Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.
A big thank you to everyone who reviewed the last few chapters.
MMiseryLovesSlash – Yes, the Scotty referred to is Raven.
CannibalHolocaust – I totally agree with you about Ricky and George, that's why I chose them. As for Brock, he knows he has wronged Mark after the talking to given by Kurt.
NeroAnne – Chrissy may have a new love interest but we will see if he has stopped pining for Jeff in future chapters.
Takers dark lover – Yes, it's Ricky Martin. As for Rob and Glenn, let's just say they're friends for now. Matt and Chris rub each other the wrong way. I might as well add here that there will be no Matticho. Sorry, but I just don't see them together.
Infection 13 – It was tough trying to think which celebrities to bring into the story. It so happens that I love George Michael and Ricky Martin's music, so voila! Who better than them!
IsidoraAngst – I'm a Jerichoholic, so Chris will have his prime time in here, be it with Jeff, Ricky or somebody else, but definitely not with Matt.
Esha Napoleon – Thanks for the support.
-ooo-
Chapter 14
"Look! It's Jack Black! I want to get his autograph!" Shawn tugged at Hunter to follow and he allowed himself to be dragged along. He looked on in amusement as Shawn introduced himself to the actor/comedian and asked him to sign on his shirt.
"I know who you are! It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mister Michaels," Jack shook his hand heartily. "I'm a fan. Do you mind returning the favor by signing my shirt as well?" he requested, grinning cheekily.
"Of course, anything for a fan and please call me Shawn." Shawn signed his name with a flourish. "There! You want Hunter's autograph as well?"
"Hunter?" Jack looked blank for a moment and realized who he was referring to when said man cleared his throat to get his attention and grinned sheepishly at him.
Shawn pulled Hunter forward. "This is Hunter, aka, Triple H, also known as, The Game!" he pulled a mean Game face before adding, "He's my boyfriend."
"Gosh, it's a pleasure to meet you too!" Jack shook Hunter's hand vigorously and commented as he studied him from head to toe, "You're larger than I expected. Just what do you guys eat to get so big?"
"Just about what normal people eat but we train every day in order to look this good," Hunter showed off his physique and flexed his muscles.
"Very nice," Jack was impressed. "I'll sign your shirt if you sign mine," and Hunter obliged him. "Johnny is going to be so jealous when he sees this!" he pointed to his shirt proudly.
"Who is Johnny?" Both Shawn and Hunter asked at the same time.
"John Goodman, aka Fred Flintstone, the star of the Flintstones movie. He's a big Triple H fan but I got your autograph first!" Jack chortled gleefully.
"Yabadabbadoo! Freddy is here! Where is he? I want his autograph as well!" Shawn looked around excitedly.
"He's around here somewhere, I saw him arrive with Rosie a few minutes ago," and at their questioning look, he added for their benefit, "Rosie O' Donnell, but please remember that I'm funnier and more popular than her."
His agent came up to them. "I'm sorry to cut in. Jack, you're needed in the press conference room. Shane is about to talk to the press and he wants all the celebrities there. They want pictures to promote the charity event."
Jack promised he would catch up with them later and left with his agent.
Shawn giggled and nudged Hunter as they walked away. "Those guys aren't exactly athletes. I just know we will beat them in the challenges ahead!"
"I don't know about that, it may not be anything physical so I wouldn't underestimate them. I'm kind of curious who else turned up," Hunter said, equally just as excited about rubbing shoulders with celebrities.
He found out a few minutes later when Shane appeared with the celebrities in tow. It was a disappointing showing, considering only nine of the thirty-two invited showed up. Billy Crystal, Drew Barrymore, Blondie, Dolly Parton, George Michael, Ricky Martin, John Goodman, Rosie O'Donnell and Jack Black were the only ones who made it.
"Hey guys, is Mark back yet? I was told he has gone to the hospital with Jeff," Shane spoke to them.
"We haven't seen them, I think they're still at the hospital," Hunter informed him.
Shane nodded. "I need to discuss the team set up with him. We don't have as many celebrities as expected so there will be some changes. I'll be busy entertaining our guests for the next two days before the games, so I need him to put the teams together. Have him call me if you see him."
It was still early so Hunter and Shawn decided to take a stroll at the beach before dinner. As they were heading out, they saw Chris standing alone under a shady palm just outside the hotel, gazing out into the ocean.
