"ITVR: Chapter 56"
Theatrics.
By Jadedoll, Penumbren, & Raising Kane
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"I should remember to tell Hunt to lock the door from now on, I think, if they can't tone it down" Scott grinned despite the seriousness of what he sensed was coming. Tone it down? Something that not a single one of them was good at if they were at all honest. Dave he wasn't sure about, but only because the man seemed to be so sedate and controlled all the time. Somehow he suspected that with Hunter and Shawn's help that wouldn't be the case for very long. He could imagine the scene that Kevin had described even without a bunch of details. His very fertile mind was more than happy to supply a picture for him until Kevin's hand dropped onto his leg. Despite his momentary worry about wandering hands, he found Kevin's touch to be more the soothing sort than the sort meant to arouse. With little effort at all, Scott could picture Hunter playing protective of Batista. Not that Dave would need protection, but it was just Hunter's nature to try to do so. Scott was semi-curious about how Mark had found out about Shawn and Dave as well, but wouldn't linger on the question. Anyone who'd seen the two together since last night could have told him with the tension that had been radiating between the two men. It could have been anyone from either roster. He winced as Kevin talked about Dave's comments about Mark dumping Shawn. That had to have hit a nerve with their friend. Having known about Shawn's feelings for Hunter for a very long time, Scott could well imagine why Mark had initiated a split between him and Shawn, not that either man had ever confirmed it. He doubted that they ever would...at least in regards to anyone but maybe Hunter. "...Which just makes me feel like a heel for interrupting a moment that pretty obviously meant a lot to both of them." Ouch. Scott could feel Kevin's regret at being a witness to that moment. In a way he couldn't blame Dave for being just a little bit pissed. He would have reacted the same way if he'd been interrupted the first time he had told Kevin he loved him. Of course Kevin hadn't believed him the first time he'd said it, but that was another story entirely. Scott was however happy to hear that Dave's feelings extended to both men. They'd had their suspicions, of course, but having it confirmed was comforting. He'd love to be a fly on the wall when Dave told Shawn of his feelings. Shawn would be over the moon... and wasn't it about damn time? Scott was glad that Dave had chosen walking out over the alternatives. Hunter and Mark... well, they hadn't killed each other or they would have heard about it. Hopefully they managed to put Shawn's feelings ahead of theirs and worked things out so that they could at least be civil. As he pulled into the parking lot and put the car in park, Scott was already anticipating the moment they could be alone in their room. Kevin was obviously feeling bad about his part in what had happened, but Scott figured that just maybe it had been for the best to get things out in the open. Dave and Mark would eventually have to talk and work things out for Shawn's benefit, if not under their own power then with a little prodding. Now all he had to do was take Kevin's mind off of what had happened. "So, Bad Guy... got any plans for tonight?" Scott smiled as he took in the look Kevin was sending him. Did he have plans for tonight? Oh yeah, he did. Plans that included a lingering discussion on the merits of Kevin's mouth, with demonstration. Not that he was going to admit to that at the moment. Running his tongue slowly along his lower lip, he shook his head. "Nothing concrete, babe. I figured we could play it by ear. Maybe find something to nibble on." Climbing out of the car, he walked around to Kevin's side of the car and waited for him to exit as well. Wrapping an arm securely around his lover's waist, Scott leveled a seriously heated look on the man. Letting his seriousness melt into playfulness, Scott smirked as he looked up at Kevin. "Actually now that I'm thinking about it, I've got a definite craving for dessert right now. Something sweet... say something like a... cr�me puff." With that, Scott turned and ran for the entrance to the hotel knowing that Kevin wouldn't be far behind him. **** Jeff could literally feel the noise from the arena pulse�along the floor and up into his body�via the�souls of his feet. The black-out curtain was shining with a bluish radiance as the�pop of�a thousand camera�flashes went off simultaneously. He knew that the�strobe of light would last for the next few minutes as the Undertaker's theme music echoed from the walls. Letting his eyelids flutter shut, Jeff imagined the�scene on the other side of�the�curtain. Like lightning strikes, the white bursts would illuminate the ring, the ramp and the phenomenal man at the top. Everyone in the audience would have their attention riveted on Mark Calloway, a.k.a. The Undertaker. Slowly he'd stride to the ring, all eyes on his hat, long black coat and commanding face. Such a fucking awesome entrance and Jeff would swear black and blue that there would never be another one like