Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.

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Chapter 14

Sleep was hard to come by. Adam lay on his bed, staring into the darkness, there were so many things going through his mind. First and foremost, he was worried about Jay. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Jay drunk. Jay was usually calm and logical but last night, he had gotten drunk because he was upset. Ever since Chris started showing an interest in Jeff, Jay had started to change. His normal cheerful disposition had diminished and he often lapsed into moody silence. Last night was the crux. Jay's action proved that he was in love with Chris but he didn't want to admit it openly because Chris didn't feel the same way about him. Adam believed that if Jeff reciprocated Chris' affections, Jay would have accepted their relationship and moved on, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case here. Jay might be clinging to the hope that Chris would return his affections once he realized that Jeff was beyond his reach.

And something else irked him. Adam was troubled by his own reaction after he saw Jeff last night. He was totally blown away by his hot looks! How could he think of him as sexy and lust after him if he wasn't gay, right? He was seriously starting to question his own sexual inclinations. What the hell was wrong with him? He hadn't felt this way about any other man before! Well, that wasn't exactly true. His predicament was compounded by another realization, and that was he was probably falling for his friend, Jay. He had actually felt jealousy towards Chris. What he wasn't sure was if these feelings were manifested because of what he felt for Jeff or was it his feelings for Jay?

He sighed. He had no answers to all his questions but he prayed that he would get some soon because they were costing him a good night's sleep! He knew he was going to look horrible in the morning with dark circles under his eyes and probably a few more wrinkles would make their appearance, caused by all that worrying. He glanced at his watch. It was almost five in the morning. He settled himself down to some shuteye before Jay woke and maybe, if Jay was willing, both of them could sit down and examine their feelings.

~*~

Just like Adam, Chris found it difficult to go to sleep. The earlier incident had miraculously worked in his favor. Mark had actually warmed towards him, grateful to him for going to Jeff's rescue and Chris knew that he was one step closer to getting what he wanted. If he could keep himself in Mark's good graces, he might have a chance to get close to Jeff.

Grinning at that thought, he made up his mind to pay Jeff a visit later to check if he was okay, and at the same time, gauge if Mark and Glenn were more receptive to having him hanging around them.

He frowned, his thoughts suddenly going back to Raven. He was actually surprised by his brashness. The man knew Jeff belong to the formidable brothers but his action showed him to be either very brave or downright stupid to do what he did! He had taken a great risk by going after Jeff like that and Chris doubted that he would live beyond tomorrow night once Mark and Glenn got their hands on him!

After Mark left with Jeff, he had gone back to confront Raven. The lock to his room was damaged and he had easily gained access but Raven had already left with all his belongings. 'He must have gone into hiding!' Chris decided. 'He knows that they will come for him.' And that thought reminded him of his own predicament. He had to tread carefully around those two, knowing how possessive they were of Jeff. One wrong move and he could end up in a shallow grave! Chris felt a shudder run through his body and decided not to let his thoughts wander in that negative direction. He prayed that things would continue to work in his favor. Closing his eyes in contentment with that thought, he fell fast asleep.

~*~

Raven sat fuming in bed. He had just checked himself into another hotel, primarily to escape the wrath of the Deadman and Kane. He knew they would be coming for him.

'I almost had him!' Raven twitched angrily as he thought of Jeff's warm body pressed against him. 'Damn that Chris Jericho, he just had to play hero and ruin everything!'

Raven knew he was going to have to use his wits to stay away from the brothers, his life was at stake! They were going to hunt him down and he had to find a way to keep out of their way. However, he was not a man without any means. Raven knew Bradshaw and his associates would watch his back. They wouldn't stand back and let the Deadman and Kane have their way with him, but they might have to atone for his sin.

He decided to find Bradshaw first thing in the morning to let him know what went down that day. 'Better to get him prepared before those two got to him.' Raven thought to himself. 'I hope he won't give me up to them,' suddenly feeling unsure if Bradshaw would stand by his actions. He did go behind his back and took Jeff without his approval but he hoped that Rhyno and the rest would talk him around to see things his way.

