Chapter 11
Austin opened up the cabin door and stepped inside. It was the earliest hours of the morning so the cabin was still slightly dark. Without bothering to turn on a light, he went straight to his room and unloaded his luggage, worn and tired. The flight hadn't been long so he didn't get much sleep on the plane. But before sleep there were other things that needed attending to first. Grabbing the stun gun, he left his room and went inside the room he'd given Matt. Eddie sat in front of the locked bathroom door as though guarding it.
"Get out of the way you stupid mutt." Austin grumbled as he fished the keys out of his pocket. Eddie jumped away and crawled under the bed.
Austin shook his head at the potato chip crumbs all over the floor, guessing Matt must have been sliding them under the door for Eddie to eat. He inserted the key in the lock then stopped, pressing his ear to the wood and listening. Everything was silent inside. Too silent. He wouldn't be surprised if the kid was on the other side, waiting to attack. Preparing himself for whatever might come, he unlocked the door and opened it up a crack. At first he didn't see anything so he opened it up wider and still saw nothing.
"Fucking hell!" The Rattlesnake flung open the door, furious and fearful that Matt had somehow managed to excape.
Once inside, he finally noticed the ragged breathing coming from the tub. Relieved, Austin jerked the half-closed shower curtain all the way open. Matt lay on his side, with his head buried in his folded arms and covered by the blanket. The blanket didn't seem to be offering enough warmth, for his whole body shivered as though freezing.
"Hey kid." Austin knelt down and shook his shoulder. When Matt didn't move, he physically rolled Matt onto his back and raised his eyebrows genuinely taken aback.
Despite shaking as though cold, Matt was almost drenched in sweat. Austin placed a hand over his fevered forehead and could feel the heat radiating from him. Matt groaned and unconsciously jerked his head away, seemingly unaware that anyone else was in the room.
Austin swore to himself and stood, quickly rushing into the small kitchen and grabbing a plastic cup out of the cabinet. He filled it with water then went in his bedroom to retrieve a little tin container. He opened it up and inspected the contents inside. The two narcotics were both in a pill and powder form. So far he'd given Matt both.
But Matt's system was obviously unaccustomed to the drugs, especially in the doses he'd been given. Unlike a regular user, whose withdrawals could last for many days, he could tell Matt's were already starting to subside. He was almost to the point of crashing, where his body would require a significant amount of sleep to replenish the amount of epinephrine that had been depleted.
How long a person had been using drugs, determined the amount of time they would crash out. Matt may not have been a regular user, but over the past week, he'd pretty much been binged with the drugs.
Austin contemplated for a moment. Just a small hit would take the edge off, but was it neccessary? Making up his mind, he replaced the lid on the tin and took the glass of water into the bathroom.
Matt hadn't moved and Austin set the glass aside, took Matt's head in his hands and lightly shook him. "Come on, Kid. I need you to get up for a second."
Matt groaned and tried to push the hands away. The shaking only brought him more aware of the sharp agonizing pain in his skull. "Stop." He barely whispered.
"Sit up kid." Austin maneuvered an arm around his shoulders and pulled him upright. Matt held his arms around his waist, the simple movement alone, adding to the abdominal and muscle pains. Everything was pain and all he wanted to do was lie back down in the darkness.
But Austin wouldn't let him. He felt the rim of a cup being held to his lips and suddenly found the strength to reach up and grasp it. He drank the precious water as fast as he could until he was literally choking on it.
Austin slapped his back. "Slow down." He helped Matt hold the cup then tossed it aside when he was finished. Slinging Matt's arm around his shoulder, he pulled him to his feet. "I'm gonna take you back to the room, but you're gonna have to help me out here."
If Matt heard him, he gave no indication of it. With an effort, Austin managed to get Matt to step out of the tub. Matt was vaguely aware of being dragged out of the bathroom and set on the bed. Laying back, he rolled onto a pillow and clutched it. As he started to fade out, he could faintly feel a wet washcloth being wiped along his head. He shivered again, the cold dampness giving him goosebumps while at the same time, he felt like he was overheating. The bed shook and he remembered thinking that it must be Eddie jumping on top. After that, he remembered no more.
Austin returned to the living room that the sun was finally begining to light up and sat in a chair. He looked through Matt's open bedroom door. Matt was completely crashed and would probably stay that way for the entire day and night. Austin let out a long low sigh. The need for sleep was tugging at him too, but he didn't retire into his bedroom. Instead, he got up to get a beer out the fridge and sat back down, harboring his unexpected thoughts for the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon.
Jeff waited for Chris to unlock the door to their motel room and watched Rob doing the same to the room next door. They were staying at the same motel they'd been in the last time they were there and he felt a twinge of sympathy that this time Rob would be alone. Not once had he taken into consideration just how much Matt's absence was affecting Rob.
"You wanna meet up for dinner later?" Jeff asked.
Rob shrugged a shoulder. "Sure. Give me a call."
