Chapter 11
The Rock stepped off the hotel elevator and walked down the hall, returning to his suite. Rounding the corner he stopped and frowned at the figure sitting on the hallway floor. "Matt?"
Matt sat against the wall, his knees drawn up to his chest with his arms folded over them. He raised his head from his arms and squinted, trying to focus his blood-shot eyes.
"What the hell are you doing in the hall?" Rock asked.
Matt looked around, as though he didn't realize where he was and shrugged.
Rock continued to frown until he noticed a bottle of Jack Daniel's sitting next to Matt. "I see. Party a little too hardy?" Rock knelt beside him. "Let me guess. You forgot what room you're in, right?"
After a second Matt slowly nodded. He didn't have his keycard, which showed the room number, and couldn't even remember what floor he was supposed to be on. Not that it mattered; he couldn't go back.
"Tell you what," Rock pulled out his cell phone. "Why don't I call that crazy-ass brother of yours—"
"NO!" Matt knocked the cell phone from Rock's hand. "I'm fine."
"So you're just going to sit out here for the rest of the night?"
Matt leaned his head back on the wall. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? He couldn't face the others yet and it was nobody's business why. No one could ever know. "Just don't call him, okay?" He slurred.
Rock picked up his cell and carefully regarded the young man. Matt was obviously drunk, but something else was wrong too. He could only assume that the brothers had one hell of a falling out.
Matt picked up the bottle and took a deep drink, long past the point of feeling the burn in his throat.
"Look, I don't know what's going on, but you can't stay out here so come on, hard-head." Taking Matt's arm, Rock slung it over his shoulders and pulled him to his feet.
"I'm not going back." Matt tried to push the Rock away, but nearly fell to the floor.
Rock managed to keep him standing. "I'm not taking you back. You're gonna chill with me, alright? Unless you'd rather be kicked out of the hotel and arrested for public intoxication."
Matt thought for a second then finally shook his head. Keeping a hold of his bottle, he leaned heavily against the bigger man and allowed Rock to practically drag him down the hall.
~*~
Jeff lay on the couch with an arm behind his head and cast across his stomach. He glanced at the clock and saw it was nearly 3am. He'd convinced Rob and Chris not to worry. Matt was a night owl and it was no big thing for him to be up until 4 or 5am.
Chris was asleep in their room while Rob had pretty much remained in the room him and Matt were supposed to share, since their fight. Despite what he'd told them, Jeff remained up. Matt wasn't answering his cell phone, and he knew his brother was off brooding somewhere, but couldn't shake the eerie feeling that something wasn't right. The feeling gnawed on him so much, he wouldn't be able to sleep until Matt returned.
Where the hell are you? Jeff shifted into a more comfortable position then heard a faint knock on the door. Hoping it was his brother, he quickly jumped up and open it, but was disappointed to see it wasn't. Yet a little confused to see the dark-haired woman standing there with a cup holder of coffee.
"Hi, Jeff. I know it's late. I'm sorry for waking you."
"You didn't. How's it going, Dani?" He smiled at the Rock's wife, wondering if she accidentally came to the wrong room.
Dani smiled back. "Fine. The reason I stopped by is… I wasn't sure if you were wondering about your brother."
"YES!" Jeff began loudly. He glanced behind him to make sure he hadn't woke anyone and saw Rob approach.
"Where is he?" Rob asked, concerned. "Have you seen him? Is he okay?"
Dani nodded. "He's fine, he's staying with me."
Jeff raised his eyebrows. "Staying with you?"
"Staying with Dwayne and I." Dani cleared up. "He's had quite a bit to drink."
Jeff groaned. "I am so sorry. I'll come get him." He started out the door, but Dani held up a hand, halting him.
"Why don't you let him crash with us, tonight? We've got an extra bed." Dani smiled, apologetically. "To be honest, he was pretty adamant about not coming back or calling you and we promised we wouldn't."
Jeff exchanged looks with Rob and Rob sighed. "He doesn't want to come back because of me. Look, just let me go talk to him."
Dani hesitated. "I know this is none of my business, but he doesn't know I'm here and I don't want him to think he can't trust us. I wanted to stop by because I thought you might be worried and I didn't want you to be." She held up the cup holder of coffee. "I promise, he'll be taken care of."
Jeff contemplated, but didn't see he had much of a choice. "I really don't want to inconvenience you guys." He tried.
"We don't mind. He's having a tough night, I'm sure we've all been there." Dani pulled a keycard out of her pocket. "This is his, it fell out of his pocket. That's how I knew what room you were in."
Jeff took the key. "Thank you, Dani. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."
"Don't mention it." Dani smiled again. "I should really get back, before they start wondering."
The guys walked her to the elevator and said their good-nights, before returning to the room.
"Now we know he's okay, he's just drunk." Jeff tried to assure Rob. He could tell Rob was beating himself up over the whole thing. "Everything will be fine tomorrow."
Rob went to the sofa and sat. He wished he could believe it, but how could everything be fine when he literally drove Matt away. "Do you think I'm wrong for wanting to protect him?"
"No, I don't think you're wrong, I think you're admirable." Jeff sat next to Rob, choosing his words carefully. "But you've got to understand where Matt comes from. When we were kids, Dad had to start working two jobs to support us. Matt was about fourteen and he was responsible for everything, including me. He kept up the house, mailed the bills, and made me do my homework. He's always been the strong, responsible one. The protector. He fixes what's broke, opens the doors, and leads the dance… you know what I mean?
