Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.~~~John Lennon

*~*~*

Hunter did not get any sleep at all that night. He tossed and turned for several hours wondering whether or not Jeff would come back. He also – though he hated to admit it – thought about John as well. They roughed him up pretty bad, maybe even cracked a few bones but that was nothing compared to what they originally had planned. Thank God that Jeff tagged along. Jeff… Hunter sat up all night reflecting on his relationship with Jeff. It was not easy getting to where they are today. Shannon screwed with Jeff's head so much that by the time they started dating, Jeff had lost all hope of ever meeting someone who cared for him, the real Jeff Hardy. Then there was Hunter's relationship with Shawn which was still in effect, at least physically. Hunter and Shawn were still sleeping together but there came a point when both men realized that's all it was and that's all it would ever be. Cena… Shawn fell in love with Cena when Hunter was hurt and it was completely accidental. Same could be said about Hunter who loved Jeff when he was moved to Smackdown. Jeff of course, lashed out at Hunter when he first confessed because Jeff felt that no one could ever take Shawn's place.

It was true, but then it was also a lie. Sure no one would ever replace Shawn or could ever give him what Shawn gave him but then, Jeff could give what Shawn could not – true love. Shawn and I love each other but we never can seem to make it work. Shawn… The way he looked at Cena sometimes… There was a time when I would have killed to have him look at me that way. Hunter realized that it just wasn't going to work and in the end they mutually parted ways…well after he cheated. He never meant to cheat on Shawn but at the time he was so sure Shawn was already sleeping with Cena that he threw all thoughts out the window when Jeff seduced him. By the time their lips touched, it was too late. There was no turning back…

"God Jeff…" Jeff pulled Hunter down on top of him, their lips meeting for a crushing kiss.

"I don't care," Jeff breathed. "I want you." Hunter's hands fumbled trying to unbutton Jeff's pants while Jeff sucked on the nape of his neck. "God Hunter hurry. I need you inside me." Hunter pulled away just enough to rid Jeff of his pants before scrambling on top of him again. Jeff spread his legs welcoming Hunter.

"Are…are you sure?"

"God yes! Just do it!" Hunter thrust inside of him, Jeff's hot, tight muscles surrounding him beautifully. He bit down into Jeff's neck, thrusting faster and harder while the smaller man arched into him.

"Fuck yes Hunter! I…I love you." Hunter covered his mouth, thrusting deeper and harder a few more times until his body trembled madly from his orgasm.

"Ahhhh fuck!" he cried, spilling himself inside of Jeff…

Hunter closed his eyes as a single tear ran down his cheek. I…I miss him. I want him back. Hunter heard a soft knock and his body froze. Is it all in my head or… They knocked again and Hunter quickly rolled out of bed. He raced to the door hoping, praying even that it would be Jeff. Please… Please let it be him… He took a deep breath and opened the door. He'd barely registered who it was before arms were engulfing him in warmth. Hunter wrapped his arms around Jeff and they both just cried; Jeff sobbing into Hunter's chest while Hunter shed silent tears of joy. After a while Jeff looked up at his man with a serious expression on his face.

"We need to talk."

~xx~

John was the first to wake the next morning and pretty early too. He took a deep breath inhaling the sweet smell of the Deadman laying next to him. Not wanting to wake him, John slowly lifted his head so he could get a good look at his sleeping body. Mark's head was cocked slightly to the side, his long dark hair covering half of his face. Not being able to resist, John reached up and moved the hair to the side revealing pale lips that were dry from the circulating air in the room. John bit his lower lip, resisting the urge to wet them for him but it was hard. John sighed as he lay back down next to Mark. He thought about the first time he laid eyes on him. It was right after he won 'Tough Enough'. One of his trainers Al Snow brought him along for a taping of Monday Night Raw. He sat backstage watching the different wrestlers discuss possible match outcomes and stretch for their matches. Mark was one of them. He was in a fiery feud opposite Dave Bautista and the two of them were having a discussion about their next promo. Mark was dressed in normal clothes then wearing some tight blue jeans that were rugged and worn with worker's boots and a white tee. His hair hung freely, just stopping at his broad shoulders. He looked absolutely dangerous yet gorgeous too. John just couldn't take his eyes off of him.