it. He'd had those well-known chills while he'd watched 'Taker's old school return at WMXX and like everyone else had been flushed with excitement at the Return of the Phenom. So his flushes had had a little more heat than some at the sight of a refreshed and damn gorgeous Mark prowling around the ring like he owned it, but then... he was only human. Unfortunately the images behind Jeff's eyelids were tarnished by the presence of Paul.E being anywhere near Mark, but his bodyguard excuse could only go so far. Mark had done a pretty good job of keeping Heyman's hands to himself without Jeff, that he'd just have to hope the ToadMan would mind his manners in the ring. He figured that would tip even Mark's legendarily even temper over, TV audience or no. The warm sensation on the skin of his shoulder reminded Jeff of Mark's parting words and the curious understanding he'd seen in those deep emerald orbs. Would it be his again, the adrenaline rush that put a junkie to shame and the sense of belonging he felt even when all alone in that ring? God he hoped so. Mark had given him the chance... okay, okay Vince had too... but Jeff would fixate on Mark's part in his resurrection rather than his boss's... and Jeff could make all the vows in the world, but he would really have to get his ass in gear if he ever wanted to see an arena crowd from the other side of the curtain. "Hey Hardy!" Jeff spun around and opened his eyes at the call of his name. Grinning at the crew man who had just walked past, Jeff called a 'Hi' in return and shook his head in wonderment. Although he shouldn't be surprised really, in the fishbowl universe of back stage, news traveled extremely fast and it wasn't as if Jeff could blend in with the scenery. What was a bit of a shock was the half-dozen or so acknowledgments and greetings he received while standing guard at the curtain. No one asked why he was at the entrance to the stage area, but people had given up trying to figure Hardy out years ago and they probably just chalked it up to another one of his 'things'. Throwing out a smirk or two also got a happy response and Jeff realised that in the time before he left... or was pushed... he hadn't been smiling much at anybody. He could blame Dom for that little fact, along with some other things that didn't matter anymore. What mattered in the here and now was Jeff's contract, his chance to be back on TV, his brother and Mark. And not necessarily in that order. Another roar and the sudden churn of music clued Jeff in to the end of the spot. He had no idea of the run sheet for tonight and didn't know if Mark would be able to leave now or what... but he really, really hoped so. In the last ten minutes the back-stage area had quieted down completely. Most of the talent had taken off in one direction or another and the crew who had to be here were going about their work with determined efficiency. Everyone hated to stay late, so people generally got their job done as quickly as possible, there was plenty of time for pissing around before a show when the waiting could kill you. After a show however was all speed ahead and then some. Seeing the curtain flick back, Jeff moved three steps�away to see who it was and give them some space. The pumped up feeling from performing would be coursing through both men's veins and Jeff really didn't want to be anywhere near a hyper Paul.E Heyman. Now Mark Calloway on the other hand... Well, Jeff better chill that kind of thought out right now. If he was permitted to tag along with the man back to hotel for a while, then he'd better be�on his best behaviour. He needed Mark more than words could say and trying his luck a third time tonight would probably lose him everything. And that just wasn't a chance Jeff was willing to take. **** Aware of�Dave's frown from�just behind him, Shawn watched as Randy shifted from "totally depressed" to "shocked but pretending to be fine". What the hell? Had him being locked out of the room freaked the kid out that much? Hmm. From the looks of it, it had... but there had to be more going on here. Randy put on a great show of "arrogant sonofabitch", but Shawn was too familiar with that particular brand of cockiness not to see through it. It didn't mean that Orton Jr. didn't piss him off on a regular basis, but he was a great worker and Shawn was fairly sure he knew where a lot of that attitude came from. Unfortunately, he also knew where a lot of it had to go... and only one person was going to get rid of it: the one wearing it. The unsure grip on his hand communicated more than Randy realised, undoubtedly. The half-hearted acceptance left him caught between wanting to growl at the kid and wanting to laugh at him; sadly, he was pretty sure that the growl would go over better. Stepping backwards as Randy pulled his hand away, he smiled faintly as Dave's arms closed almost immediately around him again. There hadn't been any overwhelming emotional declarations for at least the last hour, which was probably a good thing, considering how the last few had gone. They'd been together less than a day, and it really wasn't a great idea to make assumptions about the way their complex relationship was going... but