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

~ HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~

Chapter 21

"Maybe we should go somewhere else." Sable hesitated to proceed further as she had just seen Brock. Trish had arranged for them to dine at a Chinese restaurant and Torri, Matt and Jazz were invited to come along. Torri was surprised that Terri wasn't invited. Sable specifically stated that she didn't want her around.

"Just because he's here doesn't mean you have to leave. He knows there will be consequences if he bothers you, so you have nothing to worry about. Now, come on," Trish led the way in. Sable followed reluctantly after some urging from Torri. They chose a table at the far end, away from where Brock, Kurt and Dwayne were sitting. Sable still felt uncomfortable. As she browsed through the menu, she glanced up furtively at Brock from time to time. However he didn't seem to be aware of her presence, chatting amicably with his companions.

"Relax, he wouldn't dare try anything with all of us here. Matt will take care of him if he bothers you," Trish reassured her.

"Me?" Matt gulped.

"You will protect us from him, won't you baby?" Torri asked, looking to him for reassurance.

"Of course," Matt grinned weakly. The idea of facing up to Brock did not appeal to him at all. He wished he hadn't agreed to join them.

Jazz rolled her eyes and muttered 'pussy' under her breath before going back to the menu. An hour later, Brock got up to go to the washroom. He stopped in his tracks as he walked past their table, seemingly taking notice of them for the first time. He hesitated slightly before approaching them.

"Hello, I didn't see you come in," he said, addressing them. Sable kept her head down.

Trish smiled politely at him. "Hello Brock, what a coincidence to see you here as well. We heard the food is good, so we came to check it out."

Brock grinned. "The food is splendid! Well, enjoy your dinner. The guys and I are going to head to the bar next door for a few drinks." He hesitated before adding, "You're all welcome to join us if you like."

"We will think about it, but thanks for the invitation," Trish smiled at him.

"No problem, have a pleasant evening" and he continued his way to the washroom without giving Sable a glance.

"Well, that went better than I thought," Trish said with a sigh of relief.

Torri turned to Sable, "Brock didn't even look at you! I'm surprised but you should be relieved. You don't have to worry about him bothering you anymore. I think he has given up."

Sable didn't respond. She just sat there with a befuddled look on her face. Truth to be told, she was indeed surprised, more like shocked, that Brock didn't even venture to try and talk to her. She continued to eat silently for the rest of the meal.

"This is the best dinner yet!" Trish gushed after they had eaten their fill. The others agreed with her. "The night is still young. What do you say we take up Brock's invitation and join him for a few drinks?"

"What?" Sable shot her an incredulous look. "You know how things are between him and I, how could you even suggest that I sit down and drink with him as if nothing has happened?"

"You can't avoid him all the time. Besides, he has conducted himself above reproach as we have just witnessed. I don't see why we can't sit down and have a few drinks with him. I think you should do it as goodwill gesture, let bygones be bygones," Trish said.

"I can't believe I'm hearing this," Sable shook her head in disbelief. "Well, you do what you want, but you can leave me out of it! I'm not going to drink with him!"

"Fine then," Trish said carelessly. "What about the rest of you?"

To Sable's annoyance, Torri and Matt decided to join Trish. They settled the bill and went their separate ways.

"Trish is right you know, having a drink with him won't kill you. You have to face him eventually," Jazz commented as they walked back to the hotel which was just a few blocks away. The night was warm in spite of a breeze blowing.

"No one understands what I've been through. I could have been hurt and everyone expects me to pretend as if nothing has happened. I'm not a saint!" Sable was peeved.

"I know, you're anything but that!" Jazz chuckled, shaking her head.

"What do you mean by that?" Sable looked crossed.

"Oh please! Cut the damsel in distress act! You can try to fool the rest but not me," Jazz said wryly.

"What are you insinuating? You better explain yourself!" Sable was fully agitated.

Jazz rolled her eyes. "Stop pretending! You do it all the time with the guys. I know you take satisfaction in winding those gullible fools around your little finger. They give in to your whims and fancies but somehow with Brock, he put his foot down along the way and you don't like it. You want to live your life in your own terms and when Brock wrested that control from you, you decided to end the relationship. Tell me honestly, has Brock actually hit you?"

