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

A big thank you to all my reviewers! Thanks for staying with me.

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Chapter 36

The warmth was so comforting. Jeff snuggled closer, sighing blissfully against the warm body against his. Mark … a sweet smile bloomed over his face as he lay in his lover's arms. He felt his fingers lightly caressing him along his back, lightly skimming over his skin and sending delicious tingling sensations throughout his body. "Mmm…." he purred as the hand slid further down to knead his buttocks.

The form beside him shifted up slightly and then, his mouth covered his, moving gently over his. The slick muscle flicked teasingly between his lips, seeking permission to enter. With a soft moan, Jeff granted it entry and his mouth was immediately engulfed and the tongue plunged into him with heated passion. Lost in the haze of sweet sensations, Jeff kissed back ardently. The hands roamed wildly all over him, as if they couldn't get enough of him. The mouth left his suddenly and moved downwards, nipping hungrily at his skin. Jeff moaned when his neck was attacked with feverish kisses. Passion roared through his veins as the mouth continued to pepper hot and eager kisses all over his torso. The hand slid further down and parted his legs. Fingers gently caressed his puckered skin, brushing lightly against his opening. Moaning under their attention, Jeff opened his eyes slowly and drew back suddenly with a loud gasp. He scrambled to a sitting position, using the pillow to cover himself and looked embarrassingly away, unable to bring himself to meet Sid's eyes.

Sid gazed at him with hooded lids, the lust clear in his eyes. After several moments, he sat back, a look of disappointment on his face when he realized that Jeff wasn't going to participate anymore in what they were both clearly enjoying. He was startled when Jeff let out a choked sob and buried his face in his arms. Sobs escaped him and the sight of him, upset and crying dampened his excitement, his wiener deflated almost instantly. Sid hesitated before moving to sit beside him. Pulling the covers to wrap around Jeff, he eased his head down gently to rest on his shoulder. "I'm sorry if I upset you, I didn't mean to," he apologized while trying to keep his lustful thoughts at bay.

Jeff shook his head, sniffling loudly. "It's my fault … I thought you were Mark …" he fought back his tears but they welled over. "Do you know why I ran away? He … he ditched me … he doesn't love me anymore!" he sobbed harder onto Sid's shoulder.

A flare of hope lit up Sid's face and then, went out just as quickly. It was replaced by a frown instead. No, it can't be right, the kid is mistaken. He was sorely tempted to turn the situation in his favor but his conscience pricked him. With a sigh of resignation, he knew he would do the right thing. Damn him for his righteous principles!

Tilting Jeff's chin up to look at him, he said, "I don't know where you got the idea that 'Taker has left you, but you're wrong."

Jeff shook his head fervently, crying out in anguish, "He left me … he didn't come back to our room the whole day … he's avoiding me ... he hates me!"

"He doesn't hate you. Why would he run off to look for you if he hates you?" Sid spoke gently to him.

His words quelled Jeff's tears instantly. "Wh…what did you just say?" he gave Sid a look of disbelief.

"When 'Taker found out you ran away, he took off to look for you. He left word behind that if he doesn't get back in time, he forfeits the match to me. Now, does that sound like he hates you?"

"You're not lying to me, are you, to make me feel better?" Jeff still had trouble believing him, but deep down inside, he was hoping that Sid was right and he was wrong.

"Why would I lie? I'm just telling you the way it is," Sid assured him. Jeff still looked dubious and Sid decided he might as well get to the root of the problem. "Do you mind telling me what happened between you and 'Taker?"

Jeff bit down on his lips and hung his head, remaining silent.

"Listen, if you two had a fall out because of me, I can talk to him and explain everything." Sid realized that, regardless of his attraction for Jeff, he had no business trying to start a relationship with him because the boy was so obviously in love with 'Taker.

Jeff's lips quivered as he informed Sid in a wavering voice, "He doesn't believe that I love him. He thinks … there's something going on between us," he whispered out the last part.