Of course he was too afraid to say anything to him then and nothing really changed once he started wrestling. John was drafted to ECW but wrestled regularly on Smackdown as well. He would always stand idly by watching Mark on the sly as he changed for matches or talked with some of his buddies, which were few in number. John wanted so badly to approach Mark and befriend him, but whenever he caught Mark alone something always came up preventing him from approaching him. John gave up on him after a while but just his good luck he managed to bump right into him a few weeks ago. Just my good luck…and my bad luck. He couldn't describe the feeling of having Mark tower over him. It was unlike anything he ever felt before. His massive height should have scared the hell out of him but instead, it stimulated his senses turning him on in ways Mark couldn't possibly understand. John thought that finally, finally he had an excuse to approach the man next time for a real conversation but instead, he ended up being the prey, and not in a good way. Their first conversation ended on bad terms. Mark was pissed off about the rumors traveling around about his good friend and who could blame him? The things people were saying about Shawn were humiliating and it was only natural for someone like Mark to get upset. With Shawn being a veteran and a well respected future Hall of Famer, it was literally a slap in the face to them both when people tried to smear his good name. I learned from my mistake thanks to Mark. I hope he understands that I've changed.

John shifted a little hoping that he didn't wake Mark. He was starting to feel a little uncomfortable due to the annoying tingle in his pants. Every time he thought about Mark towering over him, it made his body tingle and his mind think terribly dirty things about the two of them. John chanced a glance at the sleeping man's face again. He was still sound asleep, lost in his peaceful dreams. John ghosted his hand across Mark's chest getting lost in the outline of his perfect abs. What a body… John's finger slid gracefully up and down Mark's stomach stopping at the band around his waist. Mark's waist band was acting as a shield preventing John from getting out of line. But I want to touch him…

John carefully slid his hand over the waist band, his hands taking in the feel of the smooth silk against the palm of his hand. He stopped when he reached Mark's huge bulge and just ran a finger up and down his length through the silky material. Mark shifted a little in his sleep but he still did not awaken. John's lips curled into a smile. God I hope he doesn't kill me. He suddenly worked up the nerve to wrap his hand around Mark's length. He moved his hand stroking him slowly until he felt Mark's member start to harden. Mark shifted again, mumbling something incoherent which made John snicker. This is too much fun. He stroked him a little bit faster being careful not to tug him. Soon Mark's member was standing erect through his boxers and John was curious to have a look. John carefully rolled over straddling Mark's waist. He slid his hands up Mark's body, out and over his chest then leaned forward brushing his lips against his.

"Mn…John…" Mark mumbled in his sleep. John froze on the spot, wondering if Mark was really asleep. He ran his tongue across Mark's lips teasing them until they parted. John seized the moment kissing him like he'd always wanted. Mark's eyes suddenly fluttered open then went wide with surprise at what he saw. He thought he was dreaming. He thought that last night never really happened and that John was in his own room with Mike but no… John was really there lying on top of him kissing his lips and he was too stunned to do anything about it. John's lips left Mark's to lick and suck at his neck. Mark gasped at the sensation unable to control himself. It's been a while since he's been with anyone, let alone anyone brave enough to try and seduce him. John's nipping and sucking was starting to drive Mark crazy. What a way to wake up… Painfully hard and getting harder…

John suddenly lifted his head meeting Mark's gaze. For a moment neither man said a word. Mark of course, was unsure of what to do next. While he really, really liked the kid, he still wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do. Still, that didn't change the fact that he was painfully aroused and in desperate need of relief. The kid seemed to understand Mark's dilemma so he wasted no time engaging Mark in another kiss. He wanted Mark. He needed Mark and by God he was going to have him! John tore his lips away and started kissing down Mark's chest.

"K…Kid," he stammered. "John…are you sure you know…Ahhhh God!" John shut him up by slipping his hand in his boxers, clasping his already erect member. He refused to give Mark a chance to get away. This time there would be no interruptions. Just him and Mark. He pulled Mark's cock out and quickly covered him with his mouth. "Oh God kid!" he screamed. It was good. It felt so good that he feared he would cum too soon. John's tongue worked magic on his cock, licking the sides, teasing the head then engulfing him all over again. John's mouth was hot and tight, just perfect for him. Mark gripped the sheets thrusting his hips forward until he felt his knees giving away. "Oh John I'm about to…Ahhhh!" John licked his lips then took Mark deep in his mouth letting the warm substance slide down his throat. Mark laid back against the sheets catching his breath. He waited to see what the kid would do next but John did nothing. He just stared at Mark biting his lip like he was holding back. Mark grinned. I love this kid.

"Come here," he growled. John obediently crawled over to him but taken completely by surprise when Mark grabbed him pulling him into a kiss. "You…are…such…a…trip," he murmured. He pulled away smiling at the kid. John's erection was pressing against his thigh and it was more than turning him on again. "Take me." John's eyes got real big and he looked a little scared but Mark kissed his lips again reassuring him it was okay. "Go ahead. I dare you." John licked his lips.

