A/N: This would probably be the part where I say "oh my computer broke" or "I was brain-dead on this fic" but I'll tell you truthfully since you guys deserve an explanation for my MIA status. I WAS LAZY and BUSY WITH COLLEGE LIFE. Feel my pain with the second one people. Anyways I started noticing a decline in Jash fics here on this sight and many authors vanishing so I thought to myself that I was not gonna associate myself with those fools. Anyways I'm truly sorry again and hopefully I'll get the ball rolling better this time around. :)
Hold on Tight: Chapter 2
Italics are for thoughts.
Living their dream was certainly what they adored and looked forward to doing every single day. Putting on a great show for the fans, kicking ass, and performing with nothing less than pure intensity and passion. The morning after?.. Well..was a whole different story. In fact, all the superstars dreaded it for the most part because of the fatigue that would finally catch up with them. This usually led them to experience moody behaviors one should attempt to avoid at all times.
This was not the case for one individual who was free of performing due to his injury and was gleaming with liveliness as he sat at the Starbucks, located conveniently in the hotel lobby, enjoying his Expresso Truffle. He sat here thinking of what Ashley's reaction would be once she would see him and how he would confess his feelings to her. "What if she doesn't feel the same way? I'll end up looking like a complete ass. I mean this entire thing would be pointless." He was really beginning to lose hope at this point.
"But she has to have the same feelings as me. She has to. Thats why I gotta go through with this." He continued just sitting here, staring into empty space while exploring his thoughts, evidently failing to notice another figure now sitting across from him, slowly reaching out towards his Expresso Truffle. What a mistake.
-"Not in a million years man". - he joked snapping back to reality and gripping his morning addiction.
-"Not even a sip?"
-"Nope"
-"But it smells so good, I mean I practically smelled it while crawling out of bed this morning dude". - reasoned the younger of the two only for the injured man to just stare back at him blankly.
-"...So...it's good to have you back dude" – he said, patting the injured lad on the shoulder – "really was worried for ya. Practically cried myself to sleep every night..." - talk about kissing-ass.
-"And he finally admits his homosexuality! Let's give him a round of applause ladies and gentlemen!"
-"Hey I teared a bit ok? I mean look at these marks on my arm man! - he slowly began to roll up on of his sleeves.
-"...your not gonna stop are you, Jeff."
-" you know me too well" – with that the former WWE champ sighed, sliding the precious beverage over to the rainbow-haired warrior
-"See. That wasn't so hard. - he said excitedly, licking his lips ready to engulf the drink
-"By the way man, the Doctor thinks I have herpes... Just thought you outta know."
With that said, almost instantaneously Jeff unleashed a mouthful of coffee mist from his mouth, as John tried his best to conceal his hysterical laughter.
-"You know John you really know how to gross me out. Hell! I don't know when I should believe you or not – Jeff scolded, now wiping his white (now coffee-stained) crazy monkey t-shirt.
-"Well don't be believin' me now man. No one touches my baby except me – he stated with a slight smirk while smoothly stroking the cup with his thumbs.
-"Yeah yeah, just try not to get too excited there – at this Jeff offered a smirk as well as John just chuckled.
-"Hey Jeff! John your back! - the younger Hardy turned around and saw Maria quickly pacing herself over to the duo accompanied by Randy Orton...ugh. She gave John a warm hug while Randy was busy tweeting away on his phone; "IAMJERICHO your getting fat. HAHAHA...
-"Hey Maria – he smiled as she sat in the chair next to John – Randy offered a smile as he sat next to the rainbow-haired enigma. Deep down Hardy wasn't really impressed with Orton. Mainly because of the fact that Jeff had a crush on the bubbly redhead. The problem? The diva had a crush on Randy, who on the other hand, just really enjoyed the attention he was getting. That's all.
-"It's really great to have you back. Now we can finally belch the alphabet together and hide Chris Master's trunks!
-"Most definitely. The last thing was all you though Maria. He seemed to actually appreciate that since he had a reason to go and flaunt it all backstage."
-"Until he was suspended."
-"Touche Maria. Touche. -stated John as he narrowed his eyes and approved with a nod. Maria began giggling before turning her attention to Jeff.