Rob thought for a moment and nodded. "He's always been in control. I'm not trying to take that from him."
"I know." Jeff said. "This thing you guys have going on is still so new, and with everything else going on, he's barely had time to adjust. But he will."
"So what should I do?" Rob asked. "Give him space?"
"Just take the time to learn about each other, really learn, then go with the flow." Jeff looked toward the bedroom where Chris was sleeping. "Trust me, I know what it's like. Don't worry, you guys will eventually fall into a rhythm you'll both be able to dance to."
Rob smiled at him. When he wanted to, Jeff could speak as poetically as he wrote. "Thanks Man."
Jeff smiled back. "Anytime." Man, I've got to start charging these guys.
~*~
Thanks to Dani's nurturing, Matt woke up feeling better than he should have and starving out of his mind. He sat with them in the hotel restaurant, working on his second plate of breakfast.
"Slow down, Matt." Rock said. "This is a buffet, I'm sure there's plenty of food. Then again…" He looked around, remembering most of the roster was down here, eating breakfast as well. "Besides, shouldn't you have a hangover?" He gestured to the bottle of Jack Daniels, half full and sitting on the table.
"I don't get hangovers." Matt said, in-between bites. "Although, I'm surprised I didn't have one this morning. I can't thank you both enough for letting me crash with you."
"You're welcome anytime." Dani said and looked at the Rock. "You should invite him over for poker tonight."
"Yeah, you really know how to put it away." Rock agreed. "Think you can hang with the big dogs?"
Matt smiled. The Rock's poker nights were pretty much exclusive. Everyone wanted to join in, but it was usually only the Undertaker, Kane, Ivory, and the dirtiest players of them all, the APA. "I'd love to, but I can't tonight. Definitely next time, though." Why press his luck? He couldn't remember the last time he'd drank so much hard liquor, but had no regrets. The alcohol achieved its purpose and last night was only a vague memory.
His smile disappeared when he noticed Jeff, Chris, and Rob enter the restaurant. Unfortunately, he still remembered his fight with Rob, and sat his fork down, his appetite now diminishing. He hadn't planned on seeing Rob this soon. He hadn't had time to think of what he was going to say. Rob looked in his direction and Matt quickly looked away, taking a drink of his coffee.
"Are you and Rob not talking now or what?" Rock asked, noticing Matt's reaction. He came to the conclusion, the falling out must have been with Rob instead of Jeff. Which would better explained the drinking.
Matt furrowed his brow, wondering why Rock would ask. "Me and Rob?"
"You two didn't break up did you?" Dani asked.
Matt looked at her and Rock, surprised. "You mean, you know that we're...uh…" He wasn't sure what to call it. They hadn't been together long enough to call it a relationship. "You know we're talking?"
Rock laughed. "Is that what it's called?"
Matt raised his eyebrows. He wasn't trying to hide the fact that him and Rob were together, but was under the impression nobody knew.
"I hung out backstage at last nights show." Dani explained with a smile. "We talked for a little bit. You should hear some the things he says about you; I didn't realize you hung the moon."
Rock snorted, jokingly. "If I had to listen to his candy-ass talk about how wonderful you are for another minute..."
Matt was at a loss for words. He talks about me and says those kind of things? Lowering his eyes, he sighed. Then he comes back to the room and I prove that I'm the exact opposite.
Rob cleared his throat. "You got a minute, Midnight?"
Matt looked up. He never noticed Rob approach the table. "Uh…" He looked at Rock and Dani, hoping he didn't end up alone with Rob. He still needed more time.
Dani stood. "Dwayne, we've got to do that thing, before the charter gets here."
Rock frowned. "What thing?"
"You know what I mean."
"Ahh." Rock nodded in understanding.
"Wait." Rob tried to stop them. "I didn't mean to interrupt your breakfast—"
"You're fine." Rock waved a hand and stood. "I think the little Mama's craving some strudel. Godda make sure she gets her fill."
Dani's dry look clearly said, whatever. "Just come on." Taking Rock's arm, she led him away.
So much for that, Matt thought. He played with the food on his plate. He didn't want to have this discussion here, not with all their co-workers around.
Rob pulled out a chair and quietly sat beside him. He took it as a good sign that Matt hadn't asked him to leave.
"So, you had a few drinks last night?" Rob cringed to himself, hoping that wasn't the wrong thing to ask. He hadn't come up with anything to say himself; it was the only thing he could think of.
"Maybe a few." Matt tucked a stray lock of hair behind his ear, tensing. "How'd you know?" Only three people could have known he'd been drinking: the Rock, Dani, and… No one else should know. More importantly, no one could ever know the reason behind it! Then he realized the bottle of Jack was still sitting on the table. "Oh… I was going to take that to the room, I just hadn't made it there yet."
Rob just nodded. "Midnight, I'm sorry. For everything. I never meant to hurt you."
Matt looked Rob over. He looked so haggard and tired, like he didn't get an ounce of sleep. His normally joyous demeanor was gone. He seemed completely heartbroken and Matt felt flooded with guilt, knowing he was the reason why. He looked down at his plate. Rob had no reason to be sorry; he was the sorry one.
When Matt didn't respond, Rob slowly stood. It was painfully clear, Matt wasn't going to forgive him. "I'll let you get back to your breakfast." He thickly whispered.
Matt didn't stop Rob from walking away. He had no right to selfishly want to keep Rob. Rob was an amazing person and deserved to be with someone just as amazing. Yet even as he knew this, he couldn't help himself and stood. "Wait!"
