Title: The Road Less Traveled (41/?)
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*)
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Andrew hugged Tara tightly when he walked into the room. Jeff and Shannon had gone down to the bar for a beer so that he could spend some time alone with her like the rest of her friends. And, like everyone else, he was getting ready to unleash his frustrations.
"Nice hair," he said touching her dark blonde locks.
"You, too," she laughed rubbing his short hair.
"You could have called me," he said glaring down at her.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"I went out of my mind when Jeff told me what happened at that last fight," he went on. "You're not planning to go back there, are you?"
"No," she shook her head. "Shannon would probably lock me up first, anyway."
"He and the rest of us."
"I am sorry, Andrew," she said again.
"I know," he nodded. "I'm still pissed, though."
"I know," she replied. "What can I do to make it right?"
"Stay with us this time," he said without hesitation. "Don't keep trying to convince Shannon to let you go. You know he won't and we'd all kill him if he tried anyway."
"But Henry's still going to try to attack one of you," she pleaded.
"He's going to do it with or without you being here," he pointed out. He suddenly had an idea about how to keep her with them. "Don't you think it would be better if you stayed to watch out for Shannon and Matt?"
She cocked her head to the side and considered his statement carefully. He could tell she hadn't thought of it that way.
"What about you and Jeff?"
"We'll be on guard now that you've told us everything you know," he assured her. "We'll also have Amy and Shane to help us make sure those bastards never get near any WWE performers."
"It won't be enough," she shook her head sadly. "We can only be sure everyone is safe as long as they're all together at the shows. What about down time and traveling?"
"We can only do so much, kiddo," he shrugged. "Aren't your 'fathers' watching Henry now?"
"Like two hawks," she snorted. "I think they want to handle him for me but are afraid to piss me off again."
"Why?"
"They have a habit of 'fixing' problems for me when I'd rather take care of them myself," she said evasively. He got the feeling she didn't want to discuss it too much detail.
"But Henry's bad news," he said. "Why not let them at him?"
"Justin made me a promise a while back, and I intend to see that he keeps it."
"Well, leaving us will only make us sitting ducks, especially Shannon," he said knowing she'd cave in for the small blonde wrestler. "I know you love him."
"Am I that transparent?" she reddened slightly and raised an eyebrow. "First Matt, then Jeff, and now you. Sheesh!"
He couldn't contain the grin he felt coming. She was adorable under the mask. In fact, it was getting harder to imagine her kicking anybody's ass now.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he already knows anyway."
"Of course he does," she huffed. "I told him."
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"I am so glad we're frien's again," Shannon said clicking glasses with Jeff.
Jeff smiled innocently from the other side of the table. He couldn't very well tell Shannon he was still in love with Tara, could he? For one thing, he would lose his best friend for good. For another, she'd run for the hills. Jeff knew that if he had any chance with Tara he'd have to be very patient with Shannon. He knew she was meant to be with him and not the smaller man. But he also knew he would have to prove that to her, or she would never leave Shannon for him. If he played this right, he thought, he could preserve his relationship with his best friend while finally getting his true soul mate in the end. She can't have any warning, though. That would ruin everything. He mentally kicked himself for giving her such a deep kiss earlier, knowing that a small part of her would always be on alert for any more advances from his direction. He smiled again, knowing she would definitely be a challenge to win.
"Me, too," he replied to Shannon.
"Whatdya wanna do tonight?"
"Oh, I cain' hang out witchew, Shanny," he said apologetically. "Drew an' I gotta go do somethin' lata. Can I git a rain check?"
"Sure," Shannon frowned thoughtfully. "I jus' thoughtcha wan'ed ta spen' no' time wit' Tara."
"Oh, I do," he said readily. "But I don' wanna intrude onya so soon. An' anyway, I promised Drew I'd hang wit'im."
Shannon nodded and smiled. "Nex' time, then."
Jeff was glad Shannon didn't pursue the line of questioning further. He didn't really want to have to lie to him anymore than he already was. Andrew and he were set to attend the latest Warrior Series show to check out their odds and he had a feeling Shannon wouldn't approve of their plans.