Jeff nodded and smiled. Rob returned a smile to him and Chris then entered his room. He threw his bag on the bed and sat at the table. Now what? They arrived late in the afternoon, too late to begin doing anything, even if they'd known what they were going to do. The fact that they'd narrowed Matt down to being some where around this area didn't help, for when they were here before they hadn't been able to locate him.
He gazed out the window at the small deli across the street, never knowing he was looking at the same place Austin had sat, watching Matt. Dinner with Jeff and Chris really wasn't something he was in the mood for, but they needed to get a plan of action figured out. Besides that, the busier he kept himself, the faster the time went by. He rested his chin in the palm of his hand. Moments like these were the worst. With nothing to occupy his time, all he could do was think about how he'd lost the one thing he cared about the most.
Austin walked in the front door of the cabin and stopped, this time seeing Matt sitting at the table. Even though it was evening, he was surprised to see he was awake.
Matt momentarily glanced at him then turned his gaze out the window. When he'd woke, it was obvious the Rattlesnake had returned, for he was no longer locked in the bathroom or even his room. At the time, he'd felt somewhat relieved but seeing Austin now...
Austin approached the table with a bag of fast food and began unloading it contents. While he did, he studied Matt. Matt's hair was damp as though he'd showered, but he looked anything but refreshed. He looked more like he hadn't slept in weeks. The muscle shirt Matt wore should have been clinging to him, but seemed to be hanging a little extra loose. "Haven't you been eating?" The Rattlesnake asked.
Instead of replying, Matt picked up his pack of cigarettes and lit one up. He hadn't been eating, but had reached the point to where he wasn't hungry, no matter how empty his stomach felt. It wasn't any emptier than his mind and whole being felt.
Seeing he wasn't going to get an answer, Austin placed a burger and fries in front of Matt. "Here. I know you feel like shit and it'll get worse unless you eat." He went in the kitchen to get some drinks.
Matt looked at the food without interest. Right now everything was nice and numb, and he really didn't care to eat, but knew he needed to. However, he shoved the fries away. They reminded him too much of the potato chips Austin had left him and the thought alone made him sick. After the first day of living off the chips, it was all he could do to force himself to eat them. By the end of the second night, he was throwing them all up. At least he'd been able to slide them under the door and feed Eddie.
He placed the fries on the floor for Eddie then unwrapped his sandwich. Austin joined him with a beer for himself and Matt. Matt ate without acknowledging his presence. Before he knew it, he was done with his burger and starting on another. Now that he was finally eating, it was like he suddenly couldn't stop.
"Slow down Kid or you'll make yourself sick." Austin grunted.
Matt ignored the Rattlesnake and quickly finished his second burger. When done, he lit up another cigarette and started on the beer. Austin shook his head and finished his own food. After he was done, he wadded up the paper and tossed it on the table. Matt put down his cigarette and, without being told, gathered up the wrappers and took them to the trash.
"Thanks." Austin grumbled, although not entirely sure if he should trust the obedient action.
"Don't thank me." Matt flatly said, his eyes on the window. "Just doing my job. That's what you want isn't it?"
"What I want..." Austin started. "Is for you to understand, things don't have to be this way. I don't have to lock you up or punish you as long as you don't make me."
"I understand." Matt simply replied. He took a drag off his cigarette, his expression as impassive as his tone. "I understand that I'm paying for whatever sins I've committed in life, because I'm being forced to live with you in hell. I understand what you expect from me."
Austin regarded him carefully. "And what is that?"
Matt finally looked at him. "For me to feel whatever deranged thing you think I could feel for you, other than hate." He picked up a paper plate and began fanning himself, suddenly feeling too warm.
Austin snorted. "I'm gonna let that slide because it's obvious you're not well."
"I'm fine." Matt lied. "I can pretend to be content and pretend to be anything you want, but if you actually believe it, you're the one who's sick. And you need to get yourself help."
Austin slammed his hand down on the table, about to explode, but stopped as Matt's face began to blanch. "What the hell's wrong with you?"
Matt dropped his cigarette and covered his mouth, feeling sweat instantly break out all over his skin. He stood, knowing he was about to throw-up, but the sensation of fainting became so strong, he fell back into the chair.
Austin grabbed Matt's arm, pulled him to his feet and sprinted him into the bathroom. They barely made it, Matt throwing up the instant his knees hit the floor.
"Thought you felt fine." Austin grumbled. Grabbing the glass he'd tossed aside earlier, he refilled it from the sink. "Told you not to eat so damn fast."
Matt sat back on his knees, wiping the sweat off his face. "You put shit in the food." He panted.
"Did you see me put shit in the food?" Austin snapped. "There was nothing in it." He handed Matt the glass.
Matt washed out his mouth and drank, his shaking hands barely able to hold the cup. "Then what's wrong with me?" He managed to gasp out. "My stomach... Everything fucking hurts."
