(Thanks to Taker's Dark Lover as always for the great review. Jade and I are thinking of possibly taking a break from posting on this site after completing the two current stories. When we began writing on here over three years ago we got a lot of feedback from people who loved reading our stories. We are now lucky to get more than one review per chapter. We both love to write but we work jobs and it takes time to write and seems a waste when no one is really reading anymore.) Rose
The men slept soundly until the alarm woke them. They showered and dressed. Once they were ready, they headed out of the suite for the arena. John could literally see Randy's body language changing right before his eyes as he once again raised the hood of his hoodie. The laughing, relaxed Randy was replaced with the cold, guarded Viper. John knew Randy was just nervous and afraid of being hurt. Randy stayed on guard reaching the lobby. He was not ready for anyone else to see him yet. Of course, fans camping the hotel lobby still screamed for autographs and photos. Randy would sign a few but not raise his head to have his photo taken.
"John! John!" Some fans yelled at John when Randy refused to answer. " Will Randy be joining you in the ring soon? " John just offered a smile but didn't reply. He tried to push through with Randy. "RKO! RKO!" Several fans chanted.
Randy offered a faint wave. When asked about his return to the ring, he took a deep breathe. "We don't know yet." Was all he would reply as they made their way out to the lot.
They managed to reach the car and got in. John gave a sigh. "Told you they love you. I get mobbed by questions at every arena. They like you more than my corny ass."
"Yeah...see how long that lasts." Randy commented, taking a deep breath. John offered a supportive smile and drove to the arena. It did not take long and they were soon walking in together. Randy seemed even more on guard then at the hotel as fans were screaming from behind barricades. Randy couldn't wait to find the locker room. They reached the inside and John tried to figure out where their room was. He knew Hunter promised security. Roman came walking down the hall. Randy heard Roman calling even if he wasn't looking up. He fought not to tense, still remembering the spear from months ago.
"John!" Roman finally called. John paused to look. " Hunter sent me to show you guys your room. " He looked at Randy, seeing the hooded man. "Um, hey, Randy. Good to see you." The normally stoic Roman looked flustered.
"Yeah...same." Randy replied even if it sounded to be far from the case. Roman bit his lip. "Come on." He led the two men down the crowded hallway. Randy moved to be between John and Roman as they moved through the halls. As they walked staff members seemed to just clear a path as Randy just gave an aura of 'don't mess with me.' An aura some knew from his past temper issues.
They reached the locker room and Roman paused. "There you go, Guys. You need anything let me know."
John offered a smile. " Thanks, Man. "
Roman looked at Randy. "Really glad to see you...sorry for the spear. I was out of line."
"Better than others I guess." Randy replied. He leaned to John. "Was he one of the ones?" He whispered.
"No." John whispered back.
Randy nodded, looking at Roman, extending his hand. "It happens...thanks for being a man about it. "Let others know if they want to say something...come here." Randy knew with guards posted nothing should happen.
Roman took his hand with a shake. "I will...just so you know most of the guys were horrified to hear what happened to you and John. The bad eggs are gone." His eyes lowered. " Seth was among them...I hate that. "
"A sneaky weasel...came to us to warn us...then helped abduct John." Randy sneered. "Good thing for security cameras. As for horrified...guess we will see." He had a feeling the boys in the back didn't know half the story.
"I know." Roman whispered. His eyes looked sad. " See you guys later. "
John led Randy into the locker room. "There are rumors...Roman had a thing going with Seth...but he didn't know what was going on." John explained.
"Damn...Rome...shit, if that was true his dad would have a fit." Randy admitted as he moved to sit on the couch inside. He surveyed before lowering the hood.
"Even worse he's married...but from the way he's been moping around I think there might be truth to it. I'm afraid he got married to please his family." John sighed.
"Yeah...sort of know that...don't get me wrong I loved Sam...but I understand." Randy told him as he unzipped the hoodies. "Well, if anyone comes by I guess they see...fuck it. I may not be ready for the fans yet, but the boys will need to deal."
"It's not that bad, Ran." John repeated.
"Yeah, you made it clear how you feel...and the face isn't as bad as this."Randy told John as he motioned to his covered chest. There came a knock a few minutes later. John opened the door to see a nervous looking Sheamus. "Hey, Fella." He greeted sheepishly. " I came to see Randy. " John nodded and stepped back to let the Irishman in. Sheamus had been among the ones who attacked Randy.
