"ITVR: Chapter 87"
Respites.

By Jadedoll, Penumbren, & Raising Kane

He would not laugh. If he laughed, Sean would clam up and never say a word... but the expression on his face was priceless. Apparently the Kid hadn't figured out yet that Kevin could read him like a book; he was really too open with his emotions to hide them well from anyone who knew him, let alone his family, and besides that, he was the only person Kevin knew who could probably outdo Scotty for pure nosiness. If there was a fight, a problem, a question, tension in the room, whatever... Sean would butt in to find out what was going on. Seeing the surprise on Sean's face transform into a tried-and-true pout, Kevin leaned back slightly and continued to gaze at the smaller man with a raised eyebrow, his arms crossed over his chest, as he waited. The pout might work on Glen---that was to be expected---but Kevin had survived both Shawn and Scott's pouts... often at the same times. No way was Sean's attempt going to work on him... although he did spare a moment for appreciation of Sean's eyes. Definitely one of his best features, and an observation that he'd shared with Scott more than once over the years. "I was trying to drop a few subtle hints that Jeff and Mark had a thing for each other and they weren't exactly appreciative of my efforts." Subtle? Kevin's eyebrows raised in disbelief at hearing that word come out of Sean's mouth. If there was one thing that Sean had always completely sucked at, it was subtlety, and everyone knew it. If he'd tried his version of "subtle" on Mark, it was a wonder that the Phenom hadn't flattened him last night. "...we were discussing, very loudly, the reason that I stuck my nose into it, I happened to mention that Mark and Jeff were both obviously into each other. Mark and Jeff had the room next door and apparently overheard our little... discussion." Glen had gotten upset with him? Maybe he wouldn't ask Mark, after all. If it had provoked Glen into actually getting angry with Sean, some sort of line must have been crossed, and he wasn't about to tick off the Dead Man if he didn't have to. They'd been friends for years, but Mark was one of the most sensitive people Kev knew when it came to crossing his personal boundaries. The discussion they'd had yesterday had probably come close to doing so, and the simple fact that Mark had practically agreed with him and let it go had been his biggest clue that something more than the obvious was going on. Looking at Glen again, seeing the exasperated/protective expression there, Kevin was at least reassured that whatever exactly their fight had been about, it had been dealt with. Hopefully Scott would see that, too... He winced slightly at memories of Scott and Sean butting heads over their respective nosy tactics in the past. They didn't need that right now. "I'm sure they would have figured it all out on their own... given twenty or thirty years to think about it." He couldn't prevent the snort. Sean was absolutely right about that one, although Kevin wondered briefly why Mark had been so far in denial in the first place. Usually the Dead Man was one of the most honest people Kevin knew, even with himself. Whatever was up with those two, it should be interesting to watch unfold. He could just see Scott's smirk out of the corner of his eye, but Sean cut off any response, practically daring Kevin to say anything. "They said thanks, though I'm sure Mark's regretting it about now since he's decided we should try to be friends. Jeff called me the Guru of love though... that was kinda cool." That cinched it. Where was the camera? No way in hell had Mark decided to try to be friends with Sean. Sean drove him insane, generally within thirty seconds of visual contact... they'd decided to try to deal with each other? Without threats? Without physical violence? And... "the guru of love"? Somehow, Kevin suspected that they'd be hearing about that one for a long, long time. Images of Jeff and Sean conspiring together swam through his mind and he only narrowly avoided mirroring Glen's action. God help Mark. He probably had no idea what he was in for. "Friends, huh? Mark's a brave man... even I'd be afraid to brave those waters if I were him." Smirking at the outraged expression on Sean's face, Kevin shook his head. "You'd better keep your hands away from his hair, Kid... even if he didn't kill you, I think there's someone else now who might just take offense at that." Picking up his fork again, Kevin finished the last bites before eyeing the remains of his meal, wondering if he should indulge in one more trip through the buffet. He'd probably hear about it all the way home if he did, but more of the grilled chicken sounded pretty damned good. Pushing his chair back, he glanced at Scott, pausing before asking his question just to enjoy being able to ask, for so many reasons. "Scott, what time does our flight leave?" ****. "So, Sean... what in the world happened with Mark and Jeff Hardy last night? ... What did you do?" Scott was truly surprised that Kevin had called Sean out about being involved in what had happened with Mark and Jeff. He had kind of guessed that their bouncy friend had had some involvement after catching the intense discussion between Mark and Sean, but for a change he hadn't intended on probing for details. Sean's attitude had pretty much reverted back to normal after the talk between the Deadman and Sean so Scott had been planning to leave things as they were. Though he was curious as hell. He couldn't help it. Even if he had decided to ask, he wouldn't have phrased it in quite that way. Scott predicted Sean's coming actions with completely scary accuracy. He knew what it was like to be called on the carpet by Big Sexy and he was totally sympathetic to Sean's plight. First Sean would wonder exactly how Kevin had figured out that he'd been involved. Then he would be a little anxious because he knew he wouldn't be able to wiggle out of explaining and was expecting a lecture. Then he'd try to pout to gain sympathy. He could have told Sean it wouldn't work. He'd tried it on occasion, but he always ended up explaining. Just as he'd suspected, Kev didn't buy any of it and sat silently with 'that' look on his face that just made you want to spill your guts. Which is what Sean promptly did. "I was trying to drop a few subtle hints that Jeff and Mark had a thing for each other and they weren't exactly appreciative of my efforts." Scott winced as soon as the word subtle left Sean's mouth. Sean and subtle did not belong in the same sentence. More than likely the smaller