"ITVR: Chapter 78"
Apologies.

By Jadedoll, Penumbren, & Raising Kane

"As long as you promise to keep Glen from glaring at me.... It's my fault they had that huge argument last night and I don't wanna be on that man's bad side." Shaking his head as he started the water, Mark called back, "Don't worry about it... I don't think Glen has a bad side... unless you threaten Sean, anyway." Not entirely sure if Jeff had heard him or not, he found himself smiling a little. Glen might be big and scary looking, but the man was one of the nicest people Mark had ever known. Not that Glen would admit that, of course, but it was right there for anyone who watched him for more than five minutes. Of all people for Jeff to worry about, Glen was right down at the bottom of the list. Sean, now... Mark's smile faded into a frown as he moved quickly through his shower. He'd have to figure out how to make that right. Knowing that Sean thought he didn't like him, even hated him, made Mark feel more than a little ashamed of his short temper when it came to the man. Sean was his best friend's lover, and more than that, he was a good person... even if it was well-disguised underneath the hyperactive meddling that he normally indulged in. And although Mark still wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know exactly what Sean and Glen had been arguing about last night, the fact that Sean's words had broken through the precarious wall holding him and Jeff apart was something that he should be glad of, not angry about. They still had things to discuss, certainly; but that would have to wait now until they had time together again. Hopefully sometime tomorrow night... if all went well. Mark was far too experienced with the realities of life to really expect that possibility to be fulfilled, but he could always hope. Finishing his morning ablutions, with a stern mental chastisement to his still-frustrated body, Mark dried quickly before heading back into the bedroom to dress. Black slacks and a dark button-up shirt were as formal as he cared to get... and the cowboy boots pretty much killed off any formality that might have been present. Jeff, now... more of that Goth stuff that he liked so much, and nothing Mark would ever have thought of wearing, but he couldn't stop himself from appreciating how very good it looked on his younger lover. The resulting shiver of emotion at his thoughts made him pause. He definitely needed some time to think about this, because there was more going on than the simple beginnings of a relationship. What he was feeling was more than that... but whatever it was that he was feeling, he wasn't about to try to deal with it now. As much as he didn't want to be apart from Jeff, the separation would probably do them both worlds of good as they wrapped their heads around the changes that had taken place in the last twelve or so hours. Shortening his stride slightly as they headed down the hallway, Mark's fingers practically itched with the need to reach out and touch. After fighting the impulse for the first twenty feet, he gave in and allowed himself to let his hand linger against the middle of Jeff's back, the warmth from the man's skin rising through the thin cloth and soothing something inside him. Letting Jeff lead the way as they exited the elevator and walked into the restaurant, Mark took note of the curious eyes flicking over them but didn't react, well-used to being the center of attention. Being such because of the company he kept wasn't new, although it had been quite a while, but he wasn't about to let it bother him and spook Jeff because of his own reactions. Catching sight of Shawn standing in the middle of the room looking less than pleased as he spoke in low tones with Hunter and Dave, gesticulating as the two bigger men stood much too close to each other, Hunter's hand lingering intimately at Dave's neck, Mark smiled. Something must have happened before they arrived to put that half-angry expression on his friend's face, but he had to enjoy the sight, regardless. His Heartbreaker was prone to over-reactions and emotional outbursts that were forgotten as quickly as they occurred, but the simple fact that he was mere inches away from his new lovers told Mark that everything Dave and Shawn had said and Hunter had implied last night was if anything an understatement. Shawn seemed to have overcome the problems that had kept him lonely for so long... hopefully Mark was on his way to doing the same thing. Jeff's uncharacteristic pause and shift to stand behind him pulled him out of his thoughts, although the whisper in his ear almost made him laugh. "Glen won't be that pissed, will he?" That answered his earlier question; Jeff obviously hadn't heard him over the shower. Turning to face the younger man, Mark made�a decision almost instantaneously with his action. Damned if he was going to hide the fact that they were together, but he wasn't going to flaunt it, either, now with it this new and fragile. His reputation might be restrained, but he wasn't going to restrain gestures of affection toward the somewhat fragile young man in front of him. "He won't be upset at all, Jeff," he said softly, settling his arm along the thin shoulders and using that leverage to turn both of them back toward the table. The smile on Glen's face as he saw them only proved his point, and he answered it with a short wave while speaking in an undertone as they moved slowly toward the open seats. "Don't worry; he's a big teddy bear." The humour in his voice at the nickname that Glen despised seemed to help reassure Jeff, but Mark's own slight smile faded as Sean saw them and immediately stood up with a quiet comment to Glen before heading for the buffet. Dammit. He definitely had to talk to that man. Settling Jeff in the seat next to Glen, Mark leaned forward towards Glen, gesturing slightly with his free hand. "Sean okay? He looks... upset." A shrug and a noncommittal, "Sean's just... being Sean" was his only answer, and Mark's eyes narrowed slightly, the evasion making him worry a little. "Look, Glen... if it's about last night... I'm not upset with him. In fact, I'd really like to talk to him. About... well..." Words failed him momentarily at the surprise in his friend's face. "Look, Glen, you know that I don't hate him, don't