Part Two
Skittles... To buy or not to buy... That was the question on Jeff's mind as he stood in front of the vending machine. He had to admit that those multicolored candies held a special place in his heart. But then there were also the Starburst Fruit Chews... So many choices... Not enough change...
"You forget to start up again, Hardy-Boy?"
He didn't need to turn around to know who was addressing him. Kane was the only one who called him "Hardy-Boy". Though it wasn't a very imaginative nickname, he still smiled whenever he heard it. "I'm just trying to decided whether to get some Skittles or not."
"Well, they do go well with your hair. We wouldn't want you to clash. But don't you have enough sugar in your system already? Are you trying to launch yourself into orbit?"
"Oh, I don't want it for the sugar. I just feel like having something in my mouth..." Jeff paled. Did he just say that out loud? Although it sounded innocent enough... What if Kane read into it? Seeing that Kane wasn't looking at him like he'd grown an extra head, he decided to go on. "If I really wanted a rush, I'd go for my Pixie Sticks."
"Pixie Sticks? What are Pixie Sticks?"
Jeff's jaw dropped. "You've never had Pixie Sticks?"
"No... Can't say that I have."
"Well... That just won't do.... Come on!" He took Kane by the arm.
Farooq and Bradshaw were hanging out backstage, sharing a few beers. Something passed them that made Bradshaw do a double take. "Was it me, or did Jeff Hardy just breeze past us..."
"...dragging Kane behind him?" Farooq finished.
"And Kane was going willingly along with him?"
They looked at each other, then to where they think Jeff had disappeared to, and then back at each other. Solemnly, they over turned their open beer cans, letting the frothy brew spill and run all over the floor. After a sight like that, any man would stop drinking.
Jeff practically took the door off the hinges as he burst into the Hardy locker room. Heading straight for his duffel bag, he ignored Matt's gasp of surprise as Kane entered the room behind him and Lita's small smile. She and Trish had been coaching Jeff over the past few days, trying to think of ways to get Kane to notice him. Rummaging through his bag, he thought of the plan that they'd come up with. He knew that he'd had to put it into action soon, but at the moment he was more interested in introducing the big man to the wonderful world of Pixie Sticks.
Finding his stash at the bottom of the bag, Jeff pulled the bundle out triumphantly. "These," he said, showing the other man the different colored straws, "are Pixie Sticks."
"Also known as Color-Coated Crack," Matt chimed in. He was a bit surprised when Kane laughed at his joke. Smiling, he thought that maybe the guy had a sense of humor after all.
"Don't listen to Matt," Jeff said, pouting. "These are really good." He tore open one of the straws and poured the contents into his mouth. After the candy melted on his tongue, Jeff smiled and handed a bunch to Kane. "Try one!"
Kane took the sticks, eyeing them warily. "Umm... Maybe later... "
"So, Kane," Lita started, trying to hide her grin, "what do you have planned for the rest of the night?"
"Nothing much. Just going to the hotel. Probably gonna take a shower to help relax a bit."
"Oh? You know what's really relaxing? A nice massage. I give them to Matt all the time."
With or without your clothes on, Kane thought.
"I'd be glad to give you one, but Matt and I have something planned for tonight."
"We do?" Matt asked, confused.
"Yeah... You remember... That THING we're doing tonight..."
"Oh yeah... Right... I thought you were talking about a different thing." Matt had absolutely no clue what Lita was talking about, but he wasn't about to get the redhead mad at him.
"So... Ya see, I can't... Besides, Matt hates when I give other guys massages. But I'm sure Jeff could help you out. I taught him everything I know. He's a great apprentice."
"Umm..." Kane glance from Lita to Jeff, who was smiling brightly. "I guess I could use a massage... If it wouldn't be too much trouble for Jeff."
"No trouble at all," Jeff said, trying not to sound as excited as he felt. "I'll stop by your hotel room a little later."
"Okay... I guess I'll see you later."
"Enjoy the Pixie Sticks," Lita shouted as Kane left the room. "Don't eat too many or you'll turn into Jeff!"
"Hey!" Jeff yelled. "You make that sound like a bad thing."
"So, Lita... What exactly ARE we doing tonight?" Matt asked.
"The same thing we do every night, Matt... Try to figure out what's really going on with Billy and Chuck."