The haircut is the same one Gabriel actually got after the Ricky Steamboat thing. It freaked me out at first, but I really love it now.

I don't know about you guys, but nothing gets me dancing like a dumb slut more than "Cue The Pulse To Begin". It's the theme song to the third season of Queer as Folk, and it's good song. Look it up, give it a listen. Imagine Gabriel and Riley. It's worth it.

Gabriel waited with heavy anticipation. He'd been up in the room for almost an hour now, and he was getting anxious. He had already unpacked his clothes and put them out on the dresser, ready to share space with his new roommate when he came. They'd be in this city for three days, and he could really take the time to unpack his stuff. He was going through all the stuff that usually cluttered at the bottom of one's suitcase, deciding what could stay or not, deciding what things needed to be taken out.

Gabriel had turned on the TV for sound, but CSI: New York was cold company compared to what he could have. He shuffled through his things, finding his small baggie of earrings. He tossed them onto the nightstand, using the opportunity to glance at the clock. He sighed, turning his gaze back to the suitcase. His hands, however, came up to once again touch his styled hair.

Against Wade's wishes, he'd dyed his hair a honey brown color. Afterward, when he was checking out the color, he realized he needed a new look to go with it. He'd caught the Divas after their work-out and had asked if any of them knew how to style hair. Gail Kim had offered to help him, she was a genius with hair. She had shown him how to scrape and spike up his hair, creating a mohawk effect more on one side. It gave him an edge, the spiky look one he knew he could grow to love.

Justin crumpled up a candy wrapper, turning to the waste basket. He lined up a shot like a pro-basketball player, even doing the commentary in his head.

"He shoots…" he announced, taking the shot with a flourish of his wrists. The little ball of paper and foil touched the rim, then fell in. He cupped his hands to his mouth, making the 'ah' sound of the crowd when they were roaring.

"And they go nuts!"

Gabriel was in the middle of a little celebratory happy dance when the door clicked, pushing open to reveal him in a rather embarrassing situation. He stopped his horrific version of dance, turning toward the door with blooming dread. Alex Riley was standing there, his stuff piled beside him. He was standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk growing on his face.

Justin composed himself, standing up straight and raising his chin.

"I didn't think you'd actually do it" Alex half-lied, throwing his duffle into the room. He grabbed the two suitcases and the backpack, throwing them on the floor beside the desk. He let the door close behind him, studying the slighter man with a critical eye.

"You made the offer sound so tempting…" Justin cocked his hips a bit, trying to look seductive but scared to death he looked ridiculous "I had to take it."

"Look at this."

/Shit!/ Gabriel started to panic as Alex approached him with purpose, fingers clenching tightly /What am I supposed to do? Should I flirt? Should I play hard to get? God, is it wrong to want to throw him on the bed and let him have me?/

"Your hair…" Alex stopped in front of him, reaching up and letting his fingers brush over some spiky strands "I like it. It works for you. You don't have the 'dark haired angel' persona, you're much more…golden now. You're beautiful."

Gabriel dropped his eyes to the carpet, he couldn't believe his colleague was saying this. This was a man who he'd competed with for the championship, who'd taken the belt from him not a few months ago. The man he'd admired across the locker room for over a year, his fascination slowly turning into a wet-dream inducing desire.

"Thank you" Gabriel tried to smile it off "I bet you say that to all the boys."

Alex stepped closer, tilting his head as if he were going to kiss him. Gabriel tried not to whimper, he'd never wanted anything more than to have that contact.

"Just you, Angel" Alex pulled away, walking back toward his luggage. He grabbed his suitcase and tossed it on top of the dresser in the space that wasn't occupied by the other's clothes. He unzipped it, flipping open the lid. He turned back to the honey haired man. He raised an eyebrow, flicking his fingers at the suitcase.

"Where do you want my stuff?" he inquired.

"Uh" Justin cleared his throat, scrambling to get his sanity back "Just put it anywhere."

"Thanks, man."

Riley started opening the drawers, taking the left side of the drawers for his clothes. Gabriel shifted his stance, trying to think of something to say. He opened his mouth a few times, but nothing came out. Alex, on the other hand, was struggling to look busy while he waited for the slighter man to make a move. He wanted to see if the seeds he'd planted had born any fruit. He wanted Gabriel to want him, to feel the same passion that had been woken inside himself.

