Chapter 1

"Hey Midnight...Been skipping out on the work-outs? Ass is looking a little soft." Rob Van Dam yelled at Matt Hardy who was walking out of the shower, sporting only a towel around his waist.

"Shut up Van Dammit." Matt yelled back, good-naturedly, while some of the guys in the locker room laughed. "Why are you looking anyway?"

"Dude, we have a match in a few days. Just wanna make sure you're in good enough shape to keep up with R V D." Rob pointed to his head with his trademark arm jesters.

Matt made a show of tightening the towel around his waist. "You know, some people may find that 'R V D' thing cute, but I'm not one of them."

"Don't worry Rob." Jeff Hardy said from a bench where he was packing his gear. "I think it's cute."

"Hey, thanks dude." Rob gave him a thumbs-up.

"You're both morons." Matt said as he began to dress.

Jeff sat up, insulted and ready to bite back, but Rob raised a hand halting him. "Dude, let it go, cuz' deep down I think Midnight thinks it's cute too." He smiled knowingly at Matt.

Matt gave back a dry smile as he pulled on his jeans. "Think what you want, look all you want, just don't get upset when you don't get what you want." He said with a toss of his long curly black hair.

Jeff rolled his eyes. "Glad that wasn't corny."

Rob shrugged. "Okay Midnight, but one day you'll come calling and I might not be interested anymore." He picked up his bag and headed for the door. Once there, he stopped and looked over his shoulder at Matt. "Dude, this is the part where you come running after me."

Matt snorted. "Oh I forgot... Go ahead. I'll be right there." His expression clearly read 'fat chance'.

Rob waved a hand. "Nah, that's okay. I don't want you causing another one of your little scenes." Him and Jeff chuckled at Matt's 'Whatever' look. "I'll see you guys tonight."

"Wouldn't miss it." Jeff said, waving bye to Rob.

Shaking his head, Matt waved too. Rob never gave up. They were all good friends and it was no secret Rob was into guys. He was pretty sure a couple more of his co-workers were screwing around with each other.

Rob knew Matt wasn't into guys, but liked to flirt with him just the same. Matt didn't mind however. He joked with Rob like he would anyone. Most straight people might have been uncomfortable with it, but he wasn't narrow-minded like that. Especially considering his own little brother was into guys. He just didn't think anything of it.

Jeff attempted to get his bandana around his purple and blue mess of hair, while counting the minutes until tonight. The Rock was having a huge party at his hotel suite and since the next show was the day after tomorrow and only a few hours away, they could kick-it all night and still rest up the next morning. One of the rare occasions when they could enjoy a little R&R while on the road.

Satisfied with his hair, he waited for Matt to finish packing and studied him curiously. "Of all the guys Rob could have, he wants you. What a waste."

Matt frowned. "Thanks a lot."

Jeff laughed. "I don't mean it like that. I just mean, he knows you're not into guys, so why bother?"

Matt shrugged, having never given the matter much thought. "I guess you can't blame the guy for having taste. Forbidden fruit is the sweetest." He sighed dramatically.

"Suddenly, I have this urge to re-gurge." Jeff placed a hand over his stomach, feigning sickness.

"What's wrong little brother? Jealous?"

Jeff stepped back, took a second to look his older brother over then snorted. "Please... not even on your best day."

Now Matt rolled his eyes. Get over yourself.

"Besides," Jeff continued. "I only got eyes for one man."

"Glad to here it." Chris Jericho said, coming up to wrap his arms around Jeff from behind. "Did I see you wink at Rob?"

"Let's say I did, would it make you jealous?" Jeff asked, while hugging Chris's arms against him.

"Maybe." Chris kissed him on the cheek.

Jeff smiled. "Then maybe I did." He laughed when Chris playfully nipped at him.

Matt sighed. How is it they always end up doing this in front of me? "Now I'm gonna re-gurge." He turned away. It wasn't a total lie. Sappy crap like that made him sick.

Jeff and Chris were too caught up in each other to notice. They had been together for almost a year and Jeff was happier then ever. Chris was his first serious relationship and the ex-'play the fielder' was still in awe that he could wind up settling down with him.

He used to always consider relationships boring, but with Chris everyday felt like a new day. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled beautifully at the man he truly loved.

Chris returned his smile, feeling amazed every time he held Jeff. Remembering Jeff's comment to Matt, he couldn't help but wonder the same thing: of all the guys Jeff could have, Jeff chose him. Jeff tilted his head and Chris obediently kissed him, cherishing every second. He couldn't wait for their anniversary.

Matt cleared his throat loudly, trying not to look at the gross display. "Cut it out, boys." He swung his bag over his shoulder. "Let's get the party started." He headed for the door.

"Oh, Hell Yeah!" Jeff agreed, eagerly pulling Chris behind him.