he already knew that he was falling for the Animal. He wasn't about to say anything involving the "l" word yet, but after their time together before and after the little scene with Vince, he suspected that word was going to come up a hell of a lot sooner than he'd thought it would. "Pay-per-views always need more talk than just a TV match." Eyebrows raising, Shawn cast a sidelong look at Hunt as they walked through the garage, somewhat startled to hear those words out of his lover's mouth. Immediately recognisable, at least to him, he was fairly sure that only a handful of others backstage would know Bret's words. Randy was sure to assume that it was a gem of wisdom from The Game's mouth, which was fine, since it was good advice. It was just surprising to hear Hunter, who'd never been fond of Bret, to put it mildly, quote the man. Bret Hart was a genius... to use a modern-day co-worker's phrase, he was "a wrestling god", and Shawn had immense respect for him for that. Too bad his own personal experiences with him had left him so soured on the rest of the person behind the name.�The asshole had always said that Shawn would never find happiness because he was too shallow and too arrogant for anyone to love... look who was alone now. Shrugging slightly, he refused to let himself dwell on those thoughts; the strong arm around him reminded him that he didn't need to bury himself in bitterness any more. The pause as Hunter looked past them caught his attention and dragged him back to the present. Glancing over to follow Hunt's gaze, Shawn's eyebrows raised again as he saw Steve leaning against Randy's car. That was interesting. Looking back at the kid, Orton was clearly caught between a strong desire to run and... fascination? Hmmmm. He sure couldn't seem to pull his eyes away from the Rattlesnake as Austin approached. Even as stiff as Orton's body was in his surprise, there was some kind of... pull there. And Shawn hadn't seen that sort of expression on Steve's face since... well... ever. That was even more interesting. "I won't break him." Biting back a sudden urge to warn Austin how close he probably was to doing just that, Shawn instead watched them as Austin led Randy back to his car before stopping and speaking to him in a low voice. No way in hell could his suspicions be right... could they? But the body language was all over the place, practically screaming at anyone who was paying attention. Whatever had happened, Steve wasn't too happy with its conclusion and Randy was just about scared stiff of talking to the Rattlesnake, that was obvious. Before his staring caught their attention, he felt a finger tap him on the shoulder and turned his head to see Hunter smirking at him, shaking his head. "Oh, hush, Hunter. There's nothing wrong with watching," Shawn answered the unspoken comment with a smirk. "Now... weren't we supposed to be leaving this place?" Pulling Dave behind him, he started toward their car. To hell with everybody else... he wasn't stopping for anybody this time. **** Luckily for him, Randy managed to drop the attitude, at least for a moment or two. Dave looked on as he shook hands with Shawn. Good. He really didn't want to be on the outs with someone he was supposed to be tagging with on the show Monday, but he wasn't about to let Randy get mouthy with Shawn either. As soon as the handshake was completed, Dave moved forward and put his arms around Shawn, almost daring Randy to make a comment. If he was going to use Evolution's locker room in the future, it was a sight he'd have to get used to eventually. "But I'd set up a meeting with the guys from Sunday and Monday though." Dave almost groaned. He really didn't want to spend any of his off-time conferring with Randy. Since he was only working the Monday night TV match then maybe they could just work things out on Sunday before the pay-per-view. Dave honestly doubted they'd see much of Adam or Jericho before then in any case. He was about to suggest to Randy that they talk things over sometime on Sunday morning when Austin approached their group. Dave returned the nod with one of his own. Now wasn't this just... interesting as hell? Dave couldn't think of a single reason for Austin to want to talk to Randy. "Don't mind if I borrow this do ya Hunt? I won't break him." No, no, no, no... what he was thinking just couldn't be right. Randy looked like he wanted to be absolutely anywhere but here at the moment and Austin looked almost... possessive. Dave did little more than raise a brow, but it would be hard to tell with his sunglasses in place. Holy sexual tension, Batman. Dave had no doubt that's what it was... he'd been on the giving and receiving ends of that particular problem all day. Randy and Austin? It was just too weird to contemplate. "Oh, hush, Hunter. There's nothing wrong with watching." Dave smiled. He had to agree with that, though if he had a choice between watching and doing... he was all for doing... only not with Austin or Randy. "Now... weren't we supposed to be leaving this place?" Dave heartily agreed. Following in Shawn's wake, not that he was being given a choice, Dave tossed his bag in the trunk once they reached the car. Dave ushered