Title: The Road Less Traveled (40/?)
Author: Esquirella
Rating: R (for violence in some chapters.)
Disclaimer: I own the Rio character and have written other stories with her. I own all non WWE characters. But I do not own the wrestlers. (Unfortunately. They are so cute!)
Synopsis: Thanks for the review! In this chapter: Jeff comes to see Tara and give her a surprise. Henry checks in on Sasquatch's training.
Distribution: Just in case anyone's interested in it, please ask me first. More than likely, I will agree.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've finally started putting up chapters to Rio's beginnings. It's called "One Journey Ends" and is in the Original Fiction section under General Fiction. As with this story, I've rated it R for violence and disturbing content. You can also access it by clicking on my author name and choosing it from the list of stories I've written so far. (All two of them!)
As always, I know nothing about the WWE superstars that appear in this story. The personalities used here are purely fiction and not meant in any way to represent the true natures of the individuals. And, as always, apologies to Shannon Moore (just in case he or anyone he knows ever reads this) for writing his character as so aggressively possessive. (I can't help it. I find that kind of hero attractive. *Wink*)
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Tara waited for Jeff in the hotel room alone. Shannon had wanted to be there but she put her foot down this time, insisting that Jeff be permitted to the opportunity to vent at her in private just as he'd had himself. When he still looked doubtful Matt stepped in and made Shannon feel guilty about not spending any time with Amy and Shane anymore. Matt winked at Tara when Shannon looked away, almost causing her to giggle. They'd left shortly afterwards to meet their friends in the diner next door.
Now she waited for the younger Hardy boy alone. Andrew couldn't come until later that night. A knock signaled his arrival and she opened the door slowly knowing that he would be just as angry as Shannon had been. He stood outside the door in his usual dare devil uniform of a t-shirt and cargoes with chunky black boots. His tousled hair was teal and he had dark circles under his eyes similar to Shannon's. He hesitated for only a moment then pushed the door wide to let himself in. She backed a step away as he let it shut behind him and they stared at each other down mutely for a while. Then he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up against him burying his nose in her hair.
"Oh my, God, Ri," he breathed in her ear. "I missed ya so much!"
"I missed you, too," she said squeezing back.
He lifted his head and looked down into her eyes. She assumed he was taking in her appearance without the mask. He lowered his head a bit and smiled sadly. "Ya gotta forgive me, baby."
"For what?" she asked in confusion, then widened her eyes as he quickly covered her lips with his own and slid his tongue into her gasping mouth. She struggled to break his hold but didn't want to hurt him. He had her waist in a vise hold. With one last nip he released her mouth but kept hold of her waist.
"J-Jeff . . . ," she stammered.
"Shhhhh," he cooed. "I kno' ya love my bes' frien'. I just needed ta feel ya one time."
She looked into his eyes, still completely stunned. But how could she remain angry with him when her disappearance had caused him so much pain. So she nodded and tried to pull out of his arms. But he shook his head and tightened his grip.
"No, ya don'," he said firmly. "I'm nowhere near comforted yet. Don' worry, I won' kiss ya like that again. Bu' maybe we shouldn' tell Shanny about that."
Tara knew what would happen if he did find out about Jeff's kiss. He'd knock his friend out and she'd feel terrible all over again.
"Okay," she conceded. "But promise me you won't try that again."
"Gonna break my arm if I do?" he grinned.
"You know I'd never hurt you," she glared at him. "Shannon's another story, though."
"'Fraid I cain' handle him?" he taunted laughingly. "O' tha' 'e cain' handle me."
"I plead the fifth."
"I am so glad yo' back, baby," he said touching foreheads with her. She smiled.
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Her lips were like honey, Jeff thought as he sat down on the bed pulling her with him. And her hair was blonde! Her deep blue eyes were burned into his memory now that he saw them up close. He sent a silent prayer of apology to her for lying about accepting her relationship with Shannon. Though he'd come in here with every intention of doing just that, one look had banished that thought from his mind, along with his conscience. She sat beside him innocently, not even remotely aware of his thoughts. Which was good because he had a feeling she'd make damned sure never to be alone with him again if she knew what he was thinking.
"So yo' a blonde, huh?" he asked, using that as his excuse to keep touching her. He ran his fingers through her straight shoulder length hair.
