Title: What a tangled web we weave
Rating: 18
Summary: Ted finds lying only makes things worse.
Pairing: Ted/John, Ted/Cody, John /Randy
Warning: Pure unadulterated angst and smut.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters/people of WWE. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended and no money is being made.
Notes: As always this is unbeta'd so any mistakes you find, please, please, please forgive (I mean it PLEASE!).
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"God I missed you," murmured Ted, nuzzling his face against John's throat.
"Yeah," chuckled John his hands running down Ted's back, "Missed you too, Baby."
It had been over a week since they'd seen each other. House shows and other commitments had kept them apart. With a sigh Ted rested his head on John's shoulder and murmured, "It was so hard having to watch you on the screen knowing I couldn't…and when you got hurt, I..." his voice trailed away into another sigh. He clung to John, his face buried in his neck. He didn't want to let go. The last week had been hell and yet now, despite the fact he was back in John's arms, it was still hell, still difficult because of what they had to face.
Pulling back slightly from the embrace, Ted asked hesitantly, "Are you still sure about this? You sure you want me? I mean what about Randy, aren't you and he…"
"What about Cody?" snapped John eyeing Ted angrily, "Don't start getting preachy on me DiBiaise. I'm not the only one who's attached here you know." He saw the pain flash across Ted's face and instantly he regretted his harsh words, soothing quickly, "Shit, Baby, I'm sorry." He caressed Ted's neck asking, "But seriously - what about Cody? Are you really sure you want to be doing this with me?"
Ted swallowed loudly. John gave him a moment then reaching over he tilted Ted's head up and staring into his eyes he asked, "Are you sure you want to keep doing this, Baby?"
"Yeah I'm sure," drawled Ted looking at him miserably. He closed his eyes a moment then murmured bitterly, "Why not. I mean I'm already living a lie. What's one more lie on top of all the others I've already told."
John swore loudly and just wrapped his arms round Ted's shoulders, dragging him in for a hug. Resting his face against Ted's hair, John whispered, "Baby stop beating yourself up over this." He pressed a kiss into the surprisingly messed up hair, adding tenderly, "I'll make it okay." with a compassion that killed Ted, John slowly cupped his face and kissed him.
Ted hesitated for a brief moment, his mind still on Cody, but as John deepened the kiss and pressed his body into his, all thoughts of Cody fled his mind. As John's hands expertly peeled away layer after layer of clothing until he was naked Ted finally gave himself over to the pleasure of the moment. Nothing mattered expect the man currently holding him, the man currently comforting him. The man currently making love to him.
Cody was going frantic. He'd been trying to find Ted for the last hour and he was failing miserably. As he rounded the corner he literally ran into a wall of muscle. Rebounding with a yelp and the start of a curse he glanced up and saw Randy staring at him.
"Hey!" snapped Randy glowering at Cody, "Watch where the fu…" his voice caught in his throat and noticing the look on Cody's face he asked, "Re you okay, Codes?"
"No ,I'm not alright!" snapped Cody, "I can't find Teddy. Kristin is here looking for him and I can't find him anywhere and he's not answering his phone."
"What's she doing here?" rumbled Randy flexing his neck. Cody looked like he was about to lose it big time. He sighed again asking, "Cody why are you so stressed? So Ted's disappeared, so what? Maybe he found Kristin already maybe…"
"He hasn't!" snapped Cody miserably, "I know that because I just left her out front. Randy, I gotta find him. Please…have you seen him anywhere?"
Randy frowned then wetting his lips with his tongue he asked hesitantly, "Wait I thought you and he were supposed to be going away fro a few days R&R? What's Kristin doing here then?"
"So did I.," murmured Cody miserably. With his face crumpling slightly he shrugged sadly murmuring, "But I guess she came to surprise him so…so…I guess it's off…again…."
Randy sighed. He really wished Ted would decide who he wanted. He knew it was killing Cody having to keep their relationship secret. But he knew too things had been strained recently, that Ted had been acting oddly and that made him sad for his young friend. Narrowing his eyes Randy noticed the tears glistening in Cody's eyes. Knowing there had to be something more that Ted's disappearance, he asked softly, "Codes, what's wrong?" he stepped closer to the younger man. Absently he reached up, caressing Cody's neck and shoulder, growling, "Come on, what's up?"
"It's nothing it's just….I….," Cody closed his eyes. He really didn't want to deal with Randy right now but equally he knew he was going to go mad if he didn't talk to someone about, "He keeps…keeps disappearing at night. In the middle of the fucking night and he doesn't come back till hours later and he always smells fresh. You know shower-fresh like he's showered before coming back."
"So maybe he can't sleep," suggested Randy really not wanting to think about the alternatives.
"Then why doesn't he just read or something?" snapped Cody knocking Randy's hand off his shoulder, "Look I know this sounds crazy but I think Ted...I thinks he's got someone...someone else."
"Yeah he has," chuckled Randy darkly, "Its call his wife."