"It'll be my pleasure," he whispered. Mark watched fascinated as John rid himself of his shorts before turning over. Oh man he's so fucking hot… John coated his pretty sizable cock with lotion then took hold of Mark's hips. Mark hissed as he felt John enter him slowly. John waited while Mark wiggled around adjusting to the size of John's cock. John moved in and out of him slowly.

"Oh fuck John," he moaned. The kid grinned and started moving faster, filling Mark completely. John was nailing Mark's prostate with each and every thrust driving the big man insane. "Fuck kid…harder! Fuck me harder!" John gripped his hips tighter slamming into him. Mark gripped the sheets tighter, loving the way the kid pounded into him.

"Mmm…Mark…fuck you're so good…I'm about to cum…" He slammed him harder and harder, moaning Mark's name. "Ahhh!" John held Mark tight, filling him with his cum as they both peaked. Mark rolled over and John collapsed on top of him, both breathing hard from their lovemaking. Mark combed his fingers through John's perfect hair chuckling to himself.

"What's so funny?" John breathed. He was still high from his orgasm which made Mark chuckle even more.

"You," he answered. "I knew you were a little daredevil but I never imagined you'd do something like this." John raised his head a little looking at his lover.

"Why is that?"

"I…don't know. Maybe it's the age difference. Fuck John I don't know. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I never thought you were interested in me like that ya know what I mean?"

"Yeah but why wouldn't I be?"

"Well…fuck kid this is hard for me," he sighed. "I…Just a few weeks ago Trips was telling me to lose my creepy guy persona and open up more. I was feeling kind of down. I got onto him about Shawn and then seeing him with Jeff… Made me kind of jealous. Anyway, the point is I just…never thought I'd find someone interested in a guy like me – and so soon." John slid his body up Mark's enough to plant a slow, lingering kiss on his lips.

"I've been interested in you since the first day I started wrestling for Vince. I'm pretty sure I loved you then and I love you now." Mark's jaw just dropped. Love? Did this kid just tell me he loved me?

"You…love me?" It was…shocking. It was absurd. It was…crazy, but he was sure he felt the same way too. God I love this kid! So unpredictable…

"Yeah. I do," he grinned. "But if you don't love me back it's cool. I'll still love you no matter what. And unless there's someone else you're planning on going after then I'm going to follow you around like a lost puppy." Mark could only laugh.

"Then maybe I should get you a leash then." He pressed his lips to John's mouth tasting his sweet lips again.

"I'd like that," he whispered before Mark ravished his new love beginning round two.

~xx~

Hunter followed Jeff back into their room and waited for him to speak. Jeff paced the room for a minute or two then he started speaking.

"I spent the night at the arena…in Vince's office with Shawn."

"Oh…Wow uh… Wasn't expecting that." Especially since you hate him. Hunter took a seat on the edge of the bed while Jeff stood over him. Hunter tried to read the expression on his face but he was drawing a blank. It was enough to make him crazy. Just what was Jeff about to say to him?

"I…I know. I mean, I wasn't planning on it ya know. It just sort of happened." Hunter didn't know what to say so he waited. He hadn't a clue what Jeff was getting at but he hoped to God that it wasn't… No…He wouldn't…Shawn wouldn't… He shook the thought from his mind. Jeff was his and his alone so he had no worries right? "It was a pretty interesting night Hunter. Very informative. Learned a few things about him and myself."

"Like?"

"Shawn and I are a lot alike. That is to say, we both share some of the same interests."

"Oh?"

"Yeah." Jeff stopped pacing the room to look his lover in the eye. "I kissed him last night Hunter and you know what? I liked it." Jeff waited for Hunter to blow up at him but he did not. Instead Hunter lowered his head staring at the floor.

"I guess I deserved that."

"Yeah. I guess you did but the thing is Hunter, it did nothing for me or for him." Hunter's head shot up, his face showing signs of relief. "I enjoyed the kiss I shared with him. It was full of raw hunger and passion brought on from layers of built up tension. Not necessarily tension between us but I think it was kind of a release for the both of us." Jeff finally took a seat next to Hunter. "Look Hunter, after seeing what you did last night, a part of me was ready to walk out that door and never come back. But Shawn…Shawn actually forgave you for what you did to John and if he can forgive you so can I. I love you Hunter but sometimes you really push the envelope."

"I know Jeff and I'm sorry. It's just…if you were in Shawn's place I'd have done the same thing."

"And I get that now but you can't…you can't just do things like that without taking everyone's feelings into consideration."

"You mean Shawn's feelings right?"

"Yeah I do." Jeff sighed. "Hunter, I know you don't like John and neither do I but I know for a fact that Shawn loves John and we can't interfere with true love." Hunter shook his head furiously.

