AN: Thank you to everyone that reviewed the last chapter! Okay, so because there was testing last week, I've been doing nothing but studying. But now that it's over, hopefully I'll be able to update this story more often.
x-x-x
He watched as she walked a few steps ahead of him and couldn't believe that he spent so much time trying to push her buttons, trying to piss her off. Jeff really didn't know how or when their relationship began to fall.
Maybe it started when he noticed just how much attention she was getting from the male population. Maybe it was when he started to see Maria's little habits, and that caused him to be so annoyed. Or maybe it was because he finally realized that he was starting to fall for her, and he was scared. So he did everything he could to get out of the relationship before he got his heart broken.
He truly didn't know which of those options was the right one; all he knew was that he was a dick to ever lose her. Jeff was brought back to reality when Maria asked if he wanted to go get ice cream. The man couldn't help but smile, it didn't matter that they just ate dinner, if Maria wanted ice cream she was going to get it. Nodding, Maria smiled back and leaded the way.
Walking closer to the ice cream parlor, Jeff wondered if he should open the door for him or not; considering the last time he did that it ended with a slap to the face. Being the gentlemen he was, Jeff took the chance and opened the door for the redhead to walk through.
When he opened the door, he couldn't help but noticed Maria's surprised look. Ready for any sudden movements, he sighed in relief when she smiled at him and mumbled a 'thanks'.
While Maria headed into the restroom, Jeff walked up to the counter and pried that Maria's favorite ice cream didn't change.
"How did you know?" Maria asked when Jeff handed her, her cone.
"Lucky guess." Jeff shrugged.
"I know a 'lucky guess' when I see one Mr. Hardy," Maria's eyes met his, "And a mint chocolate chip with sprinkles isn't one."
"Okay," Jeff started when they exited the parlor. "My friend loved it, and you remind me of her so I took the chance."
"I remind you of your friend huh?" Maria asked, licking her treat, "Is that a good thing?"
Nodding, he looked at her. "Yeah, she's a really good person."
"You went out with her didn't you?" A small smile appeared on her face, "Or are you still going out? Aw, I just love it when friends turn into more. It's so cute."
"We're not going out," Jeff let out a small chuckle at her excitement.
"But you guys did right?" Maria looked at him.
He nodded, and Maria's face lit up. He knew it was because she found out she was right.
"So what happened between you two?" Maria asked, "If you don't mind me asking."
Glancing at her, Jeff couldn't answer. He honestly didn't know what happened between the two of them. Seeing Maria meet his eyes, he shrugged and said that she changed into a different person; to which Maria told him that she couldn't have changed that much.
Sensing that he didn't feel comfortable with the subject, Maria decided to change topics and complimented him on his match. Jeff shot her a smile and chuckled, he could remember that after every match Maria would come up to him and tease him about doing something wrong. After expressing his gratitude, Jeff told her that she didn't do too bad herself.
"Okay, whatever." Maria rolled her eyes as she tossed her napkin in the nearby garbage, "You don't have to lie. I know I'm not the best diva the company ever had."
Jeff looked at the women walking besides him and let out a small sigh. He knew that, that thought was always in the back of her mind. She knew that there were a lot of people out there thinking that she shouldn't even be in the business, but those people didn't know how much work she put into it; he did. He knew how much passion she has for the sport. How much she wanted to improve and gain respect from both the fans and her peers.
"No really," Jeff started, knowing that Maria needed the compliment, "You were really good."
"Considering the amount of action time I got?" Maria questioned, raising her eye brow.
When Jeff couldn't answer, he saw Maria give a small shrug; as they continued down the grey sidewalk. As the Diva took lead once again, something that Jeff remember she would do when she didn't want to talk anymore, or when she wanted to avoid something; Jeff couldn't help but feel sorry for her. This feeling, however, wasn't only for the redhead standing before him, but rather for all the women in this sport that was pretty much ruled by men.
He knew that the ladies were frustrated with the way that they were 'handled' within the company. They felt like the only reason that they were there was to show off their bodies; and give the fans something else to look at besides mens in tights. Which a lot of the superstars were actually happy about. Jeff knew that the Divas were always put below everyone else, and he often heard them talking about their place in the WWE. He knew that they didn't really like the bikini contents, hated Diva Battle Royals, and didn't really see the point in the ever popular bra and panty matches.