He'd meant it as a joke but the look Cody gave him and the way the younger man paled made him curse under his breath. Instantly he was apologising, saying hurriedly, "Shit Codes I'm sorry I was just joking. Come on you really think Teddy's got another someone other than you? That's crazy. Codes he loves you. Christ he's risked everything to be with you. Why would he..."
"Then why does he keep sneaking off?" asked Cody bitterly, "Why does he keep blowing me off when we're supposed to have time together?"
"Have you asked him?" murmured Randy gently taking Cody's arm and leading him back towards their dressing room, "I mean have you just asked him about it?"
"No!" exclaimed Cody horrified at the thought, "No! I..."
"Then how do you know there's not some innocent explanation, huh?"
He pushed the door open, holding it back for Cody to step through, asking, "How do you there isn't a reason …Cody! Get in the fucking the room, will you!" snapped Randy angrily when he realise Cody had stopped in the doorway.
Sighing loudly he pushed Cody in the small of the back, making the younger man stumble into the room. As he let the door close behind him, Randy stared to snap, "What the fuck is wro..." but his breath was taken away by the sight greeting them.
Ted stretched out on the low bench, legs in the air as John drove into him like there was no tomorrow.
"Teddy?"
It was Cody's broken whisper that alerted the two elicit lovers to the fact they had a very reluctant audience.
Swearing loudly John shot backwards. Grabbing the nearest towel he tried to cover himself while Ted just rolled off the bench in surprise. Landing heavily he groaned with the impact then forcing himself to get up. Kneeling on the hard changing room floor he simply stared up into the stricken faces of his two best friends.
Cody bit his lip, trying desperately not to show the emotions swirling through him. He took a step backwards and crashed into Randy. Instantly Randy caught his elbow steadying him as he wobbled. Not that Cody noticed. He was staring with unseeing eyes at Ted. He shook his head silently mouthing the word "no". Breaking eye contact he looked at the far wall and stammered brokenly, "I…I came to tell you that Kristen is here."
Ted's face paled even more and as he sat back on his heels, he ran a hand through his hair trying to comprehend what Cody was telling him.
"I...I left her at the coffee stand," muttered Cody visibly fighting to keep back the tears, "I said I'd come get you I…I…" his voice broke and for a moment it looked as if he was going to break down then with a very real effort he pulled himself together and said firmly, "I'll go get her. She can…I…."
"Cody…" breathed Ted his face crumpling in emotional agony as Cody glared at him.
Cody went to speak his mouth opening then closing it times. Then before anyone could stop him he just pushed past Randy, yanked the door opened and fled.
Ted stared at the floor. He had never felt so awful in his life. It was only a hand on his shoulder that made him look up and when he did his heart broke all over again. John gave him a sad smile and murmured, "You okay?"
Ted nodded then yelped in surprise as John simply went flying backwards. As John hit the lockers he slumped down landing heavily on his backside. Within a flash Randy was towering over him the older man shaking with rage.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" growled Randy bending down so his face with mere millimetres from John's, "What the fuck are you doing?" he repeated and it was only then that John caught the tears echoing in Randy's voice. He looked up and tried to soothe, "Randy, I'm sorry. I never meant to…look it just kinda happened and…"
Randy slapped him, hissing, "I trusted you! I fucking trusted you and this..." he threw his arms wide, "...this is how you fucking repay me? You go and fuck one of my best friends? After everything we've been through, after everything I've been thought you...you do this to me? You ..you fucking bastard, I..." he gave a low growl then without warning he spun around and advanced on Ted, his anger seemingly knowing no bounds, as he demanded, "And as for you - wow the fuck could you do that to Cody? How the fuck can you play with him like that?"
Ted didn't respond. He felt numb inside, like everything was a bad dream and he'd wake up for it soon. Except it wasn't. He knew that. He knew as he slowly looked up that he had just screwed his life up in the biggest way possible. Everything had gone so wrong so quickly he didn't know what to do. Randy took a step towards him only to be stopped by John. Grabbing Randy's arm, John stood up and said "Randy, you wanna hurt someone? Then hurt me. Okay? I'm the one who started this, not Teddy. I'm the one hurt you, I'm the who...Ted...he…"
Randy gave a huff and looking John in the eye he growled, "Bullshit. I know you, John. You don't start things like this but him," he slowly turned his attention back to Ted, "He just can't keep it to himself. Can you, Ted?"
Ted paled even more and he started shaking his head, murmuring, "No...Randy no...Please…"
"What?" asked John frowning as he watched the silent conversation flashing between Ted and Randy. "Randy!" he barked, "What do you mean?"
Randy gave a cold smile and with what could only be described as a cruel sneer he rumbled, "Well now, your boy here, your precious Teddy, isn't as innocent as he acts, John. Did he tell you what happened in Florida?"
John frowned and flicking a look at Ted he slowly shook his head drawled, "No he didn't tell me about Florida? Randy, what are you talking about?"