Rob stopped and turned to him. Matt looked around and saw everyone else in the restaurant had too. He hadn't meant to draw everyone's attention, but as long as he had Rob's, he didn't care. He walked over to Rob and wrapped his arms around him. "I'm sorry, Rob. I didn't mean what I said last night; I do want to be with you. I know I'm an ass-hole and all, but can't you over look that?"
Rob laughed and embraced Matt tightly, never more elated to have Matt in his arms. He laughed more when their audience started applauding. Matt quickly pulled away, feeling his face burn hot. "I can't believe I did that."
"You always have to cause one of you little scenes, don't you?" Rob joked.
Matt finally had to laugh. "I guess everybody knows now."
Jeff walked over with Chris. "Yeah, and after a scene like that, I don't ever want to hear another word about Chris and I being sappy."
"Amen." Chris agreed.
Matt held up his hands. He had to give them that.
The guys brought their gear and Matt's, to the restaurant so they had just enough time to eat before the charter bus came to take the wrestlers to the arena. Matt, already full, was going over his match notes, but Rob's teasing foot kept creeping up his leg and distracting him. He kicked Rob's foot away, trying to be nonchalant, but when Rob glanced over with a wink and smile, he had to hold his coffee cup in front of his mouth, hiding his goofy-feeling grin.
Jeff rolled his eyes, finally understanding how Matt could find him and Chris so disgusting at times. All these little looks and chuckles were about to make him loose his breakfast.
"Hey Matt," Mick Foley approached the table, "some of the guys and I were wondering; now that you and Rob are an item, does this mean Amy and Trish are back on the market?"
"I guess so." Matt answered, hesitantly.
Mick gave him and Rob a thumbs-up. "In that case, we hope you have many happy years together. Have a nice day." With that, Mick Foley left.
Matt shook his head. "No wonder everyone was clapping."
"You'd better warn the girls." Jeff said.
"I'm not too worried. They know how to take care of themselves…" Matt trailed off, remembering Amy. The mood at the table sobered.
"I talked to Amy this morning." Jeff said, guessing Matt's thoughts. "She should be flying out now and will be home tonight. She's okay."
Matt nodded. At least now, she was out of harms way.
"By the way," Rob started, "you'll be happy to hear the 'Hell in a Cell' match has been called off."
"What?" Matt looked at Rob with genuine disbelief. There was always a lingering doubt that Austin wouldn't be true to his word. But it was a risk he'd been willing to take.
"Vince called me this morning." Rob continued. "I guess Austin's neck is bothering him too much for that type of match."
"What a pity." Chris replied.
"Yeah, a real crying shame." Jeff added sarcastically.
Matt smiled, relief flooding through him. He couldn't believe it. Last night hadn't been in vain. Austin had kept his end of the bargain and maybe the Rattlesnake was finally vindicated. They could put this all behind them and move forward.
"We'll be doing a no DQ street fight instead." Rob finished.
Matt absently nodded, still going over his thoughts. Then suddenly, Rob's last words hit him like a sharp slap in the face. "Wait… what did you say?"
Rob hesitated. "Um, it's a no DQ street fight. That's not nearly as bad. I won't be locked in a cell so you guys can have my back." He hastily explained.
Matt felt his stomach drop. This couldn't be happening! His hand holding the coffee cup shook so hard, the hot coffee splattered on his skin, but he didn't notice. After everything he'd done, Austin had betrayed him!
"Matt?" Jeff placed a hand over Matt's arm, afraid he was about to hyperventilate. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Matt pulled his arm back and stood, nearly knocking his chair over. "I'll be right back."
Rob stood, concerned. "What's wrong? Where are you going?"
"No where!" Without thinking, Matt pushed Rob back into the chair. "Just stay here!" He turned and ran out of the restaurant, before anyone could say anything else.
Rob, Jeff, and Chris all looked at each other, bewildered.
"What the hell was that all about?" Chris finally asked.
Rob slapped his forehead in frustration. "It's the match. I didn't think he'd get upset."
Jeff sat quietly, pondering his brother's behavior. The eerie feeling, he'd felt during the night slowly returned. "No. It's something else."
~*~
Finding an empty hallway, Matt pulled Austin's note out of his wallet and began dialing the Rattlesnake's number. His fury caused his hands to shake so much, he could barley press the small buttons on his cell.
"Come on, come on…" He chanted, pacing the floor as the phone rang. His blood boiled hotter by the second, until finally the phone picked up.
"Yeah." Came the gruff voice.
"YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH!" Matt yelled, no longer able to contain himself. "YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO CALL OFF THE MATCH!"
"I did." The Rattlesnake paused. "Wait, did you mean call off having a match all together?"
"YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I MEANT YOU REDNECK BASTARD!"
The Rattlesnake chuckled. "Sorry. You know how us rednecks are. You should have made yourself a little more clear."
Matt clinched his fist, mentally ripping out Austin's vocal cords. "You think this is over? THIS IS FAR FROM FUCKING OVER!"
"I'd be careful if I were you, Kid." Austin warned. "I'd hate to see this videotape get out to the public."
Matt opened his mouth to speak then froze. Videotape? Suddenly, every detail of the night came rushing back to him with crystal clarity. He covered his mouth in horror.
