A/N: An update for your reading pleasure. Apologies for taking so long with this, I hope it was worth the wait. Thank you to everyone who has been in contact over the months asking what's happening with this story, I hope you enjoy it.

One More Chance

"Here is the lesson I've learned. That you don't know what you've got until it's gone."

"…and now onto Show Business news. Gay British pop singer Morgan Lee has caused yet more uproar as his second studio album entitled 'Something to Remember' has debuted at the top of the album charts. The record has sold almost two million copies in its first week alone, outselling the rest of the top ten albums combined. The lead single 'Black and Gold' achieved a similar feat several weeks ago when it hit the number one spot based on airplay and download sales alone. It has remained in pole position for four straight weeks and looks unlikely to be toppled despite heavy competition this week from other established stars.

The singer, currently preparing to open the North American leg of his new world tour in New York next week, has been quoted as feeling 'ecstatic and truly humbled' at this chart performance. Already under a fierce storm of criticism due to his refusal to apologise for his Grammy performance last week, supporters of the singer have called his latest chart success clear vindication. Whilst refusing to give any comment on the situation, Mr. Lee has gone on the record to say that at the end of his current contract, he will be leaving 'Sweet Baby Girl Entertainment' and moving to Indiana based label 'Kaos Records' due to 'artistic differences'. It is believed that the record label no longer supports the singer…"

Disturbed from his concentration, John Cena glanced up from his tray into the already heaving canteen. The majority of the fold down plastic blue tables were filled with superstars, production staff and crew enjoying their lunch break from setting up for the next 'Saturday's Night's Main Event'.

His blue eyes darkened as, despite his hearing being obscured by headphones, the room had fallen momentarily silent because he had entered. It was the same wherever he went these days; staff meetings, public relations events and even the locker room. Everyone was always shocked and surprised to see him in public, holding his head high as though he had no right to do anything of the sort.

His actions at Jeff Hardy's engagement party months ago had not been forgotten by his colleagues. News of his affair with Morgan had spread through the company like wildfire, and he was now the constant source of gossip. Most of his colleagues avoided speaking to him; to the point where certain superstars even refused to wrestle him out of fear of what he may try and do to them. No would make contact in the corridors, to say nothing about being invited out for a post-event drink. He had been forced into the role of a loner, despite having no desire to be anything like it.

Despite the coldness he encountered from those he had considered friends, John marvelled at how everyone felt more than comfortable to discuss both while he was present and more commonly when he wasn't. He wasn't good enough to talk to, but everyone felt more than obliged to discuss him in their little groups, more often than not venting their disgust.

The reaction had always puzzled John. Everyone had accepted Jeff Hardy to varying degrees for being with other men, but Cena was somehow another story. He supposed it was because he had been the poster boy for the company, the All-American hero that kids looked up to. In their eyes, he wondered what he must have looked like to be illicitly seeing another man? He hadn't realised loving another man and being a hero were apparently mutually exclusive until recently.

Many had predicted the termination of his employment, but it had yet to happen for whatever reason. The management team had done all that they could to suppress the news of his apparent 'turn' to homosexuality, although it was now out in the open in the industry and wasn't about to be forgotten.

If he'd had the strength too, John would have fought the rumour and spiteful gossip. No matter what anyone said, he was no more gay now than he had been eighteen months ago. Being with Morgan had taught him that love was blind when it came to gender, and that you loved a person and not a generic set of anatomical features. And even as he sough solace in the backstreet gay bars in the cities that the company visited, it was simply frustrated heartbreak fuelling his behaviour. He missed Morgan more than he thought he could miss anyone or thing, and the act of being with other men was a vein attempt to try and recapture some of the passion and tenderness he had briefly felt with the other man.

Of course no-one was interested in any of that. He was branded a fag and had all the shame and scorn that went with it. Even now, he could imagine what Adam Copeland and his cohorts were saying about him as they sneered at his presence from across the room. 'Get your ass against the walls guys, Cena's here.'

