As he rode up the elevator, Adam was happily smiling. His thoughts were on last night and how wonderful it had been. He couldn't wait to get back to Chris. They had so much to talk about.
In the bottom of his gym bag his cell phone sat silent. The battery had gone during the night. The charger had been left in his hotel room and not in his bag. Had the phone been charged, he would have heard "Break the Walls" ring for the tenth time. It would be one time Adam regretted not having a charged cell phone. On the other end Chris was frantic, he wasn't sure what to do. He made another call.
Adam stepped of the elevator and made the short walk down to the room he shared with Wade. He dug the plastic card key out of the wallet in his bag. He slid the card through the lock, the light stayed red.
"I miss keys" the blond muttered as he slid the card through again. This time the light went green. He quietly opened the door, he half hoped Wade was still sleeping. He could talk to Barrett later, he just wanted to hurry back to be with Chris.
Adam entered the main room, he sat the gym bag down and started to pick up his main suit case. He mostly carried ring gear. He also had two dress suits in a garment bag. He had a weeks worth of of underwear, socks, jeans and shirts. It was easy to get laundry done, so he didn't carry a lot of clothes. His black leather dress shoes were kept in the garment bag and his sneakers were on his feet, and his wrestling boots in his gym bag. He was a very organized packer.
Adam thought Wade was probably sleeping. Just as he started to grab his case, a strong arm snaked around his waist. The arm pulled Adam in and held him tight.
Wade had decided to play it cool, like he didn't know what Adam had done last night. "I missed you love. Couldn't sleep without my blond teddy bear to cuddle with. How's Jericho?" Wade asked as he kissed Adam's cheek.
Adam tried to pull away but Wade's grip was too strong. He could power out of course but he really didn't want to wrestle this early in the morning. "Wade, please. You need to let me go... I have to talk to you. It's serious and important," Adam said as he again tried to pull away.
"What could be so important this early in the morning. Come back to bed with me, we have enough time. I missed you," Wade kept his voice normal, but all he could hear in his mind were the sounds of Adam and Jericho fucking.
"No Wade! Listen, I wanted to make this as easy as possible but I am laying it on the line. I'm breaking up with you. I can't be with someone who hurts people. You deliberately ordered Slater and Sheffield to really hurt Chris last night. I don't like that Wade and I won't be with someone who does. I'm sorry, it's over. I'm packing up my stuff and leaving," Adam wanted that to be the reason, that way he didn't have to tell about Chris.
"Oh come on love. You of all people know how things can get in the ring. I didn't mean for them to really hurt Jericho. Rookie mistakes were made. Please poppet, you know I love you," Wade decided to play along with Adam, for now.
"No. I've made up my mind. I want to be on my own. I need to concentrate on my career. Wade, we had something nice and I do care about you but please, just respect my decision." Adam said with a sudden twisting push. It was enough to free him from Barrett's grip. It was an old school wrestling move that Sweet Daddy Siki and Ron Hutchison had taught him.
Copeland went to his gym bag and got out the bracelet Wade had given him. He held it out to the Englishman.
"Adam, baby please, don't do this. If you want time, I'll stay with the guys. Give you some space. Just... don't leave me," Wade tried to get tears in his eyes but couldn't. He was secretly too mad.
Adam dropped the bracelet at Wade's feet. He was firm in his choice. He loved Chris. He was sorry to hurt Wade, he really was but love was love.
"I'm sorry Wade. I hate hurting you. I really do. I'll never for get that you brought me out the corner and showed me I was worth loving again. But, as hard as I have tried, I don't love you. You deserve better than what I can give you. Can't you understand that?" Adam finally started laying the foundation to telling the whole story.
Wade's anger was getting harder to control. "You were crying in the corner like a fucking girl. I pulled you out, put The Miz in his place, well maybe he was right? Maybe you are just a slut. You used me, now you're done? I'm just supposed to walk away? That's exactly what a slut does my dear," Wade's tone was suddenly cold and dark.
Those words hit Adam hard. He hated the thought of being called a slut. Maybe Wade was right thought, it was what a slut did. He sighed He loved Chris with all his heart. Was it being a slut when the people you dated weren't the one for you? He was confused again. He needed his Lion. Chris would know the answer.
"I... I... leave me alone Wade. I want to pack and go. I... have... thinking to do do," Adam said with a stutter, something he did when he was upset.
