Disclaimer : Don't own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.
You guys are awesome! Thanks for all your wonderful reviews! There will be one more chapter to this before it ends, I think. Still uncertain how this will end.
Check out "Addicted" by NeroAnne, "24 hours" by Pheonix-Syren and "Superstar for a Day" by RRatedauthor. This is a sequel to "Blood Brothers by Choice".
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Chapter 12
The following morning, Kelly and Chris went looking for Glen, they knew he was staying at the same hotel. Coincidentally, they met him while going down to the lobby for breakfast.
"Glen, wait up!" Kelly called out, pulling Chris along with her.
Chris was having mixed feelings about this meeting. He was grateful to Glen for making it possible for him and Kelly to get back together. He realized he had read the big guy wrong. Glen was quite a nice guy actually, considering his actions last night.
Chris was battling himself, should he just keep his mouth shut? His conscience had been pricking him ever since he saw how his actions had hurt Jeff time and again. Not that it would do any good now but at least, he could live with himself. Jeff was never happier, but he still owed Glen big time!
"Huh, hi Glen! Are you going in for breakfast? Can we join you?" He had not decided whether to confess to Glen yet.
Glen smirked, looking down at their joined hands, "By all means, looks like you two have patched things up."
Kelly grinned up at him, "Yes, and we have you to thank for it!" She gave him a peck on the cheek and Glen just stood there, stunned.
"Well, I really didn't do anything to help. Could we just not talk about it?" He was feeling slightly embarrassed by the affectionate display.
They moved to the restaurant and helped themselves to the buffet. Chris really wasn't that hungry, he was picking at his food and fidgeting uncomfortably. He knew chances were high that he could get really hurt by Glen if he so decided to tell the truth.
Kelly remembered last night's conversation, "Chris, didn't you want to talk to Glen about something?"
Chris looked up startled, trying to compose himself and gather his thoughts. It looked like the decision was made for him after all.
"What is it you want to talk to me about, Chris?" Glen prodded noticing Chris' uneasiness.
"Huh… I .. I just want to thank you for helping us get back together!" Chris spoke in a rush.
Glen cocked an eyebrow, nodding, "Okay, you're welcome," he paused looking at Chris intensely before adding, "Anything else you want to talk about?" He found Chris' behavior odd, to say the least.
Chris gulped and taking a deep breath, he blurted out, "Glen, don't kill me but I've got something to tell you and I don't think you will take too kindly to what I'm going to say."
Glen stared at him before saying, "What in blazes are you yapping about?"
To hell with the consequences, he needed to get it off his chest even if he ended up getting hurt.
"Can you promise not to thrash the place after I've finished?"
Someone would have to pay for the damages and Chris guessed it would be him. That was the least he could do for messing up people's lives.
When Glen didn't answer but glared at him, he decided to just tell it so.
"I want to begin by saying I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for breaking you and Jeff up." Chris could feel himself physically shrinking under Glen's glare.
"What the hell are you saying?" Glen asked in a low and dangerous tone.
Kelly was staring at Chris with wide eyes and mouth agape. This looked bad already.
"I was responsible for you catching Jeff and I making out in the dressing room, as well as arranging for Jeff to catch you in bed with Maryse."
Chris got up and quickly moved out of the way as soon as Glen stood up. Oh God! This was a bad idea! Damn him and his conscience! Hell was going to break loose!
Glen was breathing heavily, his face a deep red and if looks could kill, Chris was long gone dead! He advanced quickly and lunged forward before Chris could get away from his grasp. Holding Chris by the shirt front, he pulled him forward until their faces were closed to each other. Chris was forced to stand on his toes.
"You bastard! You set me up! You caused me to lose Jeff!"
Glen clocked him on the jaw with a right hook! Chris fell on his back, his ears ringing and his jaw felt like it was on fire. He could hear someone screaming in the background. He felt himself being picked up and he flew through the air before he landed on a table with a mighty crash! God, that hurt! His body felt like it was broken in half.
