Disclaimer: See Chapter 9.

Important Note: If you follow me on tumblr, I'm hoping that you've already seen the post about taking a small hiatus, for those of you that don't/haven't. I'm going to be taking the next two weeks off. My job is considered seasonal (Late Feb. - Late Nov.) and normally I can adjust with little to no problems. This year we're short staffed and instead of starting off slow and easing into a regular 35+ work week, I've been thrown in head first and I'm just tired, too sore, and just mentally drained to write. I'm really sorry to leave everyone hanging like this, but I need to take a step back and work on figuring things out so I can continue to update on a weekly basis. I'm hoping that my break won't be as long as two weeks, but it's plenty just in case. Again, I'm really sorry everyone. Hopefully a little break is what I need. Thank you for understanding. Now, for this weeks chapter! Hope you're ready for this! See you March 13th, until then, as always, Enjoy! -JJ

Chapter 10

Finn was pacing around his living room, shaking his head as he thought. He'd just gotten off the phone with Enzo, his head pounding with lack of sleep and confusion. Hadn't he just been turned down the day before? He groaned, sitting down on his couch, looking over to see the numbers on his cable box reading close to three in the morning. His hands clasped together under his chin as he closed his eyes, the conversation playing over and over in his head.

"Are you still open to experiences?"

Finn couldn't ignore the softness, the shakiness of the other man's voice. "Enzo?" he asked, groaning as he sat up in his bed, the sheets sliding down to pool in his lap. "Are you drunk or something?" He ran a hand over his face, squinting at his alarm on his bedside table, the green lights telling him it was exactly two-thirty in the morning.

"What? No!" Enzo hissed, groaning himself. "I jus'… it's still an open offer right?" His voice was quiet but frustrated.

"Didn't you turn me down yesterday?" he asked, scooting back to lean against his headboard, his eyes fluttering shut. He was still so tired. "Because I can remember you saying you weren't interested in guys at all."

Enzo was quiet, his harsh breathing the only sound on the line. "I jus' need someone right now Finn," he finally whispered, the words sounding forced, almost begging. "Can I come over or somethin'?"

"Tonight? Now?" Finn asked his eyes snapping open. His own heart was pounding in his chest. He flipped the covers back, sliding out of his warm sheets and walking towards the kitchen. If he was going to be awake, a hot cup of tea would do him some good.

"Yeah, now."

"No."

"Ya got someone else in your bed?"

"Well, no," Finn hissed, fumbling to grab a mug from his cabinet and fill it with water. "But it's two-thirty in the morning and we have classes in the morning." He set the cup in his microwave and started it, one cup would probably be enough to calm him down and ease him back to sleep once he was off the phone.

"If it wasn't two somethin' in the mornin'?" Enzo asked, sounding almost desperate.

"I don't know Enzo," Finn finally snapped growing quickly irritated with Enzo's sudden pushiness. "What the hell is going on? This isn't some fucked up joke is it?"

"No!" Enzo nearly yelled, a series of frustrated growls and curses flying over the line. "Can it jus' happen? I don't wanna talk it all over, I jus' wanna stop feelin' like this!" The line grew quiet, his breathing shallow and rushed. "I'm sorry Finn, you're the only one I got."

Finn shook his head, the microwave beeping, showing his water was ready. "Look, it's late. Think about it rationally first, and we can talk about it tomorrow because I know this isn't you."

Enzo groaned but finally agreed. "I don't wanna talk about this at the center," he started, his voice growing lower, a little calmer.

"Then we'll talk about it at my place after classes."

"Okay."

"Good night Enzo, try and get some sleep," he breathed, Enzo saying his own goodbyes and hanging up. He set his phone down on the counter before looking for a teabag. He groaned, setting the bag in leaving it to steep as he walked away.

He looked up again, his eyelids still heavy with sleep, but his mind too worked up to actually try and drink his tea and go back to sleep. He shook his head, standing and walking over to the lukewarm mug, downing it as fast as he could before going back to his room.

He climbed back into his bed, tucking his hands under his head. He didn't know what it was that Enzo was thinking, what it was that had happened to make him call him up for something like that, especially after their previous conversation. "Dammit Enzo," he growled, jaw tight. He turned to his side, forcing his body to relax, cursing his mind, trying to get it to turn off so he could get at least a little more sleep before he had to get up for the day.