"Yeah, I taped it." Austin answered his unspoken thoughts. "I didn't even have the camcorder hidden that well, but you were apparently too drunk to noticed. Now we're gonna keep this our little secret, but if you try and do anything cute, this tape is gonna be the next highlight reel."
Matt lowered his hand, hoping to call Austin's bluff. "If you expose me, you'll only be exposing yourself."
"Not if I'm not on it. I only recorded the parts that mattered, you're solo performances so to speak." Austin snorted with amusement. "Hell kid, people'd be impressed to see how well you perform outside of the ring. I know I was. You might become one of the top internet downloads."
Matt closed his eyes, feeling sick. The thought of the tape ever being seen, surpassed his worst nightmares. "Please don't do this." He pleaded, not trying to hide the desperation in his voice. Trying to grasp for any little sliver of humanity the Rattlesnake might have.
"I'd really hate to, but that all depends on you." Austin chuckled again. "Ya doing anything tonight?"
"FUCK YOU!" Matt smashed his cell phone against the wall, shattering it to pieces. He began pacing the floor again, his blood now cold. God, what do I do? He brought his fingers to his temples, his head was pounding, he couldn't think. It was all too much, too over-whelming. "Why?" He choked out in despair. "I did everything you wanted."
"What did you do, Matt?"
Matt jumped at the sound of Jeff's voice and spun around; shocked to see him, Rob, and Chris standing in the hallway. "I thought I told you to stay." He snapped furiously. How much did they hear?
"What's going on, Midnight?" Rob asked.
Matt nervously ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing to come up with any kind of answer. He then noticed Rob was holding Austin's note in his hand. He didn't realize he'd dropped it! He leaned against the wall, suddenly needing the support. They knew. He could tell by their expressions, and turned his head away, wishing he could die than live with them knowing.
"That was him on the phone, wasn't it?" Jeff took the note from Rob and stepped toward his brother. "Matt, did he...did you…" He stopped, afraid to hear the answer.
Matt was quiet for several seconds then slowly shook his head, knowing Jeff's question. "No. I didn't sleep with him."
Rob wasn't sure if he should be relieved or not. Matt's face seemed to drain of all color. "Then what happened?" He asked, tentatively. "That note… Austin's intentions are obvious. What did you do?"
Matt wrapped his arms around his stomach, knowing he was about throw up. All hopes of ever having something with Rob were gone. He couldn't lie. Despite the outcome, the truth was all he had left to give. Swallowing, he met Rob's eyes, unwavering. "Everything he asked me to."
The look of disbelief and shock coming across Rob's face pierced right though his heart. Jeff and Chris had the same look. How could they not? It was pathetic how simple he was to manipulate. He had so easily fallen for Austin's treachery, so willingly degraded himself. He shuddered remembering the feel of the Rattlesnake's grotesque body. He covered his mouth, remembering the taste of the Rattlesnake's...
He quickly ran into the near-by bathroom, entered a stall and fell to his knees, throwing up every ounce of food he'd ate. Every ounce of liquor he'd drank. Every ounce of cum he'd swallowed.
Even after he was completely drained, he still continued to heave until his throat was raw. He became aware of somebody holding back his hair and sensed it was Jeff. He sat back on his knees and covered his face.
Jeff gathered him into his arms and for the first time in his life, Matt buried his head in Jeff's shoulder, crying brokenly. Jeff held him as tight as he could, feeling each racking sob. His brother's anguish tore his soul and he couldn't stop his own tears from falling. "He won't get away with it."
"He already has." Matt choked. He pulled away from Jeff and sat against the wall, trying to regain his composure. "He's blackmailing me. He has it all on tape."
Jeff sat in front of him, astonished. "Where the fuck is he? What room is he in?"
"I don't know."
"Matt, tell me."
"I don't know, Jeff! I was too drunk, I don't remember." Matt insisted. "There's nothing anybody can do about it anyway. That tape can never been seen, do you understand me? You don't know the things I did!"
Jeff stared at his brother, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Why? Why did you do it?"
Matt looked away and sighed bitterly. "You saw the note… I just wanted it to be over." He quietly answered.
Jeff briefly closed his eyes. He would give anything for it to be over, for his brother's sake, if no one else. "We'll figure out something."
"Please," Matt snorted. "What's to figure out? All I've got to do is suck his dick and everything will be fine."
Jeff winced at his brother's words, unable to say anything. What could he possibly say?
Matt slowly climbed to his feet and walked out of the stall. He went to the sink and splashed cold water on his face. He could hear noise on the other side of the door, as though a group of people were rushing past. "The charter must be here, you need to go."
"What about you?" Jeff came over, handing him a paper towel. "Are you going?"
Matt shook his head while drying his face. He didn't give a shit about his match. If he was fired so be it. He could care less if he ever worked again.
"Then I'm not going either."
"Yes you are." Matt turned to him, his expression carefully impassive. "At least one of us has to make an appearance. I'll be fine."
Jeff hesitated. He really didn't want to leave his brother, but knew it would be no use arguing. "I'll… I'll figure out something to tell Vince."
Matt just nodded. Never in his life had he felt so void and numb. Void and numb throughout his mind, body and soul. The void numbness was a welcome barricade, blocking back all else. All he wanted to do was keep it that way.
~*~
Rob sat on a bench outside the arena, staring at the sidewalk. He was glad this was just a house show and there'd be no promos. It'd be an easy night. Not that he didn't try to give a good performance at the non-televised shows, but there was no way he could do it tonight.