"But, there's nothing going on …" Sid stopped in mid speech when he caught the look of shame and embarrassment on Jeff's face. "Tell me the truth, do you feel the attraction between us?" he asked, barely suppressing his excitement.

"I… I don't know … I don't know anything anymore," Jeff responded in a wretched tone. "It doesn't matter anyways, I'm going home. I'm not going back. I'll find a way to ask Mister McMahon to release me from my contract, even if I have to get down on my knees and beg him."

Sid's heart fell. If Jeff did feel something for him, it wasn't strong enough to make him stay. But, the fact that he took off when 'Taker abandoned him spoke volumes. The boy was too young to know better, so Sid decided to enlighten him and open his eyes to the facts before him.

"Look at me," he spoke in an encouraging tone, and Jeff lifted his eyes to meet his. "I'll be honest with you, I am attracted to you and I would give anything to have a relationship with you, but it's pretty obvious it's not going to happen, because … you're very much in love with 'Taker."

Sid told himself he was doing the right thing. He was totally removing himself from the equation.

"We are attracted to each other, it's a fact. For me, it's more than a sexual attraction but as for you, I think you're just curious about this vibe between us. You have never been in a relationship with anyone till 'Taker came along, have you?"

Jeff affirmed it by nodding his head bashfully.

"That explains it," Sid smiled at him. "There's nothing wrong to feel an attraction for someone else, it happens from time to time. You don't have to feel guilty about what you feel for me."

"But Mark is right. I shouldn't feel that way for anyone if I love him. I betrayed him, I hurt his feelings, I injured his pride." Jeff tried not to turn on the waterworks again. He was tired from crying so much. He had lost Mark and there was nothing Sid could say would change that.

"Taker's looking in from a different perspective. He's the jealous mate and can you blame him? You're too attractive for your own good. He has good reasons to be jealous. I would probably react the same way if I were in his shoes."

He stopped to compose his thoughts before continuing, "I want you to understand something. He stayed away not because he has stopped loving you. He…." Sid stopped to grin sheepishly, "Don't tell him I said so, but your boyfriend's ego got bruised. Besides, he's afraid he's going to lose you and he feels vulnerable that you can make him feel this way. I think he just needs some time to come to terms with his feelings on the matter."

Jeff pursed his lips thoughtfully, pondering over what Sid just said. "You really think he still loves me?" he finally asked, a hopeful look on his face.

"Do you love him?" Sid shot back a question of his own.

Jeff nodded fervently without any hesitation, "Yes, I do."

Sid raised his eyebrows at him, "Then, why are you running away from the one you love? You should stay and prove him wrong," and added with a grin, "Though it may take a while because he's as stubborn as they get!"

His remarks brought out giggles from Jeff. He felt so much better now. Having Sid explaining the facts to him helped put things in perspective for him. He was very grateful to him, knowing that Sid was setting his personal interests aside and giving him unbiased counsel. But, what exactly did he feel for him? He cocked his head to one side, studying him contemplatively.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Sid asked, trying to sound nonchalant but not doing a good job. The boy was damned lovable, and he really wanted to … why couldn't Jeff have fallen for him first? He told himself to snap out of it, chiding himself inwardly, 'He loves another, so keep back and stop entertaining any hopes about him!'

"I'm trying to figure out my feelings for you," Jeff said candidly, blushing lightly. Sid had shown nothing but concern for him, so he didn't feel the need to hide his thoughts from him.

"And what is the verdict?" Sid asked, trying to sound casual although he was dying to know what Jeff felt for him.

"I … I really like you, more than most, but …"

"I know you don't love me, not the way you love 'Taker," Sid finished for him. "Am I right?"

Jeff nodded. "I'm sorry," he gave him an apologetic look. "I feel like dying when Mark walked away. I don't think I can love another like I love him. He's my one true soul mate."

