right through him, it would be Shawn. Time for the truth, apparently. "Yeah, he is all attitude and ego, isn't he? Reminds me of someone... someone I knew quite a while ago." Raising an eyebrow as he looked pointedly at Shawn, he was gratified to see a rueful look cross the smaller man's face. "And considering how that person turned out, I thought I'd like to give this hothead kid a shot, too." "Really? So it's just business? You just want to see an up-and-coming talent get the recognition he deserves?" Shawn shook his head, smirking. "C'mon, Mark, I know you better than that. If you're comparing Jeff to me, you're not the first to do so, but you're probably the best qualified. Is it just his talent that's attracting you... or is it just him?" Those knowing eyes did it. He slumped back against the crates as he dropped his eyes, not quite able to face that look. "Both," he muttered. "I want to see him get to the top---if I didn't think he could, I never would've agreed to that angle with him back in 2002." "But...?" Shawn prompted, his voice softer. "But... I haven't been able to stop thinking about him since then," Mark admittedly softly. Jeff had haunted him after that angle, especially after Vince fired him. No way in hell was a kid like that going to return his interest, not at his age, but... there were times when he'd catch the strangest looks on Jeff's face. When he'd asked Jeff to look at him during their work together in the ring, he'd been straight up about needing to see his eyes to help coordinate their matches... but he'd mainly just wanted to see those eyes. What the hell was wrong with him, anyway? Cradle-robber, that's what he felt like, and after Jeff's misunderstanding earlier... "What misunderstanding?" Shawn's quiet voice brought him out of his thoughts, and he was almost mortified to realise he'd been speaking them out loud. Only the understanding in those blue eyes made him continue, and he related the events in his locker room in a quiet voice that was nearly steady. Shawn listened without interruption, his expression thoughtful. When Mark finished, Shawn shook his head. "I know you never even considered that possibility, Mark, but I don't blame him for thinking what he did." A moment's pause, and then Shawn's hand was on his arm, drawing his attention back to those eyes.�"If you want my help, you've got it. You didn't even have to ask. Give me the week after Hell in a Cell to recover, and then I'll work out with you two as much as you can stand it, since I'll still be on the road. I'm not about to spend two months away from Hunter and Dave right after we've gotten this thing figured out, after all." That surprised a quiet laugh out of Mark, and Shawn smiled at him, patting him on the arm as he stepped back. "Speaking of whom, I need to get back to the locker room and find them." A pause, and Shawn added before turning away, "I think your whirlwind is going to have just as much attraction to you as the last punk kid that caught your interest did." By the time Mark had processed those words, Shawn was disappearing around the corner at the end of the hall. Just as much attraction as... A small smile crept over his face. He wasn't quite ready to believe that, but it gave him some hope. He wouldn't push Jeff, would try his damnedest not to even show his interest, but if there was any sign that that interest was returned... Pushing himself away from the wall, Mark followed Shawn's earlier path down to the locker rooms. It was time to find that wandering storm and see what was going to happen next. **** His hand tingled. It wasn't a reaction to his injuries, he was sure of that. Nope. That delightful little tingle was all due to the brush of Chris' lips against the back of his hand. Lord he was a sap. He loved it. He also loved having Chris to see him through the healing period. How he'd missed that during his rehab time with his neck. Not necessarily Chris' presence, but the presence of anyone that actually cared about how he was doing and if he was hurting. Not that Jay hadn't stopped by and Chris almost as often. Even his mom had managed to stop by regularly once he'd been allowed to be on his own. It wasn't the same. Not the same at all. That year had been one of the loneliest times in his life, especially after the incident with Terry. Chris seemed ready to stick by him through this and he couldn't have been more thankful. He just hoped that Chris wouldn't regret it... he really was an awful patient. "I'd suggest you give details but the Fuckhead would probably like it too much." Adam almost snorted. Somehow he doubted that Terry would be thrilled with details. He was still at a loss as to why Terry had reacted the way he had. It's not like the man hadn't seen him with other people... obvious from his snarky comments... so