"Alex" Gabriel started.

"Yes?" Alex interjected quickly, turning around to face the other.

Justin felt the words stall in his throat, but managed to get them out, "Are you hungry?"

Alex leaned back against the dresser, bracing his hands along the rim, "Yeah, actually. You?"

"Why don't we order room service on Vince's card?" Gabriel offered with a dimpled smile "I've got a copy of The Lost Boys."

"I've got my PS3" the brunette replied "We can play it on there."

"We could hang out here tonight" Gabriel continued hopefully "If you don't have any other plans."

"You make the offer sound so tempting…" Alex smirked, playing off the other man's earlier words "How can I say no?"

Gabriel dropped his eyes briefly, then gave the other a coy glance. Alex felt a shiver go through his gut, his sap rising. No sooner did it rise up then he put a clamp on it, pushing it deep down inside him. He closed his eyes, firmly scolding himself that this wasn't yet the time to claim Gabriel for his own.

Alex opened his eyes, shooting his own charming smile at the darker man.

"Let me hook it up."

Gabriel walked over to the phone, unable to suppress the wide smile that cracked his face. He couldn't believe he'd gotten a whole night away from Nexus (especially Barrett), and better yet - got to spend it with his crush. He felt all warm inside, for this was a huge step for them. They never got any time to explore these new feelings. They wouldn't get into anything really deep, but playing around was better than not getting a word in between commercials.

Neither knew that they were thinking the exact same thing.

xXx

They laughed for the two hours of Lost Boys, booing the bad graphics but cheering on the soundtrack and Kiefer Sutherland all the way. They'd half-devoured the sandwiches room service had brought up, just enough to absorb the two beers they'd had each. The popcorn they'd managed to get had only been munched until it'd turn cold, both complaining about how it tasted disgusting after that. Alex, ever the mischievous, had started a popcorn fight that had left the little fluffy snack scattered all over the carpet. They were both nursing their third beers, and after the movie ended they started flipping cable channels.

When they saw Queer as Folk on LOGO, they both started laughing obscenely. They'd both watched it before, and found it one of the funniest shows on TV. Comfortable enough with themselves, they decided to put it on for noise. It must've been almost two in the morning, and they were getting that light-headed feeling that came when you got your second wind.

It was a special, and they showed the full version of the theme song Cue The Pulse To Begin. Gabriel closed his eyes as the first techno notes filled the air. The moment the breathy lyrics started playing, he stood up and set down his beer.

"Justin, dude" Alex began, lounging on the other side of the couch.

Gabriel's lips curled up, dimples popping in his cheeks. To the beat, his body started swaying. His back arched as he rolled his abdomen, moving his shoulders rhythmically. Alex observed this hungrily, the song picking up. With his golden hair ruffled, his eyes gleaming, his hips rolling obscenely…he looked like a siren. In a very Melina-esque way, Gabriel flourished his fingers and wrists around his body.

"Come, Alex, like this doesn't want to make you dance" Justin tisked, giving a slow spin with another roll of his hips "Join me?"

/Hell, why not?/ Alex sat down his beer, getting to his feet. They quickly pushed back the couch, giving them plenty of room. The song got heavier, and he couldn't stop his body from moving. They bobbed their heads, arms moving, feet taking them around each other and back again. They started to laugh, switching between exaggerated sexy or silly moves. They took hands, Alex spun his partner.

The world faded away, and it was just them for those few minutes.

xXxxXx

Justin couldn't breathe. There was a hand around his throat, choking the life from him. There were more hands pinning his wrists down, crushing the delicate bones. His legs were held down, he couldn't even thrash against the force. He was flat on his back, desperately arching and gasping. He wanted to call for help, but all he got out were a few whines. More hands, more greedy fingers, started running over his bare chest and along his thighs. He tried to scream, but again - the sound wouldn't come.

And just like that, all the hands left his body. He coughed, managing to fill his lungs with air. He tried to cover himself with his hands, but he was naked and there wasn't much he could do. He curled into himself, looking around but finding only darkness. He couldn't tell if his attackers were still there or not.