you?" **** Well, this was just wonderful. Shawn stood watching the byplay between Dave and Steve and Hunter and CJ, knowing better than to get in the middle of something like that unless he had no other choice. Of all people to interfere, Glen would have better luck than he would, by benefit of sheer body weight. Not, Shawn thought grumpily, that he should even have to be considering things like that the day after they'd gotten together. This had better not set a pattern. Fights in the morning always made the rest of the day... difficult. Seeing that they'd at least gotten the would-be combatants separated if not calmed down, Shawn walked over to his lovers in the middle of the room with quick strides, knowing that he was practically bouncing with annoyance, feeling the weight of yet more eyes on them, and just not caring. And dammit, there was the psycho drugged-out blond again. Now what did Adam want? Why had CJ left him behind, anyway... oh. Right. Because he couldn't handle a pissed-off Steve and his stoned boyfriend at the same time. Jericho had certainly made the right choice, and as Shawn came to a stop directly behind his lovers, it seemed as though Adam had finally given up on his little "I'm so high" game and come down to earth. As much as he ever did, anyway. "He's got it pretty bad for the kid... He asked, Randy decked him, and he left. They haven't talked since." Ouch. Damn. He and Steve had never been the best of friends, but they'd had some unexpectedly close moments over the years---in between the on-again off-again yes-I-really-do-want-to-punch-you moments, anyway. But that little scenario just sucked, and Shawn could feel sympathy for the Bionic Redneck welling up inside him. Resolutely, he pushed it away. Austin had CJ, probably his best friend, watching over him, and anything he might do or say right now would be unwelcome at best. That didn't mean that he wasn't going to try to have a word with Randall backstage at Bad Blood, but that was something to worry about later. Right now... he had two lovers who were practically groping each other right in front of him and looking incredibly gorgeous and kissable and... and dammit, he was irritated with them. Even if the sight of them almost nose-to-nose and pawing at each other in public did make him want to tear their clothes off and do incredibly obscene things with them in the middle of the room. Hunter was obviously thinking along similar lines, but showing remarkable restraint. Of course, the "middle of the room" part was probably why. It wouldn't have stopped Shawn. "I just wanted to say congratulations on the three of you... figuring out that you're all crazy about each other. Good luck." That surprised a laugh out of him, but even as Adam walked away, he was looking through narrowed blue eyes at the two big men in front of him. Two big, gorgeous men... both of whom he wanted to smack at the moment. "So what the hell was all that about?" His voice was low, although his exasperation was clear as he gestured vaguely at the area around them. "I hope there's a good reason as to why you nearly started a fist-fight with Austin, of all people, in the middle of a restaurant---and wouldn't Vince have loved that, by the way---and why you two are practically fucking each other with your eyes right now." By the time he'd finished, fond admiration for the sight in front of him had taken the place of his�initial irritation, but any lust he might have felt was almost immediately replaced by guilt as he saw the look in Dave's eyes at his words. "God damn it... I will never be able to think, then talk, will I?" Hating the expression that he'd put on his lover's face, he reached up, caressing the dusky cheek as his own eyes reflected his immediate guilt. "I'm sorry, Dave. I didn't mean..." **** Chris counted down from ten as he watched Austin's scowl become more pronounced and the fingers at the Texan's sides clench into fists. Ten. Whatever Batista was saying had to be something pretty off the rails�to get the back of Steve's neck to turn quite that shade of red. CJ'd only achieved that colour once in all their years of snark and banter, the Animal must be a master. Nine. Given that Austin had been in a much better mood since Adam's teasing, Chris made the shrewd guess that Dave Batista was saying something about last night. And he wasn't being nice about it. Eight. His guess was proved correct when the echoes of the intense conversation reached their ears, raised voices tend to carry across twenty foot restaurants. The body language just screamed that there were two alpha dogs about to go to town on each other and Chris could see that Austin had slipped into his pugnacious "fuck with me if you dare" mode that normally only appeared in the squared circle. All I know is the kid wants whatever happened with you to become history and fast. Seven. CJ's hand was still tangled in Adam's t-shirt, so he slowly relaxed his tense fingers and moved to slip them underneath the crisp cotton, gaze still on the disaster unfolding before them. The skin of his lover's lower back was warm to touch, almost too warm and Chris made an absent�mental note to watch Adam's temperature over the next few days. Because he'd really hate to play nurse again. Sure... right. Six. Batista reached out and flicked a piece of lint off of�Steve's shoulder. Oh crap. Five. I know he doesn't want me ASSHOLE. Chris made an abortive step towards the two men, although he really, really doubted he'd have a chance to separate them if they actually did come to blows and he would fillet Adam if his lover so much as even considered getting involved.