why had being with Chris set the man off? Maybe Terry had sensed that he was actually going to be happy for a change and that had been what had set him off. Who knew? Who cared? Adam didn't particularly. Thinking about it was just making his head hurt worse. Luckily the trip was brief. Chris rushed them through the lobby and into the room. Before Adam knew what was what, Chris had him sitting on the bed and was handing him some Tylenol and water with orders that he was going to have to eat something. He didn't want to eat, but he realized that Chris was right. Meds on an empty stomach was not a good idea. He still didn't want to eat. He would try though if it made Chris happy. Despite his headache, the sweet kiss pressed to his forehead had him grinning like an idiot. He promptly swallowed the Tylenol and set the water glass on the nightstand. While Chris wandered into the bathroom, he decided that he wanted to lay down. His ribs still weren't hurting yet, but at least if he laid down he could close his eyes and relax for a few minutes. He hadn't given a thought to taking anything off. Chris had given it thought though. That was obvious as he followed orders so that Chris could strip him naked. He greatly enjoyed the nice words Chris was saying though. Chris was way too generous with his compliments, but he'd wait to argue with him later... when his head didn't hurt quite so much. Then he was naked, but Chris wasn't. That was hardly fair, was it? Chris should be naked as well. Before he could make that observation, Chris had his foot in his hands and started doing all kinds of wonderful things with it. Acupressure or something similar most likely. Alternative medicine was good... as long as Chris didn't start pulling out needles to poke into odd parts of his body. That would have Adam flying down the hall in the altogether despite the love he held for the man. "Don't sleep yet Adam." He'd been very close to it. He'd been on the very cusp of dropping off to sleep. That wasn't part of his plan. So he forced his eyes back open. He needed to keep talking or something or there would be no stopping the visit of the sandman. "Yes, daddy." Sporting his evil grin, he tilted his head so that he could look at Chris. "If I eat my dinner like a good boy, do I get dessert?" He even managed a wiggle of his eyebrows. "I think something sweet and sassy would be the perfect end to my meal." **** Forcing himself to keep from whistling, Shawn couldn't quite keep the smile off his face. That conversation had been... enlightening. Sure, he and Mark hadn't spent much time talking about Shawn's new relationship... relationships?... but then, that wasn't the point, either. At least not after he'd reassured Mark that he was happy with them. A warm feeling centered low in his belly at the knowledge that Mark still cared so much about him. The last thing in the world that either of them wanted at this point was to resume their old relationship, but knowing that the depth of emotion was still there, and still accessible... that was nice. That was beyond nice. Mark was the only ex he could claim that with besides Kev and Scott, and they were an exception anyway. And Mark's new pet project... that was interesting. Jeff Hardy. Of all people. Of course, knowing Mark's fascination with arrogant punk kids first-hand, it didn't surprise Shawn as much as it probably should have. It was unexpected, but looking at it from a distance, he could see it. In fact, looking at it from a distance, he had to wonder if Mark had as little chance as he thought he did. Shawn doubted it, considering all the looks Jeff had cast at the Dead Man over the last four years or so, let alone the body language, but then, Mark had his own insecurities, and his age was definitely one of them. Maybe Jeff would be able to convince the man that he only got better as he got older; Shawn had never quite been able to. And if he managed to have a few chats with Jeff while working with him, well, he certainly wouldn't feel too guilty about dropping a few bugs in the kid's ear. Pausing in front of the door to Evolution's locker room, Shawn raised his hand to knock before reconsidering. His smile widening just a bit, he pushed the door open and walked in, his eyes falling immediately on Dave. The big man was dozing on the couch... hadn't heard him come in, either. Catching the door as it swung shut behind him, Shawn let it latch with as little noise as possible. Advancing across the room, he shed his torn t-shirt, letting it join the other discarded clothes by the benches. He stopped in front of Dave, his expression softening as he took in the sight. The man was slumped in the corner of the couch, his shirt partially unbuttoned and revealing a tantalising swath of skin, one arm draped along the arm of