A single pair of hands touched his knees, making him jump. A wave of warmth rolled over his body, soothing his abused flesh. He couldn't help but moan, the hands were gently creeping up his thighs. He slowly curled, parting his legs, inviting the muscular physique to settle between them. He let his hands feel out the shape of the man, he knew who this was - he just couldn't remember.

Lips brushed his abs, his pecs, the very base of his throat. He tilted his head back, drinking in the sensations like a man would lap up water. He moaned again, arching as a warm tongue laved at his nipple. The sound faded into a mild groan of protest as his hands were taken off the bigger man's chest, his wrists carefully criss-crossed above his head and held down with one of the other's massive hands. This was much different than being pinned earlier, this was done out of love.

Sweet words were cooed into his ears, soft lips bussing kisses across his cheeks and jaw, across his lips. He accepted the man and all he gave, parting his lips to allow the other to taste him. The kisses were loving, he'd never had someone be so tender with him before.

"Justin…"

Gabriel hummed in content, breaking the kiss.

"Justin? You awake, man?"

It took nearly a full minute to pull himself from his wonderful dream, lashes fluttering against his tan cheeks. He gave a little groan, flexing his cramped legs out. He realized he was naked save for a pair of boxer-briefs that felt incredibly too small, the only thing covering him was a stark white sheet. He had an arm curled beneath the pillow beneath his head, the other by his hip. He was half laying on his side, feeling more comfortable than he had in a while.

Justin nearly jumped when he opened his eyes and found those strange dark, blue-shaded eyes Alex possessed looking down at him. Riley was sitting on the edge of his bed, a half smile on his handsome face. He had set a tray in the space between Gabriel and himself, a silver one with food on it. Justin inhaled deeply, lashes fluttering again at the delicious scent. Sausage, biscuits, muffins, coffee, and toast.

"Come on, Angel" Alex cooed, his hand coming up to pet along the sheet that covered his bare hip "Time to wake up. Breakfast is here."

"Breakfast…in bed?" Justin rasped in a sleep-thick voice, one eye still clenched shut from the sunlight that was pouring into the room "What is this?"

"I went down and got you some things I've seen you eat before" Alex shrugged, he himself was only clad in a pair of sweats and a dark green shirt with white letters that read 'I'm Sorry. I Can't Hear You Over The Sound Of How Awesome I Am' in block print. Gabriel saw this, and for some reason it made him laugh.

/That's a sound I could listen to forever/ Alex mused, his thumb stroking across the hipbone he could feel beneath the flimsy sheet.

Gabriel calmed himself, his mind on overload. He swallowed thickly, managing to sit up enough so he could look into the man's face properly. He could feel his heart at a runner's pace in his chest, but he didn't let his nerves stop him.

"Why are you doing this?" Justin asked, he'd asked it before and he hadn't got a answer "The candy, the attention, now this…what do you want from me?"

Alex leaned over the tray, getting right into the slighter man's personal space. Gabriel gave a soft gasp, but he didn't move away. Once more, he was sure Alex was going to kiss him. But again, it didn't come.

"What's wrong?" Alex smirked, wicked intent behind his eyes "Haven't you ever been wooed before?"

Gabriel's eyes went as wide as saucers, jaw dropping rather dumbly. He couldn't move, he could barely breathe let alone fight off the advance. Riley leaned in further, brushing a sweet kiss across his forehead.

"Eat up" Alex pulled away and got off the bed in one graceful move.

Gabriel slid down into the sheets, his heart ready to explode inside his chest.

Wooed?

xXxXxXx

That afternoon, once he'd learned that the house show tonight was almost all main card and that Nexus wouldn't be competing, Gabriel agreed to go with them to a gym to work out. It wasn't like he hadn't already been planning on doing it, he'd just wanted to avoid Barrett and the rest of the leering coyotes. He'd hung back while they spread out, some of the lesser Superstars there as well to fill up the building. A few of the new rookies, including Riley, was there.

Gabriel wanted nothing more than to join Alex over there, but he could feel Wade's eyes burning into him. Instead, he chose to take a corner for himself. He found an open barbell bench, and he decided it was far enough away from any member of Nexus for him to feel safe. He dropped his towel on the floor, setting his water bottle beside it. He sat down on the bench, thumbing through his iPod for a song he could get lost in. He gave a longing glance toward Alex, then chose Cue The Pulse To Begin and clipped the device to his sweatpants. He laid down on the bench and started his reps, setting it for more than half his weight.