"Poor guy, he's alone. Shall we invite him to join us?" Shawn asked Hunter.
"Yeah, let's go ask him," and they made their way towards him.
"Hey Chris, would you like to join us for dinner?" Hunter extended the invitation.
Chris grinned. "Thanks, but I have a date and I'm waiting for him."
The two men were intrigued.
"Come on Chris, stop being so secretive and tell us who your date is," Shawn badgered him.
"Well … if you must know, it's Ricky Martin."
"Ricky Martin! But, I thought you only like blondes!" Shawn exclaimed.
"Not anymore, not since I laid my eyes on him. He's absolutely the most gorgeous creature ever created!" Chris gushed like a giddy teenager.
Shawn looked a little worried. "You just met the guy, try to take it slow."
"Thanks Shawn, I know you mean well but I know what I'm doing." He spotted Ricky coming down the steps towards him and said quickly, "I'll catch up with you guys another time, my date is here!" He went up to meet him and they headed towards the car park holding hands.
"We should be happy for him, it has been a while since he was with someone, but he's not himself, don't you think?" Hunter pointed out. Chris' behavior struck him as odd.
"You're right about that. Ricky is a gorgeous man and any man would fall for him. But, we have known Chris for quite some time and he's usually not so easily swayed by a pretty face. I don't know if he's serious about Ricky, but I do know he still has strong feelings for Jeff. You know what? I believe if Mark didn't come into the picture, Jeff might very well end up with Chris. I know for a fact that Jeff likes him, or he won't be hanging with him so often."
"Sshh!" Hunter clapped a hand hastily against his mouth, his eyes on one woman who just walked past them. Terri heard what Shawn just said and she had this smirk on her face which made him feel uneasy.
"Hello boys," she acknowledged them with a saccharin sweet smile before continuing her way with Jazz. Once out of earshot, she said smugly, "Interesting piece of news. I wonder if Mark knows that his slut is seeing that cocky Canadian behind his back."
"Stop stirring up trouble!" Jazz shot her a disapproving look. "Will you just get it into your head that you and Mark are not meant to be? He has made his choice so leave him alone! I know what you're thinking and I seriously advise you to think twice before you do something stupid which you might regret."
"That boy slut, Jeff Hardy stole Mark away from me! And Matt Hardy somehow convinced Torrie to take his brother's side! You know what she told me on the plane? She said to forget about Mark and to move on. She offered to help me but that traitor has bailed out on me now! Ungrateful ingrate! After everything I've done for her! Well, I don't need her help! I will find a way to get Mark back and if I can't have him, neither will that cock slut! I will destroy him if it's the last thing I do! No one steps all over me and gets away with it!"
Jazz shook her head in disappointment. Terri had always been vindictive. She understood how she felt about Mark picking Jeff over her. It was a huge blow to her ego and she couldn't live it down. When Terri hurt, she lashed out to hit back.
Things were already complicated and had only worsened with Sable's return. Jazz heard about the rumor going around, that Sable wanted to get back with Mark, and from what she had heard so far, it could well be true. With both Sable and Terri trying to get Mark back into their lives, things were going to get ugly. She didn't envy Jeff being caught in between the two women. He had no idea how vicious they could be and they were out for his blood because he stood in their way. She felt truly sorry for him. Should she warn him? She didn't feel any loyalty towards the two women. After some thought, she decided she would wait and see what happened before rendering her help.
-ooo-
"How do you feel?" Mark asked, sitting beside Jeff who was resting in bed. They had just got back to their hotel room less than fifteen minutes ago.
The doctor had run some tests on Jeff which showed a swelling on the right side of his head which was causing the headaches. There was no internal bleeding and the doctor assured them that the swelling would go down in a couple of days. He had prescribed some medication to alleviate the headaches and advised Jeff not to do engage in any strenuous activity for the next few days.
"I feel better already, the pill is working its magic," Jeff smiled at him, cuddling the bear given by Shawn.
"I'm glad. You stay here and rest. I need to go and see Shane. He has sent me a couple of messages saying he needs to speak to me urgently. Will you be alright by yourself? I can get Glenn to come over to keep you company."
"I'll be fine, Mark. You go on ahead, I think I will just go to sleep," Jeff let out a yawn before giving him a sheepish grin.
"You haven't eaten. I'll bring you back something," Mark said as he pulled the covers over him.
"That would be nice. Wake me up when you get back," Jeff said as he settled down comfortably.