man had asked them how long they'd been doing 'it'. His suspicions were pretty much confirmed when their friend mentioned the 'very loud discussion'. Scott eyed Glen for a moment. He would be the first to admit that he was overprotective of Sean. In the past, Scott would have been the first to call Sean out about his sledgehammer tactics, but the younger man had been there for both him and Kevin in the days after he'd moved to his own apartment and he would have Scott's undying love and protection for life just for that reason alone. If Glen was going to hold this over Sean's head just because Mark was his best friend then he and Glen were going to have words, of the not-so-nice variety. The look on Glen's face changed his mind. Apparently whatever had been said between the two men the night before had settled the matter. "I'm sure they would have figured it all out on their own... given twenty or thirty years to think about it." Scott buried a laugh behind his hand, though he didn't bother to hide the smirk that went with it. His thoughts yesterday had been pretty much along the same lines. The two had been beyond oblivious about each other's feelings. His subtle hints to Jeff outside Vince's office hadn't been blunt enough to break through the wall of denial between the two, but Sean's comments had blasted right through that wall. He wondered how the Deadman felt about Sean's interference though. "They said thanks, though I'm sure Mark's regretting it about now since he's decided we should try to be friends. Jeff called me the Guru of love though... that was kinda cool." He nearly fell on the floor as his question was answered with the one response he hadn't expected. Sean and Mark... as friends? He'd have bet on the end of the world before he had placed any money on the chances of that ever happening. Sean and Mark couldn't be in the same room for five minutes without Mark glowering or Sean fleeing the room. He wondered if Mark actually knew what he was letting himself in for. Two weeks... that's what he'd give them before they fell back into the usual patterns. And that was if they didn't talk to each other at all during those two weeks. Smiling at Jeff's little comment about Sean, Scott knew they'd be hearing that phrase for a long time to come. Obviously Glen knew it as well if his reaction was anything to go by. "...Mark's a brave man... even I'd be afraid to brave those waters if I were him." Despite the look on Sean's face at Kevin's words, Scott couldn't help but grin. Sean was near and dear to both their hearts and he knew it. Scott had to wonder though if Jeff really would take offense to Sean trying to put braids in the Deadman's hair. Sean had mentioned that urge more than once and Scott thought it would look kind of... cute. If it did come to pass, Sean had better make sure he got pictures. Maybe Jeff would even take them with his odd sense of humor. He hoped though that Sean had given up the idea of pigtails because Mark would likely go around the bend on that one. "Scott, what time does our flight leave?" Looking up at his lover, Scott smiled lazily. "You have enough time for one more trip through the buffet if that's what you're wondering." He wanted to laugh at the long-suffering expression on Kevin's face, but he didn't. Kevin had to have expected the tease so he had no reason at all to be surprised by it. His reaction was probably more due to the chuckles by Sean and Glen than anything else. "Speaking of flights, we're going to have to get moving if we're going to make ours, Sean." Another round of good-bye hugs had Scott feeling pretty damn happy. As did Glen's offer to help with the move if they needed it. He knew they wouldn't be calling on the couple, he didn't have that much stuff to move after all with a lot of it in storage. The stuff could stay in the rental building until he needed something since it was stuff he hardly used in any case. "I don't think we'll need any help this week, but maybe in a few weeks we'll have to set up a barbecue or something. Kev can man the grill as long as we can keep him from taste testing everything before it makes it to our plates," he added with a smirk. It was a good thing there was a table between the two of him or he wouldn't have bet on his chances. **** The wait seemed eternal though Hunt actually moved within seconds. He hadn't been sure that Hunt wouldn't balk at his request... okay, to be honest, demand. But he'd been desperate for a show that he was going to be forgiven for pushing them all into this place they were at now. The phrasing had had another purpose as well... testing the limits of what exactly Hunt would object to. Obviously, pinning the man down in any way was going to set off his radar, but did he need to phrase every need or want as a request or could he get away with being a little demanding. As those soft, moist lips pressed against his, he had the vague thought that Hunt would accept a bit of bossiness. He smiled against those lips for a split second before all his thoughts were blown away and he let himself just feel what was being said with this kiss. It wasn't desperate and needy; it was simply acceptance, apology, and affection being conveyed in a wrapping of lips and gently exploring tongues. When Hunt started to pull away, Dave wanted to follow, but forced himself to remain still. He stifled a growl as Hunter tugged on his lip with his teeth along with his urge to roll Hunt under him and ravish his mouth. That would end them up right back where they'd been before. They had a deal and he was going to keep it even if he had to battle his natural instincts to keep it. As much as he enjoyed being submissive from time to time, he was much more likely to take an aggressive role when it came to sex or lovemaking. Hunter wasn't ready for that side of him and Dave had to admit that part of the reason he'd asked Shawn to take him the night before rather than the other way around had been because he had been worried he'd hurt the other man. Shawn would most likely scalp him if he figured that out and Dave wouldn't blame him. It was something he was going to have to face and soon. Shawn wasn't fragile and Dave needed to remember that. Damn they were a messed up bunch. He forgot all his thoughts for the next few minutes as Hunter's lips reconnected with his, the comforting weight of his lover's body settling against his like a blanket of warmth and acceptance. Dave hadn't had to follow after all because Hunt had given him what he'd wanted without him having to ask. And if he looked at it from another point of view... Hunter