Matt, Amy and Shane suddenly appeared and the room began to bubble with conversation. A few minutes later, Tara and Andrew joined them all. He and Andrew would have to cut out soon, but at least now they could be sure Shannon and Tara would be well occupied this evening.
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"Do you not think we should get rid of this Henry problem already?" Justin groused to Sven after Todd had retired to his room for the evening. "As long as he remains in business, they will not be safe. Neither will the wrestlers."
"You know what she will think if we do that, Justin," Sven reminded him calmly as he poured more coffee into his companion's mug. "She will assume you have broken your promise and will be very hurt."
"I will be very hurt should something happen to either of them."
The blonde man set down the coffee pot and touched his mate's arm lovingly. "You are keeping close tabs on him, Justin," he said reassuringly. "He will not be able to make a move without you knowing of it. Todd is here with me at all times and you know I will let nothing happen to him."
"I am not worried about your abilities, love."
"I know," Sven smiled. "You are worried about hers. But we trained her ourselves and she now has someone important enough to fight for. She will fine and I believe Henry's days are numbered."
"He is planning to something for tonight's show, you know."
"You will be there to make sure he springs no surprises," Sven said confidently. "I have faith in our family, sweet. Together we will handle this."
"All of us, huh?"
"Yes, the four of us," Sven smiled, "and that future son-in-law of ours."
Justin's eyes widened then he broke into a heartwarming grin. "You think he will want to go that far?"
"I think if you had any doubts that he did not, you would have dispatched him already," Sven teased. "Plus, he would not have been pining for her for so long when he thought she was dead."
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Sasquatch waited on the ramp for his new music to hit. He wore the newly minted title belt replica around his waist and a grin on his face. Goliath gave him a smile and went to wait for him in Henry's office. There was no sign of Phantom yet, but Sasquatch knew he'd be somewhere, watching to make sure his plan went on schedule. Suddenly, his music blared through the speakers and he walked triumphantly out to the ring. He entered and glared ominously about him, reaching for a microphone to address the audience.
"You see this?" he asked the crowd pointing to the silver smear on his chin. "Rio and I made up."
The crowd exploded into a shower of boos and hisses.
"She's back home in my bed where she belongs," he went on. "This is from her, as is this," he said pointing to the belt. "Since she's no longer interested in playing with any other boys, she gave it to me."
The audience erupted again into a combination of boos and clapping. The new champion smiled and waited for his first challenger.
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"What the fuck?" Andrew growled from his seat in the upper level.
Jeff sat beside him silently taking the scene in. He wanted to go down there right now and beat the living hell out of the smug masked man but knew now wasn't the time. He sat back angrily and waited for the fight hoping the challenger ripped that asshole a new one.
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Sasquatch's opponent was a lower level fighter. Henry and Goliath had thought it best to leave the difficult fights for another time when they were sure the new champion was completely healed. He toyed with the young man for a while to interest the crowd then quickly broke a few choice bones ensuring that the man wouldn't walk for a very long time if ever again. He waved jovially at the audience as he walked back up the ramp never once looking back at the carnage he'd left there.
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"That was rewarding," Henry said to Goliath and Phantom from the back room. "I'm glad I listened to you," he said to the dark fighter in a pinched voice.
"I told you it would work," the warrior replied.
--------------------------------------
"Well, we know we can't attack them here," Andrew said as he left the arena with Jeff on his heels. "Too many of them in the back."
"Yeah," Jeff muttered.
"We definitely want that guy, as well as the big boss."
"'Ow can we tell 'ow many bodyguards 'e'll 'ave?"
"Good question," Andrew replied. "We'll have to go back and puzzle this out before we make any decisions."
--------------------------------------
"Are you sure they were there?" Sven asked Justin when he returned later.
"There is no mistaking the blue hair," Justin said as he pulled off his clothes to get ready for bed.
"She will be best able to find out what he is up to," the blonde man went on shedding his own clothes. "We have to tell her."
"I know."