-"Uhh what happened to you shirt? - questioned the playboy covergirl full of curiosity
-"It's really that noticeable?
-"Let's just say Jeff suffered the consequences for trying to steal my precious away from me – John smirked gripping the beverage again in his hand and taking a sip.
-"Haha join the club man". - replied the "Viper" who was now crashing back to reality away from tweeting as he slipped the phone into his pocket -" At least you didn't accidentally spill it over Cena. How great was that..."
-"What was great about it was how you whined like a little girl afterwards asking me to forgive you – John added as they all laughed
-"Hey you would've done the same!"
-"Whined like a little girl?" - chuckled the champ – It's okay Randy, I'm sure you had your reasons – Maria reassured him. Only for him to stare at her with utter confusion shaking his head and muttering "what?"
-"Great now I gotta go buy another crazy monkey shirt" - Jeff complained still obsessing over the stain now embedded all over the poor monkey's face. -" I'll see you guys later" - he added, glaring at the champ who only laughed at the severity of the issue.
-"Oh hey I'll come with you!" - Maria said excitedly as she rose from her seat. -"Shopping is what I do best!"
-"In that case, Lord help me.." - Jeff sighed as he and Maria headed towards his rental.
-"So man, how're you doin' this morning"?
-"Much better I guess. Start rehab for the arm in 2 weeks so I'm relieved there. - John stated while gripping his arm.
-"Mhmm me too" - mumbled Randy who was in the process of buttering up his buttermilk muffin.
-"She came to visit at the hospital by the way..." - Randy stopped buttering the muffin and glanced up at the former champ with uttermost interest. - "See man. She wouldn't ditch you just like that. You were just overreacting over this entire time. After all, this is Ashley we're talking about." - At this point the Lady-Thriller began to daydream, putting down his knife and lifting his elbow onto the table, pressing his hand against his cheek. -"She's caring, kind, incredibly sexy, funny, sexy beyond belief, and generous. In fact she'd gladly give the shirt off her back... Come to think of that, that's fu-
-"Randy!"
-"Hmm? Oh my fault man. Uhh well it's true! Anyways what did she say?"
-"I wouldn't know, I was still knocked out man."
-"..I'm not quite following ya John." - stated the 3rd generation superstar who was now brushing off the crumbs all over his mouth with his thumb while munching away at the muffin.
-"Yesterday I couldn't sleep, so I decided I'd open my gifts. The last one happened to be from her".
-"I see.." - It finally all made sense to the younger one of the two. -"What happens now?"
-"Well Randy, I'm free for the next two weeks so I was thinking I'd go -
-"Oh no way John!" - he interrupted -"are you crazy?"
-"Why? What the hell is the problem?"
-"Don't you think she needs a bit more time to get away from the WWE?"
-"2 things. I'm not going as the "WWE" Randy. I'm going as a friend who cares. Maybe a bit too much.
-"What'd you mean?"
It was time for John to grip a reality of his true and intentional feelings.
-"and number 2...I...think..I think I have feelings for her man.." - sighed the injured superstar as he ran his hand through his brown hair before placing his ABB cap back on his head. Oh boy.
-"Oh.." - was pretty much all Randy could say. Mostly since it was a bit of a shock. No wonder he's been moping this entire time. They remained silent for a few moments, both thinking about the scenario and what could ultimately be achieved in the end. Awkwardness then came to an end. - "Do what you think is best then man".
John still couldn't believe he finally admitted his feelings, but he couldn't control it. It was as if he was holding his breath. He had to breath at some time.
-"She's in New York. Stephanie gave me her address and I'm thinking about leaving this afternoon."
-"Like I said, do what you think is best".
-"I thought we came here to get me a new crazy monkey shirt woman!"
-"That can wait! Plus my image is a teeny-bit more important than yours" - joked Maria as she stuck out her tongue
-"Sure it is... - Jeff shook his head as the bubbly redhead took his hand and led him to a store of her interest.
-20 minutes later-
-"Does this make me look chubby?"
-"Maria! Not everything you try on makes you look chubby! It actually makes your beauty stand out more" - bluttered out the enigma accidentally. Shit! Shit!Shit! Why did I say that out loud. She probably hates me now.