He also knew that they weren't too happy about Diva tag matches; especially when it was there were more then four Divas involved. Remembering all the times that Maria would walk back behind the curtain, and when Jeff could meet her, she always had a bittersweet feeling about the match; even if her team won. She would be happy, of course, that her team got the win; but at the same time, the pin was always done by her partner. Which, Jeff guess, is why a lot of them hates when theres a tag match at Pay Per Views. It wasn't a surprise that the Diva matches lasted only about three to five minutes on the regular show, so ten minutes for PPV should be more then enough right? Well the way the the girls saw it was that ten minutes isn't enough time to get each Diva in there to show what they really got. Especially when both Raw and Smackdown! Divas are involved.
Even though he should be smiling at the thought, a small smile appeared onto his face. He remembered that after every show, Maria would be talking to the rest of the Divas and every conversation that he heard was them saying that it was time for a change. Jeff would always try and make them feel better by saying that there are a lot of guys out there who came just to see them. And every time he said something along those lines, he would get the death glare, mixed in with some eye rolls, and a slap; the latter usually given by his own girlfriend.
"I could help you train," Jeff heard himself say. "If you want."
Seeing the redhead stop and look at him, he felt himself go uneasy. Maybe she thought that by him saying that means that she needs the help. That she needed the extra training. But Jeff didn't mean that. He knew that Maria had what it takes to make it in the business, no matter what others had to say. Truth was that he missed spending time with her, and this was the only way he could think of without it being too obvious.
"Really?" Maria asked. "You'd do that?"
"Of course," Jeff nodded. Anything for you.
Hearing the beauty accept his offer moments after thinking about it, he sent her a smile. He knew that their friends would be pissed, and a little concerned about this little arrangement. Especially a pretty blonde that was wondering where they were right now. But Jeff had to spend more time with the redhead, he had to get to know this one; because in all truth the last year or so felt a little empty without the bubbly Diva in his life.
Checking the watch that was sitting on his wrist, he sighed and looked at Maria. She looked so beautiful, not that she hadn't always, but with the moonlight shining on her; she looked breathtaking.
"We should get you back," Jeff said quietly, like he was afraid to disturb her beauty. "Kelly's probably wondering where you are."
Nodding Maria also checked her watch and laughed, "I'm actually surprised that she didn't call to check up. Usually when I'm on dates..."
When she's on dates. Jeff shook his head, of course she dated; anyone with half a brain would want to go out with her. It wasn't like she was going to wait for him, hell she didn't even remember him.
"...So she must really trust you." He heard her say.
"Let's get you back." Jeff smiled as they headed towards the hotel.
x-x-x
"Kels!" Maria called upon entering her hotel room, "Hello?"
"Hey," The blonde emerged. "Have fun?"
Seeing her best friend nod, Kelly listened as the redhead told her how beautiful the city was; and how she felt it was crazy that she hadn't noticed it before. Kelly was interested in the story Maria was telling her, she really was. But she just couldn't help but think how Jeff's feeling. Even tough Maria was her best friend, she knew how hard this was on the superstar.
"Did Jeff walk you back?" Kelly asked, interrupting her friend.
"Yeah," Maria answered, a little confused. "Why?"
"I'll be back," Kelly said walking towards the door.
Maria raised her eyebrows, at the urgency her best friend gave off and wondered if there was something going on with the two of them. She noticed that in the pass year, Kelly and Chris would often talk about him; but when ever they saw Maria enter the room they'd just stop talking. Maria remembered asking both Ted and Eve what's the story there; and they basically just told her that the two of them had history.
Shrugging, Maria placed her purse down, happy that her best friend was finally taking time to herself and found someone. She made it a goal to see if there was something there. Smiling to herself, Maria couldn't wait but get back into her old match maker self.
x-x-x
Walking down the hall after dropping Maria off, Jeff heard someone call his name. Knowing the voice, he stopped and waited for her to catch up. He was wondering if Maria already told her about their training session, and Jeff was ready for yells of concern from the younger Diva. But when Kelly asked if he was okay, he became confused. Why couldn't he be okay? Answering that he was fine, he questioned the girl.
"Oh come on Jeff," Kelly crossed her arms. "This is the first time you've spent time with her in over a year. What's going on in that head of yours?"