The bombshell Matt had dropped fully occupied his mind. He couldn't think of anything else other than what Matt had done. Why couldn't Matt have trusted him enough to let him know? Instead, he trusted the Rattlesnake and did... Rob pushed the thoughts out of his head. He didn't want to think about the things Matt had done. A shadow fell across him and he looked up to see Jeff.
"Hi, Rob." Jeff sat on the bench beside him. Having to share a bus and a locker-room with the other wrestlers, this was the first opportunity they had to talk. "Are you okay?"
"I can't believe this happened." Rob said quietly. "I would have called off the match if I'd known. But instead of telling me, he went to him?"
Jeff could only nod, having asked himself the same things. "I think there was more behind it besides the match." He looked down at his cast. "He's just one of those guys, you know. He can always handle things on his own. Even if he can't, he's too proud to ask for help."
"Too proud." Rob repeated, bleakly. "Look where his stubborn pride got him."
Jeff didn't immediately reply. Maybe it was true, but he couldn't bring himself to agree. "Rob, we've got to find that tape."
"And how exactly do you think we're going to do that?"
"I don't know. But somehow, we've got to get it."
"There wouldn't be any tape at all if Matt hadn't..." Rob didn't continue.
Jeff furrowed his brow; he couldn't remember the last time he'd heard Rob call Matt by his true name. "Look, I understand how you feel. Yes, he should have told us. Maybe, in a way, he brought this on himself. But if you hadn't made the match, he probably wouldn't have felt he had to do it."
"So this is my fault?" Rob asked incredibly.
"Yes, both of you!" Jeff's green eyes grew intense. "You've got to be some kind of hero, saving Matt, but Matt's not about to be saved because he's got to be the man of steel! You're both arrogant as hell. Wake the fuck up!"
Rob was taken aback.
Jeff sighed, frustrated. This wasn't going to get them anywhere. "You should go warm up." He stood and walked away.
"Hold up."
Jeff stopped and turned.
"How is he?" Rob asked quietly.
Jeff regarded Rob for a second, wondering if he was ever going to ask. Not that he ever doubted how much Rob cared for his brother. He just wished they could climb out of this pit of quicksand they both seemed to be sinking in. "He's broken, Rob. And even if he won't admit it, he needs you more than ever."
Rob lowered his head. Matt needed him to call off the match. Matt had asked him to last night. But he didn't listen and Matt did the only thing he thought he could do. "About the tape… maybe I know someone who can help."
~*~
"Do you really think she'd be willing to help us?" Chris asked, while him and Jeff waited outside the women's locker room.
"I don't know, but she might be able to provide some insight." Jeff answered. "Rob said in ECW she seemed like a good person. He doesn't think she'd be associated with Austin if she wasn't indebted to him."
"But she apparently feels like she is." Chris said.
"I know, but if she really is a good person..." Jeff trailed off, knowing it was a long shot. But right now, he didn't have anything else to go on and at least this was a start. Finally Jazz exited the locker room and they both hurried over to intercept her.
"Hi. You're Carlene right?" Jeff asked. "Carlene Moore?"
She smiled. "Right, but you can go ahead and call me Jazz."
"Jazz, I was wanting to ask you something." Jeff cleared his throat. "It's about the match you had with Amy." He wasn't surprised to see her smile disappear. It was no secret how close Amy was to the brothers.
Jazz looked at her watch. "Look, I've got a meeting and I'm running a little late—"
"Austin put you up to it, didn't he?" Jeff continued.
She paused, fidgeting for a second. "I don't know what you mean. It was an accident and I can't apologize enough. Now, if you'll excuse me." She quickly turned away, but found herself staring at Chris.
"You know exactly what he means." Chris stated, not to kindly. "With your experience, you know a pile-driver isn't an accident."
Jazz backed up, paling by the accusation.
Jeff held up a hand to Chris. Bullying her wasn't going to help. "Jazz please, I give you my word, nothing will be said past us. I know how Austin is. He's using you, and you're not the only one. He's blackmailing my brother."
Jazz lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, but what's that have to do with me?"
"You're part of his clique now, aren't you?" Chris asked. "You hang out in his room with the rest of them so you have access to things."
"No!" Jazz held up her hands. "Whatever this is, I want no part of it." She started to walk away.
Jeff grabbed her arm. "You're already a part of it, Jazz. What you did to Amy was obvious; there was no slip or mistake. JR and Vince may not have noticed, but I'll make sure they do. Austin doesn't have as much pull as you think he does, especially when it comes to Shane McMahon. But I'm sure you didn't do it willingly. I know you didn't."
Jazz regarded him fearfully and Jeff released her arm. "I'm not trying to scare you. I'm going to be up-front; we need your help. He has a videotape of my brother. Something he has absolutely no right to have. We have to have it. Please help us. In turn we can help you get away from him."
"He got me in this company." Jazz said. "Vince considers me his protege. How am I suppose to get away from that?"
"By proving you don't need him." Chris said. "You've already got skills, all you've got to do is show them. Prove you can hang on your own."
"But how?" Jazz asked. "I'm new here. The only reason I got a match with Lita is because Austin arranged it. I'm still doing dark matches. I find it hard to believe, you two have got enough influence to raise me to the next level."
"I do." Trish Stratus stepped out of the locker room.
Jazz looked at her doubtfully. "Why would Vince listen to you?"
"Because I'm the women's champion." Trish stated. "I could suddenly decide I want to have an angle with you. Being a champion means you stand on your own, no one can touch you. If you take my title, you've proven your worth."