wasn't being completely aggressive either. This was a mutual exchange of love and affection rather than Hunter trying to control him as he had admitted to intending before. They were both bending, willing to try new things... that certainly boded well for their chances. At least Dave hoped that it did. This time when the kiss ended, he was content to let it. The warm feeling in his chest expanded as Hunter laid his head directly over Dave's heart. "Darling, you going to join us?" Dave caught the flash in Shawn's eyes as he wrapped Hunt gently in his arms for a brief hug. He quickly opened one arm, making space for their lover and Shawn wasted no time cuddling up against them. Watching appreciatively as Shawn pressed his lips to Hunter's, Dave smiled and rested his head against the seat behind him. It still struck him as odd that there was no jealousy at all present when he watched them, just pure pleasure. Loving both of them as he did, it was a good thing that they loved each other as well. Imagine the mess they'd have been in if it hadn't turned out that way. Of course if they were kissing anyone but each other then he had a feeling he'd have huge issues with that. He didn't want to ever have to find out. When the two men finally ended their kiss, Dave gave Shawn a gentle squeeze with his arm. "Hey sweetheart." The words were quiet, a sort of caress rather than a demand for attention. Shawn's eyes met his and he decided to apologize with more than words this time. Now was as good a time as any to stop holding himself back. Even if Shawn hadn't realized it yet, he would and Dave didn't want him to think it was because Shawn hadn't said those three little words to him yet. He didn't want to have to explain his reasons for his hesitance unless he had to, Shawn would smack him then. Bending his head, he claimed Shawn's mouth with an intensity that he hadn't allowed himself to show before now. Letting all of his love, passion, and need flow from his mouth to Shawn's, he offered up every bit of himself to the man cuddled into his side. **** Steve threw his key onto the receptionist's desk and grimaced an apology as the card skimmed across the surface and landed in the girl's lap. His co-ordination was really off if he couldn't manage to even put a piece of plastic down without turning it into a missile weapon. Besides, throwing things at pretty young ladies with big blue eyes wasn't something he wanted to be known for. Taking his account with better grace than he had the previous day, Austin accepted another�round of�repentance�over the messed up reservation and avoided any enquiries as to whether Mr. Ross had been an acceptable room mate. "S'fine Love. Don't get ya little blue suit inna twist. I've slept in a lot a worse places than in a room with J.R., least he doesn't steal all the hot water." The baby blues softened with relief and then lit with something that could only have been speculation. Momentarily non-plussed, Steve nearly dropped his rucksack as he realised the invitation in the coy smile now being aimed in his direction. Well damn. Looks like an ole bastard like him could still pick up a groupie or two if he put his mind to it. 'Course, fine looking women, Shelly by her name tag, in a job like this certainly wasn't no ring rat and Steve counted himself flattered that such a classy piece of ass would be sending him a 'come hither' look at all. "Steven Honey? You ready to go?" The smooth voice cut through the sexual by-play like a knife causing Austin to turn to his companion with raised eyebrows. Ms Trish Stratus stood in all her magnificent glory at his elbow, cleavage and lovely�eyes declaring war on the woman behind the counter. Steve grinned at the saucy look on his friend's face and shook his head at the bevy of stunning blondes that seemed to rule his life. If Kitten hadn't organised Trish to baby-sit him this weekend, then Steve would happily eat J.R.'s hat. Not that any sane man would argue with the prospect of spending time in the company of a Babe of the Year and at least it was better then going home to Texas to fry his brain on beer and stare moodily at his shotguns. Trish was a pack of laughs when she got going, so as long as Steve wasn't expected to admire anything pink then he was game. With a last appreciative glance at 'Shelly', he headed towards the car waiting beyond the glass doors and courteously held the door while Trish climbed in, tugging the back of her low-rider jeans up in the process. Now that was one fashion look Steve admired but found completely unfathomable. Women flashing the tops of their asses like that was worth a second glance, but the thing that struck him the most was that whenever they went outside they seemed to be tugging their pants up. Cool breeze on that tender�skin wasn't too comfy, no matter what the magazines said. Austin felt secure enough in his masculinity to admit that he would never, ever, understand fashion. Once on the road, however, even Trish's bubbles couldn't take his mind of�the earlier exchange in the restaurant. Not the fight, of course. That was already ancient history as far as the Rattlesnake was concerned, he and Dave understood each other so that was that. But what the big man had said afterwards... that had been the killer. Steve had watched Batista return to his two pretty-boys with an almost envious expression. Not that he wanted Hunt or Michaels, hell no. Gorgeous as they were, Austin knew them too well and he was a man who understood the meaning of the word 'issues' all too well. It was the intimacy of their bodies that hit Steve in the gut like one of Hunt's sledgehammers. The rightness of the three men only served to viciously demonstrate Steve's own lack of anything at the moment. He'd sat in the beer garden for nearly half an hour after the others had finished their meals. Apart from checking that Kitten and Copeland had reached their car okay, Austin had simply sat and mulled over Batista's confessions, occasionally growling at a waiter that strayed too close. "...if Randy hadn't... changed so radically after he started here... sweet and considerate back then." Austin could actually believe it. He'd seen that sweet, loving kid two nights ago, the one that had bought him beer and curled his body so tightly into Steve's that the older man had thought they would never be able to separate again. From Batista's perplexed expression it looked like no-one knew why Randy had become such an asshole over the course of a few short weeks. The asshole that Steve had originally met and discarded as being a beautiful waste of space. "...I