Chapter 2

This is where it will break away from what actually happened on-screen as Josh's story progresses.

May contain references to my 'Threads' one-shot as it bridges the gap between this and chapter one. Also…..might be some controversial content here so beware! I will probably get flamed for a pairing mentioned wthin….just saying :P But I still strive to be different.

Failed wrestler indeed!

Josh watched the Executive Vice President Of Talent Relations storm away down the corridor…..his look of indignance un-acted. That segment had taken him completely by surprise and he felt genuinely hurt.

It was another way to get Laurinaitis heel heat but still, Josh didn't expect to end up a victim again! What with AJ flirting with him on camera on Raw the other week and this….he wondered just who the hell he was going to feud with! He'd worked a couple of house-shows this past week, facing lower-card heels such as Darren Young and Michael McGillicutty (again) and received a pretty good response.

"Penny for 'em?" asked Cody Rhodes, spotting Josh still gawping into space even though the camera crew had left.

"J-Lau called me a failed wrestler," pouted the small man.

J-Lau was the nickname he, Cody and Layla had taken to giving their boss in recent weeks after reading it on this hilarious blogger site by a British fan from Manchester, with a particular fondness for Cody.

"Joshy.." sighed Cody, "That's a good thing – that's your push beginning….think about it, you'll want to prove you're not so you'll start doing matches on TV. I thought you were smarter than that. Smoke?"

"I suppose," huffed Josh petulantly.

Being on the road full-time once more had brought with it blessings and drawbacks. Josh rode with Cody, Daniel Bryan and Ryback from show to show which he wasn't going to complain about – obviously there was his best friend, and he considered Bryan a good friend as well. Ryback (AKA Ryan) was OK if a little on the short-tempered side first thing – not to mention in restaurants…

The main drawback - no Richie who was still mostly based in Florida. So he hadn't had sex for about a week. So when he first met up with Cody a few days ago when he knew his bestie was back in the States, he did NOT need to know that Cody had been in Mississippi, catching up with Ted. Even though, he, Josh, had helped Ted make it more enjoyable.

And Cody given Josh all the details. Particularly when he and Ted fucked at the side of the lake on Ted's estate after what was originally intended to be a fishing trip.

"What's eating you?" asked Cody as they found a bench and sparked up, "You've been in a shitty mood all fucking day."

"Take a guess?" Josh spat.

Cody understood and smirked naughtily.

"Missing Richard?" he said, "Never mind, now you know how it feels to be me!"

"Good point," Josh said, "Anyway if it gets too much, we can always proposition Bryan and The Ryback."

Cody chuckled once more, "You can have Ryback," he said, "You'd love to be tossed around the ring by him."

"Shut up," Josh said, "Ugh…..slut at six o'clock."

Both men were staring in the direction of another side door further down as the pay-per-view continued to play….Alex Riley was emerging, still in his ring attire, on his cellphone, talking to someone. He was smiling and was generally carrying himself with an air of smugness. As per usual. The boys didn't really pay attention to petty locker-room gossip as much as they did in the past – perhaps they were growing up a bit or just because now the main thorn in their collective sides, Justin Gabriel was no longer up to his old tricks, they could just concentrate on the highs and lows of general WWE road life.

When Justin had recently returned from his almost career-ending injuries post-Mania, Josh had been a bit apprehensive. On the night of the big event Justin had given him that heartfelt apology, but would things have lapsed whilst the South African had been away? Josh really couldn't bear to deal with childish schoolyard shit anymore, not with Alex Riley strutting around the place like he was something special.

But Justin had been fine. He'd even come over to say hello to Josh the first time they were on the same show together. Josh knew they'd never be firm friends but bridges were beginning to be built. And he was thankful. Justin had also severed ties with Heath Slater, his former toxic sidekick from the bad old days, spending most of his time hanging out with Tyson Kidd and Natalya.

Heath sometimes did hang out with Riley every now and then, which both Josh and Cody found hysterical. The redhead really was like one of those sad wannabe popular kids in every teen movie under the sun – only seeking friendships with those he perceived to hold power over another in some way.

"Can't wait until after the show," Alex was heard saying, snickering lasciviously on the phone, "Your place or mine?"

"Blech," Cody muttered, "Do you know how hard it was to not kick his ass when he fell out during the Over The Limit pre-show?"