************************************
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*)
--------------------------------------
Andrew hugged Tara tightly when he walked into the room. Jeff and Shannon had gone down to the bar for a beer so that he could spend some time alone with her like the rest of her friends. And, like everyone else, he was getting ready to unleash his frustrations.
"Nice hair," he said touching her dark blonde locks.
"You, too," she laughed rubbing his short hair.
"You could have called me," he said glaring down at her.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"I went out of my mind when Jeff told me what happened at that last fight," he went on. "You're not planning to go back there, are you?"
"No," she shook her head. "Shannon would probably lock me up first, anyway."
"He and the rest of us."
"I am sorry, Andrew," she said again.
"I know," he nodded. "I'm still pissed, though."
"I know," she replied. "What can I do to make it right?"
"Stay with us this time," he said without hesitation. "Don't keep trying to convince Shannon to let you go. You know he won't and we'd all kill him if he tried anyway."
"But Henry's still going to try to attack one of you," she pleaded.
"He's going to do it with or without you being here," he pointed out. He suddenly had an idea about how to keep her with them. "Don't you think it would be better if you stayed to watch out for Shannon and Matt?"
She cocked her head to the side and considered his statement carefully. He could tell she hadn't thought of it that way.
"What about you and Jeff?"
"We'll be on guard now that you've told us everything you know," he assured her. "We'll also have Amy and Shane to help us make sure those bastards never get near any WWE performers."
"It won't be enough," she shook her head sadly. "We can only be sure everyone is safe as long as they're all together at the shows. What about down time and traveling?"
"We can only do so much, kiddo," he shrugged. "Aren't your 'fathers' watching Henry now?"
"Like two hawks," she snorted. "I think they want to handle him for me but are afraid to piss me off again."
"Why?"
"They have a habit of 'fixing' problems for me when I'd rather take care of them myself," she said evasively. He got the feeling she didn't want to discuss it too much detail.
"But Henry's bad news," he said. "Why not let them at him?"
"Justin made me a promise a while back, and I intend to see that he keeps it."
"Well, leaving us will only make us sitting ducks, especially Shannon," he said knowing she'd cave in for the small blonde wrestler. "I know you love him."
"Am I that transparent?" she reddened slightly and raised an eyebrow. "First Matt, then Jeff, and now you. Sheesh!"
He couldn't contain the grin he felt coming. She was adorable under the mask. In fact, it was getting harder to imagine her kicking anybody's ass now.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he already knows anyway."
"Of course he does," she huffed. "I told him."
--------------------------------------
"I am so glad we're frien's again," Shannon said clicking glasses with Jeff.
Jeff smiled innocently from the other side of the table. He couldn't very well tell Shannon he was still in love with Tara, could he? For one thing, he would lose his best friend for good. For another, she'd run for the hills. Jeff knew that if he had any chance with Tara he'd have to be very patient with Shannon. He knew she was meant to be with him and not the smaller man. But he also knew he would have to prove that to her, or she would never leave Shannon for him. If he played this right, he thought, he could preserve his relationship with his best friend while finally getting his true soul mate in the end. She can't have any warning, though. That would ruin everything. He mentally kicked himself for giving her such a deep kiss earlier, knowing that a small part of her would always be on alert for any more advances from his direction. He smiled again, knowing she would definitely be a challenge to win.
"Me, too," he replied to Shannon.
"Whatdya wanna do tonight?"
"Oh, I cain' hang out witchew, Shanny," he said apologetically. "Drew an' I gotta go do somethin' lata. Can I git a rain check?"
"Sure," Shannon frowned thoughtfully. "I jus' thoughtcha wan'ed ta spen' no' time wit' Tara."
"Oh, I do," he said readily. "But I don' wanna intrude onya so soon. An' anyway, I promised Drew I'd hang wit'im."
Shannon nodded and smiled. "Nex' time, then."
Jeff was glad Shannon didn't pursue the line of questioning further. He didn't really want to have to lie to him anymore than he already was. Andrew and he were set to attend the latest Warrior Series show to check out their odds and he had a feeling Shannon wouldn't approve of their plans.