�Four. Thank god there was more firepower in this room than most army barracks, if there was a fight, CJ knew that most of the guys would lend a hand. Scanning the room quickly,�Chris spotted the fire-extinguisher by the door and calculated his chances of getting there and back before all hell broke loose. Three. Naturally, the first man on the scene was Hunter and he'd effectively stalled Steve's movements in his tracks. Another intense conversation took place, causing CJ to wince at Austin's badly chosen words. Now Hunter was also scowling and Batista looked ready to tear the bald man limb from limb. Two. Fortunately whatever Hunter said made Steve take a small step backwards, letting Hunter between them to try and calm Batista down. It would have worked too... if Dave hadn't tried to get the last word in. "C'mon Baldy!" One. Chris was moving before the words had even registered on Steve's face, because Hunter or no Hunter, Austin would have taken a shot right there and then, consequences be damned. Literally throwing his arm around Steve's middle, CJ bodily pulled his friend away from the other two and with a great deal of pushing and shoving got the bald man out past some French doors and onto an enclosed patio. The scattered ash trays gave a clue to the area's function... although Chris bet it had never heard quite so much filthy swearing. Steve was getting really creative, maligning Batista's father, dog and cousin Jed in one long convoluted sentence that had Chris blinking at the result. He seriously doubted Dave even had a cousin called Jed. Eventually silence fell across the patio. "I don't think he realised the situation." Chris offered quietly, now that Steve was able to comprehend more than his rage. A long sigh and the other man turned from where he'd demolished a fake potted rosebush with his boot. "Yeah." Another sigh and Steve sat down abruptly on a low brick wall, face in hands, shoulders slumped in defeat. "He was thinkin' I musta beat the kid up or raped 'im or somethin.'" Chris felt his own lips thin in a brief flare of�anger at the man still back in the restaurant. It might have been an understandable concern, given Steve's often violent personality, but it was way, way off base. No-one who knew Steve would think he was capable of something so revolting and just�the accusation would be devastating to his friend's ravaged emotional state. "He's just lookin' out fer the kid, can't blame 'im fer that." Steve shrugged again as Chris settled down next to him, wounded�hand held comfortably in his lap. Deliberately bumping shoulders, he kept up the nudging until Steve looked up in irritation. "Awww Steve-o that's so sweet." Chris grinned wickedly. "You mean you'd beat up Adam for me if he bweaks my poor widdle heart?" He couldn't help but�gaze in bemused wonder as Steve replied intently, "Oh hell yeah." **** "Randy. It all started because of Randy," The subdued nature of Dave's voice pulled Hunter from his completely inappropriate thoughts about sex behind the buffet table and back to the moment. Leaving one hand still on Dave's shoulder, to comfort as much as restrain from any further movement towards Austin, Hunter was about to ask for an explanation when Shawn and Copeland joined them. He'd subconsciously sensed his other lover's closeness during the tense little scene, but had been far too focused on Dave to risk even looking in Shawn's direction. Now that CJ had removed the Texan from the picture, he could clear the air and find out what exactly Dave meant. Randy? As far as Hunter knew, the last he'd seen of Randy he'd been all ready to run home from the arena when Austin had dragged him off for a conver.... ahhhh. Looking appraisingly at Dave, Hunter wondered if he maybe shouldn't have got between the men after all. If Randy was in trouble and Steve the man responsible, then he'd hold Batista's coat while his lover kicked the�Texan's ass. "Dave?" Looking at Copeland, Hunter could see the green eyes where almost completely clear of their former glassy haze and the tall blond was no longer staring at people's hair with far more focus than was strictly healthy. Thank god. "...isn't really any of my business, but I just... Steve would never hurt Randy." Hunter was inclined to agree, but if Copeland was so sure, why would Dave have got in the Rattlesnake's face in the first place? "He's got it pretty bad for the kid... and he left. They haven't talked since." Hunter revised his mental position to holding Dave's coat while the big man kicked Randy's ass instead. Of all the stupid, idiotic... Hunter found he didn't even have the words to describe Randy's behaviour. He knew the young man was better than that and was having a hard time believing he'd stomped all over Steve Austin's heart�just because he could. There had to be more to it than that... because Hunter would hate to find he'd made such a grave error in judgment. "God damn it. I'm going to end up owing apologies to the whole damn company at this rate." Hunter nodded in sympathy. He'd been in the same bind a few times when he'd let his overprotective managing side interfere with other people's business. Hell, just look at his estrangement from Kevin, one of his closest friends. They'd both let things fester when it could have all been settled by one of them being man enough to apologise and forgive. Hunter knew Dave was certainly man enough to suck it up and admit when he was wrong... he just wished his lover didn't have to do it in the first place. "I just wanted to say congratulations..." Stunned, Hunter followed Copeland's retreating back and wondered at the man's perceptiveness as well as his well-wishes. Why did it seem like everyone in the Fed knew about their affection for each other before they did? Because they have eyes Hunter? Vince's voice once more offered its commentary on his love life. Oh brilliant. Speaking of which, Hunter realised he was still stroking Dave's shoulder like he was a mink coat and told his hand to return to his side. Being very happy where it was, his hand ignored him. Dave was just so damned gorgeous, a slight colour on the high cheekbones, exotic eyes that were spitting fire now awash with remorse. The buffet table was going to be in serious danger soon if Hunter didn't keep his hand to himself. "So what the hell was all that about?" Hunt opened his mouth to explain and didn't make a sound because really... he still didn't actually know. Looking his own question at Dave, he wasn't ready for Shawn to start barreling into the man with both guns blazing. He could see that his lover was just as riled by the situation as he was,�if not more�impatient with the fact that they were clothed in front of other people. Wow. He'd always known Shawn in a foul mood could give him a hard-on almost immediately, he just hadn't guessed he'd be affected by both of them at the same time. "...and why you two are practically fucking each other with your eyes right now." Hunter smiled