Back in May, during said moment, even Santino had shared a look over his shoulder with Josh when Alex had been eliminated earlier during that battle royal (Not the easiest thing for Josh to call, seeing as it also featured his ex who was a split hair away from winning until Christian booted him out.)

"Wonder who he's talking to?" asked Josh.

"Anyone with a dick and no brain cells?" shrugged Cody, "Still can't believe Brodus went there…."

"Don't!" complained Josh, "It took litres of brain bleach to remove that image from my head."

Alex was approaching them, having spotted them (let's face it, Cody's blue shirt and bright white kneepads and boots weren't exactly inconspicuous – and yes, these were the same clothes he'd fucked Ted in a week or so ago). He'd just caught them talking about him and Brodus. Why not gross those two bitches out even more? Alex still couldn't believe he used to be buddies with these two.

Cody's face hardened and his eyes narrowed.

"We don't associate with jobbers," he spat, mirroring to what Ted said to Rosa that time. Incidentally, the Latino diva was still running her mouth ever chance she got, mostly in the locker room when Layla was in earshot.

"You may wanna try getting laid more often Runnels," Alex smirked, "Might give your career a boost."

Cody laughed derisively.

"And how far has fucking your way around the roster got you?" he scoffed, "Just because you were featured in a pre-show for a pay-per-view once doesn't take away from the fact that you're an NXT lower card jobber – JTG was in that battle royal too you know. By the way, being on Kidd's team for that one episode a few months back doesn't change anything. Hey, Joshy, remember this time last year when Alex was relevant?"

"How time flies," put in Josh, "Mind you, doesn't mean anything – that was the same event I took on Cole. And won. And I was just an announcer."

"Failed wrestler more like," sneered Alex, "Laurinaitis was right about you. As if you getting a new contract will change anything. Who'd put over a skinny runt like you anyway? You're no bigger than your average Ryback jobber."

"You should know, you slept with two of them," Josh hit back, "Barry Stevens and Danny Lerman. Ugh…those poor kids probably didn't know what hit them."

Alex just looked unbearably smug. Yeah so what if he'd had a bit of fun along the way with the local talent? Sometimes it was nice to be the alpha top and their asses were so willing…especially the British one, Lerman….just eighteen and had a cute regional accent too.

"I think we better head inside, before I puke," Cody snarled, "Joshy might be a failed wrestler but he's already destined for a bigger push than you. Probably because he's not stupid enough to sandbag a powerbomb."

"Dear dear Alex, where did it all go wrong," mocked Josh, "Can't wait when Dean Ambrose debuts and he squashes your sad, overfucked ass."

A little hypocritical coming from the once locker-room slut but at least Josh never picked fights with anyone. He turned on his heel and followed Cody back inside, Alex flipping off both their retreating backs.

"Speak of the devil," Josh said, spying their 300lb road buddy at a vending machine, dressed in the standard WWE-issue tracksuit.

"Sup, Ryan," Cody said.

Ryan Reeves, AKA Ryback, preferred to be called by his new ring name (and woe betide anyone who called him 'Skip') to maintain his terminator on-screen image.

He turned and smirked at Cody.

"Watch your mouth, Rhodes," he said, "What were you doing talking to Riley?"

Amazingly he was one of the few heavyweights who hadn't been hit on by Alex. Partly because Cody, Josh, and even Bryan had all filled him on why he should never be alone with the Varsity Villain.

"Wasting time," shrugged Cody.

"I still ain't gotten over seeing him fucking the kid I faced in London…" Ryback said, "No offence but that was fucking disgusting."

"Hey, we thought it was gross as well," Josh argued, "It's bad enough when he opens his legs to any heavyweight on the roster but when he chases kids like Lerman…."

"STOP!" bellowed Ryback, raising a hand and shutting Josh right up. He did NOT need to know shit like that.

"Just be grateful we warned you first, if he went after Clay and Tensai…." Cody said grimly, "He likes them big. And stacked. And strong."

"Shut. Up." Growled Ryback "Catch you two later."

He stormed away. He was a little prickly and short tempered but generally a decent guy and fun to be around on the road.

No sooner as his thick frame vanished out of sight, then another large man appeared, trying to look casual but was checking his own cellphone.

Brodus Clay shot a look out one of the small windows outside, still hobbling after Otunga went for his leg earlier tonight. Cody and Josh just stared at him, both men putting two and two together in their heads and both recoiling internally. No. Please no.