He lay back on the bed, preparing to get some sleep. No sense worrying too much until he knew where he stood with Bradshaw and after a few moments, he fell into a restless sleep.

~*~

Mark held Jeff in his arms. He had finally settled down and was sleeping soundly. His pup had whimpered and tossed the whole night and Mark had comforted him with soft words that fell on deaf ears. Jeff wasn't awake, he was having a nightmare! Mark couldn't wait to get his hands on Raven! He decided that once Glenn was awake, he would leave Jeff with him while he searched the Birdman out. He closed his eyes wearily and waited for morning to come. No one hurt their little one and get away with it!

Several hours later, he felt Glenn stir and turned his head to watch him. Glenn groaned as he shifted and finally opened his eyes. His head throbbed with a vengeance.

Mark called out to him softly, not wanting to wake Jeff up, "I need you to stay with Jeff, I am going hunting."

His words roused Glenn fully awake. He immediately shifted closer to them and asked, "What happened?"

Quickly, Mark told Glenn what took place last night. As Glenn listened, his features switched from disbelief to anger and by the time Mark finished, he had made up his mind.

"I'm not going to let you deal with him yourself! We know that Raven will not be alone. He'll have his people to back him up. We're going into this together, Mark!"

"Are you sure you're up to it? You puked your guts out last night and we can't leave Jeff by himself" Mark said as he tightened his hold unconsciously around Jeff, feeling overwhelmingly protective over him.

"I'm fine, except for this damn headache and it's putting me in a disagreeable mood! You can't stop me from going and hell, I just feel like hurting people today! As for Jeff, we can get Kevin to watch over him while we take care of business!"

Mark agreed to go along with Glenn's idea but warned him, "We have to find him first. He knows we're coming for him and he could have changed room last night."

Glenn nodded and tried to hold back a groan, his head throbbed when he moved too much.

Mark noticed and his mouth quirked in amusement, "Serves you right for drinking so much!" he said but his demeanor softened when he saw how wretched Glenn look. "I've some aspirin in my bag, take two and grab a shower. I'll call Kevin and see if he can come over and watch Jeff."

Glenn did as told and dragged himself to the bathroom. Mark picked up the phone and called Kevin, giving him a quick rundown of last night's incident and asked if he could babysit Jeff while they hunt down Raven.

"Sure Mark, but I'm going with you. I can get Hunter and Shawn to watch Jeff instead."

Mark started to protest but Kevin cut him short, "Hey, he hurt Jeff and Jeff is Matt's brother. I think Matt would like the Kliq to delve out some punishment on their own on his behalf, and don't forget, there are five of them and there's only two of you!"

Mark let out a frustrated sigh and said, "I don't want to get you involved because if Vince finds out …"

Kevin cut him off, yet again, "Even if he finds out, he can't do apeshit! He knows that this is not within his jurisdiction and he will turn a blind eye to this. Trust me! I know what I'm doing" Kevin assured him.

Mark reluctantly gave in and they arranged to meet half an hour in his room. Hanging up, Mark turned to place a kiss on top Jeff's head before sitting up slowly. He sat thoughtfully on the bed as Glenn walked out from the bathroom and started to pull on his clothes.

"Everything all right?" he asked as Mark continued to sit there, unmoving.

"Yeah, just thinking and oh, Kevin's coming along with us and they'll be here in half an hour. I better go grab that shower."

He quickly moved into the bathroom before Glenn could ask why Kevin was tagging along. Glenn moved to the bed to check on Jeff who had cuddled Mark's pillow to him. His lashes lay so prettily over his eyes and he was breathing softly. Smiling, Glenn leaned forward to kiss him on the lips, murmuring softly, "Sleep well tweety, we'll be back soon."

