This time the pay per view was in New York City at Madison Square Garden. It was time for Backlash. It had been six weeks since the last big PPV in Chicago, where Adam and Wade had made love for the first time.
Adam and Chris had gone over Wade and Justin in Chicago and since then, The Nexus had run rampant on both the red and blue brands. For this pay per view it was the blue brand that was the focus.
Edge was going to be in a singles match, defending his World Heavyweight title against Chris Jericho, as The Nexus wreaked their havoc. Edge and Jericho had begun a feud. Jericho was after the title.
Cena, on the Raw red brand, was trying to be a one man hero to stop Wade's group from total domination. He was "secretly" building a seven man team to fight the young upstarts.
Eventually Edge and Jericho would join Cena's team but not until after this PPV. So Adam only had to worry about his match with Chris.
As much as they wanted it differently, Wade and Adam still had to be in separate locker rooms. Wade didn't like his blond being in there alone, so he asked Randy to keep an eye on him, without Adam knowing of course. Randy was glad to do it, he still had a bit of a soft spot for his former lover.
"You ready to go run through our match? I want to try that Code Breaker/Spear counter," Chris asked his fellow wrestler.
"Yes. There's also a counter to the Walls I'd like to try, something Wade suggested," Adam replied with a smile.
"Sounds interesting" Chris said as they started walking towards the ring area. "So how are things with Barrett?" Jericho asked, trying not to sound too curious.
Adam smiled, "Things are great, thanks. I'm very happy. I think... I'm... falling in love. It's scary. You know I haven't had the best of luck in that department. Has Evan finally... well... shit Chris, I'm sorry. Here I ask you that, when I just said how happy I am. I'm a dufus sometimes," Adam said as he bit his lip.
"Hey, don't fret or sweat. Yeah, he finally seems to have moved on. Kofi stuck by him. I am glad things are good with you and Wade," Chris said honestly, even if his heart did crack a bit.
"You are a good friend Chris. Listen..." Adam put his hand on Chris' shoulder and they stopped walking, then Adam continued "Um... what do you think of Justin?" he'd told the South African he'd put in a word for him with Jericho.
They continued to walk down the ramp to the ring. The Nexus were there, working out their attack on Cena's team.
"He's cute but I'm happy right now. Evan... well, I'm doing some reevaluating of my life. I don't need a relationship right now," Chris said as he watched Wade, something about the Brit unnerved him.
"Fair enough. Sometimes you have to examine your life," Adam said honestly.
"Okay boys our time is up. Just remember what Cole says, you're feral dogs," Wade said in a commanding tone.
The Nexus members left the ring. Justin smiled at Chris as they passed the Canadians. Wade stopped to kiss his blond quickly, "later poppet. Jericho take care of my property," Wade's look was deadly serious, at least to Chris. Adam just smiled not catching the true way Wade spoke.
"Yeah I will," Chris had to put himself in check. He didn't like the way Wade talked about Adam as "property".
"Later gator" Adam said with a kiss to his lover's cheek.
Adam and Chris worked out their match. The taller blond never noticed that occasionally Jericho's hand lingered a bit longer than it should or touched him in unnecessary places. Chris treasured each hidden touch, he was in heaven. He didn't want to think of the day their program would end.
Hunter came down to the ring, a file of papers on a clipboard in his hand, "Jericho, Edge?" the big blond called to the men working in the squared circle. The vets grabbed their towels off the ropes, left the ring and went to talk to Hunter.
"Creative has been working over time again. Edge is still going over. They want to carry your feud till Mania. Del Rio will win the blue Money In the Bank. He'll want Edge's title so he'll jump Chris a few times. That will put them in a number one contenders match. Chris goes over. Then you two for the title at Mania. We'll see later who goes over. For this PPV, Nexus will interfere in your match causing a DQ. They will beat you both down. You'll join Cena's team eventually. Nexus will take out two of the early Cena team and you'll replace them. Should be a good mix up. So get with Wade and work on the interference. Shawn sends his love, he'll be here for the PPV," Hunter finished explaining the new plan to the Canadians.