Josh caught his best friend's eye. Cody grimaced in response.

"Problem?" Brodus asked loudly, spotting the two men sharing looks. He generally got on with the Smackdown top dogs but he wished they'd can the hate for Riley. The jock wasn't that bad really. Not to mention a pretty good lay.

"Brodus," Cody said, "On your own head be it."

"And for fucks sake, wear a rubber," Josh said. If he'd got the wrong end of the stick then he'd accept his fate. But Brodus was blushing….that large, intimidating former bodyguard...blushing. Josh and Cody decided to depart before he did a Lesnar and tossed them both into the nearest wall for pisstaking.

Brodus spotted Alex waiting for him outside. He pushed open the door and wandered over to Alex.

Alex planted a big fat kiss on Brodus' lips, hand cupping between the beefy legs. Mmm. Why were gays like Runnels and Lomberger so shallow? Mathews had no room to talk seeing as he fucked Husky Harris…sorry, Bray Wyatt, in 2010. Just because Brodus wasn't….conventionally handsome….didn't make him less of a man. Anyway, in Alex's experience, bears were often the best sex. Especially this bear. Extreme Rules wouldn't be forgotten any time soon. Brodus returned the kiss.

"Well, you never answered my question," purred Alex, breaking it and resting his hands on the ample behind, "Your place…or mine."

"Gotta interfere in Cena and Show," Brodus said, "Not now, Alex…"

"I have needs, Georgie," Alex whimpered, "I need my big bear."

Brodus only allowed Alex to call him by his real name.

"After the show," he replied, "Dude, chill out."

The show was wrapped, and the roster were all safely encased in their hotel rooms, ready to catch up on a few hours sleep before the next stop tomorrow for Raw.

Layla was in Josh and Cody's shared room, the three doing their usual schtick of sharing a bottle of wine before retiring to bed.

The Divas Champion had the misfortune to see Brodus Clay making out with Alex Riley in the parking lot…..Riley was so gross….his hands wandering everywhere over the huge man. She'd already seen them backstage at Extreme Rules and far more than she'd ever wanted…

"I know I have no room to talk on anyone's sex life," Josh was saying, "But seriously….why? Why must we have to endure such hideous shit at work?"

"You're not the one who was met with that right before their return match!" Layla put in.

"Good point," put in Cody, "Anyway, why don't we stop talking about them and talk about our own men?"

Josh rolled his eyes.

"Or how about we talk about next weekend?" he said, "You know, seeing as I have to buy presents and organise a party of some kind."

"Thanks Joshy," beamed Cody, "We do appreciate it. Old man."

"Shut up." Josh pouted, "Can you not tweet me your Amazon wish lists or something. Give me some ideas? And where you want to eat, and who to invite along?"

"Easy," Cody smirked, "Sushi served off the body of Ted DiBiase please."

"You big fag!" Josh teased. He sprang, almost knocking the wine glass over and wrestled Cody to the bed.

"Boys…must you?" sighed Layla even though she was laughing.

Josh managed to get Cody into a reverse chin lock…the bigger man easily threw him off.

"Lay, referee us," Cody said.

"Just a second," she said, picking up the wine glasses and moving them to a safe haven so they didn't get hit with a cleaning bill and a dressing-down from one of the road agents. Why was it that grown men could also be such children at times? Still Layla would rather they had a laugh than be serious and stoic all the time, especially in a business like this.

Cody easily body-slammed his petite best friend onto the mattress. It wouldn't hurt Josh to bulk up some more to avoid the unfair comparison to the local weeds fed to Ryback. He covered Josh.

Layla slid onto the mattress and raised her hand.

"One! Two!"

Josh kicked out and wriggled over Cody before pulling him up by his head….grabbing it and twisting his body around…falling into a sitout positon, Cody having the good grace to bend his body in half to sell the 'neckbreaker'.

"You're so predictable Joshy," he teased, climbing back up and standing on the pillows, pulling on the small man's arms and making him stand in front of him.

"Let go of my arms!" whined Josh.

Cody shook his head. He raised Josh up off his feet, the small legs instinctively clipping onto Cody's hips in a double chickenwing. Cody had an idea. He jumped a little and fell onto his bottom, releasing his grip on Josh's arms so the small man splatted face-first into the soft duvet.

Layla fell about laughing.

She'd just seen Cody perform, of all moves, a Glam Slam on Josh in a hotel bedroom. As you do. Still, at least nobody could ever accuse them of being boring.