People were screaming and running to get out of the way. Glen ignored them, his attention focused only on Chris. He would make him pay for all the trouble he had caused him! He moved forward, reaching out to pull Chris to his feet but before he could do more damage, Kelly placed herself between him and Chris.
"No, Glen, enough! He's hurt!" Kelly was shaking with fear but she couldn't just stand by and let Glen maim Chris.
"Get out of my way, Kelly! I'm not done with him yet!" Glen growled furiously.
"Please Glen, you have to stop! Chris didn't have to tell you but he wanted to come clean. Don't hurt him anymore, please!" Kelly pleaded.
In the haze of anger that was still raging through his mind, Glen actually heard what Kelly was saying. He stood still, conflicting emotions going through his mind. Looking down at the immobile Chris, he saw the swelling of the jaw and his pained expression.
Staring at him for several moments, he spoke in an intimidating tone, "You are going to tell Jeff what you did when he gets back with Mark. I want you to clear things up with him. You hear me?"
Chris grimaced in pain but nodded in understanding. Glen left without a backward glance. Kelly quickly moved to Chris' side. John and Oscar stepped forward, helping Chris to his feet. They were going to get him some medical aid.
As they carried him out, John said in a low tone to Chris, "Why couldn't you just shut up? You just put Jeff and Mark in a difficult position!"
As they moved forward, Chris was already regretting his decision. Shit! John's right! He should have left things the way it was. He groaned out loud, his body wracked in pain. Why didn't he just introduce someone to Glen instead of acting noble and all that crap? He only ended messing things up for everyone, again! He really should have kept his big mouth shut!
Chris didn't look forward to telling Jeff and shuddered at the thought of what Mark would do to him once the repercussions sank in.
At Mark's ranch ……….
Jeff didn't have a restful night. He kept tossing and turning and even though Mark wrapped his arms around him to comfort and soothe his nerves, he just couldn't sleep. He stared into the dark, thinking of the possibility that he might lose Mark. But, he and Sara were divorced, he shouldn't feel insecure about the situation, or should he?
Mark spooned him from behind, both arms wrapped around Jeff and he could tell that Jeff was trying to lay still to avoid waking him. His mind kept going back to the unpleasant conversation he had with Sara. What could she do? They were divorced and he knew he would never want her back. It puzzled him that she wanted to get back with him. He knew she didn't love him anymore, so why?
Both men didn't get much rest, each preoccupied by their own thoughts. As the first light of day streamed through the parted curtains, lightening up the room, Mark nuzzled against Jeff's neck. Jeff turned to face him before kissing him tenderly on the lips.
"Mmm…. That's a nice wakeup call," Mark murmured against his lips.
Jeff smiled adoringly up at him before cuddling closer, "I love waking up in your arms."
Mark smiled, understanding how Jeff felt, he felt the same way. He knew Jeff was feeling insecure and wanted to reassure him. They had talked the day before after the children were put to bed but Mark knew that Jeff was feeling uneasy.
"Jeff, you're tense. Are you still worried?"
Jeff nodded and answered in a shaky voice, "I'm afraid that I'm gonna lose you, Mark."
"Put that thought away! You are not going to lose me, understand? I'm here, now and always. I love you Jeff! Do you doubt me?"
"No, it's not that, I .. I don't know. It was just like I said, something bad happens when I fall in love and … and …. Oh Mark! I'm afraid!"
Mark hugged Jeff even closer, "Don't be. Sara and I are just going to talk, so will you just relax?"
They stayed in bed a little longer but as the sunrays lit up the room, decided that it was time to get up. The kids kept them busy and before they knew it, it was approaching noon. Mark got the kids cleaned up and ready to go. At noon, Sara drove up into the driveway. She came alone this time and Mark opened the door to let her in.
Everyone was waiting in the living room. They greeted her cordially and she nodded in acknowledgement. Gracie and Chasey ran up to her and gave her a kiss. She hugged them tight before standing up to look at Mark. Her eyes wandered over to Randy, Matt and Jeff before they finally lingered on Jeff.
"Which one is your lover?" she asked Mark but her gaze stayed on Jeff.