-"Jeff your absolutely the sweetest person I've ever met!" - exclaimed Maria as she gave him a tight hug. "Thank you. And for the record, your image is equally as important as mine" - she added as she planted a kiss on his cheek before searching the clothing racks for something else.
Jeff lightly touched the spot where Maria had kissed his before a smirk played onto his face. Well played Jeffro. Well played.
-"Okay, I think I'm done for today" - Maria stated with excitement -"Guess we can head back now though I feel like we're missing something.. -she began to think
-"Hmm...I don't know. Oh I remember now! Maybe my CRAZY MONKEY MONKEY t-shirt." - Jeff exclaimed matter-of-factly, while carrying Maria's 8 bags of pure shopaholic necessities.
-"Oh right! But, Jeff it's only a shirt with a monkey on it. Is it really that important? I mean my feet are kill me an-"
-"No way Maria! The monkey is so awesome, it's larger than life. And how are your feet killing you? I'm the one holding your bags and not to mention losing my dignity. Apparently I'm giving off the image that I shop at Victoria's Secret. Wonderful no?."
-"Your lucky I acknowledged the importance of your image Mister." - Maria pointed out before they made their way to the home of the one and only Crazy Monkey tee.
-15 minutes later-
The 2 superstars had seemingly gone unnoticed in the small outlet mall the entire time. Jeff was now also complaining about his feet hurting so they decided to sit on a nearby bench.
-"Finally! Comfort." - Jeff sighed as he slouched on the bench as Maria was texting away right next to him with a bit of seriousness on her face.
-"Texting Randy?" - guessed the superstar with a sigh discreetly which had gone unnoticed.
-"Yup" - was all Maria said before putting her phone away with a bit of sadness.
-"What's wrong?"
-"Randy was supposed to meet up with me later but he canceled. Again." - Maria confessed as she rested her head on Jeff's shoulder.
-"..Are you two going out?" - Jeff questioned a few moments later. He had to know. He was dying to know deep down.
-"No. But I mean, I really wish we were. Like I really do like Randy. I have for a while now. But I feel like-"
-"he doesn't feel the same way?" - he added.
-"Yeah... exactly." - she said, astonished as to how he would've known. -"How'd you know?"
- "Well this is Randy Orton we're talking about after all Maria." - At this point Jeff wanted to knock the holy hell out of the Legend Killer for hurting and playing the diva like this. That bastard is gonna pay. He's not worth her attention. Maria just sat there seeming to be lost in her thoughts.
-"your amazing Jeff you know that?"
-"Of course I do." - he said as he hugged her -"Now come on. Matt's probably wondering if I'm still alive. Poor guy is left all alone with Jillian" - he smiled before helping the diva up. She merely laughed as they headed towards the rental. There's that lovely smile.
3 pm
- "Call me if you need anything Cena." - Randy had given John a ride to the airport, seeing as the injured man could use some moral support at a time like this.
-"I will man. Thanks again."
-"No problem bro" - Randy was about to drive off as John began to walk in.
-"Wait Randy!" - the injured lad jogged his way back over to the car window -"Could you not tell anyone about you know..."
-"Dude my lips are sealed. Whatever happens between you and her is your business. No one elses." - Randy stated before they exchanged a firm handshake.
-"Thanks man".
After John checked into the airport, he boarded the plane and made his way over to his seat. He sat down with much relief as in any moment the plane would take off into the heaven above.
As he lounged into his seat, his thoughts fluttered back to a certain memory.
~Flashback~
-"Ash would you stop walking so fast?" - chuckled the Chaingang soldier who struggled to keep up with the ecstatic Dirty Diva.
-"Who said I'm walking fast? Maybe you just walk slow fat ass" - Ashley joked as they continued on.
-"I don't have a fat ass..."
-"Sure you do."
-"No I don't skinny bones"
-"Take that back!" - she gasped.
The Raw superstars were currently at Disney World as part of the Fan Axxess tour. The superstars that showed up included Ashley, Randy, John, Maria, Jeff Hardy, Mickie James, Y2J, John Morrison, and Eve.