Gabriel slipped into a comfortable rhythm, losing himself in the routine.

Across the room, Alex was doing rather lazy leg reps. In truth, he had his head tilted back and was watching Gabriel work his tan muscles into shape. For who knows how long he played voyeur, but he knew when he finally snapped back into reality he had only done a handful of lifts and Justin was sweating around his collar and sleeves.

"Riley" Kaval gave a deep laugh, sitting beside the other doing arm curls "If you've got it so bad for him, why don't you go ask him to lunch?"

Kaval was wise beyond his years. He was one of those people who could listen, analyze, and give you back a straight, honest answer. No one could really hate Kaval, he was too neutral. Riley made allies rather easily, but he wasn't quite sure what side the older man was on. If he was on any side, that is.

"They're watching him, man" Riley's eyes slowly went from one Nexus member to another, and (of course) Wade was looking over to the younger man every so often "I wouldn't have a lot of time."

"It'd be worth it" Kaval inclined his head "Wouldn't it?"

Riley slid off the bench, throwing his legs over the side. He grabbed his towel, wiping at his face and neck. He took a quick swig of Gatorade, then got to his feet.

"Wish me luck" he muttered.

Kaval nodded, he hoped the other succeeded. The second season rookies had talked about it, and they had seen the looks Gabriel and Riley exchanged when they thought no one was looking. They'd also been warned by none other than The Undertaker himself to watch Riley, to be careful, that he was a master and wasn't one to be messed with. Sworn to secrecy, only Mark and the second season of rookies knew of Riley's fate as a master. They'd come to the conclusion on their own that it was best if Riley claimed Gabriel for his own. With even one member of Nexus gone, it would be easier to defeat the group.

In his own little world, Gabriel could feel the slight tremble in his arms that told him he'd have to take a break soon. He was lost in a fantasy, a continuation of the dream he'd had this morning. He knew he'd been dreaming of Riley, and he was okay with it. He ached for the other, to spend some time with him and hopefully let his brain get on board with what his heart was feeling.

Justin's eyes popped open when the weight was eased off his palms, nearly making him drop the entire weight. Alex was standing behind him, spotting him on the barbell. Those stormy sea eyes were alight with mischief, a matching smirk on his lips. Justin's face busted into a smile, he shook his head sharply and his earbuds fell out. He didn't care about anything at that moment, from his music still playing to Wade's curious stare…he didn't care about any of it.

"Alex" Justin breathed, the name like water on his tongue.

"Don't stop on my account" Alex tisked, slowly easing his grip until his palms hovered just under the bar "As far as Barrett's concerned, I'm just spotting you."

Justin gave a small, quick nod. He tried to get back into his routine, but it was hard when his heart was going double it's rate with the mere presence of this man. Alex dropped his head, making sure the growingly suspicious Nexus couldn't see he was talking.

"How 'bout you, me, and some lunch?" Alex inquired.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, rhythm faltering for just a moment, "Like…?"

Alex smirked, "Yeah, man, like a date."

Hazel eyes flickered over toward his stable, "Now?"

"An hour" the brunette offered "At the Steak 'N Shake down the street. No one will ever know if we're sneaky."

Gabriel didn't even pretend to think about it, "You're on."

Alex backed off immediately, trying to look indignant and offended. He made sure Wade saw him throw his hands up in exasperation, heading toward the shower room. Barrett turned back to Tarver, shrugging to signify the interaction must've been a fluke.

xXx

Justin couldn't believe this was happening, hell - he couldn't believe Riley's plan had worked!

They had both left ten minutes apart, but they'd met up in the parking lot like giggling girls. They'd taken separate cars, and Riley had insisted on making spy-sounds as he snuck around his car. He'd clung to the metal and looked around in exaggerated caution, a soundtrack of classic 'sneaking' sounds leaving him as he tip-toed to the car door.

The whole thing was useless, because Gabriel had been laughing obscenely loud the entire time.

They'd gotten to Steak 'N Shake with no problem, and once they'd been seated they knew they were safe. No one seemed to recognize them, which was both a relief and kind of hurtful for their egos.