Austin studied him a few seconds then stood. "Stay there."
The order was unnecessary. Matt was practically doubled over and now that he was down, didn't think he could stand again. Shots of lightening flashed in his skull, while every muscle in his body seemed to peal away from his bones.
Austin returned and knelt back down beside him. "Don't fight me on this kid. This is the quickest way to get rid of your symptoms."
Matt slowly raised his head and saw Austin was holding a small pill-like vile and a flat toothpick. Austin tilted the vile, dipped the toothpick inside and brought it out, covered in white powder. Matt turned his head away, appalled at the Rattlesnake's offer.
"I won't force you." Austin said. "But if you think it's bad now..." He didn't say more.
Matt winced, another flash of lightening striking inside his skull. He couldn't imagine how much worse it could possibly get and didn't want to. "What will it do?" He asked, almost shocked to hear himself do so.
"You've had it before." Austin said. "Didn't it make things better?"
Matt didn't say anything. It did make things better and that's all he wanted- An end to this tortured existence. Any kind of escape that would be offered to him. Austin held the powder-covered toothpick underneath his nose. Matt hesitated, letting out a low breath then closed his eyes and snorted the substance.
He immediately threw his hands over his mouth and nose, coughing as some of the dry powder hit the back of his throat. The burning sting inside his nose spread up to the back of his eyes and he squeezed them tighter, holding back the water. His heart pounded wildly and he wasn't sure if it was from the drug or from fear that he'd actually snorted the poisonous powder.
Then eventually the sensations started to subside, along with the pain. He had no clue how long he remained on his knees, before finally lowering his hands and opening his eyes. Everything seemed so weightless and surreal it was like he was floating through a lucid dream. The high was so intense, he wondered if he'd actually lost consciousness. He looked over at the Rattlesnake, who was glowing with a strange colorful aura.
"I'm I awake?"
"Yeah, you're awake." Austin assured, helping him to his feet.
Matt looked down at himself, making sure he was still on solid ground, for he felt anything but. "This is different." He murmered, unable to remember if the drugs had this kind of affect before.
"That's because you snorted it." Austin explained.
Matt blinked at him. "What's it going to do to me?"
"Exactly what it's doing now." Austin placed a hand on his back and led him out of the bathroom.
Matt walked, still amazed his feet were touching the floor. Amazed that nothing hurt at all. It was astonishing how amazing everything felt.
Eddie jumped on the bed, lay down and wagged his tail expectantly at Matt. Matt pulled away from Austin and went to sit beside him. "Such a good boy." He stroked Eddie's ultra soft fur and smiled when Eddie began licking his face.
Austin made a face. "That nasty mutt's getting germs all over you."
Matt frowned at the Rattlesnake. "Why do you even have him if you don't like him?" He went back to petting Eddie and chuckled to himself. "I'm pretty sure he doesn't like you either though. He thinks you're a real ass-hole."
"Is that what he thinks?" Austin dryly replied. He grabbed Eddie's collar, pulled him off the bed and led him out the door.
"What are you doing?" Matt asked confused. "Where are you taking him?"
"If he thinks I'm such an ass-hole, he doesn't need to be in here." Austin snapped. He drug Eddie into his bedroom and slammed the door.
"No wait!" Matt followed, but couldn't go any further than the closed door.
Austin took Eddie out the back way and tied him up to the shed. When he returned to the cabin, Matt was back in his room, sitting quietly on the bed. "Anybody else have any thoughts to share?" He asked cynically from the door.
Matt shook his lowered head, unable to speak past the knot in his throat.
Austin sighed and went to sit by him. "Look kid, that dog probably gets fleas all over the place. It's best to keep him outside at night anyway. He can come back in tomorrow."
"He'll get cold out there." Matt said, absently popping his knuckles. "I hate being in the cold. Especially in a car."
Austin slightly raised his eyebrows. It was obvious Matt was speaking without meaning or thought, but he knew the long ago incident Matt was unconsciously referring to. He stood and headed for the door.
"Where are you going? Matt asked, feeling a sudden sliver of fear.
Austin stopped halfway out. "No where. I'm just..."
"DON'T!" Matt instantly jumped up, nearly stumbling as he rushed over. "Don't leave!"
Austin furrowed his brow, perplexed, until he realized Matt thought he was going to be locked up again. "Don't worry kid, I..."
"...Please." Matt interrupted. "I promise I'll won't do anything." He stepped closer until he was face to face with the Rattlesnake. "Unless... you want me to."
Austin regarded him carefully. "What are you trying to say?"
Matt swallowed, not sure what he was trying to say or about to do. The only thing he was sure of- He couldn't take another night locked up in darkness, surrounded with nothing but pain. Before he lost his nerve, he brought trembling hands to the back of Austin's head and closed his eyes, bringing up a mental picture of Rob.