"That's another thing sluts do, they run away from the problem, off to find another man to fuck," Wade's cold tone continued. He was trying to force the name Chris out of Adam's mouth.
"It's not fucking when you love the person!" Adam cried out before he could stop himself.
It was coming out enough now that Wade could spring his plan. "Is that what Jericho said? No, it was more like, I love you Kitten. You look even more beautiful with my cock splitting you open," Wade directly quoted Chris from the recording.
Adam's mouth fell open in shock. Somehow Wade knew and not only that had heard everything. Now the blond was mad, they had spied on him.
"Wade fucking Barrett! You spied on me! How fucking dare you! Now I'm done with you for sure! Get out! Get out of my room and my life! I'm sorry I ever fucked you! GET OUT!" Adam's eyes bulged like Edge's did when he was setting up for the Spear. Adam was also tugging at his hair, he was tempted to actually Spear Wade. Only the fear of hurting his neck stopped him.
"Oh Adam love, I'm not going anywhere. Yeah, I know everything about you and your Lion. So, you love him, and he loves you. You finally found someone stupid enough to actually care about your slutty arse. I hope you enjoyed your night of passion because it was your last. You belong to me, and only me! MINE! Do you fucking understand me?" Barrett was in Adam's face. His spit landing on the blond's cheek as he spoke. His eyes were black with rage.
Adam was just as mad, "Fuck the hell off Barrett! I'm leaving and I'm going to Chris. You disgust me! To think I thought you really cared about me! You're just like all the rest, you want my title and my perks! Fine, take it! I'd rather be with Chris than have the title!" Adam's words shocked even himself. He loved the title, lived for it, or did. He knew now Chris' love meant even more.
At that realization he also knew how real his love for Jericho was. He'd give up everything he held dear to be with him. Any remaining doubts he might have had vanished.
Adam bent to pick up his gym bag. He'd just leave. He'd get his stuff later. He'd bring Chris, Shawn, Hunter and anyone else he could find.
Before his hand could grab the bag, his blond locks were wrapped in Barrett's right hand. He was being pulled forward to the bed in the far corner of the room.
Copeland tried to fight back but Barrett had a firm grip. He could fee a sharp pain in his neck, his left arm went limp. Now was not the time for his body to rebel on him!
"Pick up the damn phone Adam!" Chris yelled at Adam's voice mail. It was the eleventh time he'd tried to call his beloved. He was more angry than worried. He told Adam to wait, he'd go with him.
Deep down Chris knew Adam only meant good. He'd been getting some much needed sleep but still he had a bad feeling and didn't want Adam alone when he confronted Barrett.
Jericho decided to take a bath. It would help the pain and pass the time. He made sure his phone was in reach before he settled into the bubbling waters of the spa style tub. He laid back and smiled. His first time with Adam was better than he could have ever dreamed. He couldn't wait until tonight. He could almost feel Adam's mouth on his cock. Jericho smirked wickedly.
"I think we should to up there and check on Adam, Paul. I just have a bad feeling something isn't right," Shawn usually only called his husband by his real name when he was upset, angry or worried.
"Michael he's a big boy. The way I warned Barrett, Adam will be okay. Just call Chris later and you'll see that everything is fine." Hunter said in an almost teasing tone, knowing how much Shawn hated his first name.
Shawn rolled his eyes, "Yes, dear. I know I worry about Chris too much. I do love you for being so... accepting of that. Now that that he is happy, I won't fuss so much," Shawn said in a loving tone. He really was thankful to God everyday for Hunter being in his life.
The bigger but younger blond smiled softly at his beautiful husband, "Honey, he saved your life, how could I not accept him. I was horrible to you. I'm just... you... came... back... to... me," Hunter's eyes filled with emotion. He still felt guilty that he had cheated on Shawn.
Shawn reached across the table where the couple were eating breakfast. He gently stroked the tear stained face of his spouse.
"That's over babe. I love you with all my heart and soul. Make love to me?" Shawn asked in his deep, sultry voice. That alone brought Hunter's lower region to life.
Hunter stood up, he went to Shawn,easily picked him up and carried him to their bed...
Upstairs in Adam's room the blond was in serious trouble.
Wade threw Adam on the bed roughly. The Lion's Kitten landed with a pained "oomph". He landed badly on his left arm that was already hurting. Now Adam was afraid. Wade had snapped his fingers, Slater and Sheffield came out of the bathroom. They had been waiting for their bosses signal.
