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

What can I say but thank you! I'm really motivated to make this more interesting as I go along!

But before you go on to read, I have something to say about your reactions to Vince/Eric. Come on now people, even old people needs loving and they do have sex! And we're not talking about just anybody here, it's Vince and Eric! They are so good at what they do and they are very much alike, except Vince is so much wealthier. So, give them due credit and respect their secret affair. But LCHime, I'm sorry but I won't be mentioning them again in here. Enough said, on with the story!


Chapter 29

Matt wasn't sure he was doing the right thing but on a whim, he seated Raven directly opposite his brother at the dinner table. Hunter and Kevin were seated on either side of Raven. Three tables were joined to accommodate everyone. All throughout the meal, Raven couldn't help staring at Jeff. Hunter had discreetly kicked him underneath the table while hissing behind his napkin, "Stop staring! You're making the poor boy nervous!"

Jeff kept his eyes down but occasionally glanced up furtively at Raven. Each time he looked up, Raven caught his eyes and he would quickly avert them. He felt so self-conscious and in his state of anxiety, started shoveling mashed potatoes into his mouth without realizing it.

Raven watched him quietly for several moments before finally speaking up, "Save some of that for us, Jeff. There won't be any left if you keep stuffing those potatoes into your mouth."

Jeff choked on a mouthful of potatoes and Glenn patted him on his back and asked, "Are you okay?"

Jeff swallowed and gasped and nodded his head. He turned red with embarrassment. Wiping his mouth with a napkin after taking a sip of water, he tried very hard not to look at Raven. But he had to look up sometime and he just couldn't avoid Raven's eyes. He blushed, noticing Raven was still looking at him.

Kevin called his attention when he asked, "So, Jeff, when are you coming back?"

Jeff hesitated momentarily before informing him that he had yet to decide. It was the truth. He hadn't decided if he wanted to return at all.

Shawn addressed him quietly at Hunter's side, "Don't take too long to make up your mind, we miss you."

Jeff wasn't the only person who was startled by his words. But Shawn wasn't through springing surprises.

He looked at everyone and in a somber tone, spoke quietly but clearly, "Since I have everyone's attention, I want to apologize to all of you for my past and recent bad behavior. I'm sorry I've been acting like a damn fool and asshole! I hope you can forgive me."

He turned to address Jeff, "Jeff, I'm really sorry for all the nasty things I've said to you. I didn't mean them at all, I was just jealous. I won't blame you if you'll never speak to me again, but I hope you can forgive me. Please, will you forgive me?"

Jeff smiled warmly at him and nodded, "I can never hate you Shawn, I forgive you. I'm glad we can be friends."

Shawn smiled at him gratefully before turning to Mark and Glenn. "I don't know if it's too late for me to make amends but I'm truly sorry for all the things I've done. I've caused grievous pain and hurt to the both of you for the longest time ever. I know my saying sorry isn't going to cut it but please accept my apologies and forgive me? I would hate myself if you don't."

Mark responded first. "You are forgiven Shawn but there's something else I would like to say." When Shawn waited for him to continue, he added, "When you're holding something precious as love in your hands, don't ever take it for granted and let it go. You'll never know if you can find it again. I hope you'll think about what I've just said."

He glanced over at Hunter and gave him a nod of acknowledgement when he gave him a smile of gratitude.

Shawn nodded quietly. He moved to grasp Hunter's hand, which was resting on top the table, and said to Mark, "I'm not letting love slip away from me a second time! Thank you for everything that you've done for me, your friendship and your compassion to forgive me in spite of what I did! Thank you, Mark, for being my friend!"

Mark nodded and smiled and Shawn let out a deep sigh of relief. He was glad that Mark had forgiven him finally. He turned to look hesitatingly at Glenn who wasn't about to make it easy for him, for Shawn had hurt the two people that meant the whole world to him - Mark and Jeff.

Jeff realized that Glenn was looking grimly at Shawn, who looked down shamefaced, not expecting his forgiveness. Feeling sorry for the heartbreak kid, he kicked Glenn gently in the shin under the table and mouthed, "Please?" Glenn hesitated before letting out a sigh of resignation.

He spoke in his usual gruff manner, "We'll bury the hatchet. I forgive you since Mark and Jeff have forgiven you." He still found it difficult to completely forgive Shawn but he would try since he didn't want to make things uncomfortable for anyone.