"Sounds good. We'll give you a good feud. Use that spear a lot, to the point that every time they see us, the crowd will chant it," Chris said as he thought on his feet.
"So am I turning face?" Adam asked the big blond.
"Sort of. Chris will be the bigger heel but you'll still be the Ultimate Opportunist, not a full on baby face. Keep your style...more like an anti hero," Hunter tried to explain.
"Yes, we'll turn the spear into a household word. We'll come up with something like Code Breaker versus The Spear. Leave it to me Hunter. It will be brilliant," Chris spoke then flashed his trademarked sideways smirk.
"I know you will Jericho. You and Edge are the most brilliant in ring match workers I have. Play this right and I'll reward you by being the main event at Mania," Hunter winked, then went off to give out more creative ideas to The Nexus.
"... so you will interfere and beat down Edge and Jericho. You'll come in as Edge is setting up for his final Spear. Make it good and above all make it look painful. People eat that stuff up!" Hunter explained to the leader of the heel group.
"Don't worry Hunter. They will never know what hit them," Barrett said with an evil grin. He watched the COO. walk away. Then he turned to his fellow Nexus members and explained the change of plans.
Justin smiled to himself. It would be an opportunity to have his hands on Jericho's body. The South African werewolf couldn't wait.
Adam noticed the look on Justin's face. He knew the kid would be disappointed but he needed to tell him that Chris just wasn't interested in starting a new relationship.
"Chris, I'll catch up. I wanna watch them a bit," Adam said to his fellow countryman. Jericho nodded and left Adam with the others.
Something told Chris not to wander off too far. He decided to sit at the gorilla position. This was the place backstage where Vince sat with the producers to watch and control the show. From there the Chairman or other producer could relay information to Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole, the two commentators. Vince could tell them to signal the Ref to lengthen or shorten a match. Sometimes he told them what to say or gave them a fact to pass along.
The gorilla was also where the wrestlers gathered to wait for their cue to hit the ramp. It got its name from the legendary and late Hall of Famer, Gorilla Monsoon. He would often stand there during events and people just started calling it the gorilla position and the name stuck.
Jericho switched on one of the many monitors. He had a great view of the ring and though he couldn't hear anything he could watch. He wanted to keep an eye on the beautiful blond named Edge.
Wade was busy playing ring general with Heath, David and Skip. Adam took the chance to pull Justin aside.
The young man was just as anxious to speak to Edge," So um... did you get a chance to talk to Chris yet?" Justin's eyes were bring and expectant.
Adam smiled, "Yeah I did. He thinks you're very cute but Justin, Evan hurt him really, really badly. He isn't interested in a new relationship just now. He's just stepping back and taking at look at his life. His kids are coming on the tour soon too and he won't have time," Adam passed the information along as promised.
Justin's smile vanished and he sighed deeply. "Oh well... damn. I can understand though... I guess. Evan deserves everything he's going to get. I can't wait. I just wish Chris would give me a chance," Justin said in a thoughtful tone.
"Justin, the best thing you could do is just his friend. Don't push yourself on him. I know he hates that. Maybe when his kids are here you could play with them. Ash and the twins are his reason for living. Just... be nice," Adam said in more of a fatherly advice type tone.
"Justin smiled, "That's great advice Adam. I really appreciate it. I'll do that, thanks! No wonder Wade likes you so much!" Justin hugged Adam and kissed his cheek in thanks.
"GABRIEL! GET YOUR ASS IN THE RING, NOW!" Wade barked darkly. It was a tone Adam had never heard before and hoped he never heard it directed towards himself.
Justin immediately obeyed his leader and slid into the ring, a bit of fear in his movements. As soon as the young man stood up, Wade hit him with a hard running bull dog. It very nearly knocked Justin out.
"Don't ever put your fucking lips or hands on my property again. This is your warning," Barrett said so low only the South African could hear it.
Justin was still a bit dazed, he could only nod in response. Heath smirked, he didn't like Justin, he was jealous of the darker man.