Mark came out soon after and got dressed quickly. He and Glenn conversed softly. They didn't want to wake Jeff before the others came. There was a soft rap on the door and Mark moved to open it. The Kliq, led by Kevin, walked in. Matt immediately moved towards the bed to check on his brother.

Kevin looked over at Jeff and asked, "How is he?"

"He didn't sleep well, nightmares, I think." Mark said.

Kevin nodded, "Hunter and Shawn will stay here with him. The rest of us will go with you."

Glenn looked uneasily over at Shawn. Would Shawn say anything to turn Jeff against them?

Shawn seemed to know what he was thinking and tried to convince him otherwise, "I know that you don't trust me but …"

He didn't get a chance to finish as Mark interrupted, "No, it is fine" and that somewhat surprised Glenn but he kept silent. They had more important issues to attend to. He cracked his knuckles unconsciously, eagerly looking forward to breaking some bones and cracking some heads!

Mark turned to Kevin, "Let us go check his room but I doubt he's still there. We may have to find him first."

Just as they were about to leave, Jeff woke. Matt smiled down at him, "Hey, you're finally awake."

Jeff was surprised to see him there. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he sat up slowly. He looked in confusion at the congregation in the room. "What's going on?" he asked.

Mark and Glenn moved to sit with him and Mark said, "We're going out to look for Raven. Hunter and Shawn will stay here with you. Just stay put until we get back, okay?"

Jeff hesitated before asking, "What are you going to do to him?" and Glenn answered with a low growl, "Break him into pieces!"

To their surprise, Jeff pleaded with them, "Please don't! You'll get into trouble and Mister McMahon will blame me for causing trouble and fire me!"

He grasped tightly to each of their hands and said, "Please, just let it go!"

Mark spoke in a firm but quiet tone, "We can't let this go, Jeff. Raven crossed the line when he put his hands on you! If we don't do something about this, he would be emboldened to try again. We have to go Jeff, just be good and stay here until we come back."

Mark kissed him and stood up. Jeff reluctantly let him go and Glenn chucked him under the chin and said, "Hey, cheer up and stop worrying. We'll be back before you know it!" He bent to kiss Jeff too before standing to join Mark.

The six men moved out, leaving Hunter, Shawn and Jeff behind. Jeff slumped back against the bedpost and sighed wearily. Smiling, Shawn went to sit beside him.

"You're tired? Maybe you want to lie down and sleep some more. Hunter and I will keep watch. You've nothing to worry about."

Jeff gave him a shy, tentative smile. Shawn was his idol and he felt somewhat awkward to have him sitting next to him when he was only clad in his boxers! And yet, he had not forgotten what Glenn told him, Shawn was the man who broke Mark's heart! He was torn within. A part of him admired the man before him, while another part warned him not to trust him.

Hunter realized that he was uncomfortable and tried to put him at ease, "Mind if I turn the tv on while we wait?"

Jeff shook his head and mumbled, "No, go ahead. I can't sleep now, anyways."

But he really looked exhausted and Shawn coaxed him to lie down, "Just lie down and rest then."

He was really tired and he slid down the bed, hugging Mark and Glenn's pillows to him. Their smell comforted him. It was as if they were beside him. His eyes slowly closed and succumbing to his exhaustion, he snoozed.

Shawn studied him while he slept. The boy was far prettier than he thought! He frowned, now, that might turn out to be a curse instead! He had seen the way the others looked at Jeff, they all wanted him and they were starting to move in! Raven, Chris, Bradshaw, Rhyno and even Kevin and Sean, all of them would love to bed the naïve North Carolinian.

Shawn looked over at Hunter and found him watching him. "What?" he asked. Hunter had been giving him those looks lately and he wondered what was going on. He got his answer soon enough.

Hunter smirked and said, "Jealous?"

Shawn rolled his eyes and got off the bed gently. He didn't want to wake Jeff up. Making his way casually towards Hunter, he sat down on his lap.