Shawn into the back and then urged Hunter into the backseat as well. He wasn't at all sure he could sit with Shawn and not instigate anything so he was taking the safe path and sitting up front. Turning to look over the seat at Hunter, Dave pulled off his sunglasses. "So... are we heading back to the hotel?" Dave wasn't about to let on, but he was starting to get a little nervous. As soon as they finished eating...whenever that might be depending on Hunter's plan, Dave wanted them to have a serious talk. He couldn't wait any longer because if Shawn was going to freak out over his little admission, he wanted it to happen before things went any further. **** Don't mind if I borrow this do ya Hunt? I won't break him. Hunter inclined his head towards Steve in permission. Not that it was his to give as he had no claims on Randy's time as anything other than an almost friend and work mentor, but Austin was making a point, and he was making it loud. But not to Hunt... to Randy. He�was saying with the possessive hand and enquiring gaze that Hunter's protection wasn't needed here, Randy wasn't in any physical danger from Steve. Quite the opposite in fact, Hunt�suspected�no one would even look funny at the young man while�Austin was around. Looking away from the low-voiced conversation, Hunt turned his eyes to his lovers and couldn't stop the smirk that crossed his features.�Shawn wasn't even�trying to be�subtle about his curiosity, the blond's ears were practically pointed like a cat's towards the couple standing near the rental sedan. Reaching out a hand, Hunt tapped Shawn lightly on the shoulder, then, smirk widening, tapped a second time to get his friend's attention. Oh, hush, Hunter. There's nothing wrong with watching, No indeed, but Hunter just loved teasing Shawn just as much as he loved the man himself. And Dave... Dave was his usual inscrutable self, although he'd relaxed his 'aggressive' stance somewhat since Randy's handshake and abduction by Steve. Hunt added his own 'Hell Yeah' to Shawn's suggestion that they finally leave. Hunt had been planning to take his usual place in the front seat and direct their driver, but Dave had taken the decision from his hands, politely and firmly pushing Hunt into the back seat with Shawn. Oh well, he'd just have to put up with being in a confined space with a gorgeous guy draped all over him, poor Hunter. Twisting in his seat belt so he could� rest his shoulders in the corner of the door, Hunter lifted Shawn's hand and tangled their finger's together. Silly really, that something so simple as holding his lover's hand is now precious to him, more precious than any of the trappings of wealth he'd�gained over the years. But Shawn and Dave were real and warm and in love with him... the rest of it could just go to hell as far as Hunter was concerned. So.. .are we heading back to the hotel? Hunter drew his eyes from Shawn's fingers and met Dave's questioning gaze with his own sneaky hazel one. Remembering what he had planned caused another pleased smile to reach his lips. Really, he'd been smiling so much in the last twenty-four hours he was amazed his face didn't hurt. "No David, not the hotel." Raising his voice Hunter spoke to the driver. "Ah Vetrez? It's Vetrez isn't it? Could you take us to the Entech Building please? Great." Settling back, Hunter just smiled into Dave and Shawn's curious expressions, there was no way he was spoiling this little number�by letting the cat out of the bag. Fortunately the drive only took about twenty minutes, the thirty story building being in the Business District in the centre of town. When they arrived Hunt happily shuffled Shawn onto the pavement and got out to find Greg and an amused looking security guard called Bob, waiting in front of the large glass doors. "Not that I don't love my job Hunt, really I do..." Gregory Amerton said in his typical strong New York accent as the three wrestlers walked up to them, "...but you are the weirdest Superstar I've ever worked for." Gesturing to the Bob, Hunter took mental note of the name tag, Greg led them into the brightly lit marble foyer. "And that includes the crazy-ass hip hop boys with, you know..." Greg made a strange movement with his fingers near his head, "...the hair." "I take that as a compliment you know." Hunter assured his PA as they crossed the foyer with Bob on their heels. Pressing the elevator button Greg shooed them inside, reaching around the doors, he pressed a button and stood back. "Have a lovely evening gentlemen, Vetrez will be back at 1 am. That's when Bob's going to kick you out. 