Enzo himself was a wreck the next morning. He hadn't slept much more than a couple hours the night before, and even those hadn't been consecutive. He was nervous, thinking that maybe he'd been too quick to call Finn and boldly ask to hook up. Now he had to face him once he made it to his classes.

He groaned, rubbing his face with both hands as he walked out of his bedroom, the smell of eggs hitting his nose instantly. Fuck, he'd nearly forgotten that Cass was still there. He didn't want to deal with that awkwardness either, not after the botched almost kiss the night before that had started all this. He groaned again, his hands falling to his sides.

"'Mornin' 'Zo," Cass greeted, smiling at the other man. His smile instantly fell, the uncomfortable look on Enzo's face making him feel a little anxious. "Hey, what's wrong man?" His brows furrowed, Enzo refusing to look up at him. "'Zo?"

"It's nothin'," Enzo answered softly, trying hard to play it off like there wasn't something really bothering him. "I jus' didn't sleep all that great, that's all." He sat down at his table, resting his head in his hands, his body feeling heavier than it ever had before. He groaned, letting his body just sink down.

Cass stepped away from the stove, flipping the fire off before setting a plate in front of Enzo. "Hey, eat up," he said gently, resting his hand on Enzo's shoulder. "I'm the one that should be bitchin' about your couch." He let out a small chuckle.

Enzo stiffened under the friendly touch, his throat suddenly tight. He didn't want to think about his couch at all. He shrugged Cass' hand off, forcing himself to smile. "Well, ya fell asleep like a fuckin' rock, not my fault," he retorted playfully, his voice slightly shaky. He looked up to meet the sparkling blue eyes. His own slipped down to the pink lips, his stomach turning a summersault. He still wanted to kiss them so much. Just feel them against his.

Enzo's head snapped away, the thought of just coming clean with Cass resounding. He could just clear the air between them, explain why he'd been acting so off and just let the rejection he knew would happen, happen. He took a breath, maybe that would be what it took to snap him out of this.

"I swear it's okay to eat," Cass chuckled. He wasn't smiling as he pulled back from Enzo and grabbed his own plate of breakfast. "C'mon, you'll need it. Can't have that stomach of yours growlin' in the middle of everythin'. We got tomorrow off to travel."

Enzo just nodded, swallowing down what little fleeting courage he had and picked up the fork Cass had set down next to him. He began to pick at his food silently. The sound of his silverware against ceramic echoed around him, the silence far from comfortable.

"We're all ridin' together, right?" Cass asked, shoving a mouthful of eggs and an entire slice of bacon into his mouth. He chewed quietly, silence answering him. "Ya know, me, you, and Carmella?"

Enzo nodded almost mindlessly, the sudden though of Carmella and Cass being together causing a shiver to run down his spine. He'd been avoiding her just as much, if not more than Cass. He'd barely been able to handle their hand holding last time, would he be able to handle that and more this time? He didn't want to be alone with them. "I was gonna ask Finn if he wanted to ride with us," he said after a moment, continuing to just pick at his breakfast. "He don't drive yet, and he's supposed to be learning how the shows work."

Cass felt his lips thin into a tight line. He didn't want Finn intruding on their little group. He looked down at the plate, giving it a particularly dirty look. "You an' him are close," he half growled, stabbing a piece of sausage a little harder than he probably should have. "New best friend right?"

Enzo couldn't stop the small laugh that came tumbling out of him. "Just a friend Cass," he breathed, finally looking up to meet Cass' irritated glance. "Don't worry, no one's replacing you. Cass and 'Zo forever, remember? Don't need nobody else."

Cass smirked, reaching over and ruffling Enzo's hair. Those words always meant so much to him. Of course the little loud mouth would remember and bring something like that up at that moment. It was a promise they'd made years ago while they were just starting on their journey to make it to WWE. As long as they had each other to rely on, they didn't need anyone else. "Yeah, guess that's true," he murmured, returning to his breakfast, pushing all thoughts of Finn out of his mind.