Shawn smiled, relief written all over his face. Jeff suddenly jumped, making the plates and cutlery clang against the table. Glenn's hand stroked his inner thigh underneath the table and he leaned over to whisper in his ear, "You owe me one, sweetie!"

Snickers could be heard around the table and Jeff turned crimson. He took a drink from his glass, trying to look nonchalant.

Shawn apologized to all the Kliq members as well, "I promise to behave from now on. If I step out of line, please feel free to kick my ass!" he told them. Some guffawed and others smiled.

Hunter grinned and said, "Don't worry guys, I'll do the kicking myself if it comes to that!" and everyone laughed. The tension eased considerably in the room as they resumed their dinner, eating leisurely and making casual conversation.

After dinner, the guests decided to bring their bags to where they had been designated to stay for the week. Jay would move over to Shane's place and stay there with Shawn and Hunter, while Kevin, Sean and Raven would stay over at Shannon's. Scott would be staying with Matt and the rest of the guys. Before departing, some of them made plans to explore the night scene of the little town. Adam and Chris cried off, saying they had other plans and disappeared into their room. They were going out on a date that night and they didn't want anyone to find out. They intended to sneak out when the others weren't around.

Matt decided to bring the others out to a watering hole located just on the outskirts of Raleigh. He had only been there a couple of times but the place had a pleasant ambience. They promised to meet after they had unpacked.

While they were collecting their bags and getting ready to go, Mark approached Raven and asked, "Can we talk?" and he nodded without hesitation.

Shannon said he would bring Raven's things back with him and come back for him later. He left the house with Kevin and Sean, practically bouncing with excitement. Kevin and Sean laughed amusingly as they followed him out, bowled over by his zest for life.

Raven followed Mark outside to the backyard. They sat on the rocking chairs and stayed quiet, listening to the crickets calling out into the night.

Raven finally broke the silence, "What do you want to talk about?"

Mark turned towards him, "It's about Jeff."

When Raven didn't say anything, he continued. "First of all, he's still nervous around you. He didn't want you to think that he's ignoring you but he says he will talk to you when he's ready." Raven nodded his understanding but remained silent.

"What are you expecting from him?" Mark asked him quietly. He was never one to beat around the bush. He didn't expect Raven to give up pursuing Jeff. The man had gone to great lengths and got into a lot of trouble to get his hands on Jeff.

Raven looked up at Mark, "I don't know … maybe, his understanding?"

"Jeff's so confused now," Mark spoke carefully, "he doesn't know how he feels about you yet. But I want you to know that whatever his decision, Glenn and I will respect it, and so, should you."

Raven looked surprised. "Jeff has feelings for me?"

When Mark nodded, he felt overwhelmed by the thought that Jeff might possibly love him. But was it true and if it was, why would Mark let him have access to Jeff? And then, it dawned on him. Mark said he and Glenn would respect Jeff's decision. The two men loved Jeff so much that they were prepared to sacrifice their own happiness if he so decides he loved another. They only wanted Jeff to be happy.

Raven studied Mark silently, wondering if he was for real. Everything he heard being said in the locker room about the Deadman was true and it was no wonder everyone respected him!

He gave him a small smile and said, "You don't have to come out here and tell me this but I really appreciate what you're doing. And, thanks for dropping the charges against me." He hesitated before asking, "Do you think he'll talk to me now? Almost everyone's gone. He may feel more comfortable without an audience.

Mark paused before getting up. "Wait here, I'll go and ask Jeff but don't be disappointed if he refuses to see you now."

Mark disappeared back into the house while Raven waited anxiously. Minutes ticked by and the back door finally opened. He glanced up quickly and was relieved to see Mark returning with Jeff. Jeff looked so nervous that Raven felt sorry for putting him through the ordeal.

Mark guided the nerve-wracked blonde over and assured him, "We'll be right inside if you need us," and left immediately, pulling the door closed behind him.

Jeff slid quietly into the rocking chair and folded his legs up. He rocked gently, trying to quiet his nerves. His heart was racing at Raven's close quarters and he licked his lips nervously. He wasn't prepared to talk to Raven but Mark told him that even if he didn't want to speak to him, he should at least listen to what he had to say.

Raven sat watching him for several moments before speaking in a gentle tone, "Don't be afraid of me, Jeff, I won't hurt you."