"I will. If you need anything, just call me on my cell." Mark bent to kiss him and left. He checked his watch; it was almost nine o'clock and he decided to call Shane to find out where to meet.
"Shane, Mark here. Where are you at?"
Shane gave him the address of a club in another part of town. Mark was not prepared to go that distance. He was tired and hungry and he didn't want to stay away from Jeff too long.
"Can you tell me what this is about? I really don't want to drive out. It has been a long day."
Shane explained that with just nine celebrities, they would have to make some changes. Instead of having the celebrities in a team by itself, he wanted to add them to their own teams. "Gather everyone tomorrow and draw lots to start team formation, include the celebrities when you do so. I'll text you their names in a few minutes. I want eight teams of eight with a team captain in each and two reserves for each team. Have the list ready by the end of tomorrow and send it to me to take a look. By the way, how's Jeff's?"
Mark briefed him quickly and told him Jeff had to sit out on the games on doctor's instructions.
"I'm glad it's nothing too serious. You can get him to help you put the teams together, it shouldn't be too difficult. Just let me know if you need more help. One more thing, I have people coming down to set up everything tomorrow so tell our people to keep clear of the area. I don't want any accidents just before the games. That's about it, keep me posted."
After hanging up, Mark decided Chinese food would be nice and set out to enquire at the reception. Fortunately, there was a Chinese restaurant on the first floor and he made his way there. But along the way, he met Terri and Jazz who were coming out from the restaurant next door.
"Mark!" Terri went up to him quickly, greeting him with a smile.
"Hey Terri, Jazz," he acknowledged them.
"Can I talk to you?" Terri asked. "It won't take long," she added quickly when Mark hesitated.
"I can spare a few minutes, what is it?" Mark agreed reluctantly.
"Jazz, I'll see you later," Terri said. Jazz got the message and left, not liking it one bit. She just knew that Terri was up to no good.
"I heard some rumors and I don't know if you heard them too," Terri began.
"Terri, I have better things to do than listen to gossip," Mark said impatiently.
"But I think you should hear this, it affects you," Terri said quickly.
Mark sighed in resignation. "Okay, I'm listening."
"Chris and Jeff were seeing each other before you came into the picture," she said. When Mark said nothing, she continued, "I heard that Chris still has feelings for him even though he's with you and … I don't know if you realize that Jeff has feelings for him too."
"Bullshit! Why are you telling me all these untruths?" Mark burst out suddenly in anger.
"But it's the truth! I just thought I should warn you. I don't want to see you getting hurt, just like Sable hurt you. I would never do that to you, Mark."
Mark fumed inwardly. Terri bringing Sable up was like rubbing salt into his wounds. It was clear she didn't want him to forget what Sable did to him.
"Look Terri, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fully capable of handling my affairs. So, if you don't mind, I have to get going." He made to walk past her but she held his arm to stop him.
"You don't have to believe me, but if I were you, I would keep tabs on Jericho and that boy of yours. Don't say I didn't warn you," and she took her leave.
Mark went into the restaurant to place his orders but he suddenly lost his appetite. While waiting, he mulled over what Terri had said. He acknowledged there was some truth in her words. He was fully aware of Chris' interest in Jeff, but how did Jeff feel about him? After paying for the food, he made his way to the lift, but stopped when he heard his name called. It was Sable.
"I'm glad I caught you, Mark. Can we talk in private?"
Mark really didn't want to but he found himself relenting. Trish spoke up, "I'll leave you two to talk, but before I go, how is Jeff doing?"
"He's better after taking medication. He'll be fine after a few days' rest. No strenuous activity under doctor's orders."
"I'm glad he's alright," Trish looked relieved. "Please give him my regards."
Mark nodded. Sable led Mark to the sitting area in the lobby after Trish left.
"First of all, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. If you didn't turn up when you did, I could very well be lying in a hospital bed."
"There's no need to thank me, anyone would have done the same," Mark said.
"I'm not too sure about that," she sighed, "but I'm grateful that you still care about me to come save me, in spite of what I did. I'm really sorry for hurting you. I hope you can forgive me and give me a second chance. I would like us to be together again. So, what do you say?"
Trish was dead set against her asking Mark for a second chance but Sable refused to listen. She was relieved that Brock was ordered to stay away from her and this paved the way for her to try and get back with Mark again.
"I'm sorry. It didn't work out the first time, so we should leave it at that. In case you haven't heard, I've found someone else."