Jazz was still skeptical. "You may be the women's champion, but that still doesn't mean you have that kind of influence."
"Honey, I'm Trish Stratus." Trish tossed her long thick hair. "There's no other woman on this roster who looks like me and can wrestle as good. Sorry, if I sound like a conceited bitch, but I'm only telling the truth. I bring a lot of business and my merchandise sells like you wouldn't believe. Vince does whatever he can to keep me happy, and that gives me my influence."
Jazz looked from her to Jeff and Chris, who both nodded. A sexy, blond fitness model who could wrestle both men and women as good as she looked, made Trish an important commodity to Vince.
Jazz hesitated, her internal debate visible. "I'm not going to promise you guys anything. I need time to think."
"We appreciate it, Jazz." Jeff said, understanding her dilemma. It was all he could ask of her. She'd be putting herself at risk if Austin ever found out she'd double-crossed him.
~*~
Hours later the charter bus returned to the hotel and dropped off the wrestlers. The front desk clerk scanned the large group as they entered the lobby, easily spotting the blue and green haired wrestler, he'd been instructed to look for. "Excuse me, Mr. Hardy?" The clerk hurried over. "I'm suppose to relay a message to you, Sir."
"Is it from my brother, Matt Hardy?" Jeff asked, anxious to get up to the room.
"No sir. It's from a Ms. Moore. She asked that you and your friends wait for her in the lounge as soon as you return."
"Jazz? Did she say why?"
"No Sir, but she said she'd be with you soon."
"Thank you." Jeff excused the clerk and turned to his friends. "What do you think this means? She wasn't on the charter."
"I'm sure she returned with the clique." Chris said. "They're too good for a bus, they took a limo. We'll just have to wait and see what she wants."
"Let's say she is willing to help us," Rob said. "That won't stop Austin from trying something else."
"At least it will keep him from blackmailing Matt." Trish reminded.
"Exactly." Jeff agreed. "We'll figure out the rest later."
Carrying their bags, they went into the lounge and found a table in a far corner. Nearly an hour later, Trish hung up her cell phone. "Amy just arrived home. Her Mom's picking her up and she's staying with her while she recovers."
"Thank Goodness." Jeff said. "Matt will be relieved to hear that. That is, if I can get him to answer the phone." He pulled out his cell and tried calling the room again.
"You know Matt won't answer the room phone." Chris said.
"Why don't you call his cell phone?" Trish asked.
"He sort of broke it." Jeff closed his cell and looked at the time. "What the hell is taking her so long?"
"I figured she wouldn't show." Rob said sourly.
"Lets give her a few more minutes." Jeff tried.
"Go ahead." Rob finished his drink, pushed back his chair and stood. "She's not expecting to see me anyway."
"Are you going to the room?"
Rob hesitated. He knew he'd have to go to the room eventually. He hadn't seen or spoken to Matt since this morning, and as much as he wanted to make sure Matt was okay, he simply had no idea what to say to him. "I'm going for a walk."
"Could you check on Matt?" Jeff asked.
"I'll be back." Rob left the table.
Jeff watched him leave the lounge, and felt a spark of anger when Rob walked past the elevators. "What the hell is wrong with him? He's acting like he doesn't give a shit."
Chris placed a hand over Jeff's arm. "He gives a shit and you know it. He's in love with Matt and he's hurt. Unless we've been there, we don't know what either of them are going through. And it's not our place to judge or get involved other than this videotape."
Jeff rested his chin in his hand and sighed. He knew Chris was right, but considering it was his brother, he couldn't help it. Out of nowhere, Chris placed a small gift-wrapped box on the table in front of him. "What's this?"
"Open it and see." Chris answered.
Jeff picked up the box. "You don't have to buy me things to cheer me up."
"That's not what this is for." Chris said. "I actually got it for you last week, but with everything that's been going on, I forgot all about it. I just happened to come across it this afternoon, figured I'd better give it to you before I forgot again."
Trish leaned over the table to get a better look. "Just open it."
Jeff unwrapped the box and opened it to find a gold cross pendent with a diamond in the middle. "Whoa, this is awesome."
Chris turned the cross over in Jeff's hand and read the inscribed lettering. "I love you."
Jeff smiled at him. "You don't have to give me stuff like this to prove it. I would love you if you gave me a house made out of popsicle sticks."
"I thought about it, but it's too much of a hassle." Chris shrugged. "This was easier; it came out of one those toy machines that you a stick quarters in. You'd better like it, because I went through a lot of quarters to get it."
"Whatever." Jeff continued to smile. He saw the 24k branded on the cross and knew the diamond was real. He put the pendent on the chain around his neck and looked at Trish.
Trish gave him a nod of approval. "It looks hot on you."
Jeff gave Chris a kiss. "Thank you. It's my favorite."
Trish sat up, peering past them. "Hate to interrupt, but here she comes."
Jeff and Chris turned, following her gaze, and saw Jazz walking their way. They all stood.
"What took so long?" Jeff asked.
"You expect me to just walk into his little meeting, take the tape, and simply walk out?" Jazz responded.
Jeff blinked. "Wait… you mean, you actually have the tape?"
Jazz opened her purse and pulled it out.
Jeff gasped, really to throw his arms around her. "You don't know what this means to us!" He reached for the tape, but she held it back.
"This is my guarantee that you'll do your part." Jazz looked at them all. "Until then, I'm keeping the tape with me. You can take it or leave it."