'Night." Greg waved as the door closed. Given the last time they rode in an elevator together Hunter had been kissed to within an inch of his life, Hunt hoped this time the trip would be�a lot quicker. He really wanted the kissing to start when they had something more comfortable to lean against. Ahh, good. Now to see if Greg really was worth the exorbitant�fee Hunter paid him. Well... The roof of the Entech Building, thirtieth floor leased to Bolton-Levy lawyers for Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, was a magnificent private garden. Exotic trees and perfectly landscaped beds adorned with a collection of plants that hit Hunter with their perfume the moment the doors opened. Resting on�a picturesque�manicured�mound twenty feet away, was a large checked picnic blanket, an ice bucket with several bottles already�uncorked,�glasses, and the biggest wicker basket Hunter had ever seen. From�somewhere the sounds of a jazz band could be heard filtering through the garden and even an occasional peep from a night bird added to the atmosphere. ...Looks like Greg's getting a raise then. **** No, no, no, no, no. This really wasn't happening. Randy had managed to avoid Steve all night, even with the Evolution room denied him and now the man had just popped up out of nowhere... and he was doing the leaning thing. Steve leaned like he was readying himself for a match, like whoever caused him to stop leaning would be on the receiving end of a hell of an ass kicking. It could have been the outfit, but more likely it was just an exaggeration of Steve's usual 'don't piss me off' attitude to everything. The man could scare people just by thinking about them, leaning well, that was a statement as far as randy was concerned. Shooting a quick glance at his car, Randy realised the tires hadn't been let down and there was no sign of key marks on the sides. So Steve was saving it all up for Randy was he? Okay then,�no matter what Steve said to him in front of the other men, Randy wasn't ashamed of what had happened and he wouldn't back down from the other man's anger. Steve could try, but Randy�wasn't going to let the Rattlesnake make�last night into something it wasn't.�No way was Randy Freakin' Orton gonna let himself get bullied by some redneck. Don't mind if I borrow this do ya Hunt? I won't break him. Or he could just get manhandled like a girl. As soon as they were out of ear shot, Randy wrenched his elbow from Steve's grasp and took a step away from the body of the other man. He was fucking taller than the guy for Christ's sake, no way was he intimidated. No way. "Hands off the suit Austin, this outfit cost more than you do." Oh shit. That probably wasn't�exactly the smartest thing to say. Steve's expression had gone from mildly irritated to very pissed before the words had even left Randy's mouth. Austin, for his part, was manfully resisting the urge to throw Randy over his knee and spank the hell outta him. He'd been moaning and crying all day over this little bastard? He should have just tied the kid to the bed last night and none of this shit would have happened, they'd have had their 'talk' while naked and then fucked some more rather than in a fuckin' parkin' lot with the Holy Fucking Trinity listening to every word. Well, fuck it, Steve wasn't going to take this shit anymore. "And what the hell would ya know about what I cost, huh, ya stupid son of a bitch? Think a coupl'a beers is all it takes to jump me is that it? Was that yer plan, dressing all like a normal person, sittin' next ta me at the bar and puttin' on yer 'I'm really not such an asshole'� on yer pretty face, just ta find out what it would take ta bed ole Stone Cold? Did ya have a bet runnin' or somethin'?" Suddenly Steve blinked at his own words and fury rushed through him from his boots to his heart. Taking two fistfuls of Randy's ultra-cotton shirt, he lifted the younger man bodily onto the hood of the car and leaning his face in close and menacing. "Ya better not have or I swear I'll kick your ass, promise to Hunt or not." Randy struggled vainly at the hold, his long legs trying to brace him on the tarmac while Steve leaned him back at an uncomfortable angle. The impact of Steve's move had caused his sun glasses to slide forward and rest awkwardly�on his nose. His own fingers trying to pry Austin's off his front, Randy gasped the truth into�his lover from last night's demanding blue gaze. "No, no, I swear I didn't Steve. I wasn't even staying at the hotel." All attempt at pretense had left Randy the moment Steve had started talking to him. Having the undivided attention of the Rattlesnake caused Randy to feel like a foolish young kid, rather than the sophisticated young man he was supposed to be. "I sat next to you because I wanted to, not because of a bet. I swear it Steve." "Well�" Steve relented a little, the muscles in his arms no longer bulging from the effort of controlling Randy's actions. Taking a moment to assess their respective positions, Steve raised a wicked eyebrow as he noticed his position between Randy's legs, the solid bulk of the car beneath the younger man's butt. "So... why did ya come onto me then?" **** Scott's arm around his waist helped keep Kevin in the moment, rather than letting him go back to dwell on his unfortunate interruption earlier, but even as his lips curved in a smile, his eyebrow raised at the smirk on his lover's face. That look didn't bode well... but for who, Kev wasn't going to bet on. "...say something like a... cr�me puff." Caught between a growl and a laugh, Kev snorted as he watched Scott head for the entrance. Patting his pocket, he smiled to himself as he made sure that the room key was still there, and followed his lover at a much more leisurely pace. They'd promised Vince to try to keep it toned