"I'm aware of that. I also heard that you're still undecided about your sexual orientation. I don't understand how you could be with a man. We were so good together, Mark and frankly, I find it hard to believe that you're sleeping with a man. All I'm asking is that you think about it and don't turn me down immediately. I know we can make this work, just give me one more chance. I swear I will make it up to you."
"Sable, what we had is over, there's no more us. I'm happy right now and I couldn't ask for anyone better. I don't want to give you false hope. You should move on with your life." He paused before adding, "I would like to give you a piece of advice. You left me for Brock, so there must be something to draw you to him. Try to sort things out with him. True love is hard to find and years down the road, you don't want to look back with regrets, knowing that you had probably let that one true love slipped through your fingers. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get back to Jeff, our dinner's getting cold."
Sable watched him go, a disappointed look on her face. She was so confident he would take her back but she thought wrong.
"He could have picked one of us but no, he chose that cock slut!"
Sable whipped around, surprised to see Terri. Had she been ease dropping?
"What a shame. You had him but you gave him up. If anyone deserves a second chance, it's me!" Terri said as she stepped forward.
Sable's eyes narrowed. "You?" she let out a short laugh. "I heard that Mark slept with you once and he ditched you the following day. He recognizes trash when he sees it!" she spat out maliciously.
Terri shook with rage. "Who are you to call me trash? You slept your way to the top and I'm not talking about Mark! Don't think I don't know about you and Vince!"
Sable gasped in shock. She thought it was a well kept secret. How did Terri find out?
Terri smirked. "You didn't expect anyone to find out, did you? Now, what do you think Linda McMahon would do if she learns about her husband's secret rendezvous with one of his employees?"
"Are you threatening me?" Sable walked up to confront her.
"There's no need to get confrontational. Your secret is safe with me so long as you stay out of my way. Do we have an understanding?"
"Why should I trust you? And what makes you think you will succeed with Mark when I have failed?"
"I could have given you away before but I didn't, but make no mistake that I will not hesitate to do so this time if you are uncooperative. And to answer your second question … come to think of it, you don't need to know. Just stay out of my way, honey, or you'll be looking for another job."
Sable watched her leave in grim silence. After all this time and she thought no one knew. She realized she was caught in a very bad situation. Whether she cooperated with Terri or not, she would always have that hold over her. It bothered her and that thought plagued her as she headed back to her room.
-ooo—
"This is really good! I never have Chinese before. What is it?" Jeff said as he took another bite of the crispy roll that had fillings in it.
"It's duck meat seasoned with their special sauce. It's one of my favorites," Mark said, but he wasn't eating. Terri's words kept playing in his mind.
Jeff noticed and balancing a piece of kongpao chicken between his chop sticks, he fed it to him. Mark accepted it with a smile, deeply touched by the gesture. It was a first for him.
"Everything is so delicious!" Jeff said in between mouthfuls. He scooped up some fried rice on a spoon and once again, moved to feed Mark, but this time he caught his hand.
"What's wrong?" Jeff looked at him anxiously, wondering if he had done something to make him upset. He sensed the sudden change in Mark's mood.
"Nothing's wrong," Mark swallowed the lump in his throat and smiled at him. His simple gestures managed to break through his hard armor and Mark couldn't help feeling vulnerable. It was an alien feeling and he wasn't sure what to make of it. "Here, it's my turn," he fed the rice to Jeff. They ended up feeding each other throughout the course.
"Thank you for the wonderful dinner!" Jeff gave him a fond peck on the lips. "I will clean up here. You go take a shower and turn in. You had a long day."
Mark didn't object and went into the bathroom. He appeared a short while later. "The bath is ready. Why don't you join me?" and he drew him close to kiss him. Jeff responded eagerly. With their lips locked, they moved towards the bathroom and shed their clothes. Both sank into the tub with sighs of bliss.
"I never knew sharing the tub can be so enjoyable," Mark chuckled as he pulled Jeff to rest against him.
"You know what's missing? A rubber ducky or two," Jeff said as he grabbed a sponge and started washing him, much to Mark's surprise. It was yet again another new experience for him. He allowed Jeff to scrub him, luxuriating in the attention and finally, he took the sponge from him and returned the favor.
Jeff giggled and squirmed as Mark scrubbed his armpit, "That tickles! No … please stop …" he thrashed and giggled helplessly as Mark started tickling him all over.