Cody immediately wriggled over and sat astride Josh's torso, cockily raising his leg just like Beth did.

"Come on then, count, referee," Cody said.

Layla, still giggling, lay down and counted to three.

"That fucking hurt," complained Josh.

"Do you see Lay complaining when she's had that on the canvas loads of times," Cody teased, "Man up. You're just butthurt because I beat you!"

"Mean!" huffed Josh.

It hadn't hurt that much and was quite fun. He had new respect for women who took Beth's finisher now. It could potentially fucking hurt!

Layla couldn't help but smile. She knew occasionally the other Divas gave her heat for spending all her time with 'her boys' but it was just something she took in her stride. After all it wasn't like she didn't have her other groups of girl friends and always made time for Barbie (when she was here these days). But being the champion did bring a few niggles she supposed.

Cody was the first awake the next day…it was the usual ungodly hour but rather than laze about on his iPad or netbook, he changed into some shorts and a vest and decided to go for a morning run – start the cardio early. He might not be at main event level just yet but he had a body to maintain after all - he had every intention to get to a new personal best on the bench press when they got to Raw later. He wondered if he could military press Josh. The little man only weighed about 160 at the most, even with his developmental training and new workout regime as befitting a new member of the WWE superstar roster...he could do with some bulking up.

As Cody padded along the corridor, he spied the rotund figure of Brodus Clay slipping out of a hotel bedroom…in just underwear. No offence to the man, but this early – Cody didn't fancy seeing so much of the Funkasaurus. He hid around the corner but continued to spy.

The door opened and a tanned Adonis stepped out, barely covered in a tiny pair of briefs…kissing Brodus, who reciprocated.

"Thanks," the thinner man said, "Wish you could stay, got time for round two."

"Pleasure was all mine, Kev," Brodus replied.

Cody almost vomited. Blech. Blech. Why? He couldn't work out whether Brodus was looking for trouble or whether he was just stupid. When they were still friends, Cody had thought that Alex was a good-looking guy, with a nice smile and good physique, but his decaying personality just made him truly repulsive in Cody's eyes. The ravenette HATED sluts. He'd tolerated it when it was Josh but it had got to a point where he no longer liked hearing Josh's anecdotes and despite what he said to the small man, when Josh got a double-fuck from Evan and Alex, it had made Cody feel quite nauseous. He was also initially furious that Josh had rode Richie on that bench but after seeing the way Richie looked at Josh he'd known instantly that there'd been more to it. He knew that he should butt out of people's lovelives sometimes but his heart was always in the right place.

Cody knew he was a touch hypocritical – just ask Shawn Spears, his former best buddy from Ohio Valley….in his young, developmental days, Cody fucked around just as much as any young gayboy. He supposed he should realise that just because he'd decided to settle down by the age of 23 didn't mean everyone else should.

"How about we room together at Raw," Alex replied, "Don't go Brodie…please."

Brodus sighed but smiled at Alex. He did look a little odd withut his signature Mohican up.

"Come on then big guy," purred Alex, wrapping his arms around Brodus and making out with him.

Cody was fuming. No. Fucking. Shame. Filthy bastard. It was almost like Alex WANTED to get caught in a compromising position. Still, at least he'd found a regular fuck this time. Cody didn't think much of Evan Bourne but if the returning high-flyer got wind of just how busy his ex had been since their breakup….

"Morning," came a distinctive voice.

Cody turned to see Justin Gabriel, his former enemy. Justin had finally caught up with Cody when he'd returned and the ravenette had been reluctant and hostile initially but eventually accepted the bearded man's sincere apologies for his disgusting behaviour over the past year or so. Cody was much less forgiving than his best friend and still held Justin with a certain degree of caution. After all, this man HAD sexually assaulted Cody's best friend at work as well as make hurtful remarks about Cody's family. But Justin was sincere (it was visible in his eyes) so Cody was prepared to let bygones be bygones.

"Oh, morning," he replied.

"You look kinda nauseous, dude," replied Justin.

"Yeah," agreed Cody, "Meant to be going for a morning run but I've just seen something so hideous I've been put off."

"Riley and Clay?" asked Justin.

"How did you guess?"

"I roomed next door….just had two double espressos downstairs – not slept a wink," Justin said, "All night. All fucking night…I think half the fucking hotel could hear Riley screaming."