Jeff nodded without looking at him. He wrapped his arms around himself and waited for Raven to speak.

"I miss you," Raven said quietly. Jeff blushed but remained silent. He stopped rocking the chair, giving Raven his full attention but still not looking at him.

"I did what I did because I want to be with you. I'm sorry that I went about it the wrong way. I shouldn't have kidnapped your brother and I'm sorry for almost getting Mark killed in the process. But don't expect me to apologize for … loving you."

He spoke in such a soft endearing tone that Jeff found himself quivering. He tightened his arms around himself to still his trembling.

Raven leaned slightly towards him and said, "I'm not asking you to reciprocate my feelings but I just want you to know how I feel about you. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

He paused, realizing that Jeff was trembling. He wasn't sure if it was out of fear or he was just getting emotional but his bet was on the latter. He decided to back off. Maybe he was pushing it just a little at their first meeting. He didn't want Jeff to feel awkward around him.

"I think I've said enough for the time being. Maybe, we could talk some other time when you feel more comfortable."

He waited to see if Jeff would say something to him or just walk away.

There was confusion written all over Jeff's face. This Raven was not the one he knew. The man sitting in front of him was a changed person altogether. He didn't know what to make of him.

He finally raised his eyes to meet Raven's, "I … I don't know what to say." He swallowed hard before continuing, "I … I need time to think over what you've just said."

He wasn't sure how to proceed but Raven gave him a comforting smile, "It's okay, you don't need to say more. I understand."

He decided to steer to a safer subject so that Jeff would feel more at ease with him. "I took a walk through the woods earlier on and it clearly reminds me of home. It's so beautiful and peaceful out here."

Jeff flushed with pleasure and murmured shyly, "Thank you. Do make yourself comfortable during your stay here. There isn't much to do in our little town but we'll take you all out tonight for some fun."

He got up to his feet and Raven joined him. Both men gazed at each other for a while, Raven looked at him with tenderness and Jeff just looked uncertain. He stood quietly and bit down on his lip when Raven reached out and tenderly brushed back some hair that had fallen across his face. The look of desire was evident in Raven's face.

Jeff spoke quickly, "I'll see you later," and disappeared into the house.

Raven stood there silently, watching the closed door. A smile slowly broke across his face and he whispered to himself, "I'll see you later, Jeff."

He was pleased to make some headway with Jeff. At least, they were talking now.

~*~

Getting everyone transported to their venue proved to be a problem. With only two vehicles, it would be a challenge to squeeze all twelve people, excluding Adam and Chris into them. They finally decided that it would be easier to take cabs there instead so they could drink to their hearts' content without worrying about driving back.

The group was in high spirits as they entered the bar. Since it was a weekend, the place was fairly packed. The guys craned their necks to look for a place to sit. Kevin finally gestured for them to follow and led the way to some vacant seats right at the back, away from the stage. The group settled down and it wasn't long before a waitress came to take their orders.

"Scotty, remember, only two drinks and then soda from then on," Matt reminded his devoted lover. Scott let out a sigh of resignation before nodding his head in assent.

Soon, their drinks came and the guys relaxed and soaked in the ambience. The band played country rock and was pretty decent. There were two billiard tables and a mechanical bull located at the far end opposite the bar. Several customers were having a roaring good time trying to best their friends' time in staying on it. But everyone got unseated fairly quickly.

Jeff and Shannon whispered excitedly as they eyed the contraption with curiosity. They had never stepped into a pub, less rode on a bull. Shannon was far too young and Jeff received too much unwarranted attention that neither was allowed to step into one, until now.

Glenn noticed their interests and asked, "Want to try it?" and both nodded eagerly. He grinned and got up, "Come on then! Let us see who can stay on it the longest! The winner gets to name his prize!"

Jeff and Shannon eagerly jumped to their feet and Glenn led them forward. As he approached, the rider got off graciously and gestured for him to go ahead. He and his friends stood around with folded arms and big grins on their faces, waiting to see just how good the newcomers were.

Glenn asked, "Who first?" and Shannon yelled, "Me!" and scrambled on top the bull. The bull started rotating slowly but it suddenly bucked and dipped and threw Shannon off under 10 seconds. The bystanders roared their amusement but Shannon grinned at them good naturedly. He dusted himself off, determined to try again after Jeff and Glenn had a go at it.