Enzo let his smile slowly fade as he finished eating and got up to put his plate in the sink. He paused, his hands resting on the edge, thinking over the words of their promise. He'd never replace Cass, but Carmella… she was easily taking the number one spot in Cass' life. He turned, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes firmly locked onto the floor. "So, you and 'Mella," he started, his voice shaking. He wanted, needed to know something, anything about where their relationship was. Maybe it would stop his own feelings in their tracks.

"Just friends," Cass answered, chewing the last bit of bacon and swallowing. "We went out to lunch Sunday, really nice café downtown." His voice paused, turning so he could see Enzo full on. "'Zo, I'm being serious right now, you sure it's okay if we—"

"Cass, shut up!" Enzo snapped, walking over and slamming his hands down on the table. He looked up, his narrowed eyes meeting the other man's wide ones. "She makes ya happy right? Then be happy." He hated how bitter those words tasted in his mouth, the way his heart felt like a knife was sliding into it. His voice dropped down into a murmur. "Don't worry 'bout me."

Cass just nodded quiet and surprised at Enzo's outburst. He wasn't sure what to say, he didn't want to end up in another argument over the same thing. "Well… things with you an' Alexa, they goin' okay? She hasn't been around lately," he started slowly, carefully. He looked down at his empty place before looking up to see that Enzo wasn't looking at him. "'Zo?"

Enzo sighed, knowing he had to come clean about that subject. He didn't want this going any further. "She's mad at me," he started, sitting back down in his chair, leaning back.

"Already?" Cass queried teasingly. "That's gotta be a record."

Enzo didn't appreciate the joke. "It's not like that man," he hissed, shaking his head as he slumped down in his chair. "Me and her ain't seein' each other. We never were." He groaned, his hands moving up to rub against his face before falling into his lap. "There never was a girl."

Cass sat there, looking over at Enzo's averted face. "But in the car—"

"I only said all that 'cause 'a Carmella," he muttered, his eyes narrowing on the table. "I was tired of her treatin' me like she does. Always pickin' at me, just treatin' me like I ain't worth the time of day, to her or anyone else."

Cass was quiet, thinking that it wasn't often that he saw this side of Enzo. He didn't like it, didn't like hearing how those words had obviously affected him. He hated seeing the look of hurt in his best friend's eyes, the way Enzo's body was tense up, those words bothering him more than anyone would ever understand. "That's not true," Cass tried, smiling softly. Enzo was worth more, so much more than he thought he was. Cass knew it. "You're worth a lot."

Enzo just pushed away from the table, ignoring Cass' tender words. He didn't want to hear it, not from Cass, not those kinds of words, not when his heart was still damaged from the night before. "Jus' don't tell Carmella, okay? I get enough shit from her," he said lowly, leaving no room for Cass to answer as he made his way back towards his room. He shut the door, telling himself to calm down as he got dressed.

Cass stood from his seat, watching as Enzo left, hating just how badly all this had affected him. He wasn't used to seeing Enzo so down on himself like that. Usually, he'd just brush it off and go on, somehow this time, it had really resounded in Enzo. He picked up his plate and set it in the sink, wishing he knew what exactly to do. He had no clue where to even start.

Enzo broke away from Cass as soon as they walked into the performance center. He hadn't said a word to Cass after he'd gotten dressed, which made the ride to work more than a little uncomfortable and awkward. He scanned the large room for Finn, praying he was already there. A moment later he wasn't disappointed to find that the Irishman was stretching on the farthest wall.

He took a step towards Finn, almost unsure if he'd rather be with Finn after the awkward morning and car ride with Cass or if he'd rather stay with Cass to keep from having the even more uncomfortable conversation he knew him and Finn were going to have. He paused, looking over his shoulder, the flicker of hurt on Cass' face tearing at him. He turned back, walking straight to Finn, stopping only once he was right in front of him.

"Morning Enzo," Finn greeted, standing up straight, his voice tired but friendly enough. His eyes met Enzo's, the other set of blue orbs anxious and uncomfortable. He sighed, looking up to find Cass' eyes on them. His voice lowered. "You don't have to be uncomfortable. I'm not going to say or do anything."