Randy cocked his head, looking. He shifted his eyes to John a moment, seeing a faint nod. Looking back at Sheamus, Randy slowly stood up rolling his neck. "What is it, Shea?"
Sheamus walked in, looking sheepish. "I needed to see ya...I been feelin' like shit when I heard what Dolph pulled...I never dreamed any of this would go this far." He took a breath. " I was in thee group who jumped ye in thee locker room...I thought ye deserved a lil whippin'...but then I saw how bad ye were and I changed me mind. "
"You mean you saw how I looked after the jump...what of my...new additions?" Randy gave a dry laugh as he looked at the large Irishman.
Sheamus' eyes looked sad. "It's not right...I wanted to find ye and apologize before ye were kidnapped but I was a coward afraid of losin' me job. I can't believe they just kidnapped ye and John...I didn't know they cut ye."
"These aren't even the worse of the injuries." Randy spoke frankly. "I am still in the air if I want to return. What is the recent buzz in my absence?"
"That ye may be comin' back as John's boyfriend in storyline." Sheamus answered. " Honestly none of us know much about what happened to ye two...just Dolph had ye two in Canada and the police found ye. Glad John wasn't harmed. "
"And much I am sure will stay that way." Randy replied. He looked at John. "Think he has the fortitude for the full picture...since the guys will need to see in time anyways?" Randy didn't know why he was willing to open to Sheamus. Maybe because they had a close friendship at one time.
John nodded slowly. "I think so." His eyes looked sad at Sheamus' words. Glad he wasn't harmed? He had scars on the inside to match Randy's.
"If I do get back in the ring...and we are in a match...I need your word there will be no ten beats." Randy told Sheamus as he went to remove his shirt.
"Aye, Fella. Anything." Sheamus looked as Randy was exposed. " Fuck! They did that? It's hard to believe they sunk that low. "
Randy lowered his head slightly. "Yeah...Dolph did while I was tied to a chair." Randy replied. "So, I am sure you understand why I can't take blows to the chest...even if I have a shirt on."
"Of course, Fella." Sheamus looked distraught. " We never dreamed...we thought maybe he was just toyin' with ye two. " John's face looked pale. "Ye okay, Fella?" Sheamus asked him.
Randy moved over by John, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Babe...is me being here...all this talk stirring memories?" Randy asked with a softening look.
John nodded slowly. "It has to be dealt with though." Sheamus studied John. " Ye look ready to topple, Fella. Sorry ye had to be threatened like that. It wasn't right. "
Randy looked at Sheamus. "You said glad he was not hurt...but he was." He looked at John with a faint smile. "Luckily he does not have the external wounds to deal with...but do not take the unseen for not still being present." He looked back at Sheamus. "Feel free to tell the boys...but nothing is leaked to the fans yet." He looked at John. "Why don't you get a bottle of water and sit, Babe?"
John nodded and moved to get water. "I'm sorry, Ran. Truly." Sheamus repeated. He moved to leave.
"Yeah, thanks." Randy told Sheamus even if he was more focused on John. Sheamus moved to leave. John sat with the bottle, cracking it to take a sip. Once Sheamus left Randy made sure the door was closed then went to check on John. "Talk to me, Baby." Randy crouched down, putting his hands on John's knees for balance.
John gave a shaky breath. "Nothing new, Daddy. Just Shea saying he was glad we weren't hurt much...I was left naked on the ice, humiliated...worse...if only they knew. They think Dolph just locked us in a room for a day or so."
"Which is why I said what I did...let them know there was harm even they don't see it on you, Babe. How would they know otherwise? They only know what their eyes see." Randy told John, rubbing his knees.
"Nice to have you for support." John admitted. " Can I call you, Daddy? I will in the ring soon maybe anyway. "
"Of course, Babe...guess I'll leave the shirt off...whoever comes to speak their peace will need to deal." Randy gave a faintly cocky smirk.
"I like that smirk." John smiled. It was soon time for John to leave for his promo. He kissed Randy and reluctantly headed out. Randy moved to turn the monitor on in the room to watch how the promo played. As John moved for the gorilla spot he was informed to talk about the possibility of Randy battling back from the events that caused him to leave. When questioned he was told that WWE's social media had been burning up since this morning as photos of Randy started to emerge.