He brushed his lips over Austin's and suddenly, the Rattlesnake's rough hands were gripping his hair and pressing him closer. He could feel the Rattlesnake's grotest tongue touching his lips and somehow managed to hold back his disgusted gasp. This isn't Austin, this is Rob. This is Rob. The tongue forced its way past his lips and he obediently opened his mouth. This is Rob...
The hands gripping his hair, multiplied into many and were roaming all over him. Colors flashed and spun around in his mind as his body was spun around and pushed down towards the bed. He fell for what seemed like forever, before his back finally hit the mattress. An extra weight climbed on the bed, making it shift and he gasped, feeling himself fall once more.
But strong arms caught him and held him steady. He opened his eyes and Rob smiled down at him. He should have known better- Rob always held him steady. "Rob..."
"Shhh..." Rob placed a finger over his lips, silencing whatever it was he was going to say.
Matt closed his eyes, letting Rob's fingers trace over his mouth. He didn't need to say anything. All that mattered was, Rob was with him and his touch had never felt so electric. Rob's lips replaced his fingers and Matt opened up for him. He lifted his arms over his head, allowing his shirt to be removed then became aware of his jeans being unfastened next.
Suddenly, without warning, Rob flipped him over on his stomach. Matt lay for a moment a little surprised at the position. A position he'd never done with Rob, for he never liked the thought of being taken from behind. There was just something more intimate about being able to look into Rob's face when Rob made love to him.
"Rob." He started to turn over, but was roughly pushed back down to the mattress.
Matt frowned then let out a low breath when Rob's mouth started nipping the nape of his neck. Rob's hands slowly slid down his sides until they were gripping the sides of his jeans. "Wait. Not this way."
Rob didn't seem to be listening and began tugging the jeans, trying to work them down
"Stop." Matt tried to roll over again, but Rob still wouldn't let him. The stronger man's grip on his jeans tightened and suddenly they were jerked down.
"I said stop!" Matt finally managed to flip over. "What's wrong with you..." He started angrily then stopped, his mouth dropping, seeing the man before him.
The Rattlesnake's eyes blazed with anger. "I'm warning you kid..." He hissed, in a low deadly tone.
Matt blinked in confusion, until it slowly began to register, he'd only been imagining Rob. The drugs were so disarming, he'd completely forgotten it was all in his mind. He pulled up his jeans, twisted to his knees and backed away from the Rattlesnake.
"I suggest you finish what you started." Austin pointed to the bathroom, his threat unmistakible.
Matt didn't move, almost stunned with horror over what he'd almost done. The small confining walls of the bedroom began to throb as though breathing in all the air. He drew a deep breath feeling as through his lungs were about to collapse. The walls of the bathroom were ten times worse. Closing his eyes from the sight of the breathing walls, Matt lowered his head in submission. There was no other way.
Austin nodded in approval and ran his hand down the back of Matt's head. "Good boy."
Matt winced at the words, hearing them used in the same manner they'd been used once before. Once on a night where his degrading performance had earned him the label of being a good boy.
"No." Matt opened his eyes and slapped the Rattlesnake's hand away.
Austin jumped off the bed, furious. "FUCKING TEASING LITTLE BASTARD!" Grabbing Matt by the hair, he drug him off the bed and hurled him to the floor.
Matt lay on the floor a few moments, completely disoriented by the action, then brought himself up to a sitting postion. By the time he gained his bearings, he realized Austin was standing over him with a belt raised high in the air.
"Your puck-ass has got two choices." Austin fumed. "Finish what the fuck you started or I'll finish beating you half to death."
Matt turned away, letting his loose hair fall around his face. "I'd rather die." He whispered, no longer caring. Why he didn't care, he wasn't sure. Maybe it was just the drugs. Whatever it was it really didn't matter. All that mattered was- for as long as he lived, Austin was never going to touch him again. And he sat queitly, waiting for the first strike to be inflicted.
But the strike never came. Instead of the whooshing sound of leather through the air, he heard the door open and close. Matt looked over his shoulder and saw he was completely alone. The Rattlesnake was gone.
Austin slammed the door of his truck shut so hard, the driver side glass cracked. He cursed furiously and beat his fist against the steering wheel a couple times, trying to vent his fury. After a moment, he sat back in his seat and ran a hand over his sweaty head, his fury turning to fatigue.
The plan had been perfect. He'd prepared for everything, even the possibility of Matt making an escape, which he knew the kid would somehow attempt. Luckily his preparation had proved successful in recapturing him. But even with all the careful planning, he'd never prepared for a day like this.
He looked to Matt's bedroom window, able to see inside by the light of the candles. Matt had returned to the bed and was chewing his bottom lip, his expression of complete bewilderment. It wasn't long before the bewilderment seemed to turn to nervousness. He stood, ran a hand through is hair then sat back down again, looking like a prisoner on death row waiting for the executioner to take him on the final walk. Finally he drew himself up and sat watching the door, as though waiting with acceptance whatever fate was to come.