Enzo was silent, his eyes following as Finn stepped away from him, walking over to an empty ring and sliding in. He felt a small smile tug at his lips, if anything, he had to make it through class, just forget about his troubles until then.

Classes were quick, mostly review for the next show, the rundown on the lineup how matches were going to end and moves that should be incorporated.

Enzo was getting ready to leave when he felt an arm slide around his shoulders. He jumped, turning to see that it was Cass, a smile on his lips.

"Hey," he said, ruffling the damp Mohawk. "You wanna come over? I'm gonna make somethin' good before we go on the road for the next few days."

Enzo tried to return the smile, looking down at their feet. He couldn't bring his lips to turn upwards. He didn't want to be alone with Cass, although they probably wouldn't be alone, Carmella would probably be there too. That thought only made him feel even less at ease.

"Sorry Cass," Finn said quickly, butting into the conversation. "Enzo here's gonna make up for yesterday." He smiled, trying hard to keep it friendly as his and Cass' eyes met. "You ready Enzo?"

Enzo nodded, pulling back from Cass. "You and 'Mella enjoy it without me. I'll catch up wit'cha next time," he said softly, this time forcing a smile onto his lips. "We'll meet up early. Get on the road and see some sites."

Cass gave a stiff nod, his jaw tightening as he watched as Enzo and Finn started walking away. He didn't like this. He had no idea what had changed from the night before. He felt a hand on his arm, a soft cheek on his bicep.

"Running off to play with Finn again?" she asked, her voice soft, almost confused. "Did you two fight?"

Cass shook his head, looking down at the beautiful woman, her eyes following Enzo, concern evident in them. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her to his side. "You gotta lay off 'Zo a bit, okay?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Enzo was sitting on Finn's couch, a mug of hot tea sitting on the coffee table ahead of him. He'd already showered, his hair still damp as he sat there in a pair of basketball shorts he'd borrowed from Finn.

"Are you going to tell me why you called?" Finn asked, walking over from the kitchen with his own mug of tea. He too was freshly showered and dressed in a pair of gym shorts. "Or at least tell me what changed your mind at two in the morning." He sat down next to Enzo, leaving plenty of room between them.

Enzo looked down at his cup, he didn't dare say that it was about Cass. He couldn't tell anyone else his secret. "I'm just stressed," he started, feeling awkward, how was he supposed to explain this? "I needa blow off some steam and I ain't gonna hook up with one of the girls. They're all like my little sisters."

"All of them?" Finn asked, one brow rising.

Enzo felt his entire body tense. "Most of 'em," he corrected, knowing what Finn was referring to. "And random hook ups ain't my style. What you said about experiences, it got me thinking, that's all." He didn't dare admit that he just wanted to understand his want for Cass. Was it really just Cass that got him stirred up like that? Could he really be aroused by another man? The questions were endless in his mind. If he could just understand, maybe he could turn his affection towards Cass somewhere else.

Finn took a sip of his tea before setting it down next to Enzo's on the coffee table. "Alright," he said softly, standing. "Follow me."

Enzo did just that, cautiously following Finn through the door to his bedroom. It was late evening and the sun was already setting, casting oranges and reds into the room through the large window. His eyes followed Finn as he pulled the thick curtains to, casting the room in darkness, the only light sneaking through the top.

Finn walked back over, reaching out and resting a hand on Enzo's bare shoulder. "Are you sure?" he asked, wanting to confirm that this was seriously something Enzo wanted. "Because if you aren't, we can forget about this and—"

"No," Enzo interrupted, taking a step closer to Finn, the other man's body heat overwhelming. Even though the only contact of skin was Finn's hand on his shoulder, they were close enough that he could feel the body heat radiating off of Finn. "I want this."

"I'm going to start slow, we'll stop if you dislike it."

"Okay."

"I'm going to kiss you."

Normally, Enzo would take the opportunity to make a perfect come back, something funny and snarky, but at that moment all he could think about was how hard his heart was beating in his chest, how his hands shook. He wasn't nervous, not in the skittish kind of way he would be if it were Cass. He felt Finn's had slide to the back of his neck, the other resting on his hip, his own hands stumbling to rest on Finn's shoulders. He felt the hot breath on his lips, petal soft skin brushing over his.