Regaining his footing Ted surged forward. Getting into Randy's face, he hissed menacingly, "Shut up! Shut the fuck up!"
"Make me!" challenge Randy drew himself up to his full height, "Why don't you make me shut up – Teddybear."
Teddy flinched at the use of that name then without warning he swung a fist. Randy caught the flying fist and clamping his fingers over Ted's, he yanked Ted's arm down, almost breaking it in the process. Ted gave a howl of pain, a sound that made John step forward. Seeing his lover stepping closer Ted shook his head. In many ways he deserved the pain Randy was inflicting on him. He welcomed it. He needed it.
Holding Ted's gaze, Randy hissed, "Don't you dare try and fight me, Ted. I will knock you down each and every time. Remember I know everything there is to know about you, …"
Ted fought to get free but Randy only tightened the grip, hissing, "Stay still, DiBiase." he looked up at John and spat, "And you can take that fucking look off your face as well, Cena. God you two sicken me. I can't believe you were actually fucking each other…" none of them heard the changing room door open as Randy continued his tirade,"… you couldn't you have waited for the god damn hotel? What are you - animals?"
He turned his attention back to Ted. Leaning in close, he spat, "Look at you fucking in here like a pair of sluts! Did it turn you on, Ted huh? Did it turn you on having John fuck you like that, knowing you could get caught? Did you enjoy it Ted? Getting fucked in the arse like that…"
"Teddy?"
Ted looked up and felt his world shatter around him. There in the doorway was Kristen, with Cody just a step behind her. Kristen looked sick while Cody looked totally stricken as they stared at the frozen tableau in front of them – Randy twisting Ted's arm down and round, Ted naked as the day he was born and John looking shocked and scared, wearing nothing but a small towel.
Kristen gave a stifled gasp then asked "Teddy? Baby, what's going on? What did Randy mean?"
Ted didn't reply. He didn't have to the evidence was all too visible around them.
Kristen gave a little gasp and asked brokenly, "My god you really were…weren't you? You were having sex? With..." she faulted then looked at John and spat, "…him?"
Slowly Randy let go of Ted's hand and stepped back, absently gnawing his lip as he watched Kristen step into the changing room. He looked at Cody and frowned, the kid had gone so pale it looked as if he was about to pass out. With his frown deepening, Randy called softly, "Cody? Hey Codes - you okay?"
"Of course he's not okay!" snapped Kristen, "How could he be okay?" she paused then turning round she looked at Cody and demanded, "Did you know? Did you know he was...that he was…that he..." her voice failed and she gave a loud sob, gasping, "That he was screwing around like this?"
Cody blinked slowly then shook his head stammering, "No! No I didn't know he was…I didn't know that he was...well not with...not with John... I mean I..." Cody blushed as he realized what he'd almost let slip.
He went to try and recover but Kristen just gave a squeal and exclaimed, "Oh my god! There are others? He's... you mean he…" she spun back round and staring at Ted she demanded, "How many other people have you …done it with?"
Ted closed his eyes. It was like a nightmare, his worse nightmare. Kristen and Cody staring at him as if he's just ripped their hearts out and the one person he wanted to turn to for help was currently so far out of reach it was impossible. He drew in a stuttered breath and hesitated.
But before he could talk, Kristen suddenly caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Glancing round she saw Cody standing behind her with tears rolling silently down his face. She gave a loud huff and barked angrily, "Oh for god sake, Cody - what the hell are you crying for? I'm the one he's been cheating on! I'm his god damn wife! I'm the one who should be upset! Why on earth are you so upset?"
Cody didn't reply. He was too busy trying not to break down into tears. Randy swore softly under his breath then glancing at John he shook his head. John gave him a faint grimace and nodded. Silently they both agreed no mater what else happened Kristen should never find out about Cody and Ted, at least not from them. Moving silently Randy crossed to Kristen and gently taking hold of her elbow, he murmured, "Kristen, now isn't the time to be lashing out. Look, why don't I take you back to the hotel and you can have a few moments to you…"
No!" exclaimed Kristen ripping free of Randy's placating hold, "No! I'm staying here and he..." she pointed angrily at Ted, "...is going to explain to me what the hell is going on."
Ted slowly raised his head and opened his eyes. But instead of looking at Kristen, instead of looking at the women he'd married and pledged himself to he looked direly at Cody. Locking his eyes with the brilliant blue eyes he adored so much, he murmured, "I'm sorry, Baby. I'm so sorry. I never meant…Cody, I'm sorry…."
Kristen drew in a short breath. In that single moment everything suddenly fell into place. The late night calls, the whispered conversations, the shared smiles and loving touches captured on and off the screen. Feeling her blood run cold, Kristen suddenly understood why Cody was so distressed. Without warning she simply turned around and slapped Cody across the face with as much force as she could muster. The blow caught him totally by surprise and as his head snapped round, it smashed into the side of the locker room door. As Cody feel the floor, pole-axed by the blow, the room exploded into a cacophony of noise.
TBC