Jeff, Chris, and Trish exchanged glances. There really wasn't much they could do and at least it was out of the Rattlesnake's hands.
"I'll take it. Thank you, Jazz." Jeff said sincerely. "Thank you so much."
"That seemed a little too easy." Chris commented. "You don't think he noticed?"
Jazz snorted. "They're all too busy getting drunk now. Honestly, I hadn't made up my mind if I was going to help you guys or not. Then I saw this tape just sitting on the TV. It was the only one so I simply picked it up and put it in my purse. No one saw"
"How do you know it's the right one?" Jeff asked nervously. If it was the wrong tape, he wasn't too sure how she'd feel about trying again.
"How many VCR tapes do you think Austin carries around when he travels?" Jazz pointed out. "Besides, I went back to my room to watch it first. You said it had something to do with your brother and… he was on it. I only watched a few minutes, but that was enough." Jazz slowly shook her head. "I don't know how Austin could have done it. It's like he has no soul. I don't want to be associated with someone like that."
Jeff swallowed, unable to imagine the contents of the video. He became aware of a presence beside him and looked over to see Rob.
"When he finds the tape missing, do you think you'll to be safe?" Rob asked.
"I don't think he'd suspect me. I'm too grateful to have him as my mentor to ever do anything like that." Jazz said sarcastically. "Plus, I won't have to be with him much longer as long as you guys to keep your end of the bargain."
"I'm going to talk with Vince the moment I get back." Trish promised. "I already have a game plan, do you have time to sit so we can discuss it?"
Jazz looked nervously at the lounge entrance. "I need to leave, one of them might come down here and see me talking to you."
"Can we go to my room or yours?" Trish suggested.
Jazz thought for a moment. "Come to mine. Don't worry we're not on the same floor. Even if we were, he doesn't come to us, we go to him. You should all come actually." Jazz looked at Rob. "Austin called this little meeting so he could go over this Sunday's pay-per-view. Let's just say it's not going to be a fair one-on-one fight. I'll tell you all about it in a little bit; I'm in room 507." She turned and hurried out of the lounge.
"Let's wait here a few minutes then go." Chris said.
"You guys wait," Jeff replied. "I have to talk to Matt, he'll want to come." He looked at Rob. "Or did you want to talk to him?"
"Go ahead." Rob said quietly. He sat back down at the table.
Jeff started to say something, but caught Chris's look and closed his mouth. Sighing, he slung his bag over his shoulder and left the lounge.
~*~
Jeff burst into the dark hotel suite and looked around. The only light on was the one in his brother's bedroom. He entered the room and saw several empty liquor bottles all over the bed, the contents of the minibar. The bathroom light was also on and his brother was sitting on the floor.
"Shit." Jeff dropped his bag and went into the bathroom. "Matt, what are you doing?"
Matt sat against the bathtub. "Thought I was going to be sick." He slurred. "But, I'm better now."
Jeff studied him for a second. "That depends on whose point of view." His brother was holding the almost empty bottle of JD and was completely wasted. "You've been drinking all day, haven't you?"
"I'm sorry." Matt held the bottle out to Jeff. "Did you want some?"
"You're the one who tells me I drink too much." Jeff reminded.
"Really?" Matt seemed bewildered, he'd say such a thing. "You shouldn't listen to me, lil' bro. You should drink more."
"You're right, I shouldn't listen to you."
Matt frowned at him then shrugged it off, taking a drink from the bottle.
Jeff sat on the floor beside him. Considering Matt's condition, he knew whatever he said would have no affect. Although Matt needed to deal with everything that had happened, Jeff could see he was simply trying to cope for the moment. He just hoped it didn't go any further than tonight. "We got the videotape. Or more like, Austin no longer has it."
Matt took a second, letting the words register. "How?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow. All that's matters is we've got it."
Matt took another drag. "Why does it matter?"
"Because it's going to save your ass." Jeff simply replied. Matt wasn't in the right frame of mind to comprehend much else.
Matt snorted. "Like anybody cares about my ass. Well, Austin seemed to like it." He gave a bitter chuckle.
"We all care about you, Matt." Jeff said. "Especially Rob."
Matt lowered his eyes. "Rob might have cared before, but that was before..." He brought the bottle to his mouth, tilting it back until every last drop was gone. "Shit, I'm out. Did you bring some more?"
"Why don't you try some of this instead." Rob entered the bathroom, holding a glass of water.
Both brothers looked up, surprised. Rob knelt beside Matt and held the glass to his lips. "Drink this."
Matt hesitated, looking at Rob for a second then took the glass, taking a small sip.
Jeff stood. "I'd should go. The others are probably waiting."
"Go ahead." Rob told Jeff. "I'll have to miss this meeting."
Relieved, Jeff smiled at Rob and nodded. "I'll fill you in later." He left the bathroom.
Rob turned his attention back to Matt who seemed unaware of anything going on. "Drink some more." He urged.
Matt made a disgusted face. "It tastes like water." He sat the glass down and picked up the empty liquor bottle. "Can you get some more of this?"
Rob took the bottle and placed it in the trash. "I don't think I'll be able to."
Matt thought for a second then reached into his pocket, searching. Rob had to grab his arm and pull him back up when he started to tilt over. Matt didn't notice and pulled out a couple of bills and a pack of cigarettes.
Rob tried not to say anything as he watched Matt dropped the money to light up a cigarette. Holding the cigarette in his mouth, Matt picked up a bill and held it in front of his face, trying to focus. "Fifty dollars. You can get more now."