Jeff got on next. He hanged on tight, hugging the contraption with his knees and nodded that he was ready. The machine started rolling. He realized it was hard to hang on when the bull swung suddenly to the left and dipped sharply, causing him to tumble off it. He squealed with laughter, it was fun! He did no better than Shannon and got to his feet as laughter broke from the crowd but this time, there were some catcalls too. He ignored them, enjoying himself too much to let them dampen his spirits. He gave Glenn a thumb up, wishing him luck. Glenn settled himself comfortably and signaled he was ready. To everyone's surprise, he hanged on much longer and managed to stay on for forty-five seconds. The crowd applauded him and he beamed with satisfaction.

With the exception of Mark, Kevin and Raven who chose just to sit and watch with amusement, the rest of their friends also went up to take a turn at the bull and met with varying degree of success in their first ever attempts at bull-riding. So far, no one had made it to the one-minute mark. There was much hilarity in their attempts. They tried to ride the bull in pairs as well. Sean got his pants almost pulled off by Shannon who fell half way off behind him and tried to hang on by holding on to his pants. They only managed 38 seconds. Glenn and Jeff partnered each other and stayed on the longest for 46 seconds. Shawn and Hunter almost beat their time but was a close second in 45 seconds. Matt and Scott couldn't stay on longer than 35 seconds while Shane and Jay did better at 40 seconds. Everyone had a good time and just when Glenn and Jeff were declared the overall winners, they heard a familiar voice called out to them to wait. Before they knew it, Chris and Adam pushed their way towards them.

"You haven't won yet! Adam and I want a turn on it!" Chris said. "Come on, Adam, lets show them how it's done!"

Both men found out that the only decent pub near the Hardyz' home was here. There wasn't anywhere else they could go out on a date so they decided to join their friends.

Adam looked dubiously at the machine and said, "Huh … I've never ridden a bull before, Chris."

"Just hang on, how difficult can it be?" Chris said as he approached the contraption and Adam followed reluctantly. "Front or back?" he asked and Adam opted to sit at the back.

When both men were ready, the machine was started. The bull rolled, dipped, rotated sharply and bucked, swerving abruptly but they hanged on. Suddenly, it changed direction and dipped backwards and with a yelp, Adam lost his grip and slid backwards off it. He grinned, totally enjoying the experience and his friends clapped and cheered.

"How long did we stay on?" Chris asked as he climbed off the bull.

"43 seconds," Matt said with a huge grin, "Good but not good enough to beat Glenn and Jeff. They won!"

Everyone hooted and applauded and Jeff jumped up with joy to hug Glenn who squeezed him affectionately before putting him down.

Glenn said, "Now, to name our prize. Just give us a few seconds to confer," he said before he leaned down to whisper to Jeff. Jeff giggled and nodded his head fervently and the two men turned to face their fallen comrades in the bull-riding contest.

Eyes gleaming, Glenn said, "We want Mark, Kevin and Raven to come up here and ride the bull."

He grinned mischievously at the three men as the group cheered and started to chant, "Come on up! Come on up! Come on up!"

The three men shook their heads and started protesting but their friends weren't having any of that. They kept chanting until Mark, Kevin and Raven reluctantly got up to join them.

As soon as Mark got beside Glenn, he smacked him on the back of his head and muttered, "Wise guy!" Glenn rubbed his head, thinking of more ways to get at his brother for hitting him.

Jeff giggled and wrapped his arm around Mark and said with a pretty pout, "Don't be a spoil sport, Mark! It's really fun! Just try it, pluwease?"

Mark sighed and said, "None of that from you, young man! I'm going to embarrass myself in front of everyone here! I won't be able to live this down!" he said under his breath.

Kevin chucked and said, "You want to go first? Let them laugh their hardest at you first, so by the time they get to me, they'll all be pooped out from laughing so much!" He received a glare from the Deadman but chose to ignore him.

Kevin next turned to Raven, "Ever rode one before?"

Raven nodded and said, "Yeah," raising some eyebrows and a chorus of oohs and ahhs from their group.

Glenn announced with a smirk on his face, "We've just decided that this contest is now officially a team event."

He knew Mark was going to have a hard time riding the bull and he wanted to punish him by making it a trifle more difficult for him.