the couch. The closed eyes and gentle rhythmic breathing assured Shawn that he was still asleep, and he tilted his head in thought, considering his options. After a moment, he gave in to the more tempting option and carefully lowered himself on to the couch next to his sleeping lover, turning onto his side and leaning his head against Dave's shoulder as he draped his arm across Dave's waist, his fingers resting against his hip. One leg rested gently on top of Dave's, and he inhaled the warm scent of his lover with a smile, letting his eyes drift shut. It had been so long since he'd had anyone to wrap himself up in, and last night had been so awkward due to the circumstances... he was definitely looking forward to that night. But for now, he'd be more than pleased to cuddle up to Dave right here on the couch until Hunter got back. **** Hunter's hair was almost dry by the time the promo shoot was done, causing him to look longingly at the empty bottle of water he'd brought for his extensive physical 'preparations'. It had become synonymous with Hunter's look... the water thing... and he wasn't about to stop doing it. Besides, it was a great habit to have during really hot summers. Unfortunately, although pouring a bottle of water on his head gave him a sleek, meaner appearance it also had a definite disadvantage... he absolutely hated that he became Mr. Fluffy by the end of any long matches or shoots. When he'd hacked most of�his hair�off after the end of DX, Hunt thought he'd perhaps solved the 'Fluffy' problem, instead he'd made it worse. Growing�his hair�long again was out of the question. While the blond bombshell look worked for the gorgeous like Shawn and Jericho, it didn't exactly go with the BastardHHH character he'd spent the better part of six years cultivating. Fluffy blonds just weren't that menacing, besides, if it got too long his hair tended to curl. He was The Game, not Goldilocks. Raking his fingers through the damp mane to try and keep it under control, Hunter slipped out his cell phone and dialed Greg to see how his plans for tonight were coming along. There were only a few last minute things to check, he wasn't going overboard after all despite what he knew Dave and Shawn thought. Hunt wasn't known for flamboyance in any arena of his life, more for the understated�nature of his taste. Limousines and jet planes were all very well, spending money was all about 'where', not how much. Using the phone at his ear as an excuse not to chat, Hunter made his way quickly back towards the locker rooms. His brief contact with Shawn had not been long enough by any stretch of the imagination and Hunt found himself eager to be in the personal space of his lovers once again. Considering the fact that not two hours ago the action of getting all personal with Shawn would have been impossible, Hunter was pleased with his progress. He knew that he wasn't completely over his 'thing' despite the spectacular shower scene they'd created between the three of them. It was just that he'd finally allowed himself to accept Shawn and Dave's touches as if he deserved them, something he wasn't absolutely convinced of, but he was working on it. Now that he felt more comfortable touching them, he just had to deal with a small urge to�bolt the moment they turned their attention to him. Tonight would certainly be 'interesting' in more ways than one. Greg's voice on the cell brought Hunt's thoughts back to the present, or more accurately, an hour from now. "No luck hey?... Okay, try Bolton-Levy, they're Steph's lawyers and have an office here in Uniondale... Oh come on Greg, it's not that late, all you need is a phone call from someone high enough to get the door... Yes... I know you can.... You are the best P.A in the world... universe even... Okay, I am your slave forever even though I pay you more than most Vice-Presidents. Sure, sure, I get my money's worth. Now stop talking to me and call Bolton-Levy, I'm relying on you Greg. Bye." Nodding politely to the few crew members he spotted on the way, Hunter felt a great sigh of relief wash though him as he turned the handle to Evolution's dressing room. Not that Ric or�Orton Jnr�had seen the inside of the space for more than five seconds tonight, Hunter judged. Making a mental note to track down Randy and find out why the kid wasn't in their room, Hunt stopped short at the sight that greeted him beyond the door frame. Now wasn't that the fucking prettiest thing he'd ever seen? Quietly closing the door behind him, Hunter deftly turned the lock and walked across the room to settle on the floor, one leg bent so he could rest�an elbow on his upraised knee. Flicking the little red phone on his cell, Hunter put the dying device into the pocket of his gear bag before leaning back against the wall, keeping a nice distance from the couch so he wouldn't have to crane his neck. If he had the time, he'd watch them all night. Dave looked more relaxed than Hunter had ever seen him, sprawled comfortably across the bigger than normal couch with his blond lover in his arms. Dressed only in jeans, the Heartbreaker was draped across the bigger man like a boneless kitten, the tempting skin of Shawn's back and side looking so smooth even under the harsh flourescent light of the room. 