When it came time for John to give his promo, he told the WWE Universe that his boyfriend had gone through a lot and was thankful for the support. "It's a long battle back for him but I know he can do it." John looked directly into the camera. He was past caring about fan's reactions. " I believe in you, Daddy. I'll be here when you're ready. " Randy actually felt slightly choked up by the promo. It seemed the company was tipping his hand. Would he be strong and come back, or be a coward and hide? John looked in the camera. "I love you. You are stronger than you think." The moment was broken when AJ Styles came out to make fun of John and build their feud.
Randy looked, taking a deep breath. He needed to remember things were just for show. AJ made fun of John, saying he was all alone without Randy. They went back and forth before it ended and John headed backstage. Randy moved to put his shirt on, wondering how long they were expected to stay. He didn't know if he was surprised or relieved no one else had come to see him. John made it back to the room a short time later. "How'd I do?" He had to ask.
Randy looked with a smile. "Good, Baby...Creative is trying to force my hand I see."
"Yeah...guess they want you." John smiled. There was a sound before the door opened. Around six guys stood together. John tried not to panic.
Randy moved to get in a spot between John and the guys in a defensive stance. His feet were planted and his hands to his sides as his eyes studied them, waiting for a move. If anything went down he would personally beat security's ass. "Can I help you, Gentlemen?"
Dean spoke up. "Yeah...uh, we wanted to say we're glad you came back. If you need anything let us know."
"And some of us took part in the locker room attack...we regret it. "Bray added.
Randy relaxed his stance some. "Thanks...it does mean a lot." He actually told them. "I still don't know yet in what capacity I will be back yet. The attack will mean a few concessions if I am to get in the ring again."
"Sheamus told us...please give us another chance." Mike the Miz said.
"I am leaning towards it." Randy admitted. "But I am sure you all will understand me watching my back for a while." He added.
"Of course." Mike said. " We've got your back. Anyone fucks with you two they answer to us. "
"That goes for me too." A deep voice stated. Taker was in the back of the group, just coming in. " A promise from myself and Kane. "
Randy looked and nodded. Even if Taker was a part timer when it came to the clock he was still the law. If he said he would be watched then Randy knew he would be. "The fans would be told it was some random people that jumped me after the rumble. Details of it sadly being other wrestlers will not be coming out." He tried to explain.
Taker nodded. "It never should have happened. That was not locker room justice. It was being a coward."
"It was a one man vendetta and he fooled others to follow them." Randy told them.
Taker just nodded. "I know it's hard but try not to worry. None of us wish you any harm."
Randy nodded faintly. "Thank you...all of you. It does mean something to me."
The men all left except Taker. He looked down at John then Randy. "How you holding up?" He asked.
"As good as can be expected. I honestly didn't know if I ever wanted to step backstage again let alone a ring again." Randy told him.
"Understandable...this might sound crazy...when you two went missing I had nightmares about you...I couldn't see who had you...just darkness around you." Taker's eyes softened, looking at John. " I saw John left outside somewhere cold. " John looked in shock.
"Damn." Randy faintly whispered. "Before I was taken...they had John out on a frozen lake." He admitted to the older man.
Taker shook his head. "I have dreams at times...it haunted me...I felt both your pain but didn't know where you were to help." He hesitated. " Were you both...violated? " John looked pale again.
Randy moved to shut the door then moved to John, taking his hand. "Yes. Seeing things...I am sure can be a blessing and a curse."
"It is...why do you think I aged so poorly?" Taker asked bluntly. " The things you both suffered...no man should. "
"Thank you." Randy said, faintly squeezing John's hand. "I am sure you understand not wishing to share details. It is a bitter pill to swallow for us both." He looked at John. "Need air, Babe?" He felt John's hand shake in his and looking like he could faint.
John nodded slowly, unable to speak. "You two ever need a friendly ear to bend...call me." Taker stood to excuse himself.
"Thank you, Taker...some point one of us may." Randy told him. He went to grab his hoodie, slipping it on.
"Thanks." John forced out. John stood, feeling dizzy.
Taker caught him as he almost fainted. " Easy there, Champ. "
"Johnny." Randy looked, hearing the exchange. "Damn." Randy moved over.