Cody belched and actually threw up a little in his mouth.

"You sure you're OK?" asked Justin.

"Yeah," Cody said hoarsely, "Sorry….sluts make me sick. Literally."

"I'm no saint," Justin said, "But I knew I was right about Riley."

"Have you not thought that it's probably because of you that he's turned out like this?" Cody challenged.

Justin went red and silent. Cody was right. He knew that it was down to his nasty treatment of Alex and the head games he'd played last year that Alex had decided to revenge-fuck half the roster. He guessed he shouldn't complain really – think of it as karma in a way.

"I'll see you later, Cody."

He quickly made his excuses and left down the corridor towards the elevator.

Cody decided he would wait until he found a gym in whatever town Raw was in tonight, and headed back to his room to wake his best friend up.

He slid his keycard in the door and pushed it open. Josh was awake….but on his cellphone. Cody darted back out of the room. He'd caught enough of the conversation to realise who his bestie was talking to….and what he was doing under the covers. Damnit.

The door opened and a flushed Josh appeared.

"Sorry Coddles," he said sheepishly, "He called me, and you know how he gets in the mornings."

"Please," sighed Cody, "No more sex talk…had enough this morning already."

"This is the same man who used to tell everyone at breakfast about how many fingers Ted got inside his asshole the night before?" scoffed Josh.

Cody had to laugh. He almost couldn't believe that the loudmouthed big kid from six months ago was him. He'd definitely toned himself down a lot this year – but then again, he DID take his resolutions seriously and he'd told Ted and Josh firmly that he was going to stop behaving like Emmett Honeycutt from Queer As Folk with muscles, and that he did. He was still very much the adorable big kid underneath but just not as loud or inappropriate as before. Case in point being the wrestling match between himself and Josh. It was funny, doing it in a non-work environment made wrestling seem like childish horseplay.

"By the way," Josh teased, "I need to take care of something now you interrupted me."

"Suits me," Cody replied, "Lost count o the amount of sex dreams and phonecalls with Teddy you interrupted. I'll go shower….knock yourself out."

"I intend to," smirked Josh, flumping himself back on the bed. He waited until the bathroom door was locked and Our Lady Peace loudly blasting from the iPad inside before he removed his Aussiebums once more and dialled Richie.

"Look on the bright side," Josh was saying to Cody in the backseat of the rental as Daniel Bryan drove along the freeway, "At least Alex has found a regular."

"Can we stop talking about that slut, anyone would think we wanted him!" spat Cody.

Daniel just chuckled. Ryback was fast asleep in the passenger seat.

"Codeman's right," Daniel said, "The topic of conversation for the whole of No Way Out was Riley and his slutty ass."

"Let's look at something funny," Cody said, "How about the fifty page thread on Just Us Boys, let's see how many more photos of me are on there."

"I bet Deebo is a member," chuckled Bryan, "Has to keep his frustration in check somehow."

Cody laughed. He knew just what to hit Bryan back with.

"Let me see," he teased, "Oh yeah…..Daniel Bryan and his gorgeous little white booty….complete with photos from your Ring Of Honour days!"

Bryan fell about laughing. He thought it was quite funny really. If fans wanted to look at his ass, he supposed it was OK. He knew Brie would definitely see the funny side of it anyway.

"Good thing The Ryback sleeps like the dead," Josh remarked, "I think he'd probably have made us stop the car so he can beat all our asses by now."

"I find it so hilarious that all the gay fans want on DOlph's ass," Cody was saying, continued to read the thread, "He does ask for it, the whole Billy Gunn booty shake he does before a match."

"He's gonna stop that," Daniel said, "Once you told him that the gay fans basically want to fuck him."

Josh and Cody both laughed.

On the set of the Marine 3, Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin was taking a well-earned break from the shoot. He was catching up with some of his Mizfits and texting Maryse idly as a good boyfriend should. He did miss his colleagues and last night's pay per view was pretty good.

He of course followed his ex on Twitter (his personal, not his WWEJoshMathews account) as well as his hanging-by-a-thread former best friend. He knew that even he couldn't convince Alex to stop behaving in the way he was – it was like Alex was hell-bent to prove some kind of point.

He tapped Alex's twitter handle – the personal again, not his sanitised WWE, safe-for-work one.