'He'd glow in candlelight,' was Hunt's random thought, unfortunately still in Vince's voice. Ruthlessly pulling his mind from that unpleasantness and turning to other far more lovely things, Hunt felt his own tensions ease as he soaked up the simple presence of the two men who owned his heart. Hunter hadn't realised how long Dave's lashes were, their midnight beauty only revealed when the intense dark eyes were closed. He wanted to count them. They looked so good together, light and dark, blond and brunet. Looking down at his bare forearm, Hunter realised his�own tanned skin seemed to fit the middle ground between them. Maybe it was meant to be? Their appearances like their personalities complementing and contrasting each other so well, becoming something more attractive than their component parts? Not that that was really possible, considering the�good looks�of the two men before him. Or maybe it was just that Hunt spent too long sunbathing. He felt a brief flash of his earlier doubts about his place in this magnificent threesome they were attempting. The lovers, lying so perfectly in each other's arms, were obviously meant for each other. Shawn and Dave, Dave and Shawn... it even had a poetic ring to it, the husky 'shhh' mixing with a low purring 'vvvvv' in a very attractive way. 'Hunter' threw in a sharp 't' that seemed an odd chord. If�he didn't know better he'd try and convince them to just be with each other and leave him to watch safely from the sidelines. He might even have tried... if he wasn't certain one of them would hit him with something repeatedly for even having the thought. Hunter smiled to himself, 'and this time it would probably be Dave.' What Dave had done, what he'd said, had been such a balm to Hunter's weary spirit that he hadn't even allowed himself the luxury of accepting those words. He'd been too distracted by the imminent presence of Mark to fully process what he'd heard, but now he had the time and the opportunity to indulge his eyes and his thoughts. While watching his lovers, he could dwell on his love for them and the fortunate reciprocation of that feeling. Plans upon plans circled Hunter's mind as he gazed happily at Shawn's feet not a yard away from him. Cute feet. Oh yes, tonight was going to be fun, given that Hunter felt it was his duty to sit on Dave till the dark man repeated those amazing words from earlier. And after he'd said them... Hunter would do something else while sitting on Dave. **** "I think something sweet and sassy would be the perfect end to my meal." CJ cocked an amused eyebrow at Adam's flirtatious reply. So his invalid lover wasn't dead below the belt from pain and painkillers quite yet? Even more fun then, from Chris point of view anyway, although he'd make sure Adam was well and truly 'tucked in' by the time he was finished with him. "Sassy huh?" A too-light trail of his fingertips up the arch of Adam's sole caused the ankle in his hand to jerk suddenly. "That can be arranged if..." Chris leaned down, kissing the top of his lover's foot, "...you do eat everything and never..." letting laughter seep into his voice making it deeper and husky, "...eevvvveerrrr, call me Daddy...again." A polite knock at the door interrupted any reply Adam might have had. Dropping another kiss on an exposed knee, CJ climbed off the bed and collected their room service. Thinking that it was the second night in a row they'd ordered in food at weird hours in the night, Chris hoped Adam still wanted to go back to his place tomorrow. Being able to cook something in a real kitchen and actually having a table to sit at was a rare and pleasant luxury. Restaurants were fine, room service was fine... dinner at home was priceless. Putting the trays on the small coffee table, Chris bought the whole lot over beside the bed. After quickly washing all the massage oil off his fingers and settling back into place cross-legged by Adam's side, CJ�put a plate in his lap and pulled off the foil cover. Brilliant. The pieces of chicken were crumbed and slightly warm, the salad in large crisp chunks. Perfect finger food. Leaning forward with enough care that he didn't touch�fractured ribs or topple the plate, Chris kissed Adam gently before sneaking a piece of the chicken between his lover's sexily parted lips. Closing Adam's mouth with another kiss, "Chew," Chris