Finn's eyes were closed, slowly increasing the pressure of his lips against Enzo's, his hand cupping the back of the smaller man's head. Enzo's lips molded to his, their bodies pressing together. His lips parted, Enzo's reluctantly following.

Enzo shuddered, Finn's tongue easing into his mouth, gliding along his. His entire body was still tight, his fingers digging into Finn's shoulders. The kiss wasn't bad, in fact it was far from it, but something about it, something about how empty it felt bothered him. He felt Finn's fingers slide through his loose hair, causing him to shiver.

Finn's other arm wrapped around Enzo's waist, pulling them flush, their kiss growing a little needier. He pulled back, his lips moved down Enzo's cheek, over his bearded jaw to his neck.

Enzo whimpered, Finn's lips soft against him, the feel of his facial hair brushing against his, and pressing against his neck tickled. A gasp escaped him, teeth lightly grazing against his pulse. "Finn," he murmured, hands slowly sliding down Finn's chest, running over the tight pectorals, fingers running over both nipples. He could hear Finn's breathy groan, the noise shooting straight through him, like lightening shooting down his spine and straight into his cock. He could feel it starting to swell between his legs. His eyes squeezed shut, taking in every touch, Finn's body slowly moving him towards the bed.

Finn eased Enzo back, his body hovering over Enzo as they crawled up onto the mattress. "Still okay?" he asked, his voice breathy, already raspy with want. He bit his lower lip, Enzo's small nod enough reassurance. His neck bent back in, his lips once again on Enzo's, their tongues meeting quickly. He could taste Enzo's nervousness. He moved to straddle Enzo's thighs, resting his hand beside Enzo's head to keep him steady, the other hand taking Enzo's and pressing it to his chest. "Touch me." It was gentle, encouraging, urging.

Enzo nodded, Finn's lips on his neck again, nipping, suckling. He bit his lower lip, looking down at their bodies, an obvious bulge growing in his shorts. He could also see that Finn was also growing more and more aroused. His hands ran over Finn's chest, unsure of what to do. Did he treat the strong chest like he would a pair of breasts? Did men even like their nipples being touched? He ran his thumbs over the pink nubs, earning a harsh breath against him, a groan rumbling quickly behind. He did it again, this time a little rougher. He earned a nip to his shoulder, hips pushing down into him, showing just how hard Finn was. Okay, maybe some men liked it.

Finn's hand slid to Enzo's chest, lightly pinching a nipple, earning a surprised gasp. He smirked, his lips moving lower, nipping at Enzo's collarbone before peppering kisses down his chest, over old ink to a nipple.

"Hey wait, whattya—" Enzo suddenly stopped, body freezing as a hot tongue ran over his nipple, eliciting a strange sort of pleasure in him. He wanted to jerk away but at the same time he wanted Finn to do it again. He breathed out hard, his hips pushing up into Finn of their own accord, his mind going hazy. He didn't want to think, just enjoy the release that Finn was offering up to him.

Finn felt Enzo finally start to relax and he smirked, sucking on the peaked nub, another groan filling the air, a curse following in Italian as his hand slid between them, running up and down Enzo's length over the shorts. He tried not to feel too happy about how hard Enzo was in his hand. He felt Enzo's fingers pinch his nipple, the other slowly, shakily moving down him, pausing at the waistband of his shorts before gingerly pressing against his own aching length.

Enzo's hand didn't move, just stayed there, cupping the hard cock, taking in its shape in his hand. He felt Finn rut into him, wanting some sort of friction, to share the pleasure together. He curled his fingers around him, giving a few experimental strokes in the awkward angle. He watched as Finn thrust into his hand, almost mesmerized that it felt almost comfortable to be doing this. Would it feel even better if it were Cass in his hand?

Finn was the one that grew bold, pulling back from Enzo's chest, and sliding his hand under the material of Enzo's shorts, grasping the hot flesh in his hand. He gave a few slow strokes, watching as Enzo's face flushed, his hips pushing up into his hand, the way his cock throbbed at the gentle touch. He smirked, Enzo's eyes closed as he started to pant. This would be enough this time.