"Yeah," she smiled.
"An' yo' a Yank!"
"You noticed that, too?" she winked. His heart skipped a beat when she did that. She had no idea just how much he loved her.
"I wanna kno' ev'rythin' that' happened ta ya while ya were gone."
She nodded and sighed then told him everything from the time she left Shannon to go to her title defense up to earlier when Matt had helped her to arrange for time alone to see his brother. He smiled at that last part, grateful for having her all to himself for a while.
"Why d'ya think Justin wan'ed Shanny ta gitcha?" he asked careful to keep his tone on a conversational level.
"I think Todd may have had something to do with that," she said reflectively. "He and I had many long conversations while we recuperated. He knew how being away from all of you was hurting me and that I wouldn't go back willingly."
"Don'tcha think we can handle tha' asshole?"
"Henry's not harmless, Jeff," she said. "He and his guy were willing to take you out in public. In front of everyone, including your brother."
"I know," he said caressing her cheek. "Ya made sure 'e didn', tho'."
"I'm sorry I put you and Matt through so much that night," she said sincerely. "I'm also sorry I didn't call you. But I had to stay away to protect you. I couldn't let another person I love die because of me."
"Someday yo' gonna tell me all about tha'," Jeff said with certainty. "Bu' I'll accept tha' fo' now."
She smiled at him and he pulled her against him in another hug. She was back, he sighed to himself. He would find a way to get her to understand.
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Henry checked on Saquatch's training to be sure his new champion was up to the challenge of tonight's show. He was working out with Goliath who had also finally healed from his last match with Rio. Tonight Sasquatch was going to quell the rumors going around that the 'current champion' was dead, and he was going to take the belt for himself. Tonight all of Henry's problems would be solved and the world would return to the state it was in before he'd ever met that little silver troublemaker. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation just thinking about it.
Sasquatch had his back to his boss as he hefted Goliath over his head. He held him there for as long as he could, proving to himself and Goliath that he was healed and ready to make the fans forget Rio Angele. He set the other warrior down carefully, not intending to hurt his new trainer. He would save his wrath for his opponent tonight.
"Looking good, Sas," Henry said clapping.
The fighter turned and nodded his thanks. Goliath swung low and took him to the mat.
"Don't get sidetracked by anything when you're in this ring," he chided his student. "No matter what."
Sasquatch glared up at him for a moment but nodded again in agreement. He undoubtedly knew Goliath would be a tough teacher. He probably also knew the more experienced warrior was right. Henry inclined his head to Goliath in approval.
"He's much better than he ever was, Gol."
"That's the goal, Boss."
"That is indeed the goal," Phantom said strolling out from behind the ring. Henry frowned, annoyed that he didn't know the dark fighter was around.
"I thought Goliath was training him," Henry said belligerently.
"He is," the dark ally replied. "I'm supervising to ensure the plan goes according to schedule."
Henry nodded again, albeit unhappily. "Just make sure you get it right," he snapped on his way out.
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Shannon returned to his room as soon as he could get himself free from Matt, Shane and Amy. He loved them all but when they wanted to be annoying they succeeded completely. He pulled his card key out and slipped it into the lock opening the door without any warning. Tara and Jeff sat on the bed in a fit of hysterics over something. She sat a few feet away from the younger Hardy holding her stomach as she laughed. Jeff was rolling round on his back. Shannon smiled widely at the sight, relieved he wasn't interrupting anything that would have pissed him off.
"Wha's so funny?"
"Sh-Shannon!" Tara sputtered. "Did you know about Andrew's new gimmick?"
"Vaguely," he smiled. "I was distracted, tho'. Why? Wha's he doin'?"
"He-he's . . . ," Tara couldn't even get the words out. "He's calling his fans . . . Testicles!"
"Oh, damn," Shannon snickered, covering his mouth with one hand. He was laughing more at Jeff and Tara's reactions than the news. Tears were streaming down both their faces. Shannon approached the bed and sat down behind Tara, stabilizing her movements. She still couldn't stop laughing.
"I - I always salute 'em . . . uh, I mean HIM, afta ev'ry sho'!" Jeff added trying to sit up without much success. "Ya cain' even 'magine what 'e goes thro' in th' back! Th' boys are havin' a field day!"