"Mind saying that again?" and without warning, he tweaked hard on a nipple, causing Hunter to gasp in pain.

"Aww…. Damn it Shawn! That really hurts!" Hunter complained as he rubbed his bruised nipple gingerly.

"Serves you right for taunting me!" Shawn said with a pout. He looked over at Jeff and then back to Hunter, "Is he prettier than me?"

Hunter shook his head fervently, "I'm not going to answer that question! Jealousy has a way of rearing its ugly head and I just felt its claws!"

Shawn huffed and slapped him on the chest and moved to get off but Hunter forced him back on his lap, "Don't be like that, Shawnie, I was just kidding. Jeff's pretty but I'm not in love with him, it's you that I love!" and Hunter nuzzled lovingly against him.

Shawn closed his eyes and sighed blissfully as Hunter nipped at his neck. He smirked when Hunter took his hand and moved it to his twitching manhood and said, "Feel that? It's coming alive just for you! No other man could do that to me!"

Stealing a quick look at Jeff and seeing that he was sound asleep, Shawn slid off Hunter's lap to the floor between his legs. A mischievous gleam in his eyes, he whispered huskily as he rubbed his hand against Hunter's arousal, "So, it's all for me huh? Well, lets see if it tastes as good as it looks!" and he slowly pulled down the zipper and fished out the impressive rod from its tight confines.

Hunter groaned as Shawn flicked his tongue at the slit on his cockhead. He slid his fingers into Shawn's hair and tugged gently at it while whispering, "Suck me, baby, take it all the way in …" and groaned out loud when he did that. Shawn smirked with satisfaction as he worked his tongue and mouth, sucking and licking and alternatively, stroking the hardened length with brisk strokes, drawing lusty moans from the big man. He was taken aback when Hunter pulled him up and started to undo his pants.

"Hunt, no! What if Jeff wakes?" Shawn protested as he tried to keep his pants on.

Hunter growled, "Don't care!" and he practically ripped his pants off. He pulled Shawn to straddle him and holding his cock, pushed it into the tight, warm heat of Shawn's body. Shawn gasped as the throbbing monstrosity slid all the way in. He held tightly to Hunter as he thrust up slowly in long, hard strokes. Both men soon started to pant harshly, their bodies thrusting against each other rhythmically. They were fast approaching orgasm when Jeff stirred, roused by the harsh pants and groans emitting from the two. Shawn wasn't aware of his awakening as his back was turned and just when Jeff opened his eyes, he climaxed with a muted shriek and Hunter followed immediately after with a growl, keeping his eyes on Jeff's face. Jeff blushed to his roots, realizing that he had intruded into their private moment. He turned his back to them, giving them time to get dress. He heard the bathroom door opened and then closed. Sighing with relief, he turned on his back only to find Hunter looking at him from the foot of the bed. He gulped nervously as Hunter approached him from the side.

Still feeling embarrassed, Jeff muttered an apology, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude."

Hunter just stared at him wordlessly and it only made Jeff feel uneasy. Why was Hunter looking at him like …? His thoughts were left hanging when the bathroom door opened and Shawn walked out.

Hunter looked over to Shawn and smiling amiably, said, "Jeff just woke up."

~*~

As expected, Raven was not in his room. A quick check downstairs revealed that he had checked out of the hotel. Mark and Glenn were furious! The bird had flown the coop and they didn't know where to look!

Kevin suggested, "He could be hiding in Bradshaw or any of his friends' rooms."

The group found out which rooms they were staying and headed there immediately. Unfortunately, despite their ensued threats, Bradshaw and his members insisted they didn't know where Raven had disappeared to. Mark and Glenn could only smolder with rage. They had underestimated Raven and he managed to escape their vengeance. But they knew that it was only a matter of time before their paths meet again and then, they would settle the score!

Just as they were about to leave, a door opened and Chris stepped out of his room. Seeing the group, he quickly made his way towards them.