down in public---well, as much as they could, anyway---and Kevin really didn't feel like running through the lobby. Especially not when he knew exactly where Scott was heading. Nodding at the wide-eyed girl behind the counter, he sauntered through the lobby and pushed the elevator button, quietly relieved when he was the only one on it. Pushing the floor button, he leaned against the side of the elevator, hands in his pockets, as he considered what to do when he reached their room. It would really depend on Scott, he knew. If Scott wanted to take control of things, Kev wasn't about to stop him... although with all the teasing tonight, that would be pretty surprising. If he wanted it to be a normal encounter, Kevin would happily take turns with his lover tormenting each other until they lost control. And if Scotty decided that he wanted Kevin to follow through on his teasing from earlier in Bradshaw's room... well. They'd see. He wasn't really feeling up to a full-on scene tonight, but laying Scott across his lap and giving him his just desserts for his little pranks tonight... that idea nearly took Kevin's breath away. Taking a deep breath as the elevator doors slid open, Kevin schooled his features to calmness, even if his body wouldn't agree to do the same, and walked down the hall. His nerves were thrumming with desire, and he was sure that Scott was feeling the same way. As amazing as this morning had been, the games they'd played with each other all day had him keyed up so much that he was positive tonight would be even better. Stopping in front of their door, he pulled the key card from his back pocket and ran it through the scanner, pushing open the door and stepping through. Locking it after him as it closed, he walked into the main part of the room before stopping, his attention centered fully on his lover. **** Once he hit the lobby, he slowed himself to a fast walk towards the elevators. No need to draw too much attention to himself... unless it was Kevin's attention he was drawing. Smiling as he walked into the elevator behind a man and woman dressed in evening wear, Scott leaned against the wall of the cubicle. His smile widened as he noticed the wary look the guy was aiming at him and the almost sultry look the woman was sending in his direction. People just cracked him up. Winking at the woman when the elevator doors opened at his floor, he ignored the man's frown and hurried down the hall. Kevin hadn't lit after him, but then he hadn't really expected him to. That just gave Scott a few minutes to prepare himself for Big Sexy's entrance into the room. Hopping on one foot, then the other, he pulled off his boots and tossed them towards the dresser. Jeans, socks, and the Big Sexy T-shirt followed in short order. Once he was bare as the day he was born, Scott crawled onto the bed and stacked the pillows neatly in the middle of the headboard and leaned back against them. Legs slightly spread, one knee bent, he drew gentle circles on his thigh with the fingers of his right hand. Thinking back to Kev's earlier 'lesson', Scott remembered the weight of Kevin's hand on his ass and the resulting sting. It had been way too long since Kevin had had the chance to 'discipline' him for his behavior, thus the prodding at Heyman afterwards. If that hadn't been enough, then there was always the cr�me puff comments, and if that still wasn't enough then what he was about to do should prompt some kind of reaction from the man. Hopefully it would earn him another lesson. The small taste he'd had earlier just hadn't been enough and he really couldn't wait until they made use of their room at home. This morning, he'd used Kevin's touching himself as an excuse for a little bit of play... hopefully Kevin would feel the same rules applied to Scott right now. He waited patiently until he heard the click of the door latch unlocking and Kevin's heavy footsteps heading into the room. As soon as he feasted his eyes on his lover, he moved his hand slowly from its position on his thigh to cup his balls. Not lingering for more than a second or two, he wrapped his hand firmly around his burgeoning erection and gave it a few long slow strokes. Running one finger over the tip of his cock, he smeared the pearl of fluid around the head. "Since it took you so long to get here, Chico, I thought I'd get a head start," he said with a cocky grin. Of course while Kevin was teaching him a well-deserved lesson, he planned to be teaching Kev one as well... on the merits of his beautiful mouth. He would convince Kevin of it, even if it took all night. **** Finding Paul waiting for him in the short "corridor" created by the blackout curtains at the top of the ramp made Mark grit his teeth. Whatever the little man wanted to say to him, he could either say it in public, or preferably, not at all. Slitting his eyes at Heyman, Mark walked by without stopping, sending Paul scrambling to get out of his way. Even though he hadn't really done anything in the ring, the crowd response never failed to get his blood pumping, and he found himself wishing that he weren't rooming alone tonight. Almost as though on cue, Heyman's nauseating squeal pierced the odd semi-silence