Increasing the grip on the tray, Cena trudged through the hall, heading for an empty table against the far corner near the window. Pretending he couldn't see the stares and whispers around him, he couldn't help but falter as he spotted Ashley looking pointedly in his direction. They'd been engaged at one point, although he struggled to remember why he fallen for her in the first place. He reasoned that he must have, considering they'd gotten as far as planning the wedding before she'd been unfaithful. Since then, she tried in varying ways to get him back, although he wasn't interested. Even if he hadn't met Morgan, John couldn't ever see himself with her ever again. He'd moved on, and whilst it hurt him that she couldn't do the same, he was resolute to keep as much space between them as possible, even if it cost him a potential friend.

Ignoring her obvious wave for him to join her, John focused on the news being pumped into his ears and continued to walk across the room.

"…with the Church commenting he was setting an immoral and sinful example for impressionable young minds. Several Christian officials have condemned the media for 'glamorising homosexuality' and continue to petition for a boycott of the singer's records and performances. Mr. Lee courted the controversy earlier in the year when the Pope requested a private audience with him to discuss his life choices and help him rejoin the path of the Lord. The singer responded by saying that if the Pope wished to see him, then he was obliged to purchase a ticket for one of his Italian concerts and would do his best to 'look out for him in the crowd', suggesting he wouldn't be the only man present 'wearing a dress'.

Mr. Lee has said he plans to go ahead with his visit Italy in the summer with his world tour, regardless of the public outcry and condemnation from the Vatican. It remains to be seen whether or not Mr. Lee can repeat the success he has had in the rest of Europe here, as it is the first time he has toured extensively in the U.S.

Coming up, we have an exclusive play of Morgan's next single 'Makes Me Wonder' and we have psychologist Doctor Miles Clarkson here to discuss Mr. Lee's actions as of late…"

Reaching into his pocket, John pushed a button on his cell phone to switch off the radio function. Pulling it out, he placed it on the table in front if him, as though considering it. The only contact he had with Morgan now came from news bulletins and online gossip. He had no way on contacting him, and deep down wasn't sure whether it was the right thing for him to do anyway. Morgan had obviously made it clear by keeping his distance and not following him that day at the airport that it was over between them. He had to accept that whatever it was they had was now over, however much John wanted otherwise. Somehow, he knew he had to learn how to live with what had happened, although he honestly wasn't sure how.

Pulling the headphones out of his ears, Cena almost jumped out of his seat in surprise as another tray clattered onto the table in front of him. Glancing up, he smiled as a sullen faced Randy Orton dropped himself into the seat opposite him, slamming his elbows on the table to so he could rest his head in his hands.

"She fuckin' dumped me." He growled, curling his upper lip as his crystal eyes narrowed.

"You and Trish fighting again?" As he posed the question, John was already confident of the answer. Randy and Trish had the most volatile relationship of any two people he'd ever seen in his life. If they weren't screwing each other's brains out, they were having very public screaming matches. The very fact they stayed together was a testament to true love, but then the pair were plain miserable when they broke up. It was easier for everyone when they fucked and made up.

"I can't believe she dumped me." Randy's expression was a cocktail of disbelief and incredulity. "When we were buying vibrators and everything!"

Cringing, John wasn't sure he wanted to know anymore. "You guys will sort it out. You always do. And then you'll go have the screaming, obnoxious make-up sex you're famous for."

"I don't think so. She was really serious this time. She got all quiet and fierce instead of loud and screeching." Randy shook his head, his eyes awash with confusion. He may be dense, but he certainly knew when his girlfriend's reactions were different. "What am I gonna do without her, man? I can't be without her."

John arched and eyebrow as Randy sank his head into his hands. "Randy, seriously dude. You guys break up every other week. What happened?"

"We were buying dildos and I said I wanted to get this curved pink one to stick up her ass while I ate her -…"

"Please skip ahead." John interrupted, not wanting to be privy to the sex life of his friends.