"No, no, no, Shawn doesn't love—

"Why is it so hard for you to accept that?" Jeff snapped. "Is it because John's beneath you? If that's how you feel Hunter then I'm half a mind to walk out that door right now."

"How Jeff?" he yelled. "How can you say that? Did Shawn tell you that?"

"As a matter of fact he did!" Jeff huffed. "And you…you weren't there last night Hunter. You didn't hear his side of the story. I…I bawled half the night after listening to the hell he's been through. You guys…That's where you went wrong. You guys think you know what's been going on. You…all of you are fucking clueless! That rape had absolutely nothing to do with John!"

"And the deal? What of the deal he struck with John?" Jeff glared at Hunter.

"That so called deal Hunter was made to protect Bret Hart and no, Shawn has not slept with John. In fact, besides the one real fight they had over a month ago, John hasn't touched Shawn in weeks. They've never even had sex and probably never will."

"Then…then what kind of deal…?"

"John apparently offered Shawn a deal in order to help him out but of course with Jibble, there's always a catch. His real intention in the beginning was to parade Shawn around as his lover and side kick for show. Shawn would endure public humiliation on screen while off screen, becoming his sex toy…well, at least that's how Shawn perceived it."

"So you mean to tell me that John never took Shawn up on the 'sex toy' part of the deal?" Hunter asked. This…this is crazy. Who wouldn't sleep with Shawn? Jeff shook his head.

"Nope. Shawn inquired John about it once but it led to a heated argument. John told him to just let it go and so he did. But just a few days ago, Shawn discovered something that made him rethink the entire deal with John."

"What? What'd he find out?"

"I don't know of you've seen it, but Shawn has a bracelet that was given to him by Jibble the day after they cut the deal. It has an inscription on it carved in French and Shawn was asked to never take it off."

"Like a leash right? Er…some kind of reminder that Shawn belongs to John."

"That's what it used to be but Shawn thinks otherwise and so do I."

"So what's it mean? What does the inscription say?" Jeff smiled.

"It says Si je sais ce qu'est l'amour, c'est à cause de vous, which means if I know what love is, it's because of you."

"Wha…what? Are you…? Get out."

"Melina told him what it meant a few days ago which is why Shawn's been so distraught. John's behavior has been so sporadic. He yells at Shawn to push him away but then there are times when they are locked in moments of heated passion. Shawn's been trying to figure a lot of things out lately and now that he knows what John's real intention might have been, it's only made him love the guy even more. He was honestly trying to change Hunter and I think he has. They…I saw them. I watched them through a crack in the blinds interact and you can tell that they love each other so much." Just thinking about the way Shawn kissed John brought tears to Jeff's eyes. I felt passion when he kissed me as well...so sad...

"Wow. I didn't…I mean I never would have figured…"

"You told me a long time ago that Shawn has the power to change people and I think he did that…with John. But… If you really hate the idea of seeing the two of them together then I don't think you have to worry too much."

"Why you say that?"

"Shawn…John told him that if he helps him beat Cena on Sunday then he's free to go."

"Just like that?"

"Yep. Just like that. Only thing is, John's already paid the debt off for Bret so technically Shawn's free to go now if he chooses."

"But he's not," Hunter finished softly. Shawn won't leave if he loves him... He shook his head, the realization of everything overwhelming him with feelings of guilt and hurt. "I…damn I fucked up." Jeff threw his arms around his lover.

"I'd be lying if I said you didn't but you did – and big time. But give him some time. He loves you so much Hunter, just as much as I love you. He just needs some time ya know? He's struggling with so many things right now and he's going to be a wreck unless somebody talks some sense into JBL. Shawn really wants to be with him but he thinks John will be better off without him." Hunter quirked his brow.

"I know…you're not suggesting…?"

"I'm not saying you should do anything. I was just putting it out there. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to lay down for a while. I was up all night and I'm totally beat."

"So…so you and I…are we…?"

"Of course we're cool dummy. I love you too much to throw it all away but tread lightly Hunter. I'm still pissed at you about last night but I'm willing to let it slide if you start minding your own business." Hunter pressed his lips to Jeff's.

"I love you too sweetie and I'm sorry…about everything." Jeff just smiled.

"I know you are now leave me alone. I'm going to bed."

"Night love." Hunter moved to one of the chairs in the room while his lover got in bed. He was so glad to have Jeff back that nothing else mattered anymore. He lost Shawn and to lose Jeff would have made him crazy. But now that everything was fine between them, he couldn't stop himself from wondering about that bracelet. Maybe Jeff's right… Maybe I should see for myself…

AN: If I know what love is, it is because of you~~~Herman Hesse