Sid gave him a smile, "You have nothing to apologize for. You didn't do anything wrong, well … except for running away from you know who, who's probably having a hernia right now still searching for you in the blizzard," he laughed.

Jeff gasped and exclaimed, "Oh God! Mark is still out there looking for me! What if something happens to him?" worry beginning to gnaw at him.

"Don't worry, he's not alone, Glenn's with him," Sid informed him. "Those two guys know how to take care of themselves. They can handle any crisis, even this blizzard blowing right now. It was you we were worried about. Jesus kid, you took off without any means of getting home. What were you thinking?"

"I had fifty dollars," Jeff informed him, looking mollified.

Sid shook his head in disbelief, "You know it wouldn't get you far. Thank God I pick you up before the blizzard hits."

Jeff opened his mouth, intending to tell him about his close encounter with the grizzly but then decided it could wait. He had more important things to take care of. Jumping off the bed, still clutching the sheets against him, he said in a determined voice, "I want to go out and look for Mark and Glenny. I really need to know if they are alright."

"Not tonight, kiddo."

Jeff's face fell and Sid explained, "It's blowing hard outside, it's not safe to go out there. Visibility is poor and we may get stranded ourselves, then, who's going to come and save us? However, I promise you we will look for them in the morning. Now, try and get some sleep, we can have an early start tomorrow. Hopefully, we will get a respite if the blizzard blows over by then."

Reluctantly, Jeff conceded he was right and made to lie down on his side, huddling underneath the warm covers. Sid lay down beside him, lying on his back. There was a moment of silence and then, Jeff moved forward and pecked Sid on the cheek, "Thank you for everything you've done for me," he whispered gratefully in the dark before moving to lie back down. Moments later, his gentle breathing indicated he was asleep. Sid watched him in the gloom, a smile slowly breaking on his face. He knew he stood no chance to be with him, but at least, he got to find out what he tasted like … he was sweet and fresh like the morning air in the country side.

-ooo-

"I swear HE's punishing us for not going to church!" Glenn groused as he looked grimly at the falling snow outside. It was too dark to see anything, but he knew they were snowed in. The blizzard had not relented as yet. He fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible in the cramped quarters. Being 7 feet tall was a disadvantage under the circumstances, and not to mention, it was freezing in the car even though the heater was turned all the way up.

When Mark didn't respond, Glenn turned to him and saw him looking outside, an anxious look on his face.

"He's alright," Glenn reassured him. He knew that Mark was frantic with worry and he shared his worry as well, wondering if Jeff did manage to get home safely, or at least got to a shelter before the blizzard hit.

"We don't know that," Mark answered quietly, before turning to look at him. "What if he's still outside in the storm? He won't survive it. He has no money, no food, and he's not properly dressed for the weather." He paused before addressing his fear, "I don't know what I'll do if I lose him."

"Hey! Stop talking like he's dead! He's alive and you're not going to lose him! Why are you so pessimistic suddenly? It's unlike you to behave this way!" Glenn scowled furiously at him. He didn't relish the vision of Jeff, lying cold and stiff out there … lifeless. He pushed the possibility far back into the recesses of his mind … no … Jeff was still alive.

Mark took in a deep breath before confiding his fears to Glenn, "Even if he's alive, I'm afraid he might have given up on me. I'm an idiot for walking away from him! I think I've lost him for good."

"For someone who loves him that deeply, you don't know shit about him!"

Mark gave his brother a baleful glare, "You disrespect me one more time … my fist will end up in your mouth!" he said in a threatening tone.

Glenn just rolled his eyes at him, undaunted by his threat. "I'm bigger than you, don't you forget it!"

Mark let out a disgruntled snort before turning to look outside the window again.

Glenn rubbed his hands together, shivering with the cold. "Damn heater isn't giving out enough heat!" he complained, tucking his arms under his armpits. He turned to Mark again, "Hey, I'm cold, want to huddle and share our body heat?"