Heath hated that Justin always got to close with his four fifty splash. It was a spectacular move and it gave the South African all the attention but only after the rest of them had done all the work. The red head had been the one to point Adam and Justin out to Wade knowing how his leader would react.
"Wade! It's only a run through, don't hit so hard!" Adam said in a surprised tone. He'd slid into the ring to check on the Werewolf.
Wade's eyes narrowed and leveled at his lover, his lips made a thin line, he was furious. Nobody ever told him what to do, it was time Adam found that out.
Barrett helped Adam up off the canvas, he gripped Adam's bicep firmly, "Love, let me handle my boys. I know what's best. Now be a good boy and go shower. Make yourself pretty for me. You know what I like," the Englishman cooed at his lover.
There was a flash in Wade's eyes that unnerved the Canadian a bit but it was gone as soon as he blinked. Edge thought it was probably a build up of wrestling adrenaline.
"Okay. I'll be waiting for you," Adam said with a wiggle of his eyebrows. He got out of the ring and headed back to the locker room.
When he finished his shower and was half dressed, Chris Jericho came in the steam filled room. It was all he could do not to drool like one of Pavlov's dogs. Adam was wearing a pair of skin tight jeans. He was taking a navy blue button down shirt off a hanger. His back was to Chris.
Jericho thought that Adam's back was flawless and perfect. The skin was smooth, bronzed and so badly needed soft caresses and butterfly kisses. The lightly tanned skin appeared to be as soft as spun silk. It was the most perfect back he'd ever seen and Chris was sure the rest of Adam was just as perfect. He quickly thought of the time he saw Mae Young naked, just out of the shower. He was back in control of his no longer protruding part.
Adam turned as he heard Chris in the room. He'd slipped the shirt on and was doing up the buttons. "Hey Chris. I think they are going to like that new Code-Spear. Too bad we have to wait a while to use it," the blond spoke with a smile as he buttoned the last button.
"They will for sure. I'll talk to Cole to make sure he gets the name right. Won't be too long, I've worked it in to debut at the PPV, when we join Cena. Can't let Super Cena have all the glory now, can we?" Jericho's voice was soft and warm. It only came out that way when he spoke to Adam.
"That's great Chris. You are such a brilliant story teller and then as a ring general, you pull it all together so tight. Makes a match with or against you so smooth and easy. I wanted to thank you too, for taking my neck into consideration, most of the other boys forget," Adam spoke as he sat down on the bench and began brushing his hair.
"Started when you were a kid right?" Jericho asked as he pulled his sweat pants on over his trunks, he would just shower back at the hotel.
"Yeah. I was playing Spider Man. Jumped off the kitchen counter and landed wrong. Probably should have gone to the Doctor right then. If I had, maybe I wouldn't be so... fragile now. But hey, I was nine, I just brushed the dust off my butt and went on. That mid air Spear to Jeffy probably didn't help either," Adam shrugged and packed his ring gear into the gym bag resting between his feet.
"Barrett treating you okay?" Chris asked as he slipped on his t-shirt. He didn't want Adam to know he'd been watching from the gorilla.
Adam hesitated but he didn't know why, "Um...yeah, he is very good to me. He's... rough with his boys though," Adam had kind of a revelation as he spoke. Wade WAS hard on the others, would he eventually be that way with him? He brushed his hair slowly.
Chris had to keep the image of Mae on his mind as he watched Adam, " Adam... Wade was my rookie on NXT you know. He can be...aggressive... has he... oh, never mind. Sorry, none of my business," Chris quickly finished changing.
"He loves me Chris. He won't hurt me. I appreciate the worry though. All I want is to be loved and give love in return. I'm getting there with Wade...Wait... why am I telling you this? I'm sorry... it's just been a long time since someone actually talked to me," Adam said with a sigh. He didn't want to bother Chris, the man had his own problems.
Jericho smiled, as much as he loved Adam, if being his friend was the only way to be close to him, then he'd be the best damn friend he could. He sighed.