expected to see him with you in the restaurant." His fingers had clenched into fists at the speculation. What a god-awful fuckin' joke that would have been. At least Randy seemed to think it was, the two of them, having breakfast together and smilin' over coffee. To Steve it might have been kinda... nice. "And I thought then that it would be good for him... that you would be good for him." Now that had brought complete shock to Steve's face. He had thought he'd have to fight half of Evolution to get to spend time with the punk, let alone expect any kind of support from them. Hunt wouldn't see him wrong, but Flair might go overboard on the riot act if he took his 'Uncle Ric' role too seriously. Of course whether or not Evolution would be on his side or not was irrelevant. Because he had no Randy to beard those lions over anyway. "... Randy lives and breathes this business just like Cowboy Bob... something huge had to have happened... he dropped his attitude and told me that everything was not okay with him... that you and him were a joke," Austin had spun away from Dave, moving with lethal intensity towards another plant, Batista's words ringing in his ears over and over. A joke, a joke, a fuckin' joke. No they weren't!! Randy was just about everything Steve wanted in a partner, even with the prickly tail and smart-mouth. In this Redneck's mind that just made him more interesting and desirable. If he'd wanted a blow-up doll, he could walk into a club and get one. Randy and he were 'possible', the damn stupid prick was just too hung up on other's opinions to see it. "The kid's... broken." The thing was, Steve was sure he could fix him... if could just get the chance. "Have a good week Steve." He'd severely doubted that was possible. But after another twenty minutes�and inflicting some more violence on flora, Austin looked up to see Trish, shopping bags, pink boots et al, standing in the French doors with a determined look on her face. "They've asked me to take you home as Security is too afraid to ask you to leave the plants alone. Molly's at her parents and I'm alone till Sunday, come and keep me company Steve?" Ignoring the shattered clay pots that seemed hauntingly familiar to his battered heart, Steve followed Trish's sugar-sway hips through the restaurant. If any one could distract him from him, it would be her. **** The wicked curve to Jeff's lips banished any doubts Mark might have had as to whether or not the other man would take him up on his unspoken dare. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, but his body was pretty enthusiastic about the idea. The thwarted hormones from this morning made themselves known again as his eyes traveled over the slim body in front of him as he let himself be pulled toward the closet door. "Honey, you'll find I'm practically a genius when it comes to finding the best ways to kill time." That time was deliberate. Mark smiled slightly, aware of the limits that Jeff was pushing, aware of the few other people in the lounge who were too absorbed in cell phones and laptops to pay any attention to them... aware that he didn't give a damn if they had an entire room full of people staring at them. God, what was Jeff doing to him? Even the time with Adam hadn't been in this public of a place... The look that Jeff gave him as he successfully tugged the door open put all thoughts of anyone else out of his mind, the promise in those deep green eyes pulling him in just as much as the pressure on his arm did. The quiet click of the door closing behind them went unnoticed as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, sweeping over the inviting form before him. Half-perched on a pile of boxes, Jeff was nearly at his height and close enough that their breaths were mingling. Following his instincts, Mark's hands were on Jeff's shoulders, sliding around to his back, before he was aware of moving, sighing at the soft teasing touches of Jeff's lips across his cheeks. "See my idea, my fuckin' brilliant idea Honey," He could get used to that word, he thought in the back of his mind, his attention otherwise taken up with the teasing caress of Jeff's mouth on his neck. "is to get you somewhere quiet... and dark." Success so far... His hands splayed across Jeff's back, one sliding down to the tempting curve resting so precariously on storage boxes. This was insane, stupid, just asking to get caught... and Mark could care less. The long fingers resting on the back of his neck sent a shiver through him that was unnoticed as he realised that Jeff's other hand was at his waist, opening his belt buckle. The brush of fingers against his abdomen, even through the cloth separating them, drew a soft noise out of him as his body responded, his shaft hardening eagerly at the barely-there touch. "Then I'm going to do my best... To get you to kiss me goodbye... Honey." Mark's lips covered Jeff's almost before the words were said, pressing them together with nearly crushing force as he took what Jeff was offering, tasting a half-familiar mouth that he was already growing addicted to. His hands tightened on the slender body as Jeff urged him closer with movements of his body, their mouths never parting as their bodies pressed against each other. Feeling Jeff's arousal push against his, Mark growled, wanting nothing more than the layers of cloth separating them to be gone, wanting to feel Jeff wrapped around him like he had been last night... Even as his mind was telling him that it was a bad idea, his lover had pulled away from him. Before he could protest the loss, he was moving half a step back in automatic response to the hands pushing at him... and then Jeff was on his knees in front of him, hot breath wafting over his aching erection as Jeff's mouth pressed against him. He shuddered, his hands clenching, as he watched, unable to tear his eyes away. He hadn't even known that his jeans were undone---the taste of Jeff's mouth had been too distracting for him to notice anything else. Seeing a pink tongue dart out to moisten those wicked lips, Mark sucked in a breath, his hands already moving to tangle in the brightly-hued locks of his lover. "Can I?" The hunger in the green eyes looking up at him was clear even in the darkness. It matched his own. God, he felt like a teenager again---there was no way this was going to be a drawn-out encounter, not the way he was feeling. A quiet laugh, and he gentled his touch, one hand slipping down to curve around Jeff's cheek as he answered, his voice reflecting his unsteadiness. "How can I say no? Yes... please..." And then his voice was