Austin watched, feeling an odd sense of admiration peek through his anger. The same he could remember feeling the day Matt had stood up to him in the locker room, so long ago, when defending his brother. To say he'd been impressed with Matt's boldness was an understatement. Even now at his most weakest and vulnerable, Matt seemed to be molded from the finest steel. A steel that could be bent and dented, twisted into whatever horrible shape imaginable, but somehow never truly broke.
Matt would never willingly let himself be owned by anyone... Anyone besides Rob. Austin lowered his eyes and sighed, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white and ached. He knew Jeff, Rob, and Chris had followed him. He also had a pretty good idea of where they would be staying. With one last glance to the window, Austin shifted into gear and headed down the long path. Time to make alterations to the plan.
Chris opened his eyes and squinted, the light on the motel nightstand on. Jeff sat on the bed beside him, notebook on his crossed legs and chin propped up in his hand. Chris sat up and glanced at the clock radio, which read after 1am.
"Why are you still up? Can't sleep?"
"Not really." Jeff lowered his hand. "I've been trying to work on a plan. Something that will lead us to Matt."
"What have you come up with?" Chris looked over Jeff's shoulder, but all he saw was a blank page.
"Exactly." Jeff muttered bitterly. He closed the notebook and tossed it aside. "I've been sitting here all this time and I've got shit."
Chris placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're doing all you can do for now. You're doing your best."
"My best isn't good enough." Jeff shook Chris's hand off his shoulder. "There's got to be something else I can do. If it were the other way around, Matt would have found me by now. He's so smart, you know. He would have come up with some brilliant out-line or plan."
"Matt is smart..." Chris agreed. "But, no one could have a brilliant plan for something like this. Besides, we're closer than we've ever been. We know who has him."
"But what if it really isn't Austin." Jeff whispered. "This all feels like some crazy fucked-up dream I can't wake up from. My brother's been abducted, Austin's come back..." He sighed to himself. "I just want to know if he's alright."
"Matt's alive and I'm sure he's alright." Chris assured. "Besides, you know how stubborn he is and what a temper he's got. Heaven help the person who has him. I wouldn't be surprised if any day, they beg us to take him back."
Jeff smiled despite himself. What would he do without Chris? Chris hadn't once left his side, since the whole ordeal, and what kind of appreciation had he shown? "I'm sorry to have to put you through all this. You haven't been home in forever and..."
"...You're not putting me through anything." Chris firmly interrupted. "I want to find Matt as bad as you do and if I wanted to go home, I would."
Jeff smiled at him. "Thank you."
Chris returned the smile. "I'm not here as a favor. I'm here because I want to be. Now why don't you lay down? Tomorrow's gonna be a long day."
Jeff shook his head. "I've got too much on my mind to sleep."
"Take a hot bath." Chris suggested. "That might help."
Jeff shrugged, hardly in the mood for a bath. "Will you take one with me?"
"Well, I really don't feel like one." Chris admitted. "But I'll hang-out in there with you."
"And what, watch?"
"I don't mind if you don't." Chris wiggled his eyebrows. "I might even enjoy the show."
Jeff had to chuckle. "You know Matt always has to comment about how gross and sappy we are- Can you even imagine what he'd say if he heard, you like to sit in the bathroom and watch me bathe?"
Chris chuckled with him. "On second thought, nevermind."
Jeff lay down and crossed his arms behind his head. "Listen to him talk, it's like we're sex starved animals always ripping each others cloths off in front of everybody."
"Please." Chris snorted dryly and lay on his side, throwing an arm over Jeff's stomach. "People have been assuming things about us since day one. When did we start caring about what they thought?"
"I don't." Jeff gave Chris a light kiss. Chris closed his eyes and was soon drifting back to sleep.
Jeff remained awake, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. Chris was right. He never did care about what other's thought, because it never mattered. Yet in the beginning there were times, he'd felt guilty over the effect his reputation had on Chris.
Even though the wild nights were long gone, a reputation truly did tend to follow one around and he was anything but Disney's wholesome version of a Hardy boy.
Jeff unconsciously shook his head, amazed to think those days were barley a few years ago. Looking back, it was almost as if it were someone else's life. A life where partying and sex were the drugs of choice. In the morning, once the high was gone, whomever he happen to be with the previous night was too. But he didn't feel sorry for himself. He cared about as much for them as they did for him- Nothing.
A one night stand was simply that- One night of cheap fun. No strings attached. Just the way he liked it. There had be a few occasions where one night had turned into a little more. However it was just a fling, lasting about two weeks, if that long. Still, the lifestyle was preferred. He was considered the most 'sought after piece of ass' and if that's all anyone wanted, the better. He didn't care or want anything more from them.
Matt on the other hand did care and there'd been times when he literally had to stop his brother from taking off to beat someone's ass. Matt would then turn his anger on him, hating the way he could so easily let others take advantage of him. Jeff took the lectures with a grain of salt. He knew Matt knew the truth, but there was no use arguing. Big brother simply refused to admit, his innocent baby brother wasn't so innocent.