"Adam, I am honored to be your friend. Not every one believed the crap that came outta Miz's mouth. Don't rush it Adam... if you love Barrett that's good but don't settle just to be with someone... any time you want to talk, call me... give me your phone," Chris held his hand out to the blond.
Adam smiled, he dug his hardly used cell phone out of his bag and gave it to the ring vet, "Thanks Chris, it's nice to have a friend. Same with me, as he watched Chris program his number into the phone.
Just as Chris handed the phone back to Adam, the Nexus boiled into the locker room. For practice times, everyone used the same locker room. They were loud and raucous. Heath was laughing as Skip had him tossed over his shoulder. Barrett pulled up short when he saw Adam taking his phone from Jericho's hand.
The Nexus felt the change in their leader and grew silent, "What's going on love?" Wade worked hard to keep the anger out of his voice as he moved towards his lover.
Jericho picked up on Barrett's hidden anger, he'd seen it before during their time on NXT, "I gave Adam my numbers. He needs to be able to contact me in case he has an idea for the ring," Chris made sure to emphasize it was strictly for work.
"Oh, okay. I'll shower, then we'll go. Clean up boys," Barrett said as he gave Adam a pat on the head.
Jericho finished packing up his gear. He dropped one of his kick pads and it tumbled out of his reach. Before he could move to pick it up, Justin beat Chris to it.
Justin picked up the blue and purple decorated pad. He looked at it closer. The glitter and artwork were beautiful. This wasn't the cheap stuff made by the WWE, this kick pad was hand made and expensive.
"I've never noticed how beautiful they looked close up. I don't think the WWE costume department made these," the handsome South African said as he shyly handed Chris the wayward kick pad.
"No, it wasn't. Thanks Justin. I have my gear made at a shop in Tampa. It's expensive but image is everything. Glittering gear hides a few wrinkles and gray hair," Chris explained with a laugh.
Justin was thrilled! Chris was talking to him. He glanced over at Adam. Adam nodded slightly with a smile.
Part of the blond thought they would make a cute couple but deep down in his heart, something about it bothered him. He brushed his thoughts away with a last stroke of his hair brush. He put his brush and his phone in his bag.
"What gray hair and wrinkles? Chris you look as good as you did as a rookie, even better actually," Gabriel said with a blush as he smiled.
Chris smirked if he wanted he could have Justin between his sheets in thirty minutes but he didn't want that. He wanted something deep and lasting. He wanted to settle down, have someone to share his kids with, grow and and retire with. He wanted marriage.
"Thanks Justin. You're a nice guy and very talented. You'll have a long career here if you want. You'd have a good solo career as a high flier, especially with Rey out so much. The fans need a new flier," Chris spoke honestly. He did think the kind would do better solo. Jericho also didn't like the way Wade bull dogged him earlier.
"It's my dream Chris. I'd still like to learn that Lion Sault," Gabriel hinted to the older superstar.
"Oh yeah. Tomorrow Adam and I will knock off a few minutes early, then I'll teach you. Adam? You don't mind do you?" Chris asked his fellow grappler.
"Not at all. I'll even volunteer to take the drop so you can show him how to land properly," Adam said happily.
Justin was so thrilled he kissed both of the vets on the cheek. Justin had just kissed Adam when Barrett came out of the shower, he was again furious with Gabriel.
Jericho said good bye and left Adam and The Nexus. Had he known what was about to happen he would have stayed. For now he just headed to his hotel, unaware of Adam's plight.
Barrett strode over to the South African. Justin was changing to shower. Before he realized what had happened he was on the floor, blood pouring from his nose and lip.
"You don't EVER put your dirty mouth on Adam again. Don't even touch my property," the Englishman barked. He then turned on Adam.
Adam was shocked at what had just happened. He stood up and went to see how Justin was, when Wade caught him roughly by the wrist, causing the blond to wince in pain. "Ouch Wade, you're hurting me!" Adam cried out.