"I know you're looking for Raven. I went to confront him last night but he was already gone by the time I got there!" he informed them.

Mark thanked him for the information and turned to leave but Chris called out, "Can I see Jeff?"

Glenn practically snarled at him, "No!"

Chris turned pleading eyes to Mark. He hesitated for a moment before putting an arm on his brother's shoulder and said, "Let him see Jeff, we owe it to him."

Glenn just growled and moved away. As Chris moved to follow, Mark caught his arm and warned him, "Don't get use to it. I'm only allowing it because you save Jeff but if you try anything funny, you'll face dire consequences. You got that?"

Chris gulped and nodded. Well, at least, he would get to see Jeff. He would deal with the rest of his problems when he crossed the bridge.

~*~

Adam woke to see Jay looking out the window. He turned his head when Adam got up from his bed.

"You're okay?" Adam asked as he joined him at the window.

Jay nodded, "Yeah, just this bloody headache and that queasiness in my stomach!" he said with a grimace.

"Take some aspirin and get some food in there," Adam suggested as he moved to sit on a chair.

He hesitated momentarily before asking, "Jay? Come sit here, I need to talk to you."

Jay frowned as he sat down, "What?"

Adam sighed, "Now, that is exactly what we need to talk about! You're so cranky all the time!"

"I'm having a hangover, Adam! Of course, I'm cranky!" Jay snapped out.

"No, that's not what this is all about! You're jealous and you're angry and that's why you're so cranky!"

"Adam, don't start with me. I'm not …"

"You can deny all you want but hell, I know you better!" Adam interrupted. "Is it so difficult to admit that you love Chris?"

Jay turned his head away and kept silent. Adam got up to go to him and squatted beside his chair, "You love him, don't you?" he asked softly.

Jay's eyes brimmed over with tears and he snatched them quickly away and sniffled.

"It's okay, Jay. Nothing wrong in admitting it, I understand how you feel."

"No, you don't! No one understands how I feel!" Jay choked back a sob, trying to stop the tears from falling.

"Then why don't you try telling me and make me understand. I'm your friend, Jay, don't you trust me?" Adam asked with a hurt look on his face.

Jay shook his head, "I don't know, I mean, I trust you but I just don't know how to tell you how I feel."

"Okay, why don't I ask the questions and you answer them and maybe, we can find the answers you need" to which Jay finally nodded his agreement.

Adam got up to sit back on his chair.

"You love Chris?"

Jay nodded with some hesitation. Adam let out a sigh of relief. Finally, Jay had admitted to himself! They're making headway.

"And you're sad and angry because Chris is paying attention to Jeff instead?'

Jay nodded yet again.

"Do you plan on telling Chris how you feel?"

Jay shook his head.

"Why not?"

"He will reject me."

"But what if he doesn't?"

"He will because he's in love with Jeff!"

"But Jeff doesn't love him and if he knows that you love him, he may reciprocate your feelings."

Jay looked dubious for a moment before asking, "You think I should tell him?"

Adam nodded, "I don't think you should tell him, I know you should tell him!"

"But what if he rejects me? I will lose him for good!" Jay cried out in exasperation.

Adam moved to take him by his shoulders, "Jay, if you don't tell him, you're definitely going to lose him! There're always risks involved but don't you think you should take them? I mean, if I'm in love with someone and I don't tell him and end up losing him, I would hate myself! Even if he rejects me after I've told him, I can lay the matter to rest and moved on. You can't keep hanging on to him when he doesn't even know that you exist!"

Jay wiped his tears on his shirt and looked up at Adam, "You really think I should?"

Adam nodded, "Yeah, I really do. And if he rejects you, then you know where you stand and you can move on without regrets."

Jay moved quickly to hug Adam tightly, "Thanks Adam, I don't know what I'll do without you!"

Adam returned his hug and whispered, "I know, I feel the same way about you."

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