And 'innocence' was hardly something that attracted him either. Chris's long bleached hair fit well with his smart-ass character persona, making him seem anything but. Maybe that was one of the things that attracted him to Chris. He couldn't remember. All he remembered was one night, he'd set his sights on the Canadian.
They'd been co-workers for a long time and occasionally, Chris and an opponent would have a tag match against him and his brother. On one particular night, the Hardy Boyz were wrestling single and it was the first time he'd wrestled alone with Chris.
Wrestling single wasn't much different than wrestling in a tag-match except there was no getting in and out of the ring. It was nothing but him and Chris the whole time and all his undivided attention was given to his opponent.
He'd never really noticed before how impressive Chris's mat skills were or how nice-looking the blond actually was. It became work trying to keep his concentration solely on the match, for he found himself wondering- If Chris moved this good in the ring, how good could he move in the bed? The thought of a one-nighter with Chris was defiantly appealing.
After the show he invited Chris to go clubbing with him, his brother and his brother's girlfriends Amy and Trish. Matt, never afraid to say what he thought, only spoke to Chris when he had something cynical or rude to say. Jeff continued to give Chris his undivided attention, more than making up for his unfriendly brother. It wasn't hard convincing Chris to leave the others behind and return to the hotel where everyone was staying.
Talking Chris into coming up to his room for coffee was even less of challenge, not that getting a guy or girl to do what he wanted ever had been. He knew how physically attractive he was and knew how to use it to his advantage. It didn't matter who was actually using who, as long as the sex was good.
Jeff unlocked the door to his room and stepped back to let his guest enter first.
"You got a nice room." Chris commented, looking around. He then turned to see the younger man leaning against the closed door, watching him with intense green eyes. "Want me to go ahead and order the coffee?" He offered.
Jeff hid his smile, amused that Chris was serious. Surely the Canadian wasn't this naive and knew what he was really invited up for. A good-looking guy like Chris had to have had his share of one-nighters. Jeff unzipped his jacket and pulled it off. Apparently he needed to turn it up a notch. "I'm in the mood for something, but suddenly, it's not coffee." Smiling, he tossed the jacket aside and began to pull the neatly tucked t-shirt out of his jeans.
"Hold up." Chris held up his hands. "It's cool Jeff. I didn't come up for that."
Jeff paused in his actions. Was this some sort of game?
"Just so you know..." Chris continued. "I'm not that kind of guy."
"Oh, I get it." Jeff cocked his head to the side, giving Chris a knowing smile. "The 'I'm not that kind of guy' line, huh?" He laughed. So Chris was into playing games. The Canadian was going to be more fun than he thought. "I've used that line a time or two myself. A little cheesy but hey, it worked." He moved to stand in front of Chris. "You don't have to play around Jericho unless... You wanna play around."
Jeff started to remove his shirt again, but Chris grabbed his arms, stopping him. "Honestly Man, that's not why I'm here."
Jeff lowered his arms, letting his shirt fall back to his waist and studied Chris's face. He really wasn't playing games. "Then... why are you here? Coffee?"
Chris chuckled. "That's what you invited me up for, right?"
"Uh... Right." Jeff scratched his head then went over to the nightstand, where the phone was. "Make yourself comfortable."
"Thanks." Chris settled down at the table, doing just that.
Jeff rolled his eyes and picked up the phone. Talk about making a bad call. He went ahead and ordered the coffee anyway then joined Chris. "It'll be up in a little bit. They have to brew it or something."
Chris smiled. "That's cool."
Jeff gave a brief return smile then lowered his eyes to his fingernails, drumming on the table. Coffee was truly the last thing he expected and didn't know what to think, let alone say. He wasn't exactly known for his bubbling conversation skills.
"If I'm bothering you I'll leave." Chris said, noticing Jeff's discomfort. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I just thought it'd be cool to hang-out."
"You're not bothering me." Jeff said, still concentrating on his drumming nails. "I guess I don't hang-out with a lot of guys. At least not like this." He finished, muttering.
Chris shrugged the last part off. "Well... We seem to get along pretty good backstage. I was hoping we could get to know each other better."
Jeff finally looked up, suddenly feeling the urge to laugh. Now that was something he didn't hear every night. "I'm sure you've heard enough about me to know."
"I heard you do some awesome writing." Chris replied. "Can I see some of it?"
Jeff blinked. "How'd you know I write?" He never hid the fact, but was under the impression nobody knew. It wasn't like anyone paid attention to the fact that he was capable of anything intelligent.
Chris shrugged a shoulder, almost sheepishly. "I noticed you sometimes sit by yourself in the bleachers, during ring set-up. You're always writing in a notebook. Matt says you're really talented."
Jeff raised his eyebrows a little. "You've talked to my brother about it?"