ordered, then let his smile go naughty, "then swallow." Adam's hands had come to rest on his hips but, Chris was pleased to note, made no move to take over the feeding process themselves. Snaring his own share of the meat and salad, CJ made a determined effort to get his delicious lover to eat everything on the tray. It wasn't that hard, Adam seemed to be compliant for the moment, but that could just be the drugs talking. Licking crumbs from his fingers,�Chris put the plate back onto the safety of the table and�twisted so that he was resting against Adam's hip,�one arm bracing his torso across his lover's middle. Looking down at still-sleepy emerald eyes and tangled�streaked hair, CJ decided he could get used to this. Not Adam being hurt of course, no way in hell would he ever like that. But he could love this closeness, this permission to take care of someone else like he really wanted to. Adam's lips were slick from the chicken grease and CJ just had to lean in and clean that up for him. He was�the care-giver here after all and he took his duties very seriously. With Adam's lips clean, Chris went to work catching any stray crumb that may have escaped his eagle-like notice. "I may have missed a spot here Babe, better look." Chris murmured into his lover's ear, nipping lightly at the soft lobe. He checked Adam's jaw line and collarbone, but his questing tongue found no sign of escaped food stuffs. Being only diligent, he sought deeper territory, moving the sheet down in case anything was cowering under the cotton. 'Something' was indeed under there, but it sure wasn't hiding. Lips tracing over each rib and muscle, Chris had to concede he may have done his job too well, there seemed to be no further need for his search and seizure mission. But he was nothing if not thorough. Dipping his tongue into his lover's belly button, Chris smiled into the warm skin as Adam's breath caught and the fingers on his hips twitched. Feeling a hard, hot push against his side, CJ moved again, so his hip didn't dig into Adam's�leg as much and�lifted a�hand from its place on the mattress. Chris ran his�palm across the smooth, starched cotton over Adam's thighs before stroking back and forth across his lover's very interested erection. "Hmmm, I think I've found something," God Adam smelled good, like chicken and soap and the musk of arousal. The hint of blood and sweat from the battle was mostly gone with their clothes, but enough remained to keep him grounded and real. This was Adam, alive but hurt. Not a fantasy, but the genuine article�here now with him. And Chris had always acknowledged how much the real-life Adam meant to him. Adam mattered. Shaking off his momentarily serious thoughts, Chris pushed the sheet lower with his slightly bristled chin. He keep his hand right where it was, moving only fractionally with Adam's�hitched breathing. "Have to make sure there aren't any crumbs down here too Babe or you'll never sleep." Chris sucked gently on the sharp jut of Adam's hipbone and�shifted his legs�enough so the pressure of his pants on his own hardening sex eased somewhat. Finding Adam's shaft with his lips, Chris checked every inch very thoroughly with his tongue. Crumbs here would be really uncomfortable. **** He'd fallen asleep. The hours he'd stayed awake after Shawn had fallen asleep last night in combination with his fitful sleep due to the prophetic dream he'd had having taken their toll. He hadn't planned to close his eyes when he'd stretched out on the couch, but apparently the darn thing was comfortable enough that he'd managed to nod off. As he woke, he felt the warm body pressed closely to his own. Shawn. He didn't have to look to know who it was. The weight of Shawn's body pressed to his seemed so familiar after just one night. His lips turned up into a gentle smile as he simply absorbed the feel of Shawn cuddled up to him. He knew that someone was watching him, feeling the weight of their stare. Hunter. Why he hadn't joined their little pile on the couch, Dave wasn't sure, but he'd remedy that soon enough. Slowly opening his eyes, the smile still on his lips, he took in the sight of his lover leaned against the wall. Hunter was apparently deep in thought. Dave wasn't sure that was a good thing until he looked Hunter over. Just what was Hunter thinking about right now with that smoldering look burning in his eyes? He was determined to find out. "Hey, darlin'." Speaking quietly so he wouldn't as yet wake Shawn, Dave waited for Hunter to acknowledge him. Hunter didn't jump upon hearing his voice, just calmly focused on him. Crooking a finger, he waited for Hunter to come closer. Once he was within reach, Dave snagged his wrist and pulled him gently onto one knee so as not to wake the sleeping blond cuddled against him. Running a hand up Hunter's