Mark said, "Not in front of the children."
He gave a knowing look to Shawn who, with Rebecca, took the children to the backyard to keep them occupied.
Matt, Jeff and Randy looked uncomfortable but Jeff had a telltale flush on his cheeks.
Mark walked towards Jeff and putting his arm protectively around Jeff, turned to Sara, "Meet Jeff."
No one spoke for a while. Sara looked Jeff up and down. She had to admit unwillingly that he was actually pretty! She studied him closely, long blonde hair with streaks of blue and green, soft-looking emerald eyes that were cast down shyly at the moment revealing pretty long lashes. He had a well-defined nose and pink full lips. Running her eyes down his lithe body, she took note of the slim waist and long legs. Jeff blushed fully at the attention she was paying him. Sara couldn't help thinking that this guy was actually very pleasing to the eye, he was very attractive! How could she not notice earlier?
"Guys, will you stay here with Jeff while I talk to Sara in the library?" Mark addressed Matt and Randy.
Matt nodded before saying, "We'll wait here for you."
Mark pushed Jeff gently towards his brother, whispering, "I won't be long."
He ushered Sara into the library and closed the door. In an instant, Randy was at the door and had one ear against it.
Matt hissed, "Randy, they're having a private conversation!"
Randy put a finger on his lip and hissed back, "This involves your brother, don't you want to know what's happening in there?"
Matt only hesitated for a split second before he moved to join Randy, putting his ear against the door as well.
Jeff stood there, looking lost. He didn't feel right to ease drop but was certain that Matt and Randy would give him a rundown of what was being said. He sat himself down on the couch and watched Matt and Randy anxiously.
The guys' expressions told Jeff volumes. They looked anxiously at each other and their eyes told him that things were not going well. As the voices within escalated, Jeff caught snatches of the conversation taking place. Randy and Matt suddenly jumped away from the door just as it opened. Sara looked annoyed and she glared at them before heading to the backyard, calling out to Gracie and Chasey that they were leaving.
Mark strode out purposefully, he looked pissed as hell! When the children came back in, he moved to gather them both in his arms, hugging and kissing them. "Daddy loves you so much! Promise to be good, okay?"
The girls nodded their obedience and kissed their daddy back, "Love you daddy, please come and see us," Chasey said softly.
Little Gracie whimpered softly, holding on tight to Mark. She didn't want to leave her daddy. She saw Jeff at the corner of her eye and opened her arms towards him, "Daddy Jeff, I want a kiss!"
She had started calling him that last night and Jeff's heart had warmed over with joy. Before he could oblige, Sara hissed at Mark to put the girls down, and taking them by the hands, told them that they had to leave immediately. Everyone called out their goodbyes as the girls waved forlornly back at them.
As soon as the car drove away, Shawn asked Mark quietly, "What did she want?"
Mark gave Jeff a fleeting glance, he didn't want Jeff to worry but he could tell that he was burning with curiosity.
Mark let out a heavy sigh, "She wanted to come back and start afresh. I told her that there was no chance of that happening and she threatened to stop all visitation rights to the children immediately, unless I comply with her wishes."
Everybody gasped in shock. "But, that's blackmail!" Shawn exclaimed and then added, "Can she do that, Mark?"
Mark nodded his head wearily, "She has full custody of the children. The court ruled in her favor as I'm always on the road. She can stop me from seeing them."
Everyone was stupefied. Jeff wrapped his arms around himself, suddenly feeling cold. His mind reeled at the thought that Mark would not be allowed to see the girls if he didn't comply with Sara's wishes. It was too great a price to pay for them to stay together. He couldn't do that to Mark. The girls meant the world to him and Mark would be devastated. What were they going to do?
Mark immediately noticed Jeff's distress and moved to take him in his arms, "Jeff, I'll think of something, I'm not going to let you go! There's something going on. She wasn't happy when she said she wanted us to get back together. I'm going to find out the truth! Just stay strong!"
Jeff wrapped his arms around Mark and lay his head on his chest whispering, "I love you so much but I don't want to see you hurt!"