widely as Shawn's particularly apt description of the high voltage current flowing from his groin to Dave and back again. Hunter turned his smile into a resigned grin and raised both hands, yes, he had finally removed it from Dave's sexy, sexy shoulder,�in innocence. "Hey Darling, don't look at me. I'm just the referee here." But Shawn was too caught up in smoothing away the frown of guilt from their lover's eyes. Hunter lowered his hands and moved away to give them a little room. He'd be the one starting the next fight, if he didn't get a coffee right now. **** "Don't worry; he's a big teddy bear." Jeff was more grateful than he could say at the solid weight of Mark's arm across his shoulders, the big hand cupping his upper arm and steering them easily towards the empty seats at the 'Clique and Friends' table. Of course, comforting as the arm might be, he was entertaining serious doubts about Mark's sanity if he felt that 'teddy bear' was an apt description for the giant man called Glen Jacobs. Of course big scary guys who worked for eight years in a mask normally didn't grant him a slow, sweet smile and wave him over. Maybe Mark was right. After all, the Undertaker was the most intimidating figure in WWE history in Jeff's opinion and yet the man liked candle-lit dinners and had very sensitive fingers. Mentally throwing all his pre-conceived notions of Glen out the window, Jeff settled into his seat and poured a glass of juice from the chilling jugs on the table, while Mark asked after Sean. Sean who had run to the buffet�with a frighteningly subdued gait�at their arrival and was now selecting a small plate of sugarless food that caused a number of eyebrows to raise in wonder. Look, Glen, you know that I don't hate him, don't you? Seeing the perplexed look on the other man's face, Jeff felt he should jump in to explain. Besides, they'd need to clear the air and Jeff had too many secrets already. "I'm sorry Glen, but we heard you last night," at the look in the big man's eyes, Jeff rushed on to clarify. "The fight! I mean the fight, the walls were like paper and we heard most of it. I'm sorry." Hoping he hadn't already said way too much, Jeff left the rest of the explanation to Mark and turned back to his juice. From the corner of his eyes he noticed that Scott Hall was looking at him with a glint of understanding in his gaze as he shifted it blatantly back and forth between he and Mark. Oh hell, that's right. So Raze had been spot on with his suspicions last night at the arena and was probably feeling like cupid if Jeff knew anything of the man at all. Playing the game, Jeff kept eye contact, took a small sip of his drink and let his eyes travel salaciously over Mark's still standing form. He'd been blessed by having the man naked sprawled underneath him, but he'd been so caught up in the sense of taste and the texture of Mark's skin that he hadn't really _looked_. Up until last night all his glances at Mark had been covert, unwilling to risk seeing disgust or anger in the man's eyes if Jeff was caught peeping. Now he didn't have to worry so much as he was allowed to look. Touching again would come later. From the long, long, legs, up the black clad torso to his lover's handsome, refined face, Jeff feasted one of his senses and looked his fill. Turning back to Raze's knowing expression... Jeff stuck out his tongue. **** Picking at his food, Benoit knew that Eddie was watching him with some concern, but he just couldn't bring himself to talk to his lover yet. Whatever his problem was, it wasn't Eddie... it was him. For all of his resolutions, all of his efforts, he just couldn't seem to be comfortable with Eddie touching him in public, even in a purely friendly manner. Not, he reflected with a slight smile, that Eddie ever really could keep it purely friendly. Probably it was his upbringing, his childhood, some weird repressed thing... but whatever it was, it had to go. And soon, because if he kept causing that worried look that Eddie was currently wearing, he'd go crazy. Spearing a piece of chicken with unusual viciousness, the sound of raised voices caught his attention and he looked across the restaurant, to spot Batista and Austin just about ready to tear each other apart. What the hell... ? Last time he'd looked, Batista had been beside Hunter and Shawn, and Adam was demonstrating why Benoit had clearly made a mistake in convincing Vince to let him wrestle... Putting the fork down, he watched with some relief as Hunter and CJ separated the two... leaving Adam alone to talk to Batista. And Hunter... and Shawn, he noted with some amusement as he watched the apparently awkward conversation. Something must've happened with Austin to tick Batista off, but whatever it was, it seemed to have involved a lot of people. And... Chris frowned as he took another look at Adam. "Damn. Eddie, I'm going to go check on Adam. Looks like his initial high's wearing off, and CJ just took Austin outside." His voice was short, but he saw his concern mirrored in warm brown eyes and some of the tension he'd been feeling over his own actions melted away at that look. Fighting his body's reluctance, Chris leaned in toward Eddie, his hand lingering briefly on the surprised face. "I love you," he said softly, awkwardly, feeling both exposed and a little embarrassed because of all the people around them... but the surprised happiness reflected in Eddie's eyes made it worthwhile. A last touch to Eddie's shoulder and Benoit was up, heading for the tall blond in the center of the room who was looking increasingly off-balance. "Oh, hey. Benny... um... about earlier..." Rolling his eyes, Chris ignored the comment for the moment; Adam was hardly the first person he'd known to take advantage of the fact that he was on prescription drugs to act even goofier than normal, although most people had the sense not to rile up the Clique when they did. Trust Adam to ignore that basic fact of common sense. "How are you and Eddie enjoying being in the same place at the same time for a change." "A damned lot," he answered shortly, not meaning to sound abrupt but still fighting with his confused emotions. Adam was a friend, but given the fact that Benoit was still having problems, after all these years, expressing affection to his lover publicly meant that