At the moment, Gabriel was spearing a mouthful of salad on his fork and watching the other. Alex had ordered a big plate of fries and a thick burger, and he devoured his food with a gusto that could be mistaken for a dieing man. It was rather endearing, and Gabriel couldn't label it anything other than cute. It had been quiet so far, and he made his food last as long as possible to have a reason to hang out here with the other.

"What kind of sports do you play, Alex?" Justin asked, for he'd been admiring the man's muscular arms and wondering how one would get fit like this "Besides wrestling, that is."

This sent Riley into a pleasurable rant about his life. He had played football and basketball in high school, then onto college football - a quarterback, no less. He'd majored in communications, but it was all about the sports. His father was a sportscaster for ESPN, for real, and his mother had actually been Miss. Virginia.

Alex stopped himself suddenly, cheeks turning a dark apple red. He set down what was left of his hamburger, giving the other a sheepish look. He picked up a French fry, putting it to his lips.

"I'm sorry, Angel" Alex tried to smile it off "What else have you done besides wrestle?"

"I'm a model" Justin replied with a sense of pride "Every contest I've entered, I've placed in."

Alex's eyebrows shot up into his hairline, "Seriously?'

"Uh-huh" he raised his chin, his dimpled smile at full watt "I placed first in the Male Fitness Model Search in two thousand eight. I'm at my peak."

"Hell yeah you are, Beautiful" Riley blatantly flirted, getting a lash-veiled coy gaze from the other "You do it a lot?"

"Not lately" he replied, taking a bite of salad "Just when I need the money."

Alex nodded, slipping a few fries into his mouth, "What about your parents?"

Gabriel closed his eyes in grief, lightly stabbing a piece of chicken. He bit his lower lip, cracking open his eyes to watch himself idly spin the bite. Riley frowned at this, he brow furrowed. He'd obviously struck a nerve, but he wasn't sure how to pursue it. He reached out, cupping the slighter man's chin and raising his eyes until their gazes met. There was such pain in his hazel eyes, a permanent shadow.

"My father died my senior year of high school" Gabriel whispered "I had to leave home to live in the UK after that."

"I'm sorry, Angel."

"Thank you" Justin brushed his hand away, dimples showing again "But he trained me well. My grandfather was a amateur wrestler and a boxer. He showed me some moves as well."

"You're almost third gen, aren't you?" Riley seemed surprised and joyous all at the same time "That's amazing."

The waiter came by then, a handsome young man with dark hair and even darker rimmed glasses, "Can I get you gentlemen anything else?"

"Two Butterfinger milkshakes" Alex replied, holding up a peace sign and giving the guy a wink "Thanks."

Justin was surprised by this, but the waiter was already gone.

"I can't eat one of those" Justin pointed out.

"Why?" Riley teased "You afraid it'll go to your ass?"

That brought out a laugh out of the slighter man.

Alex shared the laugh, and they knew this relationship was going to last.

xXxXxXx

The next day, Miz scheduled a training session between him and his rookie. They'd gotten the arena earlier in the day, the techies were still scurrying around to set things up. While the chairs were only half finished and the fan wall wasn't up yet, the ring was completely set up. Jake was guarding the session, as was Jericho. He was sitting in a camping chair one of the roadies had managed to lug in for him, wide enough for him to have his baby curled in his lap.

Evan was watching Miz teach his rookie, perched on the blonde almost like a cat. He had an arm stretched across his master's chest, head resting on his shoulder. He wouldn't have looked so feline if it wasn't for Chris petting him like a kitten, through his hair and down his back before up again.

Jake stood by the ring itself, watching intently.

Alex's head snapped back, the older man hadn't pulled his punch. He staggered back into the ropes, holding his mouth and barely keeping his footing. He dropped to one knee, looking up at the brunette with a mix of admiration and annoyance.

"That's what happens when you botch a move" Mike stated, fists on his cocked hips "You didn't sell my sole kick. When you don't sell, or actually strike your opponent in the face - like your damn elbow did when we landed - that usually pisses your opponent off. I learned the hard way from Cena. He nearly knocked me out…on camera. You fuck up Jericho's moves, and he'll waylay you right in the middle of the match."

Miz thumbed at his friend, the older man just gave a little wave.