SayItToMyAss: omg…fuckbud just got even better last night…LOVE my big bubba bear :P

Mike wished Alex would change his avatar as well – he was sick of seeing Alex's back and bare ass sprinkled throughout his timeline…..lucky he'd at least hidden his tattoo really.

Oh for fuck's sake.

Were twitpics of Alex and his new mystery fuckbuddy in-flagrante really necessary?

Hang on.

He saw the guy's chest. Definitely a big, chubby guy.

That ink looked familiar.

No fucking way.

Alex was banging the guy who he, Mike, had most recently been jobbed out to. Clay.

He opened his contacts….A…B…..J…here we are.

The superstars and Divas had found a gym pretty near to their arena for the night and a few were getting stuck into their workout routines in preparation for tonight's show.

Josh was on the bench press next to Cody and Ryback – of course not even matching them - he never took his best friend's strength for granted – Cody was a pretty strong beast of a man really underneath his somewhat cuddly exterior.

Josh chuckled to himself as he knew Cody would resent ever being referred to as 'cuddly'. Even though he liked cuddling people, particularly Ted. Cuddles with Coddles.

Cody placed the bar back into its holder and sat up, covered in sweat.

"New personal best," he gasped, "Hey Joshy…sweat it up a bit, go on…challenge yourself."

Josh did the same and sat up too.

"Don't wanna overdo it," he said.

Cody picked up two more eights and added them to the bar.

"Try it, trust me," he said.

Josh got back into position and heaved….holy fucking shit this was heavy but he was lifting it.

"Give me fifty reps," Cody said, "Come on Joshy, you can do it."

Josh groaned and heaved….he was pretty strong for his tiny size but he supposed building it up more would only do him good in the long run. But he managed it…forty-nine….fifty….fifty-one…..he carried on until sixty-five.

Even Cody was impressed.

That was such a rush. Easily his personal best on the bench.

"You'll be as big as Richie soon," remarked Layla, who'd been nearby on the shoulder and arm weights machine.

"But then I can't wear your clothes!" Josh said.

"Then lay off the squats," Cody butted in, "Come on you, back on the bench, I'm gonna set you up the same weight as I've been doing and then we'll do a hundred reps together. Got it?"

Layla shook her head and returned to her own weights.

Cody was such a bossy git when he got into trainer mode. She watched 'her boys' get back into position, Cody adding some more weights….no way would Josh be able to lift that…he was toned and muscular but not as big as Cody. No way. He still wore small-size t-shirts for God's sake.

But he was lifting it….his body scarlet as he worked his ass off to try and keep up with Cody….his muscles screaming in protest.

"Ninety-six," Cody went on, "Come on Josh, only four more to go…..ninety-seven….ninety-eight…..ninety-nine…"

"Hundred…." Josh gasped, spent and knackered. Body drenched in sweat.

"Well done," Cody said, mopping his brow and holding his hand out to help the little man up, "Wanna clean up and then go wrestle at the arena. We go now, we'll get the ring to ourselves."

"Hang on!" complained Josh.

"Push yourself, you're not as young as you were," Cody replied smartly, "You want to impress Hunter, don't ya? The guy who hates cruiserweights? Besides a few power-based moves won't hurt you…plus your mat-based offence could use some honing."

Josh knew he was right. Some people wouldn't forgive him for being an announcer stealing a younger gun's place on the roster - he'd seen how hostile the fans had been about Layla simply for not being Kharma (despite the fact that surely they should allow her as much as time as she wanted before coming back to work after what she'd been through) despite Layla's in-ring work to be even better than before her injury. Josh trained with her too when he could and had already picked up her lucha-inspired springboard cross-body and learned the fireman's carry takedown-to-roll-through pin.

After a quick shower (of course this gym WOULD have to have doorless stalls), Josh and Cody dressed and made their way towards the arena which was within walking distance for a change. Which was handy as Bryan and The Ryback were still sweating it hard back in the gym. Josh had made sure to stretch so his muscles didn't ache, but he did feel a little out of it.

When they arrived, Cody located a vending machine and bought two strawberry protein shakes.

"Get this down you," he said.

Josh eagerly accepted.

"Don't waste your money on sports drinks either," Cody put in, "Milk is just as good for a workout."

"Yes sir," sighed Josh. He knew his bestie meant well but he was starting to miss the fun-loving big kid of before!

After flashing their IDs and locating the locker room, the two men began to change into their ring attires. May as well do it properly and all that.