She got a pouted silence.

"I thought so," Jazz shot her a look of disapproval. "What I don't understand is why you made him out to be a brute when he's not. You have almost everyone believing your lies, even Mark, and turned them all against him. Well, now that you're free to do as you please, I don't see why you have to keep up the act. Leave the poor guy alone."

Sable was infuriated. "I'm not what you make me out to be, you don't know me at all! I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself!" she jabbed at Jazz with her finger.

Jazz swiped her hand away, scowling. "I know you well enough to know that you're a minx!"

Sable gasped. "What did you call me?"

Jazz smirked, "You heard me the first time. What are you going to do about it? Hit me? You're welcome to try."

"I'm not going to stand here and be insulted!" Sable walked away, but Jazz wasn't through with her yet. She caught up with her.

"You're pissed that Trish and the others are warming up to him, aren't you? You want him isolated from everyone, don't you?"

"Shut up and leave me alone!" Sable hissed and moved quickly away from her.

Jazz stopped following her and let her go. That vixen was an act altogether. She had stood by and minded her own business, but no more. She couldn't tolerate that Sable was still trying to make Brock out to be the bad guy in the eyes of everyone. That was Sable for you. She would always put herself above others and expected everything to revolve around her. It was a selfish trait which was causing her to lose those very few friends that were close to her. Torri had already removed herself from that circle and Trish was beginning to do the same. Jazz wanted to knock some sense into her before everyone abandoned her but it seemed her royal highness had taken exception to hearing the harsh truth. Well, she had tried and if Sable refused to take heed, then, she would just have to live with the consequences. Jazz made her way back, walking at a leisure pace. It was a beautiful night, too good to stay indoors.

-ooo—

Mark sat on the bed and watched Jeff brushed his hair. He was getting ready to leave. They had gone back to their room after dinner to kill some time until it was time for him to leave for rehearsals.

"Can't you skip rehearsals for tonight?" Mark was almost pouting. He didn't want Jeff to go. He knew he was being ridiculous but after hearing that George was after his little pumpkin, he started to feel a little insecure. He hated to admit it but the pop star was a very attractive guy.

"I can't Mark. The concert is in three days and I need to practice. I really have to go." He put down his brush and joined him on the bed.

Mark pulled him to sit astride him. "I'm going to miss you," he sighed.

"Oh Mark, I will miss you too," Jeff leaned forward to kiss him. "I'll be gone for just three hours. You can come with me if you like."

Mark had thought of it but eventually decided against it. As much as he wanted to keep an eye on the situation, he thought it was foolish to do so. It would appear that he didn't trust Jeff which was far from the truth. He trusted Jeff, just not Chris and George. Ricky and the others would be there, so that offered him some consolation. At least Jeff won't be left alone with the two guys.

"That's not such a good idea, I don't want people thinking I'm possessive and that I don't trust you. You go ahead. I think I will join Ric for a few drinks," Mark said.

Jeff gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Enjoy yourself but I have a small request, no patronizing strip joints okay?"

Mark chuckled. "No strip joints, I promise" and let him go reluctantly.

"I'll see you around midnight, bye!" and Jeff was gone.

Mark got up from bed, taking his time to get ready. He wasn't that keen to go out drinking but what else was there to do? If he stayed in, his mind would wander and he knew he wouldn't be able to resist going down to check on the situation himself. He spotted the two bags Glenn left behind for him. What did he get for him this time? He opened one of the bags and snorted with amusement as he pulled out two boxes of condoms from among the purchases. There was a note attached to them which read, "These came free with the purchases. Still can't decide on Jeff's gender, so these may come in handy - you don't want to get him pregnant!" Glenn had written.

"You're an idiot!" Mark chuckled and went through the other purchases. Glenn had also bought shaving kits, toothpaste, toothbrush, several bottles of shaving foam, a dozen pair of underwear and several boxes of black hair dye. Mark was a natural ginger but he had to dye his hair black for his role as the Undertaker. He checked his hair in the mirror and noticed the grey peeking here and there and along the sides. That won't do. He decided to stay in instead and dye his hair, heading immediately to the bathroom with a box of dye.