Wade only tightened his grip, seeing Adam's eyes fill with pain was charging him up sexually. "You're mine love. I don't like others touching my property. And while we're at it, keep away from Jericho. I realize you have to work with him. But that's all you do. Heath and David will be with you, just to make sure Jericho keeps to himself. Now sit down, I'll be ready in a minute and well go to a late lunch," Wade's tone was firm at the start, then by the time he was done it went to a soft coo. He let Adam go and stepping over Gabriel, went to his locker to dress.
Adam was so taken a back he did sit on the bench. He didn't know or understand what had just occurred. He knew one thing though, he didn't like it. Wade had hurt him. He'd been in an abusive relationship and he'd vowed never again.
Early in his WWE career, he was in a group with Jason called The Brood. The group was Jay, himself and David "Gangrel" Heath. David took a shine to Adam and they started dating. David became more and more like Gangrel. He actually started to think he had super vampire powers. He often abused Adam, with hard, rough sex and vicious toys. When he couldn't take anymore, he went to Jay for help. They talked to Vince and he fired David and turned Edge and Christian into E & C. After that they were official WWE Superstars and Adam had gone up from there.
"Ready love?" Barrett whispered in Adam's ear. The sudden appearance of his lover made the blond jump.
"Yeah, we need to talk. I'm not happy with you right now," Adam said with a sigh. He needed to know if Wade was in a bad mood or was this normal and he was only just now finding out about it. He had to know.
"We'll talk about it. Come on poppet," Wade held his hand out to the blond. He was his same loving self.
Adam took the hand and followed his lover. Otunga followed them as he carried their bags for them. Adam realized either David or Heath was always around, he needed to ask about that as well.
Wade drove Adam to a small local cafe. He liked the small out of the way places. Usually fans didn't go to those kinds of restaurants. They tended to hang out around and close to the hotels where the WWE stayed.
Adam noticed that Slater and Otunga had followed them, "Wade? Why are they here?" he asked curiously.
Wade shrugged, he wasn't used to being questioned about the things he did, "Adam love, don't be so worried about things that don't matter. Your job is to let me spoil you and in return take care of me," Barrett said flatly as they entered the restaurant. He held a chair for Adam and helped him settle up to the table.
"You're so hard on the boys. Justin was excited, Wade. Chris had agreed to teach him the Lion Sault and I said I would help. I'm not doing anything wrong. I am NOT property, I am Adam. I care about you, a lot but I had the controlling abusive boyfriend, I won't do that again. I'm serious Wade," Adam was firm. He really was upset about Justin. He wouldn't put up with it.
Wade growled, he didn't like what Adam was saying. The man had so far been accepting of everything. Why was Adam suddenly changing? Was Jericho saying things? He'd found out then he'd put an end to the problem.
"I'm sorry you think I'm controlling. You have to understand, love. I'm trying to lead The Nexus to the top. I'm dealing with the egos of several young bucks who all want to shine. We have to shine together or it won't work. I'm sorry, I get jealous very easily. My last steady boyfriend in England... cheated on me. I guess that's why I'm so protective," Wade explained as he took a bite of the food that had arrived.
"Wade. When I'm with someone, I'm with him. I have never and would never cheat in anyway on the man I'm with. I have more respect for my boyfriend and myself than to cheat. I don't know Wade, maybe I'm not meant to be in a relationship. They never work out for me..." Adam sighed. He'd started for fall for Wade but he hated drama. Barrett was nothing but drama.
"I'm, sorry love. I didn't mean to imply you were cheating on me. I'm an overbearing man sometimes. I haven't learned how to turn Wade off when I leave the ring. Don't leave me Adam... I think we have something special here. Can't we give it more of a chance?" Wade said sincerely or at least his tone was. No one walked out on him and Adam wasn't about to be the first. Adam was his and he intended to keep him.
Adam took a bite of his food, he was deep in thought. Wade did treat him good and even held him after sex, that was very important to the beauty. He understood what Wade meant. It took him a while to learn that Edge was just a ring and backstage promo persona. Maybe he could help his lover to learn. After all he had to admit, Wade was damn good in the bed.