Rob took the bill out of his hand and laid it aside. "You don't need anymore, Midnight. You've had enough."
"I can tell you when I've had enough." Matt drunkenly argued.
"It's too late." Rob lied. "The stores are no longer selling."
"Oh." Matt sighed, disappointed. "Damn."
"Here." Rob placed the glass of water back in Matt's hands. "I want you to finish this."
Matt just looked at it dully. "Why?"
"You don't want to be sick." Rob answered, although he was afraid it would happen regardless.
Reluctantly, Matt obediently drank all the water. Rob took back the glass and smiled. "Good job."
"Thanks." Matt muttered. Bringing up his knees, he hung his arms over them and took a drag off his cigarette. "Why do you bother?" He slurred, after a moment.
"Bother with what?" Rob tried to ignore the stench of the smoke.
Matt took another drag. "With me. You can have anybody and you always bother me. Why are you even here? Do you know what I did? You need to stay away from me."
Rob turned Matt's face, making Matt look at him. "I don't want just anybody." He said, hoping his words could somehow penetrate through the glaze of Matt's eyes. "And don't try to push me away. I'm not going to go anywhere."
Matt snorted. Rob was a blind fool. Couldn't Rob see he how filthy and tainted he was? Feeling a light tickle on his cheek, he reached up and was surprised to find it damp.
"Shit!" Furiously, Matt wiped a hand across his face. "I'm so sick of fucking crying." He angrily spat.
Rob brushed Matt's cheek with the back of his hand, wanting to comfort him in any little way. "Go ahead. You can cry all you want."
"No!" The alcohol had no effect on Matt's stubbornness and he shook his head defiantly. Rob just waited patiently while Matt somewhat composed himself. After a moment, Matt brought up a shaky hand and took a deep drag off his cigarette. Closing his eyes, he exhaled the smoke in a long sigh, almost like he was in a dream-like trance.
The smoke dance around Matt's features, adding to his dream-like affect, but Rob found it anything but dreamy. Out of impulse, he snatched the cigarette out of Matt's hand, got up, and tossed it in the toilet.
"Hey!" Matt snapped. "I wasn't finished."
"Yeah you were." Rob returned to his side.
Matt regarded him incredibly then turned away. Why was Rob being such an ass-hole? Then he remembered he deserved it. After everything he'd done, he deserved much worse. Lowering his head, Matt let his loose hair fall across his face and blinked back his tears. He wasn't going to cry. If he did, he wasn't going to let Rob see him.
Rob brushed back Matt's dark hair, feeling a stab of guilt. "I'm sorry Midnight, but… I can't stand to see you do this to yourself. I know you don't need anyone taking care of you, but just let me be here for you. That's what people do when they're in a relationship, they stand by each other."
Matt drew in a quivering breath. "You still... you still want me?" He didn't look at Rob.
Rob quietly looked him over, before answering. Matt still wore the same cloths from yesterday, only now they were sloppy and wrinkled. His soft dark curls were nothing more than a dull tangled mess and his natural tan complexion was pale with fatigue. At this moment he was anything but the superstar sex symbol, he was required to be.
But Rob no longer saw Matt Hardy the same way he used to. He now knew the young man for the person he truly was and no matter how shitty Matt looked, he was still so beautiful. Placing a hand under Matt's chin Rob lifted his head. "I will never not want you."
Matt tried to hold Rob's gaze. "Will you...will you...kiss..." His shuddering was making it difficult to speak and Rob held a finger over his lips, silencing him.
Gently taking Matt's head in his hands, Rob placed a kiss on his fevered forehead. "You belong with me." He whispered.
Matt let out a quivering breath and reached up to hold Rob's wrists. He closed his eyes and let the few remaining tears spill freely over his cheeks. Rob brushed them away with his thumbs, before closing his mouth over Matt's.
Matt reached under Rob's arms and clutched the back of his shoulders. He no longer knew any other thought other than Rob… and even that was starting to fade.
Cupping Matt's face, Rob could taste the strength of the hard liquor coating his soft lips. He could smell the deepness of Matt's intoxication in his alcohol/smoke-tainted breath, now tainting his own. But he didn't care. He still kissed him.
Even when Matt's hands fell from his shoulders, Rob quickly wrapped an arm around him, holding him up as he passed out. Holding his kiss a few more seconds before releasing his lips.
Pulling Matt close to his chest, Rob hooked his free arm under Matt's legs and gritted his teeth as he strained to lift Matt's dead weight. The strain diminished once he was on his feet and he was able to hoist Matt against him and carry him into the bedroom.
It would have been a lot easier and made more sense to simply drag him, but that wasn't an option. If Matt wanted to drink until he passed out every night, Rob would always carry him.
He saw Jeff had pulled the covers down on the bed and, trying not to drop him as he bent over, Rob managed to place Matt on the bed and proceeded to remove their shoes. After he was done, he turned off the light and climbed in next to him.
Lying on his side, Rob watched the moonlight shine into the room and reflect off Matt's face, giving him a serene marble-like beauty. His still damp eyelashes seemed to glitter underneath the glow.
Matt never stirred when Rob sat up to lightly kiss each of his eyelids. He then pulled Matt to him, holding Matt against his chest. As Matt breathed evenly against his neck, Rob felt the odd contrast of his heart swelling with love and aching with pain. Gently, he stroked his fingers through the tangled midnight curls.
"Austin will never make you cry again."