"I'll bet," Shannon grinned. "Po' guy."
"Don' feel too bad fo' 'im," Jeff said wiping his eyes. "'E's datin' Stacy now."
"He is?" Tara asked between giggles. "That's great! I thought he'd never get free of Kim."
"Oh, she's still 'round," Jeff said finally calming down some. "Bu' Stacy's gonna kicker ass if she eva sho's up again."
"Cool," Shannon replied. Tara nodded finally getting herself under control.
"I guess he made amends with the writers then?" she asked.
"I wouldn' put it tha' way," Jeff answered. "Bu' a' least 'e's no' jobbin' ta Al Snow anymo'. Drew'll be here lata fo' a piece o' yo' butt. Ya can ask 'im 'bout it then. Bu' try notta make fun o' 'is haircut."
"'E's not gittin' a piece o' 'er," Shannon said defiantly. "'E can talk ta 'er, tho'."
"Ya not th' only one she lef' behin', Shanny," Jeff said gently. "Yo' gonna hafta share this butt-kickin' wit' all o' us. I'm sure ya gave Matt 'is say on it, too."
"That he did," Tara muttered darkly. "My butt still hurts from the two of them. Jeff, they didn't even give me a break between kickings, either. It was a handicap tag team match if ever I saw one."
Jeff laughed again at the look on her face and winked at Shannon. "'S'th' only way ta beat th' great Rio."
"I'm not Rio anymore," she said bluntly then pointed behind her at Shannon. "Ask him. He handed down the decree."
"Good man," Jeff said shaking Shannon's hand.
"I'm always outnumbered," she complained. Shannon laughed and kissed her cheek. Jeff smiled at him again. It felt good to have his best friend back.
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PLEASE NOTE: I've finally started putting up chapters to Rio's beginnings. It's called "One Journey Ends" and is in the Original Fiction section under General Fiction. As with this story, I've rated it R for violence and disturbing content. You can also access it by clicking on my author name and choosing it from the list of stories I've written so far. (All two of them!)
************************************
Author: Esquirella
Rating: R (for violence in some chapters.)
Disclaimer: I own the Rio character and have written other stories with her. I own all non WWE characters. But I do not own the wrestlers. (Unfortunately. They are so cute!)
Synopsis: Thanks for the review! In this chapter: Jeff comes to see Tara and give her a surprise. Henry checks in on Sasquatch's training.
Distribution: Just in case anyone's interested in it, please ask me first. More than likely, I will agree.
--------------------------------------
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've finally started putting up chapters to Rio's beginnings. It's called "One Journey Ends" and is in the Original Fiction section under General Fiction. As with this story, I've rated it R for violence and disturbing content. You can also access it by clicking on my author name and choosing it from the list of stories I've written so far. (All two of them!)
As always, I know nothing about the WWE superstars that appear in this story. The personalities used here are purely fiction and not meant in any way to represent the true natures of the individuals. And, as always, apologies to Shannon Moore (just in case he or anyone he knows ever reads this) for writing his character as so aggressively possessive. (I can't help it. I find that kind of hero attractive. *Wink*)
--------------------------------------
Tara waited for Jeff in the hotel room alone. Shannon had wanted to be there but she put her foot down this time, insisting that Jeff be permitted to the opportunity to vent at her in private just as he'd had himself. When he still looked doubtful Matt stepped in and made Shannon feel guilty about not spending any time with Amy and Shane anymore. Matt winked at Tara when Shannon looked away, almost causing her to giggle. They'd left shortly afterwards to meet their friends in the diner next door.
Now she waited for the younger Hardy boy alone. Andrew couldn't come until later that night. A knock signaled his arrival and she opened the door slowly knowing that he would be just as angry as Shannon had been. He stood outside the door in his usual dare devil uniform of a t-shirt and cargoes with chunky black boots. His tousled hair was teal and he had dark circles under his eyes similar to Shannon's. He hesitated for only a moment then pushed the door wide to let himself in. She backed a step away as he let it shut behind him and they stared at each other down mutely for a while. Then he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up against him burying his nose in her hair.
"Oh my, God, Ri," he breathed in her ear. "I missed ya so much!"