-ooo—

When Jeff walked into the rehearsal room, he was greeted by the unwelcomed sight of Terri. Chris came forward quickly to meet him. The look on Jeff's face spelt trouble and he feared a catfight would break out.

Jeff hissed. "What the hell is she doing here?"

"Take it easy, she just came by to make sure we have everything we need." Chris could tell that he was fighting hard not to attack her.

Jeff growled, "What business is it of hers? I think she's here just to provoke me!"

"I'm sorry to tell you this but Shane has appointed her as event coordinator," Chris gave him an apologetic look. "She's leaving soon," he reassured him and as if on prompt, Terri left after making sure there were refreshments for them. She was smart enough to keep out of Jeff's way.

"Are you alright?" Chris noticed he was trembling.

"The sight of her makes me … never mind, I'll be fine." He wanted to keep his word to Mark not to confront her. If not for Chris, he doubted he would have been able to control himself.

George came in while later. "Sorry I'm late," he apologized and frowned. "Where is the rest of the gang?" Goodman and Black were not present.

"Terri came to tell us that both men had taken ill suddenly. She said they won't make it tonight," Ricky informed him.

"Okay then, we may have to squeeze in some extra rehearsals once they're feeling better. Let's start from the beginning, and Jeff, pay attention to the timing," George said, picking up his guitar.

Ricky came up to him. "Hey, I'm glad you changed your mind. I'm sorry about the trouble I've caused you. Are we good?"

George gave him a hug. "Don't worry about it, we're good. So, Chris was lying to cover up for you."

Ricky grinned, "He's a really swell guy, to try to take the blame for me. I will make it up to him somehow."

"You should seriously take him as your full-time partner," George said and struck up a few chords to warm up. "Good men are hard to find, so don't let him get away," he winked at him.

Ricky smiled and made his way to his position, a thoughtful look on his face.

"So, did I get you into any trouble with the sinister one, sunshine?" George gave Jeff an amused look.

Jeff blinked. Sunshine? "Ar…are you talking to me?"

"Who else would I be talking to?" George laughed when Jeff blushed furiously. He loved to tease him.

"Don't call him that in front of you know who," Chris warned. "I would hate to be the one to pull him off you. He will destroy everyone who gets in his way, especially me," he said woefully.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of him. I thought they call you the Lionheart," George quipped.

"Hey! I can whup the Dead Man's ass if I want to!" Chris bragged but the next moment, "Don't tell him I said that, Jeff." Everyone pealed with laughter.

"Okay, we better settle down and start rehearsing, we're running late. I want to retire early for the games tomorrow," Ricky said.

They took short breaks in between rehearsals, evaluating on how they could improve their performance. Just as they approached the final hour, all of them started to feel a little strange. Jeff staggered to a chair and sat down. "I...I don't feel so good," he said breathlessly. He felt extremely warm and looked flushed, his heart was racing much too fast and he felt woozy.

Chris refilled the glass with water and gave it to him while George looked on anxiously.

Chris tugged at the collar of his shirt uncomfortably. "Is it just me or is it getting really hot in here? Maybe the air conditioning has stalled?"

George took in slow, deep breaths, trying to regulate his breathing. The headache he felt earlier was now a pounding menace. "I think you're right. Let's get out of here." He moved to help Jeff to his feet but the sound of a crash stopped him. They turned to see that Ricky had fallen. He had knocked down the cymbals.

"Ricky!" George went to his aid, ignoring the pounding in his head.

Ricky looked pale. "I..I can't breathe," he gasped for air.

"We have to get you out of here!" George tried to help him up but Ricky couldn't even get to his feet. He let out a moan and slumped forward.

"Don't quit on me now!" George patted him on the cheeks to rouse him but Ricky was unresponsive.

"Chris! Help me with …" he stopped suddenly when he noticed Chris ripping Jeff's pants off with a sense of urgency. The boy was writhing on his back and touching himself, moaning softly.

"Wha..what are you doing?" George looked on in shock.

Chris didn't even hear him. The blood was roaring in his head and his cock was hard and aching. The only call he heard was that of his needs. He pulled down his pants and his cock sprung free.

"No!" his protest was lost to deaf ears.