Alex nodded, getting back to his feet. He knew Miz meant well, and he wasn't one to talk back to a teacher. It was a lesson he needed to learn. With the threat of a punch to the face hovering over his head, he was much more likely to get the move right.

There was a bit of a commotion from the top of the ramp, and one by one The Nexus appeared. They were clad in their training gear, and once Wade saw who was in the ring - he scowled. Gabriel hadn't been paying attention and was sandwiched between Skip and Darren, he smacked into the black man when they stopped suddenly.

"Damn it, guys" Gabriel shoved aside the other, getting to the front.

Alex had raised to his full height, head tilted up in an intimidating stance. Miz walked over to the ropes, looking up the ramp with a certain disdain. Jake hurried over to the side of the ring with the walkway, he wasn't about to let these bastards anywhere near his master. Jericho eased his pet off his lap, striding over to stand with Jake as The Nexus started making their way down the ramp toward him.

"You're in the wrong place, Barrett" Miz barked, arms folded over the top rope "I've the ring for the next hour. Go find somewhere else loiter."

"We've got the ring next" Wade replied evenly, heading the group in their purposeful strides.

The master scowled, "You're early."

Jake bulked up, his scowl matching his master's. Jericho powered up his left, nose already scrunched in disgust. With a t-shirt on instead of his regular bulky suit, he looked much more intimidating. It showed off his thick biceps, which were flexing as he clenched his fists. Bourne was on his master's left, the three of them making a rather effective wall. Alex was watching beside his mentor, eyes seeking and finding his fallen angel.

Gabriel got to the front, biting the side of his lip when he saw Alex. Jericho and Miz were well known masters in 'Taker's court, and he wasn't about to start a fight with them.

"Wade, please" Justin managed to get in front of the leader, looking up at him imploringly and putting his hands on his chest to stop him. He batted his lashes, begging him with his eyes.

"Angel" Barrett growled, Riley visibly winced at the nickname "Move."

"We don't want a fight" Gabriel stood between The Nexus and certain enemy "Let's go wait backstage until they're done. It's not worth getting into a spat about, it's just a ri-"

Wade's backhand was solid and merciless, striking him right in the mouth. A little cry of surprise left him, his head whipping to the side. He clamped a hand over his mouth, stumbling like a drunk. Before anyone could even attempt to catch him, or at least steady him, he hit the edge. He hovered there for a moment, eyes widening in realization. He tipped over the side, taking the five foot dive off the side and landing smack on his back. He yelped like a kicked dog, unable to catch himself. He'd taken much harder falls, and he'd delivered his 450 splash from way higher up…but it had caught him off guard, and it still sent ripples of pain through his lower back.

Alex grabbed the ropes so tight his knuckles turned white. Miz saw this reaction in his rookie and found some meaning in it, looking between Riley and Gabriel with sharp eyes.

"I said move, Angel, do not get in my way!" Wade barked, glaring down at the younger man.

Gabriel instantly dropped his head, licking the single droplet of blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Yes, sir" he mumbled, slowly getting to his feet.

Wade gave a single nod, then started back off down the ramp. The rest of Nexus followed closely, wearing matching smirks. Wade stopped right in front of Jericho, Skip getting up in Jake's face. Skip may have had about ten pounds on the blonde, but Jake had more than three inches of height on the older man.

"You're really going to start something, Barrett?" Chris growled, looking up into the younger man's smug face.

"I don't know why you're so upset, Chris" Wade's tone was quite mocking "You taught me to stand up for myself, for my career. I'm just following orders."

"You had potential" the blonde flicked his fingers "Now? You're just a waste of space in this industry. You and your little group are just a phase. Superstars like us will still have a job after your novelty's worn off."

As bold as any puppy, Evan looked Darren Young square in the eyes. The darker, bigger man was scowling at him.

"You're just mad because no one remembers any of your names" Evan smirked, looking from face to face of The Nexus "None of you. You're just 'Nexus'. I may be small, but at least people cheer for me and know who I am as a singles competitor!"

Wade snarled, surging at the younger man. Chris blocked him, shoving him hard and knocking him into Otunga. Nexus backed off as a unit, Jake and Chris had come at them like they were going to attack.