"Now do I have your attention?" Wade asked coldly. He was about to reveal his plan.
Adam could only nod, "yes" as he rubbed his arm. He would escape later, so to keep himself safe he decided to play along. Adam wasn't stupid, hell even Cena compared him to Einstein. He knew he could think his way out once he had the chance.
"Good. Now, you remember what Slater and Sheffield did to Jericho last night? Well, that will be nothing compared to what will happen to him if you don't behave. They will break him, end his career so badly he won't even be able to sing with that shitty band of his," Wade spoke in a menacing tone as he pinned Adam to the bed, by straddling the blond's hips.
Adam's heart pounded in his chest. He could take what ever Wade did to him, but he would do anything to keep Chris safe. "What do you want Wade? Please don't hurt Chris because you are mad at me. I'm sorry Wade. I didn't mean to hurt you. I can't help who I fell in love with. Please, I was serious about the title. If you want it that bad, I'll drop it to you, if you let me go," Adam reasoned that this was really about the title. For Chris he would drop it. They would arrange a match and he'd get it back and be free to be with his Lion.
Wade just laughed as he kept Adam pinned down, "You really are a dumb blond. If I wanted the fucking title, I'd take it. No Adam, it's YOU I want. You're a trophy boyfriend. A rookie with a legend. You make me look respectable. I get the benefit of sharing your perks but you do all the work. The defending matches, which you will win, the press junkets, the signings. While I sit back and relax," Wade explained what his intentions were.
"It won't work Barrett. I'll drop the title, then you won't have any perks," Adam said with a sneer as his lips curled back in anger.
Barrett laughed evilly, "You think I'm stupid? If you lose the title, Jericho gets hurt. Simple as, my bitch. You lose. Jericho is hurt. You play by my rules or Jericho gets hurt. Are you learning the pattern here?" Wade asked with a tug to Adam's hair.
"Please Wade. Don't do this to me or to Chris. We just want to be together. Please... let me be... happy... please Wade," Adam's green eyes filled with tears, he was nearly broken. There was nothing he could do, he had to keep Chris safe, even if it meant never being with him again.
"He's so pretty when he cries. Can I have a taste boss?" Heath asked as he licked his lips with a leer in his eyes.
"Of course you can. He is pretty when he cries. Come on Adam, you can cry better than that. These are the rules. You are not to talk to, look at, be alone with or be anywhere near Chris Jericho. If you break any of these rules Chris will be hurt. Skip is an expert in breaking bones. Understand?" Wade pulled Adam's hair again.
Tears streamed from the blonds green eyes. Adam's head turned in disgust as Heath bent down and licked his wet cheek.
"He tastes good boss. If he breaks the rules can I have a turn? Would be to so cool to fuck a legend," Heath laughed evilly. He was normally the bottom, but he would fuck Adam just for the heck of it.
"If he screws up, you can all have a turn. After all he's just a slut. Got that Adam? You'll be the Nexus fuck toy," Wade sneered again. The idea was hot, watching all his boys using Adam. He hoped Adam did screw up.
"What... what about... work? I... have... a... program... with... Chris... I have to... talk... be in... ring with... him." Adam stuttered between sobs.
"You'll do your job but you will only talk wrestling and one of us will always be with you so don't even think of doing anything stupid. Don't forget, his brats are coming. How will they feel when they see daddy all beat up and broken... because you screwed up," Barrett laughed coldly.
Adam broke, no he shattered. He'd forgotten about Ash and the twins. He couldn't do anything that would ruin their visit. If Chris got hurt, Jess would take the kids home. His Lion was living for their visit, and spending time on the road with them. It would be bad enough he would still be a bit bruised from last night.
"Oh god, Wade... please... please," Adam knew it was useless but he begged on last time. Wade just laughed.
Barrett got up, he left the broken blond alone while he talked to Heath and Skip.
"Someone follow him at all times. No Jericho contact out of the ring. He's not to tell anyone what's going on either! Don't let him out of your sight. When he shits, you shit. Got it?" Wade asked the two Nexus members.
"Got it. What about the other plan boss. You know, what you were going to do with Cena?" Skip asked his leader.
Wade chuckled, "I dunno, just yet. We'll think of something Something that will involve him." Wade said with a smirk, as he nodded towards Adam.