in the small dark area. "Enjoy your little perk tonight, Mark... for as long as he lasts." Mark stopped, his fingers clenching, before slowly turning to face Heyman. Whatever expression was on his face, Paul blanched, clutching that damned urn close to his chest. Speaking in a low voice with more than a hint of a growl to it, Mark said, "Hardy is no concern of yours, Heyman. And he'll last a lot longer than you will." Turning in a swirl of black leather, Mark turned and took the last few steps out into the gorilla area, unconsciously seeking out the brightly-hued hair of one Jeff Hardy before he realised what he was doing. Stopping abruptly as he found himself face-to-face with the younger man, he took a moment to try to recover from his surprise at his own action and swept his hat off his head, holding it in one hand as he wiped his brow with the other. Hopefully his own less-than-bored condition wouldn't be screamingly obvious to anyone... especially the man he was facing. Jeff had offered to do whatever he wanted earlier in the evening, and although that had been the result of misunderstanding, Mark couldn't deny that the offer itself had been tempting, no matter how little he liked the thought of using someone else the way Jeff thought he'd been intending. Remembering the brief view he'd had of the pale body hidden under the clinging suit didn't help much. "I don't know what your plans are, Jeff, but if you're up to it, it'd probably be a good thing if we could talk for a while." He managed to keep his tone surprisingly steady as he struggled with the thoughts that were rising up, unbidden, in his mind. He couldn't quite help letting his eyes wander over the sight in front of him, though; that suit that Jeff was wearing was anything but revealing... but inspired dangerous thoughts. Remembering the feeling of the brightly-coloured hair sliding through his fingers and the warm weight of Jeff pressing against him didn't help. Realising that his gaze had gotten more intense than he'd meant it to be, he blinked, hoping fervently that his thoughts hadn't been as clear as he suspected they had been. "Look, I've got to go change. Why don't you go find whoever it was you wanted to talk to and meet me back at my locker room when you're done? We can head back to the hotel afterward." Except that Jeff probably didn't have a room there, let alone know which one it was. He was not going to just stand here and offer his room to the man; no way in hell would that be taken as anything but a blatant come-on, at this point. If Jeff needed someplace to stay and told him so, that would be a different matter entirely. At least Jeff going off to visit his friends would give Mark a little bit of time alone... and he was starting to need that, desperately. As much as he prided himself on his self-control, the combination of long abstinence, adrenaline, and both the sight and recent memories of Jeff were just too much. **** "No David, not the hotel." Even though he was curious as hell and was sure that it was apparent, Dave didn't ask why they were going to some building in the business district. Hunter wouldn't have told him even if he had asked... at least that was the feeling that Dave got. So he settled in for the ride and thought a bit more on his own surprise for later. When they reached their destination, Dave climbed out of the car and looked up at the large building before them. He still couldn't imagine why they were here, but knew he'd have to just 'wait and see'. Dave smiled over the comments by Hunter's PA. Hunter was definitely an original... which was one of the many reasons that he loved the man. After following Hunter and Shawn into the elevator, he leaned against the wall of the cubicle. Now that Hunter seemed to have succumbed to their kiss and run tactics, there was really no need for another sneak attack, though Dave did seriously consider it. If he'd known they were going all the way to the top floor, he probably would have gone ahead and done it. Once the elevator doors opened, Dave followed Shawn and Hunter out into an exotic paradise. Dave stopped just outside the doors and stood in awe. With all his thoughts of what Hunter might have planned, he'd never once considered something like this. Quickly hiding his surprise, Dave breathed deeply of the fragrant air. Hearing the music in the background, he grinned. It wasn't quite a serenade, but it was pretty damn close to the same idea. "Damn, Hunter. If you'd have warned me, I could have dressed more appropriately, but I'm afraid I left my loincloth in my other bag," he said with a grin. Okay... so maybe it wasn't quite a jungle, but with the exotic trees and the call of the birds, he kind of felt like Tarzan. As he spotted the opened bottles in the ice bucket, Dave almost laughed. They'd have to keep an eye on the Sexy Boy tonight so he didn't overindulge. He wanted to make sure that Shawn was completely alert tonight, for many obvious reasons. And damn if that wasn't the biggest picnic basket he'd ever seen. He imagined that very few of Hunter's fans would be able to picture him indulging in a picnic. Yep... Hunter was definitely an original. **** to be continued... |