discussing that same relationship with other people in public areas---like, say, restaurants---wasn't something he was particularly fond of, either. Catching the sudden waver in Adam's stance as he turned his head, Chris moved quickly to slide a chair next to him. Shaking his head as the tall blond sank down into it with a groan, he cast a glance toward the side door that CJ had gone through with Austin, only to catch a glimpse of the two of them talking outside. No help there, and whatever the problem was, he wasn't about to go interrupt them to tell CJ his airhead lover wasn't taking care of himself... after a narrowly-averted explosion between Austin and Batista, they didn't need to see one from CJ. "Just dizzy?" he asked gruffly. The slight nod he received reassured him slightly, and he cocked his head at Adam. "Too much playing around and not enough taking care of yourself. I'm surprised CJ even let you down here this morning. Between your normal attitude and the drugs, it's a wonder that you didn't get yourself knocked out by half the Clique already." Although he probably didn't show it, he wasn't about to leave Adam alone while he was feeling like this... but that didn't mean that he wasn't going to let Copeland know just what he thought of his antics. "Keep this up, and there's no way you'll be getting anywhere near a ring Sunday... no matter how good your acting skills are." **** Glen was watching the action across the room waiting to see if he was going to have to go restrain one of the two hot-headed men before things got too out of hand. Of course he wouldn't make it before someone threw the first punch, but maybe that would be enough to get some of it out of their systems. He would make it before they destroyed more than a table or two though. He eased as Hunter finally managed to get Steve to back off, then winced as Dave tossed another taunt over Hunter's shoulder. What was it with this group and all the drama in the last few days? Must be something in the water. Glen shook his head as Jericho made the save and hauled Austin outside with him. Spotting Mark and Jeff in the doorway, Mark apparently coaxing Jeff into the room, Glen smiled. Well... he hadn't expected them to show up and most definitely not together, but damned if he wasn't happy to see them both. He returned Mark's wave and apparently tipped Sean off to the fact that they were there. With a quiet "going to get food" Sean stood up and walked, not bounced... walked, to the buffet. Glen sighed quietly and shook his head. They really had to do something about this, but now just wasn't the time for discussing the situation. Not at a table full of Sean's closest friends... or it would be a table full if the trio ever made it back to the table. "Sean okay? He looks... upset." Okay... Mark seemed to want to talk about this now, however he was still reluctant to tell Mark that Sean thought he hated him. Mark would get... upset. "Sean's just... being Sean." That was the best he could do on such short notice. Mark wasn't buying it though. "...If it's about last night... I'm not upset with him. In fact, I'd really like to talk to him... Glen, you know that I don't hate him, don't you?" Surprise didn't begin to describe what he was feeling at the moment. Why would Mark phrase it in just those words? He hadn't... "I'm sorry Glen, but we heard you last night..." Oh hell. He hadn't realized that they were that loud... and if they heard that part, what else had they heard? Glen could feel his face burning already as he thought about the noise they'd made later on that night... him especially. Geez. "The fight! I mean the fight, the walls were like paper and we heard most of it. I'm sorry." He still wasn't sure that they hadn't heard anything else, and hearing the fight was bad enough to be honest. Especially with Sean locking himself in the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, Glen decided on apologies first, answers after. "No, it's okay. I'm sorry... that we were so loud. You really weren't supposed to hear any of that and... listen Mark, I know that you probably don't hate him, but I'm well aware that he does get on your nerves a lot. Most of the time it's not on purpose, but as you obviously heard..." Glen played with the glass sitting in front of him for a moment while he considered how to phrase his next words before looking back at the two men. "What he did last night was on purpose and he was trying to help." Flashing a quick look at Sean, who was taking an exceedingly long time for the amount of food he'd put on his plate so far, he wondered if he'd have to go drag the man back to the table. "Whether I think it or not isn't the point. Sean does and no one is going to convince him of that but you, my friend." ----- Sean was avidly watching the action across the room, hoping that Hunter actually managed to break up the fight. He watched as Jericho finally took control of Austin and lead him outside, then watched the interactions among the three men, Shawn having joined Hunter and Dave. Damn. He wouldn't be surprised if they ended up in the middle of the buffet with the looks Hunter and Dave were tossing around. And he'd be right there to watch the whole thing Sean thought shrugging mentally. He'd be the first to admit that he was curious about who would end up on top, so there was no chance he'd look away. He'd can the ribald comments that normally would have accompanied such a scene though. He was trying to turn over a new leaf... at least for now anyway. It was kind of tiring having everyone mad at him all the time. He was naturally curious, but he just couldn't help it. Still, he was going to try. He caught sight of Glen's hand lifting and turned to see who his lover was greeting. Oh great. Speaking of people that were mad at him. As soon as he figured out that Mark and Jeff were heading in their direction, he slipped out of his seat. "Going to get food." And he was so out of there. Maybe he'd get lucky for a change and Mark and Jeff would sit by themselves. They certainly looked cozy. He'd known... just known that he was right. That didn't mean that Mark still wouldn't want to kill him for interfering. And he'd rather not give the man the chance. Adding a piece of chicken to his small pile of mashed potatoes and a piece of wheat