"She just got all quiet and said I was inconsiderate and narrow minded. That I just use her for her body and was just gonna keep her stringing along for the rest of her life and never make her and honest woman. Like she could ever be an honest woman. I mean please, I know what she can do with her mouth and it would make a Saint swear."

Taking a thoughtful pause, Randy licked his lips before continuing, his voice low and serious. "I never said I didn't want the whole wife and kids' thing, just not now." Rubbing the back of his neck, Randy sighed irritably. "How the hell can I be inconsiderate or narrow minded anyway? I'm friends with you aren't I? There ain't many guys who would stick by you with all your gay shit, but I'm still here."

"Thanks man." John replied, biting back a vicious retort boiling on the tip of his tongue. "So you guys fought about marriage and kids?"

"I guess so. She brought it up the other day and I said I wasn't ready yet, that I wanted more time of just being us. Why is she getting so worried about that now anyway? We said we were gonna wait a couple of years."

"And when did you agree that?"

"A couple of years ago," Randy admitted, "but still we're both young. What's the rush? Why can't she just enjoy me for my body for a couple more years before we get all serious about family and shit? I'm still going to be all systems go when we get there."

"Maybe because a couple more years and she'll be pushing forty and her systems won't be working as well. She's older than you Randy. Think about it man. She might hear that clock ticking women always bitch about. Like they've got babies on countdown or something."

"Huh." Randy muttered, obviously not considering that point before. He always viewed Trish as the same age. She certainly didn't look older, and he knew first hand how youthful her body was. However his friend may have had a point that he hadn't considered. "So you think if I propose and get a kid in her, she'll stay with me?"

Wincing at the blunt description, John shrugged. "Hell if I know Randall. But I do know enough to know you're not supposed to do any of that stuff unless you mean it. Unless your name is Dave Batista, in which case wed, fuck and be merry."

Randy smirked conspiratorially at that. "Not sure if I want a dozen kids running around from different mothers."

"Assuming you don't already have some of course." John interceded, shoving his friend playfully.

"Don't even joke man. I have nightmares about shit like that. Before Trish and I got serious, I started wearing two rubbers with girls. You can't be too careful." Randy nodded solemnly, causing Cena to chuckle. His mouth curving into a lop sided grin, Randy considered how he was going to get Trish back. He knew he was friends with Cena for a reason.

"And what's happening with you man?" Orton said finally, changing the subject to one he knew John didn't want to talk about. Since he and Morgan had split, he'd become more introverted that normal and tended to bite the head off of anyone who broached the subject of his love life. "Had your dick cut off yet? There aren't many guys who could pull off the dickless look, but you…"

"Shut up Randy." John said, a hint of a smile at the corners of his lips.

"Hey, will you let me feel your tits when you get 'em done?" Randy grinned as dodged John's hand as he moved to slap him on the head. "Did you hear about Hardy? Totally got his ass landed in rehab."

"What?"

"Yeah, apparently he got all coked up, beat the crap outta some nurse and wrapped his car around a tree. He was hurt, but the car was totalled. Vince totally popped a vein over it and was gonna fire him. I think maybe Matt convinced the old timer to go easy, so Vince slapped him in rehab. Couldn't have happened sooner if you ask me. That dude has seriously lost it." Snatching a fry off John's plate, Randy chewed it thoughtfully as John shifted uncomfortable in his seat.

He'd heard Jeff had gone off the rails again, but not to such an extend. And he knew that he was partly to blame. Not only had he ruined the other man's engagement, but he almost succeeded in taking Morgan away from him. And if anyone could appreciate how much it hurt to be parted from the singer, John could. He could understand how tempting drugs must have seemed to Jeff, although his own source of numbness came from random bed partners rather than narcotics.

"You think I should go talk to him," John asked. "I mean I can relate to what he's going through."

Randy stared wide eyed at Cena. "Have you totally gone nuts? Hardy would rip your ugly head off your shoulders if you went near him. Dude, you stole his woman, or man even. He'd probably pound you as soon as look at you."