Heath looked a little fearful, "What about Hunter? We can't screw around on live TV!"
"When the fuckin' WWE Universe catches on to what will be happening to one of their beloved legends, they will go nuts. Think Hunter or Vince will be mad when the ratings go through the roof? They love to see their hero's in trouble. Adam will be the perfect damsel in distress! Even better than Cena. Plus we won't have Lesnar to deal with, you know how he gets protective of Johnny boy. Adam will be so ostracized because of Jericho, nobody will help him," Wade partially explained his plan to his henchmen.
Adam only heard bits and pieces, he was lying on the bed curled up like a baby. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He had one wonderful night with Chris. He'd remember it always. He knew once Chris found out what was going on, he would hate him. That thought just broke Adam further. He could only cry, some ultimate opportunist he was.
Wade laughed as he watched Adam crumble...
Over in Chris' hotel, the Lion was going nuts. Not only was Adam late, he still wasn't answering his phone. He even tried calling the hotel, but the clerk said no calls were to be put through. It was just a good thing they didn't have to leave for the next event until tomorrow.
An hour later at eleven in the morning, Jericho had enough. First he would go get Shawn then they would find Adam. Once he had his Kitten back safely, he was never going to let him out of his sight again. He called for a cab, he didn't feel safe driving, after all he still had a concussion. He left the room as a man on a mission. Get his Kitten back.
Wade was tired of Adam's sobs, "Dry up Adam. Enough with the cryin'. Didn't your father ever tell you, real men don't cry? Oh wait... of course not...I forgot, you're a bastard. Anyway if I know Jericho, he'll be here soon looking for you. Get your ass up. I want you to copy this note in your own handwriting. I don't want you to even see him till we get to the next venue. Now get busy." Wade pulled Adam up by the hair, earning the Brit a the sound of a pitiful whimper.
Adam swiped his face with his shirt, being called a bastard just rolled off his back after everything else. He'd heard and been called that all throughout school.
The Rated R Superstar knew there was no point in fighting about writing the note. He would not put Chris in danger, especially if he came to the room. It was too close to the dragon's lair. All the Nexus could jump him. So he sat at the table with tear filled eyes and copied the note.
"Yeah, yeah just a minute!" Hunter's voice penetrated the door. Chris had been knocking constantly for the last five minutes.
Hunter and Shawn had just finished their third round of sex and had been on the way to the fourth when the pounding started. It took a bit to find all the clothes that had been thrown around the room.
Chris was about to pound again but the door suddenly popped open and he nearly hit Hunter on the chin. Hunter ducked, thankful for his wrestler's reflexes as was Chris who quickly pulled the punch back.
"Sorry Hunt... I... Adam... hasn't come back yet... need to... Shawn... Adam... in trouble... help," Chris was so upset he couldn't even speak or think straight.
"Easy Chris. Come on in. Just calm down," Hunter spoke gently and led the frantic man to the couch in the living room of the deluxe suite.
Shawn came out of the bedroom, he hoped he didn't look as debauched as he felt. "What's wrong darlin'?" the Texan drawled out his words.
Chris knew that tone of voice, "Oh shit, I... oh I'm sorry. I'll go... I didn't mean to interrupt," Jericho was even more flustered, he got up to leave, then almost fell. He still got dizzy if he got up too fast.
"Christopher Keith sit down! Hunter get a sport drink, a blue one," Shawn commanded as he cared for his former lover.
Chris sat down shakily, his hands trembled. Hunter brought the bottle of drink. He actually had to squeeze the liquid into Jericho's mouth for him.
Shawn sat next to Chris and wrapped him in his arms. He hated seeing Chris so upset, let alone he looked like a walking bruise.
After a few minutes, the Canadian was able to talk, "Adam hasn't come back. We made love last night. We belong together..." Chris continued to tell everything about the night... well nearly everything, he didn't expand on the actual details of the sexual act.
"I'll go with you Chris. I'm sure he's fine. Maybe he and Wade just had a lot of talking to do. I'm sure you'll be with your Kitten soon. He loves you Chris. We ran into him this morning while running. He was absolutely glowing. Come on, if you're feeling better, we'll go up to his room," Shawn said calmly.
"Okay. Thanks. Hunter, thank you for everything and I mean everything," Chris hugged the big blond. Chris and Hunter hadn't always liked each other but when Chris came along and stopped Shawn from killing himself all that changed.