-"Guys would you relax. I'm on the verge of puking out a rotisserie chicken" - complained the Legend Killer who was mortified after the teacups ride.
John and Ashley burst out laughing at Randy and his moment of weakness, until Ashley spotted another attraction.
-"OMGeeeez you guys! Cmon the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster calls out to us. Let's go!" - at this, Randy began jogging way ready to barf as Maria quickly paced behind him while Jeff and Chris headed over to the bumper cars dragging Mickie forcefully along.
-"John come onnnnn!" - she dragged his hand but failed when he didn't even budge. -"John Cena. Are you going to come or am I gonna have to go alone, which I really don't. It scary you know." -she added as she placed her hands on her hips while scrunching up her eyebrows and pouting.
-"Ash you really want to ride it? I mean I'm kind of worn out. Plus we all saw what happened to Randy."
-"Please John? I'll promise this will be the last one." - she sweetly said, locking her piercing blue eyes with his and squeezing both of his hands -"Please?"
John was seriously hypnotized by her adorable behavior and beauty which he found too intoxicating. She was simply a good-hearted free spirit and he couldn't pull up the confidence to say no to her when she only meant well. -"Sometimes I wonder why yes is my only option.." - he eventually gave in.
-"Because you find me irresistible Cena" - winked the dirty diva before dragging him off to their new destination."
Damn right I do.
-"See wasn't that fun?" - moments later they were both soaking wet from the ride as Ashley loosened her hair up.
-"It just made me hungry" - stated the 9 time WWE Champion as he patted his stomach
-"John when do you ever stop eating" - she criticized nonchalantly - "But I agree with you this time" - she admitted after her stomach let out a small growl which got a chuckle from John
-"C'mon let's go get some cotton candy"
-"Where the hell were you two?" - Mickie exclaimed a bit later as John appeared with a Micky Bar in his hand (*Okay seriously if you ever hit up Disney World, do yourself a favor and get one of these ice cream bars. They're freakin' phenomenal. Just thought it was worth mentioning. Okay let's head back now :D*) and Ashley on his back (piggy back lol) who was gripping onto her cotton candy and John's neck as her feet were secured tightly around his waist.
-"Having fun, which apparently you didn't have." - she stated as she fed John some of her cotton candy
-"Well you wouldn't have either if someone here hadn't broken your Chanel sunglasses while in bumper cars?" - the former women's champion stated matter-of-factly
-"Hey now, how was I supposed to know they were yours?" - Chris reasoned for the sake of his existence
-"Because you saw me wearing them all day Mr. Sparkles." - the 2 were now rambling on as the group made their way back to the rentals.
-"Wait guys, where's Randy?" - Jeff questioned
-"Right here" - right on que, strolling in came the Legend Killer with a slight smirk
-"Guess your feeling much better then?" - John pointed out still gripping onto the dirty diva - "Where the hell did you go off to?"
-"Let's just say...Snow White is officially awake and well.." - grinned the 3rd generation superstar proudly with his neck held high
-"Your impossible dude." - Ashley rolled her eyes as she went for more cotton candy.
-"Yeah "dude" - John added with a laugh before being stuffed with some cotton candy. -"Hey!"
-"Talking and chewing is a no no Mister." - laughed the punk princess as they began their way back to the rentals. Mickie and Y2J still debating and John still giving her a piggy back as she fed him.
~End of Flashback~
A sigh escaped his mouth. It was now a matter of hours until that void in his heart would be patched. Or so he hoped. His feelings for the diva grew more and more intense by the minute. He now needed to play the "wait game".
-"It's only a matter of time now".
If anyone is still reading this fic, please review. Definitely can take the motivation. Anyways, the title of this chapter, "Dragostea Din Tei" for those who haven't guessed it, is from the original Romanian version of the song "Numa Numa". It translates to "love from the linden tree", which actually has a deeper meaning, while "Numa Numa" translates to "without you." I thought it fit perfect for this story so why not use it. Lol don't forget to Revieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew! :D
Preview: John arrives in New York and learns some difficult reality. Meanwhile the tension between Randy and Jeff begins to escalate.