Mark turned away from the window to give him an incredulous look.

"Don't you give me that look, I'm freezing okay!" Glenn's eyes challenged him to say something which might earn him a slap or two.

Mark relented. He wasn't the type of guy to reveal his feelings openly to anyone, but this was Glenn, his brother. He adored him, just as much as he adored Jeff. Glenn never asked him for favors before and since this was his first request, he wasn't going to turn him down. He was totally taken aback by it, though.

"Move over," he said gruffly and Glenn obliged happily, moving so that Mark could move closer to him. Tentatively, he reached over and put his arm around Glenn, lending him some warmth but he warned him, "Say anything about this to anyone and I'll tombstone you to hell!"

Glenn stared at him for several seconds before speaking, "You have issues, man!"

Mark opened his mouth to retort but Glenn cut him off, "Stop being so harsh on yourself, will you? It's okay to show your feelings and concern for someone, you're not going to be struck by lightning if you do, you know?"

"The first time I open my heart to someone, he goes and break it," Mark muttered under his breath in a disconsolate tone. The hurt in his voice did not escape Glenn.

"I know you're hurting, but you're not being fair to him, and I know he's hurting just the same. Did he tell you that he has stopped loving you?" He got his answer from Mark's silence. "I know him well enough to know that he loves you, unquestionably. The problem here is that you allow your ego to get the better of you. You found out he likes Sid and you walk away from him. You need to loosen up a bit, Mark, don't make him feel that he can't even be friends with other guys. Let him decide who he wants to be with, but let him know the door is open to him, that is, if you still want him back. You walked away without saying anything to him, how do you think that makes him feel?"

"I know what I did was wrong, and I know it may be too late for me to correct the situation," Mark admitted wretchedly.

Glenn shook his head, "Did you hear what I just said?" and at Mark's puzzled look, he let out an exasperated sigh and said, "I said, Jeff loves you unquestionably! He will take you back within a heartbeat and you don't even need to grovel! That's how much he loves you, you idiot!"

"Hey! Who are you calling an idiot?" Mark pushed his brother away from him.

"You can be such a nitwit at times," Glenn muttered under his breath, but Mark heard him.

He grabbed Glenn and put him in a headlock, "What did you just call me?"

"Dummy!" Glenn gasped out while trying to extricate himself from the hold, but Mark had him locked in tightly.

"Say that again?" he tightened his hold with a wicked grin and Glenn tapped on his arm desperately and gasped out, "Let me go! … I'm sorry!"

Mark released him and smirked as Glenn gave him a belligerent glare.

"I think it's time you come clean with me. What's going on between you and Matt?"

"Nothing!" Glenn responded quickly, too quickly in fact that Mark knew he wasn't being truthful with him.

"Nothing? I could have sworn you have a major liking for him," Mark said in a teasing voice.

"We are just friends, nothing more!" Glenn insisted. He hated his predicament, trapped in the car and being bombarded with personal questions. He contemplated stepping out of the vehicle but he could imagine the freezing temperature outside and decided he would rather face his brother's interrogation than freeze his ass outside.

"I don't believe you!" Mark gave him an amused look. "Try me again," he said.

"There is nothing going on between us!" Glenn hissed each word out with deliberation.

"Not yet anyways, but you're both getting there," Mark remarked with a smirk and was surprised by a hard pop to his mouth.

"I told you I would smack the taste out of your mouth," Glenn smirked back at him and jerked backwards out of reach when Mark attempted to cuff him in retaliation. Both men started to jostle each other and in a matter of seconds, the brothers were tussling within the confined quarters of the car. After several minutes, they both slumped back to their seats, panting with their exertions. Glenn was the first to realize that the cold had left him. Their friendly tussle did some good for a change. But, he decided to straighten certain things out with Mark, with regards to Matt.

"Will you all stop insinuating there's something going on between me and Matt? There's really nothing between us, we are strictly friends."