"Everything's going to be fine," Mark wanted desperately to believe that himself, he needed to be strong for the both of them.
He released Jeff, "Stay with the others. I'm going to make some phone calls." He placed a gentle kiss on Jeff's temple and moved into the library, closing the door.
The first person he wanted to speak to were Sara's parents. She just went up to see them and he needed to know if there was more to it than a casual visit. He dialed the number and waited for them to pick up the call.
"Hi Mrs Chirie. Yes, this is Mark. How have you been?" Mark listened as Sara's mother talked.
"That's good to know. Mrs Chirie, I know Sara just went up to visit, did she mention anything unusual because she acted oddly when she came to pick the girls up."
It appeared that Mrs Chirie had said something to surprise Mark.
"What!" …… "She did?" …… "What was it for?" …... "Alright, thanks Mrs Chirie for telling me. I'll see what I can do."
Mark terminated the call and sat thinking. He made up his mind and picked up his phone again. He needed some information and knew who could get it for him. He spent the next two hours talking to people and by the end of it, he already had a plan formulated.
The group left for their house show immediately. Shawn decided to take Rebecca and the children along with him. They would fly back home together after the show.
Glen was waiting anxiously for Jeff to return. He was already at the arena and was tempted to call him, but he told himself to be patient and just wait. Chris would have to explain everything and he would see if Jeff would be willing to take him back.
Our Undisputed Champion was feeling miserable. He was patched up and fortunately for him, other than some bruises, he suffered no broken bones. He kept glancing at Glen who was pacing up and down. They were both waiting near the staff entrance to the car park. Glen had personally escorted him and was adamant that Chris stayed with him until the rest had arrived.
"What do you hope to gain by forcing me to do this?" Chris felt he should try and talk some sense into Glen while waiting.
Glen turned to stare at him, "I just want you to tell Jeff the truth. He needs to know that I didn't cheat on him!"
Chris snorted, "I know your true intentions. You want to get Jeff back but let me tell you now, that's not going to happen!"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Why do you think I decided to tell you the truth, I didn't have to but I wanted to."
Glen didn't see what Chris was getting at, "Let Jeff decides if he wants me back, but I'm curious why you did what you did."
Chris thought for a moment and then spoke quietly, "Have you notice how happy Jeff is with Mark? He's in love with him! Any fool can see it, well, except maybe you."
Chris couldn't care if Glen hurt him again, he needed to open Glen's eyes to the truth.
"You want another beating? I would be happy to oblige!" Glen looked at him menacingly.
Chris let out an exasperated sigh, "You're too hot-headed to listen to anyone! Just like the time you acted rashly when Jeff told you he loved you and you pushed him away because you still doubted him!"
When Glen made a threatening gesture towards him, Chris put up his hands, "Let me finish what I have to say and then, if you still want to, I'll let you kick my ass!"
Glen paused in stride, his curiosity getting the better of him. Maybe he should let Chris finish.
"Lets start by being honest with ourselves. I'm a conniving and manipulating bastard and I'll do anything to get what I want. I didn't realize that I was hurting Jeff until I heard him crying his heart out the day he found you with Maryse. I thought he would come running back to me," he sighed, "instead, I sent him running into the arms of one Mark Calaway."
He paused for a moment, "As for you, lets face it. I may have set you up but you failed Jeff because you didn't have faith in him, you didn't trust him. He has always been truthful about his feelings, and I know that because I was with him for more than a year."
He looked at Glen, "You can blame me for all your troubles, but just remember this, no one forced you to leave Jeff and get drunk and no one tied you to the bed to have sex with Maryse."
Chris continued when he realized that he was still in one piece, Glen had not strike him down yet!
He spoke in a subdued tone, "Glen, both of us do not deserve Jeff. We failed him miserably! Before we do this, ask yourself, will Jeff come back to you once he knows the truth?"
When Glen didn't answer, Chris pressed on, "I wanted to tell you the whole truth because I do feel bad about hurting you and Jeff and for that, I apologize sincerely. But, to be honest, I don't think what I'll say will affect Jeff's feelings for Mark. He is truly happy with Mark and God knows, he deserves to be happy after what both of us put him through. I'm really glad they found each other!"