gone, lost to the moan that slipped out as he watched Jeff lower his head, fulfilling a fantasy that Mark hadn't even realised he'd had. **** The beautiful smile that Chris sent his way eased a bit of the embarrassment that he was feeling over Jessie's rather loud announcement. She had told him, more than once, that he should make his feelings known, having proclaimed his reasons for keeping it silent as 'downright silly'. Jess was a smart girl so even at fourteen she had managed to figure out that in all the time she'd known him, Adam had never brought a woman home to stay with him. Terry's repeated presence had raised a brow on occasion, but she hadn't said anything about his preferences until after he'd been stuck at home with his surgery. He could still remember the look on Jay's face when the girl had so casually asked if Jay was his new boyfriend. After he'd almost choked on the soup that Jay had been trying to spoon-feed him, despite his protests that he could feed himself, they'd both denied that they were anything more than best friends. Having decided that she was old enough to answer truthfully, he'd explained that his boyfriend hadn't been able to make it back to Florida that week because of work. A few months after that when he'd torn his living room apart upon arriving home from his confrontation with Terry and Brock, Jess had walked in on the aftermath and he'd grudgingly explained his reasons for the destruction. She'd comforted him by telling him that Terry had always seemed like an asshole anyway. Shocked by the girl's intuitiveness, and the fact that she'd used that particular word in front of him, he'd burst into laughter. A few months later, she'd caught him looking at a picture of Chris when he was supposed to be gutting the interior of his new restoration project. She'd smiled at him and said, "So he's the one, eh? Your taste is definitely improving." He'd tried to deny it but she hadn't bought any of it and bullied him into admitting the real reason that he wasn't going to ask Chris out. They'd argued good-naturedly about it for months before she'd finally given up on him as a lost cause destined to be alone for the rest of his life because he was a chicken. Of course he'd kept his string of one-night stands a secret, never bringing any of the strange guys he'd picked up back to his house, knowing that she'd be terribly disappointed in him. "You told Jessica about me Babe? Really? Wow. Was this over ice-cream or while watching a chick-flick?" Chris' surprised questions pulled him out of his past reflections and Adam promptly stuck his tongue out at his lover. Chick-flick indeed. He was hoping that Jess wouldn't tell Chris exactly how she'd found out because he'd prefer she not spill all of his secrets. For the moment it looked like he was safe. Although Chris' explanation of how they'd finally ended up together had him blushing even worse due to the 'I figured as much' smirk that was showing on Jessie's face. When Chris mentioned kissing, he had to grin though at the unholy curiosity that lit up his young friend's eyes. He was really surprised that she didn't ask if she could watch that, though he would have boxed her ears if she had asked. "And as to the person responsible for the bruises, don't worry, there's a pretty long line and yours truly's at the head of it." Adam wasn't truly convinced that the line would be that long. Jay and Ty would probably want a shot at his ex, and of course Chris, because he had no doubts there at all considering what Chris had already done to Terry, but he couldn't think of anyone else that he'd endeared himself to recently. And that reminded him... he really was going to ask Chris about the comment he'd made about Dave Batista. He just had to figure out how to phrase it without sounding like an idiot... or even worse... a jealous idiot. He rolled his eyes at Satan's display of bravery from behind a pane of glass. The sad thing was that the Doberman wandering around his yard was a big baby and would most likely run if confronted by a hissing ball of black fur. Suddenly feeling terribly tired and sore, he leaned his hip against the counter for a moment. "You. Upstairs. Bath. Now." Not really surprised that Chris had noticed the way he was feeling within seconds of having realized it himself, Adam still raised his brows at the commands he'd just been issued. Jessie grinned at his "Bossy little thing, ain't he?" as Adam turned and opened a cookie jar under the counter. Pulling a twenty from the bottom of the jar, he walked over and pressed it into Jess' hand despite her protests. "Put that in your savings account. You take better care of me than I deserve, Sis," he said adding his usual endearment for her. "A few more weeks and with Dad's permission I'll take you to go find that rebuild you've been wanting since you turned fifteen." With a ruffle to her hair, which earned him a healthy growl of protest, a smart-ass salute to Chris and an accompanying wink, he headed out of the kitchen and towards the stairs. He groaned as he wondered exactly which of his secrets were about to be spilled to Chris by his adopted sister, but he smiled when he realized that with her distraction, he'd be able to get his hair washed before Chris had a chance to protest if that was his inclination. ---- "He can be difficult at the best of times, but it's ten times worse when he's hurt. You are going to have your hands full getting him to rest, but you seem like you're up to the task," Jess said with a smirk as she crossed back to the counter to put the bread away. "He's the best big brother a girl could have, even if he is a huge pain in the ass at times, so I'm going to give you the standard hurt him and I'll have to hurt you line. You're a huge improvement over that idiot he used to date though so I don't think I'll have to worry too much. Much cuter too," she added with a wink before turning back to the remaining groceries. Chris had become strictly off-limits the moment that Adam had announced their new relationship, but she knew her friend wouldn't mind if she practiced her budding wiles on his boyfriend. Adam was aware of the minor crush she had on Chris since she'd confessed it to him, but that's all it was. It wasn't like she was in love with him and going to try to steal him away. Besides, Adam thought it was really cute when she made his friends squirm, especially Jay. The guy had a strange sense of humor. "I caught him looking at a picture of you one day when he was supposed to be working on the Chevelle. If you haven't seen it yet, you should take a look under the