Title: Taking Chances (3?)
Rating:M for adult themes
Content: Slash, angsting, violence
Disclaimer: Don't own, please don't sue
Characters: Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, HHH
Summary: Randy's relationship with Hunter is complicated. Will Chris help him to see it more clearly, or will that just bring more complications?

Randy just sat and watched as Hunter ranted and raved. Batista had pissed him off again, and Hunter was not happy. Randy knew it was a matter of time before things started flying round the room, forcefully thrown by the man who was right now tearing up a copy of Raw magazine in fury.

He knew better than to say anything. He was just grateful that Hunter wasn't angry at him. For once, Hunter had actually praised him. It had been Hunter's idea to challenge the Undertaker for Wrestlemania, and although Randy was unsure, he'd done it to prove to Hunter… well, to prove what, Randy was unsure, but Hunter had told him it was best for his career, so he'd done it.

He knew better than to further raise the man's ire. He knew exactly what would happen. It was the same as so many other nights. Hunter would storm out of the room, return a few hours later drunk, he'd grab hold of Randy and he'd expect sex. And Randy always found it easier to acquiesce. He'd tried fighting back once. It didn't work.

Now, he comforted himself that his meekness was helping Hunter get over his anger, and that Hunter wouldn't come to him if he didn't love him. It was a comfort, but he also knew that it was a lie that was getting harder and harder to believe. He wanted to believe that he was helping Hunter, but at the same time he knew that Hunter was hardly even aware of his existence right now.

He thought back to Chris. Now that was confusing. One part of his head knew that he was being offered an escape route, a lifeline. The other wondered about why Chris was offering. Then, there was that little bit, Hunter's voice in the back of his head, telling him that he was weak, that he needed Hunter, that he loved him.

Randy's train of thought was temporarily halted as he watched Hunter storm out of the room, slamming the door behind him. He was relieved, yet still concerned, as the night was far from over. Hunter would return, and the same thing would happen as had happened so many other nights. And that was when Randy felt more confused than ever. As Hunter took him, he knew that he did so because the older man needed him more than ever. At the same time though, each time Randy's love died a little, because somehow he knew that someone who professed to love you should not cause you pain.

He grabbed his phone and called Chris, hoping that the Canadian would have time for him.

"Yeah?"

"Chris, it's Randy, can we talk?" Randy held his breath, waiting for the response.

"Sure."

"I'm not disturbing you?"

"No. I was just working on some Fozzy stuff, but it can wait. What's up?"

Randy sighed, "Hunter was pissed at Dave, he's just gone out."

"Drinking?" There was a catch of concern in Chris' voice that Randy was quick enough to pick up on. He didn't understand why, but it was definitely there.

"Yeah."

"Shit."

"I know. I just figure…" Randy knew it sounded crazy, but he also hoped that Chris would understand, "with me here, it stops him doing anything stupid… and I feel like… I feel wanted."

"Hunter has a way of making you feel like that."

"Like, I'm the only one who he can come to. I feel special… but at the same time… I love him even less."

"He hurts you, and you hate him for that."

Randy nodded. He didn't know how Chris understood how he was feeling, but right now, just to have someone who could empathise was a massive relief. "Yeah. I know what he's doing to me isn't right, but it brings up a lot of conflicting emotions in me."

"Like love and hate?"

"Partly. Also… I feel weak, you know? I'm young, fit, strong. No one should be pushing me around like this. I certainly shouldn't be letting them."

"That's easier said than done as far as Hunter is concerned."

"Yeah."

"You know…" Chris' voice was tentative, as if he was wary of breaking the connection he had with Randy, "he's not there, you could leave right now."

"I know. And the thought has crossed my mind."

"But…"

"I'd still have to face him, you know? Tell him why. When I walk out, I need him to know why."

"So what about tonight? When he comes back…" Randy suddenly realised why Chris was so concerned. He'd probably gone through the same thing when he was with Hunter.

"I'll be OK."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I appreciate your concern Chris, I really do." Randy was unsure about broaching the subject, but figured that the worst Chris could do was hang up. "You know where I'm coming from with all this, don't you? I mean, from personal experience."

He heard Chris take a breath, and pause. "Yeah," he replied finally. "Which is why I wish you'd just walk out the door right now."

"I'll be OK Chris. He needs me right now."

"You don't need him."

Randy didn't answer. He just shook his head, even though Chris couldn't see the gesture.

"I have to go now Chris. Thank you for being there."

"Before you go Randy… why challenge the Undertaker? Did Hunter tell you to?"

"He thought it would be a good idea, I'm the legend killer after all."

"Yeah," Chris' voice was contemplative. "Just so long as you're happy with it."

"I am." Randy sounded anything but. "See ya Chris."

"Yeah, see ya Randy."

Randy threw the phone onto the table and rested his head back. He mused over what Chris had said. It would be easy to walk out right now, but he couldn't. He needed Hunter. Hunter needed him. If only things could go back to being that simple.