bread, he looked over the desserts before grabbing an apple instead. He didn�t really want the apple, he'd have much rather had the chocolate cake, but if he ate the cake he'd be bouncing all over the place in short order. And since it appeared that Jeff was now sitting at their end of the table, he wasn't going to bounce once with Mark sitting there. Maybe he'd forget he was there? Wishful thinking there, Sean. Knowing that he'd stalled all that he was going to be able to, Sean walked back to the table at a sedate pace, nibbling on his lip as he went. Nothing for it... if he went and sat somewhere else, Glen would come and get him, even if he had to drag him there. Besides, it was time to face the music. With a small smile on his face, he set his plate in front of his seat and said a quiet hello to the new additions before sitting down and immediately focusing on his plate. He so wanted to say I told you so... he really did, but he refused to so much as look at the two on the chance that he'd have Mark scowling at him all over again. **** "I'm sorry Glen, but we heard you last night... The fight! I mean the fight, the walls were like paper and we heard most of it. I'm sorry." Biting back the laugh that wanted to escape by turning it into a cough, Mark tried to hide the smirk that crept over his face at the deep flush on his best friend's face. Apparently they'd missed hearing something a little more interesting than that fight... of course, they'd been pretty busy making their own noise, so presumably both parties had missed the other one's... activities... the night before. Eavesdropping on his friends having sex wasn't a thrill for Mark, so he couldn't bring himself to be anything but amused at Glen's immediate, obvious assumption of Jeff's meaning. Knowing that their fight had been overheard couldn't be too comforting, but at least that was all they'd heard. I know that you probably don't hate him, but I'm well aware that he does get on your nerves a lot." Dammit. Even Glen, although probably unconsciously, had qualified that statement. How much of an asshole had he been to Sean, anyway? He could remember snapping at the guy when he couldn't stop bouncing around the house or the locker room, growling when he'd tried to play with his hair, glaring at some of the little jokes he'd made about his personal life... Damn. A much bigger asshole than he'd realised. "What he did last night was on purpose and he was trying to help." And that really didn't make Mark feel any better. If Sean had deliberately pushed his buttons just to get him to react to Jeff, that did put a different light on things. He'd never like Sean's methods, but at least he could understand them. Even though he hadn't actually said anything to the man last night, his attitude had spoken volumes, and brushing�him aside like an annoying insect was probably just the latest in a string of offenses he'd committed against his best friend's lover. Taking another look at Sean, still lingering at the buffet, and noting the decidedly downcast body language, he knew that he had to do something to try to make this right before they all left. He'd wait for Sean to come back to the table, since chasing him down would probably only increase the tension, but he had to figure out something... anything... to try to fix the damage he'd done. "Sean does and no one is going to convince him of that but you, my friend." His lips twisting, Mark nodded sombrely as he replied, "That's what I'm hoping to do, Glen. If he lets me, anyway." Watching Sean as he came back, chewing on his lip and looking uncharacteristically nervous, Mark sighed. The quiet greeting and complete lack of eye contact only twisted his guilt more sharply, and after a long, tense moment, he moved. Since he hadn't taken a seat yet, he cast a glance at Jeff, hoping to reassure him, and clasped his shoulder before letting go and walking around the table until he reached Sean's side. Pulling an empty seat over, he sat down, keeping some open space between them, and winced slightly at the painfully resigned expression that crossed the smaller man's face. "Look, Sean... I wanted to talk to you." Keeping his voice low and easy, Mark hoped to get out what he had to say before Sean interrupted him with a wrong assumption or by just flat-out leaving. This wasn't something he was particularly good at, so hopefully he'd get it�right this time---he suspected he wouldn't get another chance.�"I want to apologise to you. Not just for last night, although I did overreact, but for... well, for being an asshole to you for years, now." Seeing the shock on Sean's face as he finally looked up, Mark raised a hand, asking for permission to continue, and went on. "You may be�hyperactive, bouncy, and annoying as all hell, but I know there's more to you than that. I've seen the way you look at Glen, and how protective you are of your friends, and... well... I really don't know you very well, and that's a damned shame, since you and Glen have been together for so long and Glen's my best friend. But I do know that if you were as shallow as you try to make yourself look, he would've dropped you on your ass years ago. So... I don't hate you, Sean. You're just damned good at pushing my buttons. I'm sorry I've been nothing but a jerk to you, and I'd like a chance to make up for that. If you're willing to let me, I'd like to get to know you, and I'd like us to be friends." Pausing to judge the reaction to his words, he saw Glen staring at him with wide eyes from the side, but the stunned expression on Sean's face was the one he was concerned with. Glancing over at Jeff, his lips twitched into a smile as those emerald eyes met his, and he turned back to Sean, lowering his voice as he added awkwardly, not sure how to say it, "Besides that, I owe you some thanks. You... you were right, last night. So... thank you." Sitting back, he waited for Sean's answer, suddenly wishing that Jeff wasn't six feet away from him and out of touching range. **** Dave was completely aware that he'd have to expand on his explanation, but he wasn't quite sure what to say. He could tell that Hunter was thinking back to the last time they'd seen or heard from Randy, rather the last time that Hunter had, and he was wondering as well as Dave what exactly had