"I missed you, too," she said squeezing back.
He lifted his head and looked down into her eyes. She assumed he was taking in her appearance without the mask. He lowered his head a bit and smiled sadly. "Ya gotta forgive me, baby."
"For what?" she asked in confusion, then widened her eyes as he quickly covered her lips with his own and slid his tongue into her gasping mouth. She struggled to break his hold but didn't want to hurt him. He had her waist in a vise hold. With one last nip he released her mouth but kept hold of her waist.
"J-Jeff . . . ," she stammered.
"Shhhhh," he cooed. "I kno' ya love my bes' frien'. I just needed ta feel ya one time."
She looked into his eyes, still completely stunned. But how could she remain angry with him when her disappearance had caused him so much pain. So she nodded and tried to pull out of his arms. But he shook his head and tightened his grip.
"No, ya don'," he said firmly. "I'm nowhere near comforted yet. Don' worry, I won' kiss ya like that again. Bu' maybe we shouldn' tell Shanny about that."
Tara knew what would happen if he did find out about Jeff's kiss. He'd knock his friend out and she'd feel terrible all over again.
"Okay," she conceded. "But promise me you won't try that again."
"Gonna break my arm if I do?" he grinned.
"You know I'd never hurt you," she glared at him. "Shannon's another story, though."
"'Fraid I cain' handle him?" he taunted laughingly. "O' tha' 'e cain' handle me."
"I plead the fifth."
"I am so glad yo' back, baby," he said touching foreheads with her. She smiled.
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Her lips were like honey, Jeff thought as he sat down on the bed pulling her with him. And her hair was blonde! Her deep blue eyes were burned into his memory now that he saw them up close. He sent a silent prayer of apology to her for lying about accepting her relationship with Shannon. Though he'd come in here with every intention of doing just that, one look had banished that thought from his mind, along with his conscience. She sat beside him innocently, not even remotely aware of his thoughts. Which was good because he had a feeling she'd make damned sure never to be alone with him again if she knew what he was thinking.
"So yo' a blonde, huh?" he asked, using that as his excuse to keep touching her. He ran his fingers through her straight shoulder length hair.
"Yeah," she smiled.
"An' yo' a Yank!"
"You noticed that, too?" she winked. His heart skipped a beat when she did that. She had no idea just how much he loved her.
"I wanna kno' ev'rythin' that' happened ta ya while ya were gone."
She nodded and sighed then told him everything from the time she left Shannon to go to her title defense up to earlier when Matt had helped her to arrange for time alone to see his brother. He smiled at that last part, grateful for having her all to himself for a while.
"Why d'ya think Justin wan'ed Shanny ta gitcha?" he asked careful to keep his tone on a conversational level.
"I think Todd may have had something to do with that," she said reflectively. "He and I had many long conversations while we recuperated. He knew how being away from all of you was hurting me and that I wouldn't go back willingly."
"Don'tcha think we can handle tha' asshole?"
"Henry's not harmless, Jeff," she said. "He and his guy were willing to take you out in public. In front of everyone, including your brother."
"I know," he said caressing her cheek. "Ya made sure 'e didn', tho'."
"I'm sorry I put you and Matt through so much that night," she said sincerely. "I'm also sorry I didn't call you. But I had to stay away to protect you. I couldn't let another person I love die because of me."
"Someday yo' gonna tell me all about tha'," Jeff said with certainty. "Bu' I'll accept tha' fo' now."
She smiled at him and he pulled her against him in another hug. She was back, he sighed to himself. He would find a way to get her to understand.
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Henry checked on Saquatch's training to be sure his new champion was up to the challenge of tonight's show. He was working out with Goliath who had also finally healed from his last match with Rio. Tonight Sasquatch was going to quell the rumors going around that the 'current champion' was dead, and he was going to take the belt for himself. Tonight all of Henry's problems would be solved and the world would return to the state it was in before he'd ever met that little silver troublemaker. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation just thinking about it.
Sasquatch had his back to his boss as he hefted Goliath over his head. He held him there for as long as he could, proving to himself and Goliath that he was healed and ready to make the fans forget Rio Angele. He set the other warrior down carefully, not intending to hurt his new trainer. He would save his wrath for his opponent tonight.