"Huh?" Jeff threw him a questioning look. What was Glenn up to?

Glenn continued, "Each of you pick a partner from among us to ride with you. The pair who stayed on the longest gets to name what they want and it shall be granted."

Raven asked, "You mean we can pick anyone?" and Glenn nodded.

"Do Mark, Kevin and I get to name our prize or do we have to confer with our partners?" he asked.

Glenn suddenly became wary of Raven. He hesitated to answer and Jeff whispered to him, "It doesn't matter, does it?"

Raven continued, "Since the three of us are forced to compete, you should let the winner among us name his prize."

Glenn made up his mind, "Since you put it that way, I'll leave it to the three of you to decide on it now."

Mark knew that Raven had something up his sleeves but what? 'Damn it, Glenn! Why did you put me in this position?' He couldn't help wondering if there were repercussions to his brother's foolish idea.

Raven turned to him and Kevin and asked, "So, what should it be?"

Kevin shrugged and said, "It's fine by me either way but I'm with you." He turned to the Deadman, "Mark?"

"I vote to confer with my partner," Mark replied, studying Raven's face. The man was up to something, he was sure of it! An uneasy feeling befell him and he knew that it had to do with Jeff.

"It's two against one, the winner among us gets to name his prize," Raven stated firmly and Mark knew without a doubt that there would be repercussions.

"It's decided then. Who wants to go first?" Glenn asked.

"I'll go first, if you guys don't mind," Raven asked and his competitors nodded their assent.

"Who will be your partner?" Glenn asked and as Mark had anticipated, Raven picked Jeff.

Mark could do nothing but watched solemnly as Jeff joined Raven by his side.

He looked up uneasily at Raven who smiled and whispered to him, "Just lean back and enjoy yourself, okay?" and Jeff gave him a slight nod. "Now, sit in front and hold on, I won't let you fall."

Jeff climbed on board and did as told. He looked over at Mark and Glenn and smiled at them. Raven settled himself behind Jeff and wrapped an arm around his waist while grasping the horn with a tight grip. "Ready?" he asked against Jeff's ear and he nodded.

The bull started to roll. With every turn, dip and buck, Raven guided Jeff to move with it. There was without a doubt that he had ridden on one before. But even so, Jeff could only do so much. He slipped to one side when the bull made a sharp 90-degree sharp turn. But before Raven could pull Jeff up, the bull turned back and dipped and Jeff slipped from his grasp and fell off. The time they managed to stay on was 56 seconds. Everyone cheered and applauded for them. There were murmurs of approval from the crowd.

Kevin was up next and he chose Shannon. As they got up, Mark pulled Glenn closer and said urgently, "I need you to partner me! Raven's up to something and if we don't beat him, Jeff will suffer the consequences!"

"Oh shit!" was Glenn's response. He started to look worried but Mark said, "It's too late for that. Just tell me what to do."

"Stay nimble and move with it but keep a tight grip on the horn. If you stay rigid and the bull changes direction abruptly, you'll fall off. I'll sit behind you and try to right you when you're unbalanced," Glenn said.

Both men turned their heads to the sounds of laughter and applause. Kevin and Shannon just fell off. They only managed to stay on for 39 seconds.

As Kevin came towards them, he clapped Mark on his back and said, "It's up to you now. I'm sorry but I didn't realize he was up to something until he chose Jeff. Good luck!"

Mark nodded and approached the contraption with Glenn. Their friends cheered for them and Jeff blew them a kiss for luck. As soon as they settled themselves, the bull started moving. Being tall was to their advantage as they were able to grip easily with their long legs. Twice, Mark almost fell off but Glenn pulled him back. But, it was difficult for him to hold onto Mark who was heavily built. He slipped too far over to his right, causing Glenn to lose his grip on the horn and both men fell. They turned to Matt who announced the result – 54 seconds. They had lost.

Jeff ran towards them and gave them a hug. "Don't be sad, you did so well out there!"

Raven approached them and said, "For a first-timer, you rode well."

Mark nodded his thanks and waited.

Glenn asked, "So, you want to name your prize?"

Raven smiled and turned towards Jeff, "I want Jeff to stay with me tonight."


Have any of you rode the bull contraption? Let me tell you, it's not easy! It had different speed controls and you really need to put one arm out to help keep your balance. I sucked at it!

Reviews greatly appreciated ………………….