"Don't you ever think of touching him!" Chris pushed his sub behind him, fire in his usually cool azure eyes "I'm fucking serious, Barrett."

Wade saw this, and he also saw how the other members of the Court were ready to jump in if they were needed. And Alex…the man looked like he was ready to jump the ropes and tackle him.

"You'll get yours, Bourne" Wade hissed "Wait and see. Smart mouthed brats always get theirs."

Evan watched Gabriel rub at his lower back, shuffling dejectedly back over to his group and taking a place in the back. He always wondered what a nice guy like Justin thought he was doing with a group of jerks like this. Everyone had seen the way Wade had just smacked him around like a beaten girlfriend, and that fall had been rather hard.

Poor Gabriel…he looked defeated.

"Fine" Wade spat, gesturing "Come. We'll wait for the ponces to finish their little lesson."

Wade led Nexus over to the start of one of the stairways, they settled around it like broody teenagers. Gabriel lingered a moment longer, shooting them an apologetic smile.

"Take your time, really" Justin tried to amend, but he withered under Jericho's hot stare. He shuffled towards his group, giving a last look over his shoulder.

Alex smiled at him weakly, mouthing the words Are you alright?

Justin smiled back and nodded, walking away with more confidence. With a conscious effort, he rolled his hips with each step, creating a rather enticing view. Alex tilted his head to the side, wetting his lower lip before scraping his teeth over the abused flesh. He couldn't stop staring, his cock stirring visibly inside his tight trunks as he thought of all the things he could do to that tight body. He could slam him into one of those metal chairs, throw those long legs over his own shoulders…he knew Justin would be flexible, he could bend him in half right there and thrust into that tight heat-

Alex jolted from his daydream by a pair of ice blue eyes, his chin had been grabbed and forced to look at his mentor. Miz studied his face, then rolled his eyes with a certain playfulness.

"Quit making sweet eyes at the enemy" Miz tisked, letting his face go. He leaned the side of his body against the ropes, hands folded on the top rope.

Alex smirked and shrugged, "I can't help it."

"I know you can't" Miz stated fondly, punching him lightly in the shoulder "You look like me eyeing up Jake for the first time."

Without breaking their eye contact, Miz reached down and his fingers immediately found his lover's soft blonde hair. He threaded his digits through it, petting him in a rather sweet way. Though he was still in intimidating mode, Jake let his eyes fall closed and accepted the attention without a moment of hesitation.

"How did you know?" Alex asked suddenly in a low tone "How did you know Jake was the sub for you?"

Miz raised an eyebrow at the question, but he felt very generous today and Riley had been pretty good lately. He considered it for a moment, looking down upon his sub. He tilted Jake's head back with a firm tug at his hair, revealing those sparkling sapphire eyes he loved.

"I just knew" Mike replied softly, looking to his rookie "One day I just started seeing him in a different light. I saw someone who I could love, who could meet all my needs. And then…I took him."

Alex's eyes strayed to Gabriel, who was looking rather miserable as he tightened the laces of his boot with Skip ogling his ass.

Gabriel was his sub, if he ever wanted one. There was no doubt of that now. The few times he'd felt the other in his arms…it had felt right. Hanging out with him at Steak 'N Shake, dancing with him, bullshitting with him…it all felt so perfect. It was why he worked so hard to make Justin laugh, to make him smile, to learn everything about him. Why he wanted to woo him…this was his sub. This wasn't a sex thing, it was never a sex thing. He realized that now.

"Taking a sub…is taking someone into your life…to protect them" Alex whispered, eyes glazed over.

Mike nodded slowly, "Yes."

Chris watched this interaction very carefully, seeing the reflection from one man in the other (and vice versa.) He could see all the similarities…maybe Alex was…

No, Mark would've said something.

Miz shook his head sharply, voice becoming much harsher, "But that doesn't matter! What matters is that we only have this ring for a little longer, so we have to make the most of it. Try your finisher on me. But this time, try not to fuck it up."

Instead of giving him any attitude, Alex just nodded absently like he could actually hear him.

In truth, he was realizing that the entire Nexus was his enemy. Wade was trying to get Justin isolated, make sure he didn't have any other allies besides their little group.

Alex had to get Justin out of there, before Wade could burn all his bridges for him.