happened after they left. After all, Steve had made a point of saying he wouldn't break him. Dave hadn't thought twice about it at the time, figuring that Steve might actually be good for Randy, but after talking to him it was apparent that Randy was broken, at least in some way... Dave had assumed that it had to be Steve's fault. And that was the problem after all. Assumption was the mother of all fuck-ups and Dave knew better. He just hadn't taken the time to reason things through. But that was only part of the explanation that he'd have to make. After hearing that Randy had popped Austin, he'd been close to walking away as long as Steve was willing to do the same. Until the comment Austin had spewed about his relationship with Hunter. That had been all on Dave and he still couldn't really say why he'd reacted that way. People were bound to make those kind of comments and he knew it. In most cases he'd have blown it off as ignorance... so why hadn't he? Because of Vince's reaction? It was a good probability. After all, Vince had made it perfectly clear without words what... or rather who his problem was with. Having someone else trash on something that he'd been dreaming about for so long within such a short period of time had just set him off. He was going to have to get his shit together... that's all there was to it. "Dave?" He was suddenly caught between finding out why Adam would brave approaching him right now after the display that had just played out and turning around to find out how disappointed Shawn was in him. He'd sensed Shawn's approach more than heard it but he was certain if he turned around he'd find him standing right there. Adam won out but only because he was hoping to send the guy on his way before Shawn had his say on his behavior... and he knew it was coming. "I know this isn't really any of my business... Steve would never hurt Randy. Not the way you were thinking." The way he was thinking... actually what he'd practically accused the guy of. Dave winced as he recalled that little bit where his mouth got ahead of his brain. "He's got it pretty bad for the kid... Randy walking out while he was still asleep... any chance the two of them could... end up with more than just one night... Randy decked him... They haven't talked since." He couldn't help the growl that slipped out almost instinctively. Why the hell would Randy act that way? It didn't make any sense at all. From what Adam was saying, this whole fiasco was Randy's fault and Austin was innocent of any wrongdoing. Which meant that Dave owed 'Baldy' a huge apology and he really needed to have a talk with Randy. Not that Randy had been all that forthcoming on the phone earlier. But then this hadn't been the first time he'd offended someone in the past day either. Shit. "God damn it. I'm going to end up owing apologies to the whole damn company at this rate." This one was going to be even harder to make than the one he owed Mark. He was clearly the one at fault here and though in both occasions he'd let his temper get the better of him, what he'd said to Steve was way across the line. "I'm going to leave you three alone now, but before I go..." Well that confirmed the fact that Shawn was standing behind him. He'd already known that though and he wasn't looking forward to getting chewed out. "I just wanted to say congratulations on the three of you... figuring out that you're all crazy about each other. Good luck." Well at least someone was happy for them. He heard Shawn's quiet laugh behind him and felt a shiver run down his spine. He wondered if Shawn or even Hunter for that matter was questioning the wisdom of getting involved with someone that was obviously nuts. Hunter was still petting him, most likely to keep him from taking after Austin again, but it was still a comfort. He wasn't even sure that Hunter was aware that he was doing it. "So what the hell was all that about?" Maybe if Shawn figured it out, he'd explain it to Dave. Hunt looked like he might attempt to try to explain it, but what could he really say? Hunter more than likely didn't have a clue what exactly had set him off... before or after Austin's taunt. It had been Hunter that had warned him how some in the company would view their relationship and Dave had assured him it wouldn't bother him, so how was he supposed to explain that it had bothered him. Even if he'd been pissed at Austin to start with, it wasn't an excuse. "...good reason... fist-fight with Austin... middle of a restaurant---and wouldn't Vince have loved that, by the way." He'd thought he had a good reason, but that didn't stop Dave from flinching at the stupidity of what he'd done, especially with as guilty as he was already feeling. Vince... shit. He hadn't given a thought to Vince and he wasn't sure that even if he had, he would have cared one bit. Vince was nowhere on his top ten list of people he gave a shit about right now. Though losing his job would most certainly have sucked, but Dave hadn't been thinking clearly... or obviously at all... of the consequences of confronting Austin in public. Christ. He was an even bigger idiot than he'd thought he was. He couldn't even look at Shawn right now. "...and why you two are practically fucking each other with your eyes right now." Huh? Of all the things for Shawn to call him out about, that had to be the craziest. Although the timing wasn't the best he supposed and he doubted that Shawn would buy his adrenaline excuse. And that's what it was really... though he didn't really need one when it came to wanting to fuck Hunter with his eyes or anything else. Hunter alone was reason enough for that. People always want what they can't have, right? But this was hardly the time for it... "Hey Darling, don't look at me. I'm just the referee here." And he'd managed to get Hunter chewed on as well... innocent as he was, though one hesitated to ever describe Hunt as innocent. At any other time he'd have laughed at the idea of it. Hell, his behavior was so erratic, maybe he was crazy. Shawn's hand caressing his cheek was the last thing he'd expected right then. His lover had every right to take him to task. "I'm sorry, Dave. I didn't mean..." He started shaking his head as soon as the first two words left Shawn's mouth. "Don't apologize Shawn. You didn't say anything