Jeff sighed, even though neither of them would admit it. There were times when Kelly knew Jeff just as much as Maria does--did. When he didn't answer, he listened as Kelly processed to tell him that she knew that this is hard on him. That she's been there with Maria, and she just needed time. Jeff could laugh at the last statement. He knew that the women was only trying to help and doing what she thought was the best, but she didn't know. She didn't have any idea, because Maria knew who she was. Maria knew Kelly, she knew Chris, Eve, Ted; everyone expect him. They didn't know what it's like. Hearing Kelly say that if he wanted to talk, she'd be there Jeff nodded and took her into a hug. He whispered a thanks and that he'll talk to her later, before shoving his hands into his pocket and walked away.
"Hey, how'd it go?" Jeff heard Chris ask once the door was open.
Telling the shorter man that everything was fine and that Maria was now safely in her room; Jeff threw himself onto his bed and closed his eyes. Hearing Chris ask what his problem was, Jeff answered that he was just tired and he'll talk to him in the morning.
Knowing that Jeff was having a hard time dealing with the bubbly Diva, Chris let it go and let the younger superstar sleep. Looking at Ted, who was sitting on one of the chairs in the room, he motion for him to step out. Holding the door ajar slightly with his foot, Chris looked at the young rookie and sighed.
"What?" Ted asked, still holding his hand of cards.
"Do you have a feeling that somethings wrong with mister come back in there?" Chris jerked his head towards the room.
"No," Ted shook his head. "But if there is, you know that Kels probably said something to him."
Chuckling, because Chris knew Ted was most likely to be right glanced at the sleeping man.
"Feeling sorry?" Ted asked, seeing his good friend's face. "Or is that guilt I see?"
Chris shoot the dark haired man a glare; of course he felt guilty. If he was in Jeff's shoes, he could only imagine how hard this was for him. But he also understood why they had to do it. Sure, Maria was like a little sister to him; and he'd do anything to take her pain away, to see her happy. But Jeff too was like family, he's known the younger Hardy longer then he's known Maria; and he feels the pain that he's going through.
"I told you we should've gone out and party to celebrate his return," Ted shrugged walking back into the room. "But no you guys wanted a dinner. See what happens when you don't listen to me? Bad things happen. Just like how you lost forty bucks my man." He smiled setting his hand down, "Full House."
Rolling his eyes, in both amusement, and annoyed in losing his money; Chris closed the door behind him and challenged Ted double or nothing.
x-x-x
Glancing at the clock, Maria groaned inward and sat up. Looking towards the sleeping blonde a smile made it's way onto the redhead's face. Stretching and sighing, Maria got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. After freshening up, and tying her hair into a messy ponytail, the Diva walked out of the bathroom and to her suitcase. Getting out a pink tank and black yoga pants, she changed and placed her dirty clothes off to the side.
Checking the time, Maria smiled to herself. She didn't know why she was so excited, it was just another training session. But with another trainer. Her mind told her. Shaking her head, Maria finished getting ready and grabbed her purse. After zipping up her duffel bag, she was ready to head out. Hearing her phone ring, Maria turned and saw she left it on the light stand. In an attempt to grab it, she tripped over one of her shoes that was lying around and tumbled to the ground.
"Shit." Maria cursed, hoping that Kelly didn't wake up; and grabbed the phone. "Hey, I'll be right down. Okay, bye."
"What's going on?" She heard a tired Kelly ask.
"I'm just going out." Maria stood up and made sure she had everything.
"Where?"
"I have a training session."
"But it's a Tuesday." Kelly eyed her friend.
"Yeah," Maria nodded. "Well, bye."
"Maria!" Kelly called, following the redhead down the hall and into the elevator.
Ignoring her friend, Maria walked off of the elevator and down the long hallway. Looking for room 423. Knocking on the door, Kelly looked up confused and asked why she was knocking on their door. Instead of answering, Maria knocked again.
When the door opened, Chris looked down at the two girls confused. Asking what they were doing here, Kelly said that she'd like to know the answer to that as well. Pushing her way into the room, Maria smiled when she saw Jeff tying his shoes. After catching her eyes, Jeff smiled back but smirked when he saw the blonde enter.
"Nice clothes Kel." Jeff smirked.