Chris finished what he wanted to say and waited for Glen to attack him, but Glen just stared at him, unmoving.
He finally spoke but in a hushed tone, "But, I love him!"
Chris knew exactly how he felt.
"So do I, Glen, but we have to let him go. He's happy. Don't make him feel guilty and force him to choose between you and Mark."
At that very moment, two cars pulled up into the car park. The doors opened to reveal their friends back from their short holiday at the ranch. Mark's eyes widened in surprise to see Glen and Chris together.
"What happened to you Chris? Did a truck run over you or did Glen here use you for a punching bag?" Randy took in the bruises, the one on the jaw a prominent blue and purple.
Jeff gasped, "Chris, what happened to you?" and moved to take Chris' chin gingerly in his hands, a worried frown on his face.
"Courtesy of the mighty Kane, but don't worry, we've sorted out our differences," Chris made light of his injuries.
Jeff turned to Glen, "You want to tell me what happened Glen?"
It was the perfect opportunity for Glen but he couldn't bring himself to tell Jeff, not after what Chris had said. He had to let Jeff go, it was for the best.
"Glen?" Jeff prodded, he didn't want his friends killing each other in his absence.
"Huh… it was … it was …" Glen's mind was still somewhat in a daze and he couldn't come up with a ready excuse.
Chris saved him, the smooth talker never at a loss for words, "Our friend took offense when I told him that he was too ugly to get anyone interested in him and he pummeled me into the ground!"
Glen glared at Chris and before he knew what happened, Jeff was chiding Chris, "How could you Chris? You hurt Glen's feelings! Now, I want you to apologize to him right now!"
Chris pretended to look shamefaced and turning towards Glen, mumbled, "Sorry, it won't happen again." He was actually apologizing for the pain he had caused him.
Jeff nodded before turning back to Glen, "And what about you, Glen? Do you have something to say to Chris?" He folded his arms, waiting for Glen to make amends as well.
"Huh… sorry Chris." Jeff arched his eyebrow at him, expecting more from him.
"I promise not to hit you, except only in the ring," Glen added as an afterthought. His eyes gleamed at the thought, he might still deal out some punishment but within the squared circle. He was not yet ready to forgive Chris fully. Hmm, maybe he should request for a match against Chris, a "No Holds Barred" match?
Jeff looked at him strangely, Glen had this diabolical expression on his face. What was Glen thinking?
Mark moved towards Jeff and glanced from Glen to Chris. "What are you guys playing at and were you waiting here for us?"
Glen and Chris looked at each other, it was up to Glen if he wanted Mark to know the truth. Glen pursed his lips, he could see how close Jeff and Mark were. Jeff kept throwing adoring looks at Mark who had one arm wrapped around Jeff's waist, keeping him close.
"Glen? Did you want to tell me something?" Mark could tell that Glen had something on his mind.
Glen made up his mind, "No, we were just wondering why you were late, that never happened before."
Mark stared at Glen, he knew that was not it. Glen's hiding something from him and he would get it out of him but for now, they had to go and get ready for their matches.
"We will talk later, we're already running late," Mark led the others back into the building.
Glen and Chris were the last to follow them in. Chris raised his thumb up showing his approval. Glen had done the right thing. Glen slapped him hard behind his head, causing him to almost lose his balance.
He couldn't help smirking when Chris winced in pain, "Hey, you've been saying you want real competition since you arrived on Smackdown, what say we go one on one for a "No Holds Barred" match at the next pay-per-view?"
Chris looked up at him and gulped. Okay, so now I know he has not forgiven me. He sighed before saying, "Bring it on big guy! I knew you will not let me off that easy."
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What has Mark found out? Will his plan work?
Will he lose the right to see his little girls?
Will Jeff give Mark up for his own sake?
Chris has moved on but what about Glen?
Will he change his mind and tell Jeff?
Will all be forgiven?
Reviews greatly appreciated ………………………