"I'm an empath." Taker said simply, looking at John. " His energy is low...drained. Mind if I try something? "
Randy bit his lip then nodded, stepping back but kept a careful eye on the scene. Taker moved to lay John down gently. He hovered over the smaller man. "You've tried so hard to be strong." He mumbled. He began to run his hands over John's body, as if feeling. Randy's brow knitted, watching. He tried not to overreact at anything yet even if there was a twisting in the pit of his stomach.
Taker closed his eyes. "I'm going to try to draw some of the energy out." He gave a hum. A few minutes later John stirred slightly. Color returned to his face. Taker moved to stand up.
"W-What happened? " John asked, sitting up.
"You passed out, Babe...Ta-Taker did something to stir you. Still not fully sure what." Randy replied.
Taker helped John to stand. He looked a little drained himself. "Guess I'll head out. You boys need anything call me."
"Yeah...thanks again." Randy told Taker as he moved over to John.
Taker left the room. John still looked shaky. "Sorry, Daddy. Want to go?"
"Only once you're steady, Babe...that was some freaky stuff." Randy told John, moving to give him a hug.
"Freaky?" John looked confused. " The dreams? "
"Besides that...He called himself an empath...and asked if he could try something when you passed out. He said something about your energy being low or something...then said about drawing energy out before you came to. It all confused me." Randy told him. "Honestly, Brandon was getting his hair raised some."
"Oh? Why?" John seemed a little more steady.
"Not sure...but I could feel him getting riled...my only guess is he felt Taker was inside your personal space." Randy reasoned.
"I was so tired...feel better now." John looked in Randy's eyes. " It's fine, Brandon. He only wanted to help me. "
Randy took a deep breath. "Okay I guess get your things together and we can head out. You don't have a second segment tonight do you?"
John shook his head. "I could use some air."
"Okay. Let's try to blow this place." Randy told him.
John walked with Randy outside. He took a deep, cleansing breath. Randy relaxed a bit as fan were still watching the end of the show as he moved for the car. John made it to the car and sank down in the seat. "Sorry about in there...just when Taker asked if we were raped it hit hard."
"It's okay, Babe...just glad you're okay. I didn't even think how much of a strong face you must be putting on for everyone...including me." Randy told him.
"Yeah...no one at work knows so I just pretend." John said softly. " And you're dealing with so much yourself. "
"We need to rely on each other though, Babe." Randy reached to take John's hand.
John nodded. "Whatever Taker did...I felt so much better...renewed."
"Good...I feel bad for him though...it looked like it did something to him." Randy admitted.
"Fuck, that's crazy." John said as he pulled the car out. " I always knew he was not human. That's some Green Mile shit. "
"Hmm didn't think of it in that way...yeah, I guess sort of." Randy pondered. John drove back to the hotel. They decided to skip the sex and try to just rest. The next day John had some media work to do. While he was out there came a knock on their suite door.
Randy got up from the couch and moved to the door. He kicked the panic bar before he opened the door,p peeking out hoping it wasn't a fan. Taker stood there dressed jeans and a white tank top. "Hey, Ran...Mind if I come in a minute?"
"Of course not...one moment." Randy shut the door to remove the panic bar before opening it again for the older man. "Come on in."
Taker walked in, looking around. "How's John today?"
"Good...out doing his media circuit for this area." Randy told him. "How are you? You looked a little off before you left last night." He motioned to the sitting area. "Want a seat?"
Taker moved to take a seat. "Thanks, Randy. I'm fine...I tried to give John some of my energy and I just needed sleep. Poor guy was so tired hiding all that pain."
"I am not even going to try to pretend to know what you are talking about." Randy admitted as he sat. "As for John I talked to him. I understand he was hiding to protect me some, but I hope I got him to see we both need to be open to each other."
Taker nodded. "I felt a lot of pain from him...shame for whatever happened...he felt powerless and it scared him."
"We were both made to endure a lot. He had to watch as things were done to me and he couldn't stop it. One top of that I was suffering from the broken ribs of the locker room attack. I am sure there was at least a couple times he thought I was a dead man." Randy spoke bluntly even though he didn't know why.
Taker simply nodded. "It will take time...I got the feeling you were a little put out with me while I was helping John...did I come across as being in someway inappropriate?"
Randy shook his head. "Sorry about that...I can be protective of him. I know you only were helping. It's a personal space issue." Randy tried to explain. It wasn't him that had the issue, but he wasn't going to share that with the older man.