"Coddles," Josh said, as he watched his bestie pull on his skimpy white and red trunks.

"Mm-hm?" asked Cody, bending down to pick up his knee pads.

"Can we talk about something?"

"Sure. What?"

"What happened at pride."

"Joshy….we agreed. Teddy was egging us on and Richie made Lay video us doing it. Nothing more to say."

"I know, I know, but….I dunno. I still feel like things have changed between us since then."

Cody perched onto the bench as he slid his feet into the shiny white, red-trimmed boots. He looked a little pensive.

"How do you mean?"

"I dunno….it's like….your hiding behind this trainer stuff and making me train my ass off…"

"So? We room together all the time on the road while Teddy's off."

Josh knew this of course. He was probably over-analysing it. Fear of what la beneath their collective psyches.

"Did you…feel….anything?" he asked.

"You're a good kisser?" Cody said, "What do you want me to say? Yeah….I got hard. But I was drunk….and I was kissing someone. I've got hard when kissing Lay at parties when busted before too. No big deal. Hey…I know what you're getting at. Is it for all that shit that went down before you met Richie? I told you. I don't do head games. I'm not an asshole. You're still my adopted brother, Joshy. Nothing will ever change that."

Josh smiled. That was all he needed to know.

But he had enjoyed the kiss. He'd even talked to Richie about it. But Richie was dismissive, saying it was just a laugh between two buddies who just happened to both be fricking hot.

"I want to ask something personal," Josh asked.

This had come up during his little call with Richie this morning. Richie had actually been jerking to the thought of a threesome with Cody. It was just a random fantasy he'd had -he was curious to see if it was any different to the awesome sex he frequently had with Josh. If their relationship was strong enough to accommodate a three-way then they could face anything. The younger man loved Josh so much. But he was also a young guy with horny ideas every now and then….and open to try new things. Part of the thrill of his first relationship with another man was…..whether it would feel the same if he tried it with a guy who wasn't Josh. Cody was beefier than Richie and lot more built than Josh….he could easily dominate Richie as well as take it like a slut from Richie (Cody was now a proud reclassified versatile) if he wanted.

"When I was talking to Richie this morning," Josh began, not looking at Cody and blushing a little.

"You mean having phonesex," put in Cody helpfully.

"Shut up," hissed Josh, "We were discussing about our sex life….and some of our deepest fantasies….he's getting more and more now he's comfortable being with a man, believe me…and we talked about a threeway."

"Not like that's new to you," Cody remarked, "You've had so many in the past. I bet Richie has too. Probably with two girls."

"He has," Josh said, "When he was in highschool. He said he was curious to see what it was like with a different guy. A particular guy."

Cody's eyes widened as it dawned on him just where this was leading.

"And who's the guy?" he asked.

Josh blushed furiously but the look on his face told him all he needed to know. Cody sighed. Not this. Anything but this. Why couldn't people just accept he was a one-man guy? His casual sex days were long-over. He was engaged to the man he loved and had been for several months now. Cody was only interested in Ted's body. He'd had occasional flashes of curiosity with Josh but didn't everyone have the odd naughty thought about their friends every now and then?

Ted had only slept with Cody and never been with any other men. Women, yes, (only a few, being a good Christian and all) but the only man he'd had sex with was Cody. Ted had never even mentioned the idea of threesomes with other men at all in their four years together. What if Ted did want to but was too afraid to ask Cody – after all the blonde would be first to admit what a stubborn ass Cody could be. But yet Ted had encouraged Cody's drunken snog with Josh last month.

"And, what did Richie want to do with this guy?" he asked, fixing his blue eyes onto Josh and folding his arms. Josh rolled his eyes. A Runnels grilling. Of all the times….

"All sorts," Josh said, "He's seen *that* photo….black trunks….clear outline….that one, and said he bet you could do some serious damage with that monster. His exact words. He wants to watch me and you fuck. Both ways. He reckons I'd scream like a bitch. And then he'd like to fuck your ass."

Cody raised his eyebrows and exhaled. Wow. Richie was full of surprises. Richie was a kid….a mere baby at twenty-four in this business and Cody thought he was nice-looking but not hot. Not with the long hair and scruff. But Cody had always been curious, pretty much since 2007 what it would feel like if he and Josh ever finally had full sex. He cast his mind back to *that* day in Little Rock, where he had made Ted fuck him outside the arena and made Josh watch them do it. He'd cum so intensely just knowing Josh was watching in his most private, raw state. He'd never seen Josh have sex. He just knew the graphic details based on Josh's colourful retelling of his sexual conquests over the years. He knew Josh was a screamer. He knew Josh always liked to cum first when he was on bottom.