tarp in the garage. It's his and Daddy's pet project. They're restoring it from the base sheet metal, new interior, engine... everything. I think it's so cute how they've bonded over that car. Mom and Dad both think the world of him you know, even if they were kind of freaked out at first at the idea of living next to a wrestler. Mom's a secret WWE junkie, so she had this idea that he'd be bringing home all sorts of weird people and having outrageous parties. Of course, he's nothing at all like that. He plays one-on-one with the neighborhood kids a lot and he talked me into learning how to swim. I think that's what won him over with my parents." She puttered around the room, straightening things as she spilled snatches of information about her 'big brother', just like a little sister should. She had a feeling that when it came to his home life, most of Adam's friends weren't really aware of how he spent his time. She was helping Chris get to know his boyfriend, that was all really. Actually she was babbling and couldn't stop herself from doing it. She was just too excited that she could finally stop worrying about Adam not coming home until the middle of the night. She was pretty sure he wouldn't be straying too far from the house if Chris was there to keep him company. "Anyway... I browbeat him about mooning over that picture of you and he confessed all. Stubborn guy that he is, I couldn't convince him to tell you about his interest though. He had this stupid rule... oops, maybe I shouldn't mention that. Oh, and before I forget... tell Adam that Dad heard from Russ, he lives down the street and owns Blue's, and if he leaves the keys with Dad then Russ can do the paint job next week. He'll be so excited about it since the paint job is all that's left to do." Putting away the last box, she turned to face the blond in the middle of the room who looked to be in a catatonic daze. "I'm sorry. Sometimes I talk way too much. I'm going to take off now, but I just want to say... I hope you guys stay here a lot because I really miss Adam when he's gone and I think you'd be a really cool friend." Leaning in, Jess gave him a quick hug and darted for the door. ---- The plan had been to wash his hair in the shower and then sit down to take a bath, but by the time he climbed the stairs he was no longer in the mood to stand up long enough for the shower part. Sitting on the edge of the tub, he turned the water on and wiggled out of his clothes, wincing at the pain involved in getting rid of his shirt. Grabbing a spare glass he used for water some nights off the counter by the sink, he sank down into the steamy water with a sigh. He tilted his head, listening for the sound of Chris' footsteps on the stairs. Not hearing anything he filled up the glass and lifted it halfway to his head before he started in cussing. Switching the glass to his other hand, he managed to get his hair wet without too much additional swearing and that was reserved for whenever he splashed water out of the tub and onto the floor or it ran down his face when his aim was off. He'd just poured the shampoo into his hand and was wondering how the hell he was going to scrub the blood from his hair when he could only lift one hand above his shoulders without wanting to shout the house down when he heard a quiet noise from the doorway. Whoops. Busted! He watched through wet lashes as Chris slowly started stripping out of his clothes. "I know that trying to wash my hair is probably not the greatest idea, but the itching was driving me nuts." He looked down at the water pooled around him. This wasn't at all how he had pictured things when he'd asked Chris to come home with him. Instead of impressing Chris with his cooking skills or spending his time thinking of interesting ways and places to seduce his lover, he was sitting in a tub feeling rather pathetic because he couldn't even wash his own damn hair and get it clean. The only thing that could make this situation worse was having Jess sneak up here to peak through the keyhole. "I see you survived Hurricane Jess. She did go home, didn't she?" **** "Darling, you going to join us?" Shawn hesitated, debating. He wanted to join them, to jump in the middle of his lovers and wrap himself up in them... but he didn't want to interfere in the moment between Dave and Hunter. Glancing from one to the other, Dave's immediate motion left no room for argument... and Shawn wasn't going to argue, either. Sliding around Hunter, he seated himself on Dave's lap, wriggling a bit to get comfortable, and met Hunter's eyes from scant inches away as Dave's arm closed around him. The contentment he could see read so easily in the warm whiskey cheered him, allowing his doubts to slip even further away, and he leaned forward without even thinking about doing so. One hand sliding up Hunt's shoulder to curl loosely around his neck, Shawn smiled as their lips met in a slow, sweet kiss that expressed all of the love Shawn had to give the man in front of him. Pulling away gently a long moment later�to draw a breath, Shawn left his hand where it was, feeling the steady thump of Hunter's pulse against his fingertips, resting his head against Dave's free shoulder. Still smiling, Shawn just watched Hunter silently, relieved to see the unhappy tension that had filled his friend's face only moments ago gone, replaced with much happier emotions. His own doubts banished for the time being, he felt able to relax and enjoy this time with his lovers. "Hey sweetheart." Starting a little at the soft squeeze, Shawn looked up, wondering just a bit at the tone of Dave's voice. The man looked almost... apologetic? But why? He hadn't done anything to Shawn... Only the brief flare of heat in those chocolate eyes warned Shawn, and he twisted, releasing his grip on Hunter. He met Dave's lips with a quiet noise that became a groan muffled by Dave's mouth, as the sheer intensity of the kiss took him by surprise. Parting his lips, he welcomed the warm invasion of Dave's tongue, the bar piercing it seeming to find instinctively every sensitive spot in his mouth. Shawn was submissive for the first few seconds, taken by surprise and overwhelmed by the passion pouring into him from his lover, but quickly recovered and responded, demanding more as he reached up, his fingers digging into Dave's scalp as he made explorations of his own.