"Okay Wade but I want to help you learn how to turn off when we leave the arena. I want you to treat the boys better too. Let them learn to shine on their own. It would be better for everyone," Adam spoke with a soft smile. His eyes shone brightly at his lover.
Barrett breathed a sigh of relief, for now he would play along, be mister nice guy then Adam would learn his place. To be by his side, his trophy, his personal toy to play with as he pleased, where and where he pleased. The blond bitch would learn.
"Thanks, love. I'll try. Now, let's finish I'm ready for a nap. The under and mid carders had a house show that night. The main event superstars only had promos and they had already been filmed. Adam had to be there to show the title and The Nexus were going to interrupt Kofi and R Truth, knocking them off team Cena, further setting up the story for the PPV.
Later back in Adam's hotel room, Wade gave Heath and Dave instructions to wake them at six. That gave the couple and hour to get to the arena. It was easy, the hotel and venue were in the same location so they didn't have to rush to drive to the event. The two men nodded and went to their own room.
Wade had a room too but why not take advantage of Adam's first class suite. He liked the perks that came with dating a champion. It would do until he had the WWE title himself.
Adam came out of the shower, his long hair was still damp from being washed, conditioned and towel dried. He smelled like fresh, spicy vanilla flowers. It was intoxicating to the Englishman. A large towel was wrapped around the blond, it rode low on his hips.
"You are so fucking beautiful like that," Wade's voice was heavy with lust, it made his accent even thicker. The Brit was lying on the big bed, he too was only wearing a towel as he had showered earlier.
Adam blushed as he fiddled with his toiletries on the dresser. He sprayed a bit of spicy vanilla cologne on his body. "I'm not but thanks," Adam laughed a bit.
"Don't argue with me. You are beautiful and stunning. Come, love," Wade cooed as he patted the empty space next to him on the bed.
Adam smiled and went to the bed. He slid in next to his lover after dropping the towel. In the bedroom Adam wasn't shy. He didn't used to be in the locker room either but after the rumors started he became that way.
Wade roughly pulled the blond to him. He flipped around until Adam was firmly under him. Adam's arms wrapped around Wade's muscular back. He raised his left leg, his foot was flat on the bed, his knee pressed lightly against Wade's hip. He was comfortable with the Englishman, he loved the way Wade's body felt pressed against him.
Barrett started kissing and nibbling on Adam's graceful neck, making low growls in his throat as he did. His hands carded through the long, blond locks. Adam's fingers ran over the strong back of his younger lover his nails scraped lightly, it caused the muscles to flex and jump under the loving touches.
Their cocks rubbed against each other, sending waves of pleasure coursing through them. Wade reached between their bodies, his large hand went around both their erect shafts. He began stroking them at a slow, pleasurable pace.
It felt so good. Adam's green eyes closed as they rolled back in delight. Wade continued feasting on Adam's neck. The only thing Adam missed was kissing. Wade very rarely kissed during sex and even though Adam did like it he learned it was Wade's way.
The Englishman stroked them till their cocks erupted between them. It was only after they used their towels to clean themselves that Wade finally kissed his lover. The black haired man then lay on his side with Adam wrapped securely in his arms. They fell into a comfortable and sated sleep.
Om another hotel, not far from the venue, Chris Jericho laid alone in his bed. He was completely naked, his hand was wrapped around his cock. His hand was moving rapidly as his hips thrust up in tempo. A sheen of sweat covered his tight, toned body.
Soft whispers passed over his lips, "Oh Adam so tight and hot, yeah ride me baby, ride me hard Adam," Chris' eyes were closed tight, he could almost feel and smell the blond beauty as he made love to him in his minds eye.
Would Chris ever be able to tell Adam how he felt or was he destined to live life without ever knowing the blonds bedroom kisses?
Adam slept in Wade's arms, he felt safe but a darkness was working its way towards him. It stayed hidden for now but when it reared its ugly head who would be there to protect him? Maybe no one, because sometimes in a crowd nobody hears a single scream.