"I asked him about it one day." Chris paused to chuckle. "Although after the way he acted at the club, I don't think he'll be talking to me again."
"That's just Matt. A little protective sometimes." Jeff absently replied, while pondering over what Chris was saying. Why would Chris be talking to his brother about him? He started to ask, but a knock on the door sounded, indicating room service had arrived.
"Coming." He got up to answer it and halted as he passed his travel bag. Figuring it couldn't hurt anything, he unzipped the bag, retrieved his notebook and tossed it over to Chris.
A few minutes later, he returned with the tray of coffee and mugs and set it on the table. Giving Chris a little more time to read, he set out the sugar and cream then poured them both a cup. Might as well play proper host.
Chris looked up from the notebook, shaking his head in awe. "Wow! This is really good."
"Thanks." Jeff politely replied, although he found it hard to believe Chris knew anything about writing.
"I really like this one here." Chris flipped to a previous page. "It's so dark and haunted, but in a weird sort of way. Like the tormented soul somehow finds peace in his agony, because it's the only thing he can feel."
Jeff stared at Chris, surprised at the true interpretation. Almost too good to be true. "Was that something my brother told you?" He asked, not bothering to hide his sarcasm.
Chris shook his head. "He just said you were talented, but that's an understatement."
Jeff continued to regard Chris with doubt, until it suddenly occurred to him, Chris was reading from his new notebook. He hadn't even gotten around to showing Matt the new writings yet.
"I wish I could write like this." Chris went on. "I have a band called Fozzy. We're pretty new, so no one's heard of us yet, but one day we'll get there."
Jeff set his cup down, hard. So this was Chris's intention. "I'm not looking to sell anything. Or give you ideas."
"I'm not looking to buy anything or take ideas." Chris simply said. "And no offence, but as awesome as your work is, I'm capable of writing my own stuff." He closed the notebook and placed it in front of Jeff.
Jeff flushed, imagining how childish he must have sounded. Man, I must sound as arrogant as Matt.
Chris pretended not to notice. "Its not often I come across somebody who has the same interest in writing. Not even my own band likes to do it, which I guess is why I took it up. It quickly grew on me, though. What made you start?"
Jeff tucked a lock of burgundy-dyed hair behind his ear. "It's weird you started writing because you're in a band... I started writing because of this song I heard a band play. The lyrics were pretty intense and just sort of hit me. I decided I wanted to write stuff like that. Stuff that would make people be like- whoa man!"
Chris laughed. "That's exactly what I want my music to do. While we were at the bar, I jotted down some things that happen to pop onto my head. Wanna see?"
"Okay." Jeff said, truly curious.
Chris twisted around in his chair to get the napkin out of his jacket pocket, hanging off the back. "I know it looks weird, but I got to write things down before I forget them. I try to come up with original ideas because I don't want to sound like everyone else. Uniqueness is my thing and one day Fozzy is going to rock!"
Jeff watched in amusement as Chris tried to smooth out the wadded up napkin of lyrics. All the times he'd casually chatted with Chris backstage, he never would have guessed Chris wrote songs for a band he was in. Chris gave up trying to smooth out the napkin and recited the scribbling from memory. Jeff had to admit he was impressed. He never would have guessed Chris was actually good.
As a matter of fact, he was surprised to find there were many things about the Canadian he never knew. For instance, Chris had an inherited love for hockey. Jeff couldn't remember if he'd ever watched a hockey game, but still knew who the great's of the game were. One of them being Ted Irvine from the NY Rangers. Despite the fact Chris's real last name was Irvine, and the few times Chris had worn the #27 jersey in the ring, not once did he put it together that Ted Irvine was actually Chris's dad.
He couldn't help but laugh at some of the stories Chris shared, about the pain and bruises of learning how to ice skate and score a goal at the same time. He even shared his own stories about the pain and bruises, him and his brother endured, while training themselves how to wrestle on an old trampoline in their backyard.
It was amazing to think he could feel so comfortable opening up to someone other than his brother. Not even in one of his two week flings had he ever told so much or learned so much than he had in just one night with Chris. And the night was gone before either man knew it. They finally went to bed when the sun started to rise and the next afternoon, Jeff woke, almost feeling strange that he was still fully clothed.
Normally when he woke, he'd quickly throw on his cloths and sneak out of whoever's room. Or vis-versa if it the person was staying with him- which was just fine. No strings attached. However, him and Chris had slept in the same bed and, not only did they not do anything other than sleep, Chris was still there. For the first time, he was actually glad the other person wasn't gone.
Chris sat on the edge of the bed and hung up the phone. "Morning... Or more like afternoon. I hope you like brunch, I just ordered some."
"Sounds good." Jeff looked at his watch. "Man, we were up late."
"Yeah." Chris lowered his eyes to his hands. "I had a good time, though. Maybe we can hang-out more often."