�Reveling in the chance to show Dave some of what he was having so much trouble figuring out, let alone expressing, he let his lips speak for him, loving every second of it. This... this was definitely different than any other kiss they'd shared in the last two days---more demanding, more passionate, more... everything. Wait. Pulling away abruptly, almost gasping for breath, Shawn looked at his lover with narrowed eyes, amused exasperation warring with honest annoyance as he spoke. "What exactly have you been holding back on me, Dave?" **** Shawn's enthusiastic response to his initial plundering would have had Dave begging for more in no time at all if his mouth hadn't been otherwise occupied. Instead he was forced to express his appreciation and desire for more with a growl that was quickly swallowed by Shawn's mouth. The slight pain of Shawn's nails digging into his scalp only pushed the kiss to an even more desperate level on his part. Wanting and needing to taste every inch of Shawn's mouth, he allowed himself to do so. Unfortunately good things don't always last forever, but Dave still smiled slightly as Shawn pulled away panting and gasping. At least he was smiling until he caught the speculative look in Shawn's eyes. Oh... shit. "What exactly have you been holding back on me, Dave?" He had a feeling that Shawn had just clued in on the one thing he hadn't wanted to blond to pick up on. He scrambled for a response that wouldn�t earn him a swift smack upside the head, but was coming up empty... so he said the first thing that came to mind. "The Animal? I... uh... didn't want to scare you off the very first night." Considering that the first part had come out a question and the second part sounded particularly pathetic... he wouldn�t blame Shawn at all if he did get that smack. Luckily for him, rescue came in the form of the sound of ringing... this time from Shawn's pants. Moving quicker than he normally gave himself credit for, his hand slipped over Shawn's hip and into his pants pocket, coming up with Hunter's shiny new phone. Flipping it open without bothering to check the caller ID, Dave was sincerely hoping that he wasn't going to find Vince at the other end of the line. "You've reached Dave via Hunter's phone found in Shawn's pants, may I help you?" He wasn't sure how to describe the look on Hunter or Shawn's faces at the moment and he really didn't want to, especially when he caught the peal of laughter on the other end of the line. "Well... if it isn't the bounciest Diva in the WWE. Hello, Miss Stephanie." Ignoring the needy desperate look that Hunt was shooting at the device pressed to his ear, he listened for a moment before feeling his cheeks start to turn an obscenely hot shade of red. "No, there is no nakedness involved at the moment, much to my disappointment. Are you on a plane?" Ducking his head to the side to move the phone further away from the hand that was steadily climbing across his chest, Hunt was so not subtle at all, Dave waited for the answer to his question. "On your way home? Great. That's where we're going too. Hunt's dragging Shawn and I, kicking and screaming the whole way. We can have a pajama party. By the way... what exactly did you do to that horse?" **** "How can I say no? Yes... please..." Permission asked and granted Jeff leaned forward fractionally, slowly licking the head of Mark's�shaft, then dropping short kisses to the�satin skin beneath the swollen head. This was something Jeff wanted to savour, to commit to�memory every tiny sensation, that he might look back on over the next few days and go hot all over at the images presented. From what experience he'd had, and there wasn't that much despite what rumour may imply, Jeff had learned that different things did it for different guys and god, was he hoping to learn all the things that did it for Mark. Let's start with.... Jeff sent his hands exploring into the fabric surrounding Mark's hips, lowering it until he had free and easy access to the treasures within. Long fingers reached to fondle and caress the heavy sacs so near his chin, while Jeff started licking long stripes up and down each side of the�hard cock before him. These subtle�starting caresses were enough to bring Jeff's own member to instant attention, the�learning of Mark enthralling in its own delicious way. So sensitive at the head, tender down underneath along the thick vein, pulling a sound like syrup on gravel from the man above him when Jeff grazed that vein with his teeth. Mark was beautiful, the musky scent of his lover's arousal cruising along Jeff's nerves like a full-bodied aphrodisiac, the need to suck and swallow now irresistible. Lips, swollen wet from saliva and pre-come, kissed and circled the head, till they opened and welcomed in the hard, hot shaft between them. Up and down, with agonizingly slow timing, Jeff mouthed and adored Mark's length. Pausing for dreamy seconds at the top of each pull, panting hot air onto the reddened head, before moving down once again. Methodically working the beautiful length down into his throat. It felt like worship, here on his knees,�using his lips, tongue and all the�talent he'd been granted to do this wicked thing.�To bring pleasure to the man who'd captured him like no-one else had ever dared. Mark, with the sinful eyes in a marble face, fascinated Jeff like a musician listening to a new symphony. A brilliant combination of sounds, sensations and experiences that addicted you after just one taste. So mesmerizing, Jeff knew an insatiable hunger to devour all he could get of Mark. His smile, his voice, his touch, his seed. Beginning to feel a frantic ache begin in his tighter-than-hell pants, Jeff pulled his hands from Mark's body and latched onto his lover's hips with desperate hands. Thumbs stroking sharp hipbones, Jeff quickened his pace, going deep and hot, pulling as much of the sweet length into his throat as he could manage. Swallowing, nose tickled by silken curls, Jeff rose up again, lips dragging at moist skin, teeth touching just enough to collect a heart-kicking sound from Mark and a fantastic twist of fingers in his hair. "Mark... please Honey...." He spoke the whispered words into the hard sex against his tongue and the fingers tightened. Inexplicably turned on by that tiny pain, Jeff growled low on his next pass, the vibrations�against the flesh in his mouth�echoed�by another sharp pull. Jeff took Mark whole and swallowed again and again, feeling his own body throb with need at the hoarse breaths sounding so loud in the tiny room. He would have begged again, but Mark's hands suddenly froze, his beautiful form wracked by shudders and Jeff was swallowing down the result of his explorations. The tart essence warming his throat and filling a deep ravine of need within him, one Jeff�hadn't even known existed. Sitting