Matt, Amy and Shane suddenly appeared and the room began to bubble with conversation. A few minutes later, Tara and Andrew joined them all. He and Andrew would have to cut out soon, but at least now they could be sure Shannon and Tara would be well occupied this evening.
--------------------------------------
"Do you not think we should get rid of this Henry problem already?" Justin groused to Sven after Todd had retired to his room for the evening. "As long as he remains in business, they will not be safe. Neither will the wrestlers."
"You know what she will think if we do that, Justin," Sven reminded him calmly as he poured more coffee into his companion's mug. "She will assume you have broken your promise and will be very hurt."
"I will be very hurt should something happen to either of them."
The blonde man set down the coffee pot and touched his mate's arm lovingly. "You are keeping close tabs on him, Justin," he said reassuringly. "He will not be able to make a move without you knowing of it. Todd is here with me at all times and you know I will let nothing happen to him."
"I am not worried about your abilities, love."
"I know," Sven smiled. "You are worried about hers. But we trained her ourselves and she now has someone important enough to fight for. She will fine and I believe Henry's days are numbered."
"He is planning to something for tonight's show, you know."
"You will be there to make sure he springs no surprises," Sven said confidently. "I have faith in our family, sweet. Together we will handle this."
"All of us, huh?"
"Yes, the four of us," Sven smiled, "and that future son-in-law of ours."
Justin's eyes widened then he broke into a heartwarming grin. "You think he will want to go that far?"
"I think if you had any doubts that he did not, you would have dispatched him already," Sven teased. "Plus, he would not have been pining for her for so long when he thought she was dead."
--------------------------------------
Sasquatch waited on the ramp for his new music to hit. He wore the newly minted title belt replica around his waist and a grin on his face. Goliath gave him a smile and went to wait for him in Henry's office. There was no sign of Phantom yet, but Sasquatch knew he'd be somewhere, watching to make sure his plan went on schedule. Suddenly, his music blared through the speakers and he walked triumphantly out to the ring. He entered and glared ominously about him, reaching for a microphone to address the audience.
"You see this?" he asked the crowd pointing to the silver smear on his chin. "Rio and I made up."
The crowd exploded into a shower of boos and hisses.
"She's back home in my bed where she belongs," he went on. "This is from her, as is this," he said pointing to the belt. "Since she's no longer interested in playing with any other boys, she gave it to me."
The audience erupted again into a combination of boos and clapping. The new champion smiled and waited for his first challenger.
--------------------------------------
"What the fuck?" Andrew growled from his seat in the upper level.
Jeff sat beside him silently taking the scene in. He wanted to go down there right now and beat the living hell out of the smug masked man but knew now wasn't the time. He sat back angrily and waited for the fight hoping the challenger ripped that asshole a new one.
--------------------------------------
Sasquatch's opponent was a lower level fighter. Henry and Goliath had thought it best to leave the difficult fights for another time when they were sure the new champion was completely healed. He toyed with the young man for a while to interest the crowd then quickly broke a few choice bones ensuring that the man wouldn't walk for a very long time if ever again. He waved jovially at the audience as he walked back up the ramp never once looking back at the carnage he'd left there.
--------------------------------------
"That was rewarding," Henry said to Goliath and Phantom from the back room. "I'm glad I listened to you," he said to the dark fighter in a pinched voice.
"I told you it would work," the warrior replied.
--------------------------------------
"Well, we know we can't attack them here," Andrew said as he left the arena with Jeff on his heels. "Too many of them in the back."
"Yeah," Jeff muttered.
"We definitely want that guy, as well as the big boss."
"'Ow can we tell 'ow many bodyguards 'e'll 'ave?"
"Good question," Andrew replied. "We'll have to go back and puzzle this out before we make any decisions."
--------------------------------------
"Are you sure they were there?" Sven asked Justin when he returned later.
"There is no mistaking the blue hair," Justin said as he pulled off his clothes to get ready for bed.
"She will be best able to find out what he is up to," the blonde man went on shedding his own clothes. "We have to tell her."
"I know."
************************************
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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