Jeff wasn't sure if it was him or if he really was hearing a hopeful little note in Chris's tone. Whatever it was, suddenly he liked the idea of hanging-out more with Chris. Even if they did nothing more than talk over coffee. "That'd be cool."
Chris raised his eyes and smiled, his expression making him look like a happy little fool.
Jeff smiled back, trying to will away the blush he could feel coming on. Shit- Now I'm going to look like a fool. Still, he couldn't help it. Not once had it ever bothered him to be looked at as some 'sought after piece of ass'. But to now know what it was like to have someone look at him the way Chris was looking at him...
"What are you smiling at?"
"Uh?" Jeff blinked out of his memories and looked over at Chris.
Chris yawned. "You looked amused. Was I snoring weird?"
"No." Jeff rolled onto his side, facing Chris. Since that one uneventful night, he'd grown to love Chris with every fiber of his soul and simply by the way Chris looked at him, never had a doubt the Canadian felt the same. "I was just thinking about what a happy little fool you are."
"Oh." Chris furrowed his brow. "If that's your new pet name for me, no offence, but maybe you could ask Rob for suggestions. I could be 'sunlight' or something."
Jeff made a face. "Nah. That's a little too blond and corny. I'll stick with the first."
"If it makes you happy." Chris replied, yawning again.
Jeff maneuvered himself to where he was laying over Chris. "You make me happy." He whispered. He then kissed Chris, slow and deep, putting as much meaning as he could behind it.
Chris raised his eyebrows once Jeff broke the kiss, now wide-awake. "I know I'm a sexy beast and all, but please, practice some restraint."
Jeff laughed, rolling his eyes. "Whatever Man."
Chris laughed with him and reached up to push back the dark blue hair, hanging around Jeff's face. It seemed too long since he'd last seen him laugh. "You know I love you right?"
Jeff sat up on his knees and pulled off his shirt, tossing it to the floor. "I know." He simply replied, before returning into Chris's arms.
Rob sighed to himself, shifting once again in the bed. Stare at the ceiling, now stare at the walls. Neither one offered any help with sleeping. Throwing off the covers he sat up and sighed again with irritation. He'd given up on watching TV long ago, but what the hell else was there to do?
After a moment an idea came to him and he climbed out of the bed and threw on his cloths and shoes. Maybe a brisk jog would be enough to exhaust him into sleeping. On his way to the door his foot kicked a folded piece of paper lying on the carpet. It looked like it'd been slid underneath the door.
Rob picked it up and opened it. YOU SHOULD TRY THE BREAKFAST ACROSS THE STREET TOMARROW. IT'S BEST SERVED IN THE FAR CORNER BOOTH AT 10AM
Rob reread the note, figuring it was Jeff and Chris wanting to meet up for breakfast. They must have assumed he was sleeping or they would have just knocked. He left his motel room and headed the next room over, knocking on Jeff and Chris's door. He couldn't help but feel a little irritated again, considering everything they were suppose to do. Instead of eating breakfast at 10am, they could already be out searching for Matt.
Chris opened up the door a crack. "Hey Rob... What's going on?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to pass on the invitation." Rob pushed past Chris and walked into the room.
Jeff raised his eyebrows from the bed, where he sat wrapped in only a sheet. "Uh... Don't turn around for a second."
Rob furrowed his brow, but Jeff just smiled and grabbed a blanket from the end of the bed, wadding it up into a ball. He then tossed it over Rob's head to Chris.
"Oh...Sorry." Rob muttered, realizing what he'd just walked into.
Chris wrapped the blanket around his waist. "I guess it's not like you haven't seen before." He joked. He went to join Jeff on the bed. "So what's up?"
"No pun intended." Jeff added.
Rob smiled and held out the note. "I was just stopping by to say I got this, but I think I'll pass. I want to get started searching for Midnight as soon as possible."
Chris took the note reading it, Jeff doing the same over his shoulder. "Who's that from?" Jeff asked when finished.
Rob furrowed his brow. "It's not from either one of you?"
They both shook their heads.
Rob shrugged, taking it back. "It was slid under my door, so I just thought..."
"Maybe someone slid it under the wrong door." Chris suggested. "But we agree with you. The sooner we start the better."
Rob frowned studying the note in his hand. It very easily could have been slid under the wrong door, but for some reason, he felt that wasn't the case. He went over to the window and parted the blinds, looking at the deli across the street. "Maybe we should go, or at least me."
"Why?" Chris asked. "If you think the note really is for you, it might just be a prank. Or even a groupie. You know how they always leave notes or messages to meet them someplace."
"Who knows we're here, though?" Rob asked, still looking out the window. This late at night the little deli was practically empty with nothing strange or unusual going on.
"They always know." Jeff replied. "And nothing against one of your groupies, but we're talking about my brother here."
Rob nodded in agreement and wadded up the note. Matt was top-priority and time couldn't be wasted. He turned and left the window, just seconds before a black truck appeared from behind the deli and drove off, returning to it's little cabin in the woods.
TBC...