Mark raised his middle finger at him, "Yeah, tell it to someone who doesn't know you. I'm your brother and I can read the 'I'm interested' signs."

He settled himself as comfortable as possible in his seat and said, "Spill it boy, it's just the two of us in here. What you have to say stays a secret between us. Now, out with it!"

But Glenn remained stubbornly quiet. No way was he going to say anything until he was absolutely sure that Matt was interested. He wanted to wait and see how things progressed between them. It was the first time he had shown an interest in a man and he wasn't completely sure if it was just curiosity that was leading him on or something much more. He was a patient man and he was willing to take it slow.

Mark realized he wasn't going to get anything out of him. He cuffed him at the back of his head to get his attention. "I'm not going to force you to tell me if you don't want to. Let me give you some advice, just go with the flow. It would be interesting to see where this might lead to." He chuckled suddenly, "If Jeff finds out, he'll be over the moon! And, to think he wanted you both together right from the beginning!"

"Just hold on for a second," Glenn looked pleadingly at his brother, "Do me a favor and don't say anything to Jeff … please?" At Mark's raised eyebrow, he explained, "I found out a few things about Jeff from his brother. Jeff has a tendency to spill secrets when he gets excited. I don't want any of these to get out."

Mark smirked at him and that was when Glenn realized he had inadvertently revealed he had feelings for Matt. Letting out a sigh, he pleaded, "Just promise me you won't say anything to anyone?"

"I won't say anything then, if it helps your cause and moves things along," Mark agreed. Glenn threw him a grateful smile before looking outside the window again.

"When will it stop snowing?" he indicated to the blizzard blowing outside.

"Only God knows." Mark's thoughts went back to their current predicament. Even if the storm ceased, they still had to find a way to get the car wheels out of the ditch. It was going to take time, something which they were running short of.

Two hours later, the storm finally subsided. Glenn tried to open the door on his side and realized it wouldn't budge.

"Fuck!" he guessed the car must be half-buried in the snow. It was too dark to see just how much snow it was covered in.

"What are we going to do?" he turned to his brother.

"Try to kick it open," Mark advised. He climbed to the back to give Glenn more room to work.

A few hard thumps and the door finally flew open and snow rushed through the opening.

"Damn it!" Glenn exclaimed as he was covered in snow. Mark started shoveling snow out of his way with his hands. A few minutes later, he scrambled out of the vehicle. Glenn followed him out and cursed as he looked around him. It was dark and he wished they had at least a torch light with them. They examined the vehicle and realized it was impossible to get it out. It was a huge task trying to haul it out of the ditch without equipment and more so when it was half buried underneath the snow.

"What are we going to do now?" Glenn asked, wondering what more could go wrong. They didn't have a vehicle, they didn't have proper clothes on, and they didn't know which direction to take. Should they go forward or turn back?

Mark started walking as he said, "Let's head backwards. We passed a gas station a while back, we can try to call someone from there to come and get us."

"But, that must be about four … five miles away!" Glenn called out as he caught up with his brother.

"We don't have a choice, Glenn. I prefer to take our chances by turning back. We don't know if there's any nearby gas station or motel up ahead of us."

As both men trudged through the snow, they prayed someone would come along and picked them up. "Cut us some slack, will you?" Glenn muttered as he raised his eyes to the dark skies. Mark heard him and chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Glenn demanded to know. "We're freezing our asses off! What's so funny about our situation?"

Mark spoke without breaking strides, "Since when did you start asking HIM for favors?" he gestured to the heavens above.

"Since I don't want us to die out here in the cold! Damn it! We are not in a good situation, Mark, we're in deep shit! You know as well as I do that we can't make it five miles out here with what we're wearing."

Mark's face turned somber and he said quietly, "I know, but someone will come along soon enough. We can't be the only ones travelling on these roads. Let's keep walking."

-ooo-

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