Chris spread Jeff's legs and moved in between them. He growled as he impaled him quickly. Jeff cried out, arching his body to take him in. "So tight … so fucking tight …" the fire burned in Chris' eyes as he moved frantically against Jeff.

Jeff met his thrusts eagerly, crying out deliriously. His whole body was on fire and his lust burned like a voracious hunger. "Fuck me hard!" he cried out. His body quivered at the onslaught as Chris redoubled his efforts, rutting ferociously against him.

"You want hard? I will fuck you so hard that you won't even remember your own name!" Chris growled as he slammed down hard into him.

Ricky lay forgotten as George made his way towards them. The whole situation seemed so surreal. He felt like they were in a dream-state. All sense of logic failed him and there was only one voice he listened to, his lust which called for him to partake in the takings. He needed to mate, he desperately wanted to mate. It was the only thing he could think about.

Chris pumped his hips furiously, howling as he finally climaxed. Jeff followed, letting out a guttural cry as he shot his release, jerking and twitching spasmodically under Chris.

"Get off him!" George pushed Chris off and took his place. Wasting no time, he hauled Jeff's legs over his shoulders and plunged into his welcoming heat, groaning at the sheer pleasure of being buried in him. "You're so fucking hot … and sweet!" he groaned as he slapped his hips forward frantically. He felt like he was being sucked into a vortex as the spasms from Jeff's earlier orgasm were sucking him in greedily. Jeff's sexual appetite was insatiable. It urged him on and he met George's thrust for thrust. He couldn't think, he could only listen and obeyed his burning desire to fuck.

The door opened but no one noticed. Chris's glassy eyes were fixated on the coupling taking place before him. He was waiting for another turn.

Mark looked still, frozen in shock at the sight that greeted him. Jeff was on his back, crying out incoherently as he was being fucked and it was clear he was enjoying it; he was urging George to fuck him even harder. Mark felt like a knife had tore through his heart. How could Jeff betray him? He couldn't bring himself to move forward, to put a stop to what was happening and demand an explanation. Instead, he quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him. With shoulders slumped over, he went back the way he came. He badly needed a drink.

Half an hour later, Shawn and Hunter stood outside the room. Although Hunter had managed to discourage Shawn from becoming a back-up dancer in the troupe, Shawn insisted he wanted to drop by and see how they were doing. When they opened the door, they were in for a rude shock. All four men were lying motionless on the floor.

"Oh my God!" Shawn and Hunter ran to check on them. Except for Ricky, the other three were in various states of undress. "We need an ambulance! Ricky is barely breathing!" Shawn looked grim.

While Hunter called for help, Shawn quickly checked on the others and they seemed to be alright except that he couldn't rouse them. The fact that Jeff was covered in cum stopped him from calling Mark for assistance. Mark didn't need to see Jeff like this. Something had gone very wrong in this room.

"Help is on its way!" Hunter checked on Ricky, he was breathing but his pulse was weak. "How are the others?"

"I can't wake them up, but their pulse is steady. Look at Jeff. Does it look like there was an orgy?" Shawn asked uneasily.

"The situation doesn't look good. Let's clean Jeff up and put on his pants. We don't need anyone to see him like that. I'll help with the other two." They quickly set about doing it.

"Should we call Mark and let him know?" Hunter asked.

"I don't think we should," Shawn decided against it. "Let the medic check them over and once we know their condition, then we will decide."

The medic came and Ricky was transported to the hospital first. He was in critical condition. Shawn went along with him. Hunter stayed behind with the others whose condition seemed stable. However, it was decided they should go to the hospital for a check-up.

It was around three in the morning when Jeff, accompanied by Shawn and Hunter, returned to the hotel. Chris and George had stayed back to keep vigil over Ricky. Ricky was conscious and his condition had somewhat stabilized but the doctor said something had caused his heart to almost fail him. He wanted to keep Ricky back for observation for at least twenty-four hours and they decided to stay with him.

"Thanks for everything," Jeff turned to Shawn and Hunter who had escorted him to his room. They had tried to call Mark but couldn't reach him. Shawn was certain that he would be worried by now over Jeff's disappearance.

"You're welcome. Mark has to be worried sick by now, you better go in." Shawn had tried to find out what happened but Jeff had no recollection whatsoever. Under the circumstances, Shawn and Hunter refrained from telling him how they had found him and the others. They decided to talk to Chris separately once he got back and see if he remembered anything.