"Okay, that's enough. I think we just lost half a tub of water with your splashing around," Mark laughed.
"It's getting cold," Jeff said with a shiver.
"We should get out," Mark said. They dried themselves and went back to the bedroom. Mark looked at the two separate beds and together with Jeff, they pushed the beds together. Huddling close together under the covers, he mumbled, "Good night, Jeff" and was asleep before long.
Jeff laid awake, studying his features and committing them to memory. He rested his head on his chest and listened to his heart beats and was soon lulled to sleep by them.
-ooo-
It was a gorgeous, bright and sunny Californian morning. After grabbing a quick bite, Mark sent everyone a text to gather at the beach at nine, they were going to draw lots to form the teams. Jeff helped him to write down all the names, including those of the celebrities. A short distance away, a group of men were beginning to tape out the area for the games.
"Let's make this quick. We will have eight teams of eight. As I read your name, come up and join the team you have been allocated. Mark drew the names from a box and read each one quickly. He also called out two reserves for each team in case of injuries and the remaining roster would be supporters. The members of each team then proceeded to elect their team captain. Mark was chosen as team captain of Team 8. His team comprised of Bubba Dudley, Dave Batista, Glenn, Lilian Garcia, John Goodman, Chavo Guerrero and Terri. His reserves were Spike Dudley and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Terri was over the moon that she got into Mark's team.
"How come you end up with all the heavyweights, it's not fair!" Shawn pouted. He was fortunate to be on the same team with Hunter. Ric was team captain with Funaki, Crash Holly, Jamie Noble, Chuck Palumbo and Torri Wilson making up the numbers.
Mark glared at him. "We drew lots, there was no cheating. As far as I'm concerned, it's fair!" he put an end to Shawn's protest.
"We didn't get a celebrity and Chris' team has two! Aside from you and Chuckie, we got the lightweights. We're at a disadvantage," Shawn grumbled.
"No, we're not. Our guys may be light but they are fast. I think we have a great team put together," Ric disagreed with him.
Hunter laughed, shaking his head. "Don't discredit our team until the games begin. I agree with Ric, bigger isn't better."
"That's what you think," Glenn cut in and snickered. He patted Shawn on the shoulder before moving off.
Shawn watched him leave with Rob, who got drafted into Brock's team. "Say Hunter, is it just me or are those two hanging together all the time?"
"You mean Glenn and Rob?"
Shawn nodded, looking thoughtfully at the departing pair. "Yeah, they're rooming together as well. Do you think they are humping each other?"
"Not again!" Hunter gave him an exasperated look. "Don't get started with Glenn as well. Come on, let's go change and spend the entire day out here. We should pick a good spot before the crowd picks up." Both men hurried back to the hotel to change.
Chris let out a yawn as he trudged slowly, heading towards the hotel.
"Hey," Dwayne came up from behind and clapped him on the shoulder. "You look like you didn't get any sleep last night. So, how was it?" he nudged him, giving him a knowing look. Kurt looked on amused. They heard about Chris spending the night with the sensational Ricky Martin.
Chris rolled his eyes. "A gentleman does not kiss and tell." He yawned again, "I have to seriously get some sleep. I'll see you guys later."
"Do you think he's serious about Ricky?" Dwayne asked as he and Kurt sat down on a bench to enjoy the ocean breeze.
Kurt shrugged. "It may just be a casual fling."
"I don't know how he does it but he always draws in the good looking ones," Dwayne pointed out, feeling slightly envious of Chris. "I wouldn't mind spending a night or two with Ricky myself. He is so hot! I bet you wouldn't mind having a piece of him too."
"Stop talking about the guy as if he's a piece of meat! He has feelings, so treat him with some respect!" Kurt shot him a disparaging look. "What's wrong with you? I am not gay and you know it!"
"You might as well be," Dwayne chuckled. "Come on, let's face it, you're not exactly popular with the ladies, so why don't you change the hunting field? Who knows, you may like it. I can teach you."
"You're being ridiculous! If you weren't my friend, I would have decked you!" Kurt looked offended. "First of all, I am not interested in guys and secondly, it's not my fault that most women like brawny guys with huge penises but with peas for brains!" Kurt rapped on Dwayne's head before getting up to head back to the hotel.
Dwayne sat there for a few minutes, a befuddled look on his face. Did Kurt just insult him?
-ooo—
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