Hunter kissed his spouse and opened the door for them. It was better for him to stay behind. As the COO he had to stay out of personal issues with his employees.
Chris and Shawn rode the elevator from the fourth floor to the tenth. Jericho didn't mind heights, he just had a fear of fires that's what kept him on the ground floor.
"Where were you again when the hotel caught on fire?" Shawn asked the younger man.
"London. It was on an Indies tour. I was on the sixth floor and the fire was on the fifth. Those firemen got us out quickly but still you could feel the heat and the smoke was choking. So no more upper floors for the WCH as long as Adam has the title," Chris said with a wry laugh.
The elevator stopped and opened. The two former lovers walked to the room that had been assigned to the World Heavyweight Champion.
Wade Barrett knew who was at the door. David Otunga had called from the lobby as soon as Jericho had arrived at the hotel. The Brit also knew by the length of time that had passed between Chris' arrival and the knock on the door, that the ring vet wouldn't be alone.
Adam was sitting in the bathroom, tears streaking down his cheeks. Heath and Skip were there with him to make sure he kept his mouth shut.
Normally a man like Adam would fight back, yell for help and be done with this nightmare. Adam wasn't normal right now, he was nearly frozen with fear. All he could see were the bruises on Chris' handsome body. All he could hear were the cries of Chris' pain as his body was stomped on and abused. He also saw the faces of Ash and the twins and how they would be if they saw their father beaten and bloody. So he just sat there, helpless, alone and crying.
Chris waited impatiently for the door to open. He was just going to grab Adam and run. He was surprised when the door opened and Wade Barrett stood there, a look of triumph on his face.
"Where's Adam? He was supposed to meet me for breakfast," Chris asked trying to sound as polite as possible.
"He's in the shower. Look Chris... we talked this morning. He told me everything. He felt just terrible about it. He said if you showed up to give you this," Wade said with no particular tone or expression. He held a hotel stationary envelope out to the ring legend.
"I'd rather wait and see Adam myself," Chris said as the Lion tried to enter the room.
"I suggest you read the note. He was rather upset. Took a long time to calm him down. Now, just take your note and go," Wade shut the door soundly on Jericho.
Chris started to pound on the door but Shawn gently grabbed his wrist, "Don't darlin', let's go to our room and you can read the note. No point in making Barrett angry. He could take it out on Adam and you don't want that," the older man said with sound reason and a soft voice.
Chris nodded numbly and let Shawn guide him back to the elevator.
The whole way down in the lift, Chris just stared at the envelope in his hand. He both couldn't wait to read it and not open it. A note was never really a good thing.
Shawn and Chris were let in by an anxious Hunter. He was relieved when his beloved returned without any bruises.
Chris was led to the couch and the married couple left him alone to read the note. With shaking hands, Jericho opened the envelope. He pulled out the high quality hotel stationary paper, he unfolded the sheet and began to read...
"Christopher,
When I got back to my room this morning, I was greeted by a sad sight. Wade had been up all night crying.
I knew I had to talk to him. I couldn't, in good conscious, just walkaway without explaining.
I told him about you and I. He understood and said he didn't blame me, that he had been a horrible boyfriend.
He broke down and started opening up to me for the first time. He bore his soul to me in a way I never thought possible.
Wade told me how much he loved me and how I had brought him so much joy and happiness.
It made me realize just how much he'd helped me as well. When he found me, I was just the locker room slut, in the corner. He pulled me out and showed me I was worth loving.
He was so sweet and tender, showing me a side of himself that, until now he'd been afraid to show. I realized at that moment that I do love Wade, very much.
You and I were a mistake. I was swept up by the moment and I let it go too far. I don't love you. When I said that it was the sex talking. You know how words are said in the heat of the moment.
I'm choosing Wade. He saved me and I saved him. Our souls sing together. I'm so happy he forgave me and still wants me. I love him and always will.
Again, what happened between you and I was a one time mistake. Go find happiness, you deserve it.
I just hope you can remain professional and we can continue to thrill the crowds with our matches. I know I can.
I am happy and totally in love with Wade Alexander Barrett. So move on Chris. I wish you luck.
All the best,
Adam"
Shawn and Hunter both jumped. They heard the most pitiful cry a human could make, then a soft thud. They hurried to where the noise came from, Chris had fainted, tears still wet on his face.