that I didn't damn well deserve." Dave looked at both men, knowing he wasn't going to be able to explain this in any way that would make sense. "I made assumptions based on what Randy said... and didn't say... and that was my fuck up. I'm the one that should be sorry and I am... though not for looking at Hunt that way. I just can't help it," he added with a sheepish smile. His eyes flickered in the direction of the patio and with a grimace he turned back to his lovers. "Right now though, there is someone else I owe an apology to and I'd prefer to do it now before this escalates into something even worse. Don�t worry. I'm not going to take a swing at him. Promise." Dave was turning to take a step towards the patio when he noticed Shawn taking a step in that direction as well. "Shawn, you know I love ya man, but this is something I really need to do on my own. Why don't you two go get something to eat... and some coffee," he said with a knowing glance at Hunter, "and I'll meet you back at the table." Without another word, Dave turned and walked towards the patio doors, hoping that Shawn would let him do this without an audience. He'd already humiliated himself enough for one day and doing this in front of Jericho was not going to make it any more pleasant. At least if Steve hit him, he'd have only one witness... that is if Jericho didn't smack him as well. As he stepped through the French doors, he spotted the damage that Austin had done and knew that his careless words were most likely the cause for the destruction. He felt like an even bigger bastard now than he had before. A quick scan of the area showed where Austin had come to rest, Jericho beside him. Dave took a few steps in their direction and then stopped. Maybe he'd at least get a few words out before Austin managed to drill him. He'd be thankful for that at least. The men had sensed his presence and looked up at him almost simultaneously. He looked Austin in the eye as he began his apology, he could do no less. "If you want to hit me, I wouldn't blame you. I know this won't really mean shit, but... I'm sorry. There's no real excuse for what I said to you. I don't know you all that well, but that doesn't give me the right to accuse you..." Dave swallowed harshly as he remembered exactly what he had said earlier. "...of what I did. I had it pointed out to me in no uncertain terms that you wouldn't do something like that. Adam seemed positive that this is all Randy's doing, so... I should have waited to talk to him again. I'm sorry I didn't." Dave quieted as Austin shifted on the wall he was sitting on. The thick tension in the air was damn near choking him and he was willing to do anything to get away from it. "So... you want to slug me now and get it over with so I can finish getting yelled at by Shawn and Hunter or would you rather wait and take your turn after they get done with me?" Smooth Dave, real smooth. He wouldn't blame Jericho or Austin if they both hit him. He was still going to buy a gag, but he was going to save it for himself. Obviously he needed one. **** "Calm down, Scott. Whatever's up, I think they've got it in hand." That could very well be the case, but that didn't mean that he was going to calm down, no sir. Dave might be the newest member of the extended family, but his being with Hunter and Shawn did make him family and Scott was going to be protective of him just because of that. And now Hunter was headed in that direction as well... and Kev wanted him to calm down? Despite the seriousness of the situation, Scott shook his head and smiled up at his lover. "You know I won't until it's all over, Kev." Still, he stayed put, huddled against Kevin until the action was over. Then he grimaced as Shawn started waving his arms all over, obviously giving Dave hell. Ouch. Not the best course of action on the second day of a relationship, but Shawn must have felt it necessary. He still felt bad for Dave though. Giving Kevin a light squeeze, he finally tore his eyes away from the sight of the train wreck and watched in surprise as Sean walked over to the buffet. Sean never walked anywhere unless he was sick, upset, or in big, big trouble... most often with one of the other members of the Clique. As far as he knew Sean hadn't done anything lately worth getting yelled at for... at least not by he or Kevin. He didn't look sick really although Scott did wonder for a moment given Kid's lackluster food choices. So that left upset or Kid had gotten in trouble with someone else. He was going to find out sooner or later, even if he had to sit on Sean to figure out what was wrong. Scott finally dropped into a seat at the table. What the hell was up with everyone today? He was starting to wonder if this little luncheon hadn't been one of his worst ideas. Turning to see how everyone else was faring at the table, his mouth dropped open in surprise to see Mark and Jeff... together. Well... how in the hell had that happened? Scott was considering offering congratulations to whomever had had the foresight to hit both of them with a shovel. His little bit of nudging hadn't resulted in the new closeness between the two, though he had to smile over the fact that he'd been spot on when it came to the two men. That's when Jeff turned and stuck his tongue out at him. Scott snorted and shook his head. Mark would have his hands full with that one, happily most likely, but still full. With the smile still on his face, he turned to nudge Kevin and nodded towards the two men at the end of the table. "Today is just full of surprises, Kev. Do you think we'll ever be able to sit down and have a nice calm lunch with this crew?" Spotting Sean coming back to the table at a slow pace, nibbling on his lip as he glanced at Mark, Scott realized what it was exactly that had Sean acting so uncharacteristically. Obviously, Sean had managed to get up Mark's nose about something. Hopefully it was nothing serious, but Scott had to wonder seeing as Sean had passed up the chocolate cake. At this rate, he'd never end up making their little announcement. Maybe he should just add to the chaos and jump in Kev's lap right here at the table. At least that would be something positive for everyone to get excited about. **** to be continued...

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