Taker nodded. "I am happy for you two. I know you wanted him for years. Even married all you could talk about was him."
Randy lowered his head slightly. Was he really that bad and blatant or was it the empathic thing? "I feel things like that. Plus your eyes followed him every time he was in the room." Taker explained. " I admit I had a little interest in you myself...during our feud I was supposed to be in your head but I really wanted in your pants. " He finished dryly.
Randy shifted his eyes towards Taker with maybe a faintly shocked look. "Never knew you went that way." Randy commented. "I guess there may be more like us then we realize...or at least I did."
"Well, both ways like you...Sarah and Michelle know...as long as I don't bring it home." Taker admitted.
"Well, that is a nice benefit." Randy told him. "I didn't have that freedom."
Taker nodded. "You had a nice ass back then...but I knew it was a lost cause." He said thickly.
Randy gave a faintly nervous cough. "Um...thanks." He ran his hand over his head, huffing a breath. "Yeah, when I had a ring I couldn't risk entertaining those urges without fear of losing my jewels." He gave a nervous laugh.
"You and John ever add a third?" Taker asked, looking. " No strings. "
"No." Randy replied simply before there was a faint narrow to his eyes. "No one messed with Johnny besides me."
Taker cocked his head, looking. "I was talking about him watching us...he might enjoy seeing if you can handle me."
Randy face hardened more, looking at the older man. His body twitched as he fought standing up. "I don't ride that side of the tracks." His hands gripped the arm of the chair. "I thank you for your help...but if you think that is an invitation it's not."
Taker gave a nod. "So...there are two of you. That explains why I couldn't see you when you were abducted."
Randy curled his lip faintly in a sneer. "What of it?"
"Just good to know...you can settle down...I'm not pushing you." Taker said calmly. Randy slowly sat back in the chair, looking to be studying Taker for a few moments before his eyes closed with a deep breath. "I thought I could help you heal." Taker said softly. " I have a feeling you've only ever bottomed when you were forced. "
Randy's body language seemed to lighten and he slowly nodded. "Yeah." He whispered, opening his eyes. "So-sorry about that."
"Hey, it's understandable...I struck a nerve." Taker said simply. " You ever change your mind...I can make you feel good...and show John he can watch without it being shameful. If not, call if you need to talk. "
Randy bit his lip briefly as he looked. "I...I will need to think about it. Maybe talk to John as well." 'I CAN'T believe you are actually debating this! He's like the others. How the hell is he going to make it feel any different!' Randy cringed, raising a hand to his head, feeling a headache.
"Hey...relax." Taker touched Randy's shoulder with a calming aura. " There's no rush...if either of you need an ear to bend I'm around. "
Randy jumped, not even knowing Taker moved. "I will thanks...maybe John will to...just feel I can open...maybe he will feel the same. Just don't tax yourself in making us a project for yourself."
"It's what I do." Taker said simply. He gave a chuckle. " Not to pry...but you two are unconventional aren't you? I saw John wearing a collar during my dream. "
"Yeah...well, we are just starting in it." Randy told him.
"I have some experience...Sarah and I dabbled for years." Taker said.
Randy faintly laughed. "Why can I picture that?"
Taker cracked a smile. "Anyway, my interests were mainly leather restraints and whips. Never pictured you two the types though."
"Well...the other side more then me." Randy admitted.
"John's just not the kind you picture." Taker laughed.
"Well, he wasn't before." Randy told Taker. "Somehow when I did what I did...it woke something in him."
"Or it was there all along?" Taker stood. "I've taken enough of your time...just one more thing...what you saw last night...I can manipulate energies...would you believe I could get John off without even touching him...while I'm with you?"
"Damn...wouldn't that take a lot out of you though?" Randy asked, not even sure if he believed such a thing could happen.
"It would...but it would be rare...let me demonstrate." Taker closed his eyes. A few minutes passed before Randy felt a warmth wanting to flood his body.
Randy gave a pant, shaking his head as he looked with shock. "Damn." He commented as he shifted in the seat.
"I can draw it out...make it stronger until he blows." Taker said calmly, opening his eyes.
Randy slowly nodded, thinking he may need a cold shower once Taker left. He was unsure how he felt about being manipulated like that with little warning. Taker excused himself shortly after.