back until he reached the slightly damp tendrils of his hair, Dave gently tangled his fingers in the silky locks. Lifting his head, he pressed teasing kisses along Hunter's jaw until he reached his lips. He wasn't caught up in a rush of lust at the moment, just his tender feelings for the man seated on his lap. The kiss was tender, sweet. He pulled away just enough to look into Hunter's eyes. "Missed you," he said as his fingers left Hunter's hair to smooth across his cheek. And he had. He didn't want to be parted from either of the men in his company for the rest of the night. They needed some time alone... time to themselves so that they could cement this relationship between them. They needed time without curious friends, raging bosses, and nosy co-workers. Hopefully they'd be able to leave soon and not be forced into staying for the entire taping. He could always hope so anyway. He had a few important things to talk to them about after all. Dave just hoped that Hunter didn't mention what he'd said earlier until he had a chance to bring it up himself. **** Years of training in the art of physical combat...real or imagined, had honed Jeff's reactions to the split-second timing needed for his most dangerous moves. Even his recent 'holiday' still hadn't stopped his daily workout and practice sessions, they just didn't have�the usual intensity Jeff was known for bringing to the ring. Still, a big guy with his fat fingers around your wrist was a big guy with your arm in his control and Jeff wasn't a hundred percent sure he'd come out on top if he used strength to try and break the grip. "Still gotta a foul mouth don't ya Baby?" Rick asked as his fingers�around Jeff's wrist tightened enough to leave bruises. A quick glance up the hall showed the coast was clear, so the big man turned to look down at his beautiful captured prey. "Dom knew how to shut that mouth a' yours. Why don't we see if I can get the same result, huh?" "Not fucking likely!" Jeff cursed with said foul mouth, digging his boot heels into the linoleum in an attempt to pull himself further up the hallway. For all his threats and bluster Richard wasn't going to try and force Jeff into doing something... not here in the arena for fuck's sake. But he just might get rough enough to cause Jeff some damage and the smaller man had enough of a self-preservation instinct not to want that kind of trouble. He did take his shirt off�while he worked�after all. But ending this without anyone getting bruised was looking less and less likely as Rick tried to tug Jeff into his arms. Before he resorted to�the�'foot in the balls' maneuver though,�he'd better give reasoning a try. The Jeff Hardy way. "Don't be complete idiot Rick. What are you gonna do? Try and grope me in a hallway for Christ's sake?!" Maybe a bit less insult and a bit more reason could do the trick. "Fucking let go!" Maybe not. "Why not huh?" Richard was successfully pulling Jeff further away from any occupied areas of the arena. "I'll take Dom's leavings any day. We share a liking for pretty little guys like you Baby." Jeff wasn't sure if it was the 'pretty' or the 'little' comment that sent his temper skyrocketing. Screw not getting into trouble, screw Vince and screw the contract... Richard was gonna bleed in a minute. "I'll give you 'little' Dickhead." "Yeah, and little means weak Junior? Tell that to Jet Li or Ricky Steamboat why don't you? I'd love to watch." CJ's words and the subsequent three-hour lesson came instantly to Jeff's mind as Richard used the leverage he had on the slighter man's arm to back him further down the hall towards the dead end. Moving his feet so that he maintained his arm length distance and Rick couldn't pull him close, Jeff seemed to give way before the bulk of the big man, all the while his fingers were struggling vainly at the digits currently grinding the delicate bones of his wrist�together. Hoping he had the element of surprise, Jeff's trembling hands dropped their convincing display of panic and with cool precision darted to grip Rick's pinkie-finger. Just like CJ had shown him. The weakest of the five, it was also the most vulnerable and Jeff�used that to his advantage, bending the small finger in on itself and then squeezing with all the strength he possessed. Rick let go. Rick also backhanded�Jeff across the face. Feeling his�spine impact with the edge of a black packing case, Jeff refrained from touching the small cut he was fairly sure was going to appear on his lower lip. At least Rick wasn't�holding him anymore. Now the question was how to keep it that way and make it past the asshole standing between Jeff and freedom. Clenching his fists, he readied himself for a bull rush and looked up through his hair to be certain of Richard's position. Oh. **** Hunter watched as Dave's eyelashes