He and Josh knew each other's deepest, innermost secrets – it was a mark of how close they were as friends. But hot and cute though Josh was….it'd be akin to him asking Ted to fuck his brother Brett up the ass while he watched. A little peverse. It would be like having sex with his brother. And the regret afterwards…this was the problem when Josh had confessed he'd fallen for Cody. And then he'd met Richie, and the Georgia native had thought that that….secret would be buried forever. He'd not banked on fucking Richie saying that the idea of a Jody (neat name for the pairing of him and Josh, if Cody thought so himself) fuck was something he'd like to watch.

He thought very carefully before giving his answer.

"Joshy….I'm going to say quite categorically….no. N. O. I'm not cheating on Teddy and fucking up five years of our friendship just for a cheap bit of assfucking to satisfy some developmental kid still living on his hormones. We are going to head out into the wrestling ring and forget this conversation ever happened. You can tell Richard that I've said no, and if he want's to jack to me and you fucking, he should go write a piece of slash fiction, or make a fake on photoshop."

He shot Josh his most charming smile to let his bestie know that he wasn't mad and also so that Josh simply could not be pissed at him.

"You're such a good friend," Josh replied, "I know at the time when horny it sounded hot as fuck but now I've told you I can see exactly what you mean. You've taken so much shit from me, it's unbelievable."

He padded over to the larger, younger man and hugged him, nuzzling against him as he always did in one of their patented hugs. He then kicked off his tracksuit bottoms and began to pull on his bright teal trunks, before fastening the white belt.

"That looks awesome with your tan," remarked Cody.

"Thanks," replied Josh, "Which reminds me, Julie text me and told me she's got my black and blue set ready to pick up later."

"How many colour combinations have you got?" Asked Cody.

"Red and silver, teal and white, teal and purple….and black and blue," Josh said, "Lay asked Julie to make two sets of each of her new attires. Also, Richie said I look so much hotter in trunks."

"I have to agree," Cody said, "Joshy, I know you were being noble by wrestling in pants but you're not the slut you used to be and these new shorts do actually cover your ass. And I have to say I dig the knee brace. Very Stone Cold Steve Austin, even if it's just a fake accessory."

"Like your old 'un-Dashing' mask that just made your nose look big?" scoffed the small man.

Cody chuckled, shaking his head.

Josh finished with his armband, bearing the word 'JOSHY' in a squiggly script. That was Layla's idea and Josh thought it was a might tacky but cute all the same.

The two men then oiled each other up before making their way down to the ring, which thankfully was empty –the only people here apart from the arena staff were the roadies who'd been rigging the lighting and trons up.

Apart from the aforementioned reasons, Cody had another reason for insisting he train up Josh – he'd spoken with Creative but was forbidden to tell Josh why. All he was instructed to do was to help Josh reach ring-shape by any means necessary. Cody was actually surprised the penny hadn't dropped with Josh yet but time would tell, he supposed.

"We need a referee," Josh said as he climbed over the ropes and his small feet touched the canvas. The smell of the arena and the ring, even empty. Unmistakeable. It felt so good to be doing this full-time again. Beat being stuck at the announcers' table pretending to laugh at Booker's terrible jokes and listen to Striker talk about Jack Korpela's ass all the time. Josh wondered when Jack would be called up – the other former announcer was making leaps and bounds in FCW (according to Richie, and his newest good friend from developmental, Paige anyway).

"Hey boys, I see you beat us to it?" came a jovial voice as a large man in bright green made his way towards the apron. John Cena. Already dressed for the show too.

"Sorry Cena, you'll have to practice your poop jokes later," Cody snarked, earning a withering look from Josh.

"Actually….John, could you referee us?" the small man asked.

As you can see, less smut than usual here (the Alex/Brodus stuff is not intended as…unless you're into that sort of thing XD) but I think we can see where this is headed. I realise my Cody character is very watered-down compared to his early CC-incarntion but like anything, characters evolve and if you remember back in CC, he wanted to be taken more seriously and stop behaving like an overgrown child.

And another thing, despite what Josh was getting at, Cody and Ted won't break up.

Sorry it's been so late!