Title: Taking Chances (9/9)
Rating: R 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?
A/N: So we're finished. I'm not sure that this will entirely fulfil expectations, but I've had this ending in mind since I started the story, and I've been trying to build up to it, but in a very subtle fashion. There may be a sequel one day, I honestly don't know. There are plenty of places it could go, but I'm not sure. Anyways, thanks to everyone for reviewing, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. Hope you like. Tell me what you think (good and bad!)

"I understand things a little better now Chris."

The Canadian smiled sympathetically, "Hunter's not an easy man to understand… I'm not sure I ever did understand him fully."

"I don't understand him… I just understand a little more about me." Randy smiled at the inquisitive look on Chris' face and continued, "I was so desperate to be with him, I was naïve, wilfully blind to his faults. I know what he did… the way he treated me was wrong, but I allowed myself to be manipulated, and I did use him to advance my career in a way."

Chris shook his head. Randy was far from being freed from Hunter's spell. However, he was more aware, and that could only be a good thing. As he'd now wrestled his last match before surgery, he would be away from Hunter for six months while recuperating , and that would give him the chance to work things out for himself, rebuild his confidence and self esteem, and rid himself of Hunter's influence once and for all.

"Make the most of your time at home, yeah?" Chris forced a smile. He'd been rooming with Randy since the young man had split with Hunter, and would miss the company. "Try to work everything out in your head, but don't dwell on what ifs. They're even more destructive than Hunter is."

"I know." Shyly, Randy looked at Chris, "can I still call you if I need to talk?"

"Of course."

"And… and if you get a few days off… it'd be really nice if you could come to visit me." Randy was blushing, he hoped that Chris would understand the implication behind the words.

"I would love to come and visit." Chris wasn't going to lie to himself, the thought of a relationship with Randy had crossed his mind more than once over the last few months. He knew that if it happened though, they'd have to take it slow. Randy was still pretty fragile mentally, and Chris didn't want him to confuse being grateful with love. "Randy, you've been through some pretty tough stuff, I want to support you through that before we do something we might both regret later. After what's happened, we'll take everything slowly, yeah?"

"Yeah." In a way, Randy was relieved. Chris understood him perhaps better than he did himself. "I've booked in to see a counsellor… I think that might help too."

"You're stronger than you realise, you know," Chris pulled him into a hug. "Call me, anytime, and I'll come to see you soon."

Chris watched as Randy walked through the airport to the departure lounge. He would miss the young man. And he knew that Hunter would too. And that was what worried him. He just hoped that Randy could build himself up enough to handle Hunter's mind games, and that they could build a strong enough relationship in the meantime to handle whatever 'The Game' would throw at them.