Enzo was jerked from his pleasure-clouded mind when Finn's hand left him. His mouth opened to protest, but only closed when he felt his shorts being tugged down to his thighs, exposing him to the warm air. He whimpered, Finn's hand stroking him a little faster. Finn's thumb swiped across the tip, gathering the little white bead of pre cum and smearing it against his reddened crown. "Finn," he groaned, tugging at Finn's shorts.

Finn allowed them to be pushed down his own thighs, their eyes meeting for the first time. He smiled, leaning in and kissing Enzo, this one being sloppy and wet, their tongues pushing against each other. He lowered down to rest chest to chest with Enzo, their cocks meeting, a bolt of lightening shooting through him and into Enzo as his hips pushed down against him.

Enzo's arms wrapped around Finn's neck, his mouth moving to his cheek and neck when he felt the underside of their cocks scraping together, both of them thrusting up against the other. He felt Finn grab both of them and stroke, the pace faster, needier, wanting release. He too wanted it, wondering what something so little, so minuscule had him already on the edge. He whimpered, wanting to warn Finn that it wouldn't take much, that he was already almost there.

Finn understood, pulling back for only a moment to reach into his bedside table for a small bottle of lube. He popped the cap, the sound echoing in the room with their heavy breathing, the groan of the mattress as Finn moved, squeezing a little into his hand before closing the bottle and dropping it. He wrapped around them both their shafts again, moving faster than before, squeezing them a little tighter. He was there, right on the edge begging to taste the sweet release.

Enzo whimpered, one hand gripping the back of Finn's neck almost painfully as his other hand wrapped around Finn's stroking them together. "Finn," he warned, the end right there on the tip his tongue, the overwhelming smell of arousal and sweat fueling him. His hand tightened around Finn's, their foreheads pressed together as they panted, their eyes locked.

Finn shuddered, the intense gaze, blue oceans begging for him to drown in them holding him steady. "En..zo," he whimpered, time standing still between them, their bodies hot against the other. He felt his heart thump strangely in his chest, the look in those eyes meant for someone else. He could feel that this wasn't meant for him, that Enzo wanted this with someone else. Those eyes were so deep, so full of an overwhelming emotion Finn thought he'd never see again. "Go ahead."

The words hit Enzo just right, hot breath mingling with his own as his eyes closed, teeth clenched as his balls drew up and the tension in his belly broke. His body nearly clung to Finn's as he came, a loud, desperate cry falling from his lips, Finn's name mangled inside it. He felt the hot little streams hit his bare stomach, his eyes half lidded with blurred edges as he laid there breathing hard, Finn still over him, wanting his own release.

Finn wasn't far behind, his hips thrusting into his hand just a little faster until he too stiffened over Enzo, his own growl of release filling the air as his cum landed on Enzo's belly, mixing with the other man's. He rolled to the side, laying shoulder to shoulder with Enzo as he tried to catch his breath, thinking it had been a long time since he'd come so hard from something as simple as frotting.

Enzo let his gaze rest on the ceiling, his throat and chest tight as he felt the mixed seeds hot against his skin. His heart started to race, his brows furrowing. He was shocked with himself, thinking that he'd given in to this desire and instead of scaring him away, it had only made him crave those little touches that much more from Cass' hand, to feel his cum on him. He rolled off the bed, legs wobbly as he walked away towards the bathroom, pulling his shorts back up to his hips.

Flipping the light on, Enzo looked up at himself in the mirror. He barely recognized himself. After everything he'd been through, how he'd been raised, he'd given in. He looked away, finding something to clean himself up with before walking over to the sink and turning to cold water on. He cupped his hands and splashed his face a couple times, telling himself to calm down, that what Finn was right. He had to experience things, had to figure himself out.

"You okay?" Finn asked from the doorway, causing Enzo to jump. His shorts were pulled back as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. "You're not gonna freak out on me are you?"

Enzo turned, looking Finn in the eye, shaking his head slowly. He was surprised at those words, how casual yet cold they were. Had Finn experienced something like that too? "No," he finally said, looking away. It was all he could say, his voice suddenly gone. He just needed a minute to gather his thoughts.

A/N: So, I don't have much to say this time around. Thoughts are always appreciated! Onwards and upwards!

JacktheSinister_JaketheJust