Austin snorted from the other side of the locker room. "Don't be stealing other people's material, kid."

They all turned and looked at the Texas Rattlesnake. Jeff frowned. "What?"

"There you go again. I said stop it." Austin snapped from his seat.

"Chill out Austin." Chris cut in. "Go get laid or something."

Austin stood, glowering at Chris. "I'm thinking about laying your ass on this here floor."

"Man, that's weird..." Jeff gave Chris a suggestive smile. "I was totally thinking the same thing."

Matt groaned, exasperated. "Oh, come on." He pushed the laughing couple out the door and looked back to see Austin still standing. He knew the Stone Cold thing wasn't all a gimmick. The man really was a cold ass-hole.

"Look, Man..." Matt held up a hand in truce. "He wasn't trying to steal anything, okay?"

Austin snorted at him. "You might want to keep your little pansy-ass brother and his little boyfriend in line. You got that?" He sat back down. End of conversation.

Matt raised an eyebrow. Pansy-ass brother? "Well get this - you might want to keep your little insecurities in line. Nobody here cares about your tired-ass gimmicks. And watch your fucking mouth when it comes to my brother."

Not many people were left in the locker room, but those who were looked at Matt in surprise. "What?" Matt snapped at them.

They turned away muttering to each other or shaking their heads. He knew what they were thinking. No one talks back to the Rattlesnake, but he didn't care. The Rattlesnake's comments had pissed him off, giving him an extra set of balls.

Hunter, better known as Triple-H, walked over to Austin and chuckled. The surprised look on Austin's face only lasted a moment then he jerked a thumb at Matt. "Did cha hear this kid?" He asked Hunter.

Hunter looked Matt over with an expression of complete distaste and shook his head. "Just can't teach some kids."

"Wanna bet?" Austin grinned then turned to Matt. "I'll be seeing your little punk ass tonight kid." He pointed at Matt. "You just watch your back."

Matt wasn't about to let Austin faze him in front of everybody. Who the hell made him the fucking king, anyway? "I guess that's your style isn't it: up from behind." He turned to leave.

Austin snorted and elbowed Hunter. "I think that's more his stupid little brothers style." They both busted up laughing at the crude joke.

Angrily, Matt threw down his bag and whirled around. He didn't care who the fuck Austin thought he was. The redneck didn't mean shit to him.

Austin seemed amused by what he considered a little fit. "What cha waiting for, kid?" His hands motioned Matt to 'come here'.

The gesture was unnecessary. Matt never understood why others felt so intimidated by the man. He was more than happy to be the one to finally put the ass-hole in his place. He advanced towards Austin then suddenly, the door opened and Shane McMahon walked into the locker room.

Matt halted, seeing the boss's son. Trouble from the top was the last thing he needed. Austin sat back down, apparently thinking the same thought. Fighting was strictly prohibited and a quick way to get suspended, fined, or fired. Despite Vince's reputation, he cared about his wrestlers' safety and felt that anger outside of the ring was a sure thing for a devastating injury in it.

Shane raised his eyebrows at the two of them, sensing something was up. The tension in the room was thick and the instant silence when he walked in was a dead-gives.

Smooth as always, Shane casually walked over and placed an arm around Matt's shoulders. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Matt looked at Austin, whose eyes glinted with a silent threat. He wasn't going to say anything, but he sure as hell didn't want Austin to think it was because of him. Shane followed Matt's gaze and coolly regarded the Rattlesnake.

Austin smiled at the younger boss. "Nah. We were just having a little chat, weren't we kid?" He looked at Matt, pointedly.

Matt glared at him. He had no choice but to go along. Especially with Shane observing him. "Yeah... A chat."

"I see." Shane simply replied. Whatever was going on, he was sure the Rattlesnake was the main cause. If he weren't such a big name in the business...

Matt cleared his throat. "I've got to get going." He quickly gathered his bag, hoping to avoid anymore questions.

Shane smiled and clapped his back. Like everyone else, he liked Matt and truly hoped there wasn't any kind of problem. "See ya around."

"See ya." Matt returned his smile. He didn't mind Shane, but Shane was a boss, and he quickly headed for the door.

"See ya around, kid." Austin sneered.

Matt paused with his hand on the handle. The dangerous undertone in Austin's voice was unmistakable. Matt realized his anger had dissolved and was slowly being replaced with a bad vibe. Despite what he thought of Austin, Austin definitely wasn't someone to have as an enemy. Without looking back, he gave a quick nod then exited the locker room.

Shit, what the hell have I done? Matt stood in the hallway and looked back at door. The whole thing got blown out of proportion. Maybe Austin would realize that and brush it off.

He bit his bottom lip. For some reason, he didn't see that happening. Sighing he headed off towards the women's locker room, knowing Jeff and Chris went there to meet Amy. There was nothing he could do about it now. Tonight should be interesting.

TBC...