"Looking good, Sas," Henry said clapping.
The fighter turned and nodded his thanks. Goliath swung low and took him to the mat.
"Don't get sidetracked by anything when you're in this ring," he chided his student. "No matter what."
Sasquatch glared up at him for a moment but nodded again in agreement. He undoubtedly knew Goliath would be a tough teacher. He probably also knew the more experienced warrior was right. Henry inclined his head to Goliath in approval.
"He's much better than he ever was, Gol."
"That's the goal, Boss."
"That is indeed the goal," Phantom said strolling out from behind the ring. Henry frowned, annoyed that he didn't know the dark fighter was around.
"I thought Goliath was training him," Henry said belligerently.
"He is," the dark ally replied. "I'm supervising to ensure the plan goes according to schedule."
Henry nodded again, albeit unhappily. "Just make sure you get it right," he snapped on his way out.
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Shannon returned to his room as soon as he could get himself free from Matt, Shane and Amy. He loved them all but when they wanted to be annoying they succeeded completely. He pulled his card key out and slipped it into the lock opening the door without any warning. Tara and Jeff sat on the bed in a fit of hysterics over something. She sat a few feet away from the younger Hardy holding her stomach as she laughed. Jeff was rolling round on his back. Shannon smiled widely at the sight, relieved he wasn't interrupting anything that would have pissed him off.
"Wha's so funny?"
"Sh-Shannon!" Tara sputtered. "Did you know about Andrew's new gimmick?"
"Vaguely," he smiled. "I was distracted, tho'. Why? Wha's he doin'?"
"He-he's . . . ," Tara couldn't even get the words out. "He's calling his fans . . . Testicles!"
"Oh, damn," Shannon snickered, covering his mouth with one hand. He was laughing more at Jeff and Tara's reactions than the news. Tears were streaming down both their faces. Shannon approached the bed and sat down behind Tara, stabilizing her movements. She still couldn't stop laughing.
"I - I always salute 'em . . . uh, I mean HIM, afta ev'ry sho'!" Jeff added trying to sit up without much success. "Ya cain' even 'magine what 'e goes thro' in th' back! Th' boys are havin' a field day!"
"I'll bet," Shannon grinned. "Po' guy."
"Don' feel too bad fo' 'im," Jeff said wiping his eyes. "'E's datin' Stacy now."
"He is?" Tara asked between giggles. "That's great! I thought he'd never get free of Kim."
"Oh, she's still 'round," Jeff said finally calming down some. "Bu' Stacy's gonna kicker ass if she eva sho's up again."
"Cool," Shannon replied. Tara nodded finally getting herself under control.
"I guess he made amends with the writers then?" she asked.
"I wouldn' put it tha' way," Jeff answered. "Bu' a' least 'e's no' jobbin' ta Al Snow anymo'. Drew'll be here lata fo' a piece o' yo' butt. Ya can ask 'im 'bout it then. Bu' try notta make fun o' 'is haircut."
"'E's not gittin' a piece o' 'er," Shannon said defiantly. "'E can talk ta 'er, tho'."
"Ya not th' only one she lef' behin', Shanny," Jeff said gently. "Yo' gonna hafta share this butt-kickin' wit' all o' us. I'm sure ya gave Matt 'is say on it, too."
"That he did," Tara muttered darkly. "My butt still hurts from the two of them. Jeff, they didn't even give me a break between kickings, either. It was a handicap tag team match if ever I saw one."
Jeff laughed again at the look on her face and winked at Shannon. "'S'th' only way ta beat th' great Rio."
"I'm not Rio anymore," she said bluntly then pointed behind her at Shannon. "Ask him. He handed down the decree."
"Good man," Jeff said shaking Shannon's hand.
"I'm always outnumbered," she complained. Shannon laughed and kissed her cheek. Jeff smiled at him again. It felt good to have his best friend back.
************************************
PLEASE NOTE: I've finally started putting up chapters to Rio's beginnings. It's called "One Journey Ends" and is in the Original Fiction section under General Fiction. As with this story, I've rated it R for violence and disturbing content. You can also access it by clicking on my author name and choosing it from the list of stories I've written so far. (All two of them!)
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