They bade Jeff goodnight and left. Jeff didn't have the cardkey and knocked on the door. For some reason he couldn't comprehend, his whole body ached and he was exhausted. He was looking forward to crawling into bed with Mark after a hot shower, but no one answered the door. He knocked again, louder this time. Maybe Mark had fallen asleep and couldn't hear him. He didn't hear him coming up from behind him.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Mark rasped out, weaving on his feet. Apparently, he was drunk.

Jeff was startled to see him in that condition. "Are you …" but Mark didn't let him finish.

"Get out of my sight! I don't ever want to see you again!" he shoved Jeff out of his way.

"Mark, you have too much to drink," Jeff stepped up to help him open the door when he seemed to be having difficulty trying to open it.

"Don't touch me!" Mark gave him a look of disgust.

"What?" Jeff was confused and hurt by his behavior.

"You!" Mark pointed an accusing finger at him, "I saw you with your legs wide open and him pounding into you! You were enjoying yourself …" a look of hurt crossed his face, "I thought I could trust you, but I was wrong. You're just a slut! Now, get out of my sight!" and he turned back, trying to get the door open so he could get away from him. He growled in exasperation when he couldn't get it open. Too much alcohol, he couldn't see straight and his hand was unsteady.

Jeff stood in muted silence, shocked at what he had just heard. No! It can't be true! He would never do such a thing to him! He needed to find out where Mark got the idea that he had betrayed him.

"Mark, I don't know what you're talking about. There must be some mistake …" He made a mistake of touching him and Mark whipped around and slammed him hard against the wall. The back of Jeff's head bounced off it and he saw stars.

"I'm not interested to hear what you have to say! Don't ever come near me again!" Mark released him and Jeff slid to the floor, feeling sick to his stomach. Mark managed to get the door open and went in. He reappeared a while later. "Get your things and get out!" He flung the bag containing his belongings at his feet and slammed the door shut.

Jeff sat there, trying to get his bearings. He felt woozy, sick, confused, utterly exhausted and hurt. Why was Mark saying all those things to him? His tears fell steadily as he struggled slowly to his feet. Was there truth in his words? Jeff was beginning to have misgivings. He couldn't remember how they ended up in the hospital and why they were there. Shawn said he found them unconscious. The last thing he remembered was a feeling of breathlessness and then, everything after that was a blank. He decided to try and talk to Mark again in the morning when he was sober.

Jeff realized he had no place to stay. Matt definitely must be staying with Torri, so he couldn't go there. He could use Chris' room but he didn't have access to it and he didn't have any money to get another room. He took his bag and went downstairs, unsure where he was going and found himself walking towards the beach. It was a warm night and he decided he could spend the night at the beach. As he headed to one of the benches, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw two men following him at a close distance and was immediately on his guard.

"Hey kid," the two men got closer to him.

His mind screamed at him to run but his feet couldn't move. He was frozen in fear. How many times had Matt told him never to go off by himself? Too many times and he had forgotten his warning and this time, he feared it would cost him.

"Don't be afraid, we just thought you would like some company," the taller man grinned salaciously.

Jeff backed slowly away from them. "I…I don't want your company, go away!"

The two men looked around and Jeff realized he was cut off from any help. There wasn't any one around except them. He had to get away before it was too late. He turned to flee but the men seemed to read his thoughts and caught him. The taller man clapped his hand against his mouth, "I'll gut you where you stand if you scream," he said menacingly even as Jeff struggled furiously to get free. They dragged him further down along the beach, away from the hotel, their intent was clear.

Jeff knew he had only one shot and he waited for it. They released him briefly to pull his clothes off but he was fortunate there was plenty of sand around. He grabbed a handful and hurled into their eyes and scrambling to his feet, ran for his life. They shouted at him, giving chase even though they were partially blinded. Jeff ran towards the road that divided the beach from the hotel, he knew he had to get to the hotel. In his desperation to get away, he didn't see the fast approaching vehicle. He was blinded by its headlights momentarily just before he was hit. He was sent flying and hit the tarmac surface a few meters away with a thud.

-ooo—

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