back on his heels, tongue snaking out to catch any hint of unique flavour, Jeff swayed in the aftershocks of what they'd just done. Opening eyes that had shut as the full-force of Mark's orgasm had hit him, Jeff woke to the screaming needs of his own desire and reached down to unzip the fitted black pants, now a constraining�prison. Then the room spun in�a whirlwind of grayed colour. Jeff realized, with sudden�unholy joy, that Mark had beaten him to it. **** "Bossy little thing, ain't he?" Chris didn't dignify that with a response, although his lips were well on their way to blowing a raspberry towards the back of his smart-alec lover's head. As he wasn't the youngest person in the room, CJ also knew it would be excruciatingly embarrassing to have a teenager roll her eyes at his juvenile behaviour. He'd accepted the 'bossy' thing years ago and rationalized that if people couldn't get their act together then it was his obligation�to point it out to them. But right here, right now 'little' just wasn't fair, particularly as he was a good foot taller than Jessica. Oh great... pointing out that he wasn't as short as a little girl? Sad, CJ, very sad. Acknowledging Adam's jaunty salute with an air kiss, he kept one eye on Valentino as the black furball started pacing backwards and forwards in front of the window, doing his best to live up to the ancestral genetics of a African Lion. Chris didn't doubt his pet would try to pick a fight if he got the chance, but without knowing the temperament of the Doberman he wasn't prepared to risk it. Chris sighed at the unenviable realization that he'd raised a bully, his big boy had a fair number of scars hidden under all that fur, wounds from his own form of wrestling amongst the gladiators of CJ's street. "He can be difficult at the best of times�You're a huge improvement over that idiot he used to date though... Much cuter too," Chris knew he should be flattered that Jessica thought him more attractive than Terry, but the comparison still left him with a sour taste in his mouth. He'd never had a good relationship with the brutish wrestler, their strong programmes in he ring benefiting from a mutual dislike that translated itself through their work. Now that he knew that Adam had cared for him all these long years... okay Chris... he said it, so can you... he loved you all these years, a fair amount of Terry's attitude could be explained. If the man had known about his boyfriend's feelings for another man, and the Fuckhead's words last night indicated he had, then Chris could understand the resentment in the glowering looks and snarled insults aimed at him. Still didn't stop him wanting to get the guy intimate with a bulldozer though. "..caught him looking at a picture of you... Mom and Dad both think the world of him you know... He plays one-on-one with the neighborhood kids... he confessed all... I think you'd be a really cool friend." Well. If Chris'd had any doubts about finding out any of those 'little things' his lover might have kept hidden then Jessica was the answer to his prayers. The girl was a veritable font of information about her neighbour and the sweet, sisterly way she had of conveying the gossip had Chris smiling behind his fingers. Trying to file away 'paint' and 'Chevelle' under hobbies in his mental catalogue of things labeled 'Adam', CJ did feel himself go into a slight daze at the overload of chatter coming his way. Having a lady like Jessica give him a warm hug was more pleasant that he'd thought�it would be... and more than a little scary. People normally didn't just like him like this. The face and the mouth normally had them acting like he was the enemy causing him to pull all his defenses into place with a resounding 'clunk'. But�Chris found he couldn't be defensive with Jessica... he had the feeling she wouldn't let him. Catching her arm gently as the girl made to bolt for the door, Chris gave her something back for the trust she was placing in him. "Jessica? That idiot... the one he used to date? He's the one we're waiting in line for, jealousy at its worst I'm afraid. If he comes back around could you do me a favour and give me a call? I'd rather he didn't try to go for the other side of the rib cage." Seeing the look of dark understanding enter the girl's eyes,�Jessica and CJ found an accord before the teenager left for home. Climbing the stairs to the master suite, Chris heard a small splash of water and a pained exasperated sigh. With a wry, adoring smile that he might be afraid to show the man in question, Chris unlaced and toed off his boots before padding quietly into the bathroom. Adam sat like a centerfold from Playgirl, deliciously muscular chest drizzled with soap suds, long hair clinging lovingly to his arched neck. If Chris could ignore the vicious bruising and brow-beaten face then it would be worth the photographs. This time it just made his heart ache. "...Trying to wash my hair is probably not the greatest idea..." The frustration evident on his lover's high cheekbones had Chris' clothes puddling on the floor and his hands nudging Adam to sit forward in the huge tub, so he could join him in the hot scented water. Slicking his fingers with the creamy shampoo residue from Adam's hand, CJ gently worked the cleanser through the tangled strands of hair, keeping the raw wound to the back as dry as possible. A handful of water led to a slow scalp massage, the shampoo rising to a foam and adding to the Playgirl look. Although with the two of them in the bath in this position,�a magazine aimed at women�probably wasn't one they'd be likely to feature in. "Jessica went home Babe," Chris soaped away the flecks of dried blood from his beloved's temples. "After she gave me chapter and verse on you and your deplorable taste in men. Oh and something about... Dad hearing from Russ at Blue's about the paint job? 'Dad' will be doing it because Adam is going to be resting like a log isn't he?" Two careful rinses left�the darkened honey-gold hair thoroughly cleaned and back to its glorious best, so�Chris went to work on Adam's neck and shoulders, finding those pressure points again to soothe some of the pain obvious in the man's stiff movements. Turning the hot water tap on with an agile toe, Chris refreshed the bath, unwilling to leave this warm haven with Adam for the time being.�He reveled in the sensation of wet satin skin under his fingers and wondered at the deep, long breathing reaching his ears. Chris would hate to have to wake Adam up just to make him go to bed. to be continued...

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