Kelly was about to say a witty come back, when she looked at her wardrobe and frowned. Jeff was right, after waking up and just following Maria out of the room Kelly didn't have time to change. She was wearing a pink and blue Hello Kitty pajama bottoms with a yellow tank top. To say that she was ready for spring was an understatement.
"Maria, what are we doing here?" Kelly said, choosing to ignore her friend.
"I told you," Maria started, fixing the strap of her bag. "I'm here, because I have a training session. You're here, because- well I don't know why you're here."
"Hold on," Chris closed the door. "You're the person that Jeff's training?"
Watching the redhead nod, both Chris and Kelly sighed. Eyeing the other man in the room, Chris saw Jeff tense a bit and shook his head. Telling Maria to meet Jeff down in the lobby, Chris opened the door for her. When Maria asked what's the problem, Kelly jumped in and said they wanted to talk to Jeff about something. Knowing that she wasn't going to get any other answer, Maria obeyed and left the room; the smile on her face not going unnoticed by the other three. Hearing the door down the hall open, Kelly saw Eve come out and asked if she could go with Maria downstairs and they'll meet them down there.
When both girls were in the elevator Kelly closed the door behind her and looked at the man standing in front of him. She knew from the look on his face, that he was expecting this. Sighing, Kelly asked what he was doing.
"I'm helping-"
"No, Jeff." Kelly stopped him. "I mean- Look, I know you, and I know that this is hard for you-"
"No you don't," Jeff started, cutting her off his time. "You guys don't know how hard it is. Because, no offence; but you guys didn't get the short end of the stick here. I'm the one who has to walk around here all fine and normal when Maria doesn't know who the fuck I am."
Looking into his friend's eyes, Chris knew it was time time step in. Placing a hand on Kelly's shoulders, as he tried to prevent her from saying something she'll regret later.
"Look man," Chris started looking at one of his best friend. "You know that Maria's been through a lot and we're all worried about her. And I know that you wouldn't hurt her on purpose-"
"What is that suppose to mean?"
When Chris tried to explain himself, he was met with Jeff shaking his head. He didn't want to hear it, because he knew he was a jerk to her before, but that changed. He changed. Grabbing his bag, and tossing another water bottle in it for Maria, he left the room without so much as a goodbye. Passing Ted on his way to the elevator, he gave a small nod before pressing the down arrow.
x-x-x
"So he's training you?" Eve asked.
Maria nodded, not really seeing the big deal. She thought that everyone trusted the younger Hardy brother.
"Is there anything going on between him and Kelly?" Maria asked.
Eve started to laugh, but stopped when she saw the serious and confused look on her friend's face. Telling her that there wasn't anything interesting going on, instead the brunette told her to be careful. Maria didn't know if she meant be careful while training, or be careful with Jeff.
"Hey, ready to go?" Maria didn't even notice Jeff walk up to her.
Flashing him a smile, she nodded and proceeded to hug Eve goodbye. After picking up Maria's bag, and arguing about it for a minute or two; the duo were headed to Jeff's rental.
"Is everything okay?" Maria asked once they were a good five minutes away from the hotel.
Taking his eyes off the road to look at her, he nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"I don't know," Maria shrugged, eyes forward. "It just seemed like everyone was upset about you training me."
Hearing Jeff chuckle, Maria looked towards him. "They're just worried that because none of them are with you, something bad is going to happen."
Satisfied with the answer, Maria looked forward again. There was something about Jeff, something that she couldn't place her finger on; but she knew that she could trust him.
"That's not going to happen right?" Maria heard herself saying.
"What isn't?" Jeff glanced at her, before looking back at the road.
"Anything bad," Maria cleared her throat. "I mean that's what their worried about right? Them being paranoid and thinking that something bad is going to happen."
Maria watched him nod before he stopped at a red light and looked at her, "Nothing bad is going to happen to you. I promised them that, and I intend to keep it. Although seeing Kelly all stress is really entertaining, so we may have to make something up."
Laughing with him, Maria turned so she was facing forward again. Yeah, there was definitely something about him.
x-x-x
AN: There you guys go! Again, super sorry for the wait, hopefully that'll be the longest I go without any updates. Anyways, please review and tell me what you thought about this chapter. If you guys have any question, feel free to ask in a review or PM.