fluttered, the lids lifting to reveal deep chocolate pools softened with sleep and a gentle smile. It amazed him that he'd never been able to read the expression in Dave's eyes before, they'd been too calm, had to much control for Hunter to interpret. Now? Now, it was like looking at a clearly written page, he could see the words as if in his own hand. Dave was feeling relaxed, comfortable and almost, but not-quite, horny. Hunter�sensed that gentle burn of affection reach him across the room, sending his heart-rate up just a little in response. Hey, darlin' The honey tone and 'come here' gesture hit Hunter in the balls like Dave�was stroking�them with his�hand. He wanted to crawl across the carpet�and nuzzle into�his lover's fingers like a big tiger, arching up for the petting every part of his body was demanding.�Resisting that urge, Hunt smoothly rose to his feet and crossed the space between them, his fingers tangling with Dave's outstretched ones. Fingers that moved up and encircled his wrist, the confidant pressure luring him into Dave's warm embrace. Given that they were matched in size, Hunter leaned most of his weight onto the couch's arm-rest and looped one knee over Dave's outstretched leg. Not having spoken a word, Hunter hoped Dave could read the love in his eyes the same way he could in Dave's. Leaning over the entwined men, Hunter moved with the gentle pressure of fingers in his hair to rest his forehead against Dave's. But his lover shifted�and gentle kisses adorned his cheeks and lips. Missed you, Oh yeah, Hunter could agree with that.�He hadn't realised� how much he was relying on their constant presence since this morning, until he'd come into this room to find them sleeping. His best friend inhabited such a huge part of Hunter's consciousness that when he'd forced him away last night, he'd left a frightening Shawn-shaped hole in his heart. Now Hunter knew that the space would be even more tragic if he lost Dave's�affections as well.� Thinking of his best friend and new lover, Hunter looked down Dave's torso to the sleeping man in his arms. In sleep Shawn looked ten years younger, the small lines at the corner of his eyes, generated from the agony of back-surgery, smoothed out by a contented expression on his�amazing bone structure. Cocking an enquiring eyebrow at Dave, Hunter smiled when he got permission to wake their bombshell. Moving back onto the floor, Hunt knelt beside the couch and leaned over his�drowsing�lover. Conveniently his face was almost perfectly lined up with Dave's groin, so Hunter sent him a hot look, just to let him know he was thinking about it. But back to Shawn, and Hunter licked his lips lightly before dropping a soft kiss onto Shawn's pouty mouth. When his lover's lips parted at the contact, Hunter delved deeper into the hot, silky depths�exposed to him. Sitting back from the drugging kiss, Hunt pressed his lips to Shawn's eyelids before murmuring softly, "Good morning Sleeping Beauty." **** His fingers twitched as a quiet sound escaped him, the response of his body slowly pulling him back to reality as he became aware that the mouth devouring his in a sweet, deep kiss�wasn't just part of his dream. Moaning quietly as that wonderful sensation ended, Shawn smiled as he felt the light feathery sensation of kisses on his eyelids, the loved voice next to him waking him up fully. "Good morning Sleeping Beauty." "Mornin'," he half-whispered, his voice stolen away again by sleep. Reaching up, he stroked his fingers across Hunt's cheek in a short caress before turning his head to look at the man he was still draped across. Warm dark eyes met his, contentment equally obvious in both pairs, and he lifted his head to press a kiss to Dave's lips before letting himself slump back against his lover. This had to be the best wake up that he'd ever had, he thought. Just a catnap in the locker room, maybe, but he'd never before been able to wake up and find himself surrounded so thoroughly and so firmly in this sort of emotion. He was beyond happy, a deep contented warmth filling him at the simple awareness that the other two men were here. Reaching out, he pulled at Hunter, wanting the man to join them on the couch. It was big enough to hold the three of them, and although he knew that they'd have to get up soon for something, he didn't want to face reality quite yet.�Lassitude keeping him planted firmly on the couch, he smiled again as he felt Hunter settle next to him and turned to face him without moving away from Dave. "Can't be Sleeping Beauty, Hunt," he finally protested. "Don't have a castle." Resisting the urge to stick his tongue out at the man, since he wasn't feeling energetic enough to follow through with that temptation just yet, he settled for a hand on Hunter's thigh. **** to be continued... |