"Maybe." John signed. He doubted he was anyone Jeff wanted to see, but that didn't mean he didn't feel the guilt of ruining Jeff.

"And speaking of he who shall not be named," Randy continued hesitantly," you spoken to the kid yet?"

John shook his head mutely. "Oh come on John. How long are you going to let this go on for? Just call the kid up and apologise and sort this out. I'm sick to death of seeing your pasty ass mope around cos you ain't getting any Morgan lovin'."

John narrowed his eyes, and Randy immediately knew he'd not only touched a nerve, he'd taken a power tool to it. "All I'm saying is that time has passed now. You've both had time to reflect and shit. Maybe it's the right time to -…"

"It will never be the right time," John snapped, glaring across the table at his friend. "Morgan doesn't want to be with me. It's over between us and I'm over him." Randy made a face knowing his friend was lying. "Look, whatever Randy okay? Just let me deal with my shit in my own way. And anyway, you're the last person who should be giving relationship advice anyway."

"Okay, okay," Randy soothed, "simmer down big man. I was just saying…"

"Yeah well don't." Getting up out of his seat, John snatched an apple up off his tray and stormed away from Randy, ignoring the calls from his friend for him to back.

"Smooth moron. Real fuckin' smooth." Randy sighed.

Heading out of the canteen, John wanted to go and break something. Randy should know better than to go on at him about Morgan. Feeling the need to burn off the aggression inside, John turned a corner and walked straight into the hulking figure of Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Both dark eyes focused on John, an exhausted expression coming to his face. "Cena." he said without emotion. "Just the man I was looking for."

"Vince," John replied, taking a step back from the Chairman. Dressed in an expense, custom made suit, Vince oozed power and authority and John defied anyone not to feel just a little intimidated by the boss. And that was when he was being nice to you. Considering he now had landed feet first into the man's bad books, John couldn't help but struggle to meet his eyes.

"I'm here to tell you that I'm putting you on the promotion circuit for a while." Noting John's shocked expression, Vince softened his tone slightly. "Listen son, your in ring work hasn't been your best for a while. You know I've done all I can to protect you from all that…business with Jeff Hardy and that boy, but you don't need me to tell you things are still volatile backstage. I think it would be best for everyone if you took a breather from the company. Come back refreshed and all that."

"So I'm being punished for dating a guy." John muttered.

"Don't take that tone with me Cena," Vince snapped. "You should be thankful you still have a job here in my company. If the board had their way you would've gone the same way as Kanyon and had your personal business broadcast over every major news network in the country."

John simply shrugged, fury bubbling in the pit of his stomach. Not only were his colleagues and fellow wrestlers against him, but now it seemed the management were turning their back on him as well.

Recognising his disappointment, Vince placed a fatherly hand on John's shoulder, forcing the superstar to look into his eyes. "I know this hasn't been easy on you John, and believe me when I say I support you. I don't care what you do in your personal life, but when it comes to my company you know I have to do what's best for the business." John nodded mutely. "Just take a couple of weeks. Hit the talk shows, do some signings and be an ambassador for the company. Get your head back in the game."

It wasn't lost on Cena what Vince meant. If he was being honest, he hadn't been wrestling his best for a while now and struggled to focus on anything other than his aching heart. "When you're ready John, come back. You know there will always be a place in our family for you here, and I'll lay the Smackdown on anyone who says otherwise."

Vince's rumbled laugh earned a small smile from Cena. "Thanks Vince."

"Anytime champ. Go see Davies in publicity and he'll let you know your schedule. We'll get you on talk shows, TRL…hell even an awards show. Do me proud son."

With a nod, Vince moved past John, swaggering down the hallway and barking orders at two technicians ahead.

Resting his back against the wall, John released a breath he didn't realise he'd been holding. Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. A few weeks away from the company to get his head together, and perhaps the gossip would finally die down. Still, John wondered if time away would be enough to heal his heart of the loss that still gnawed away at him. It seemed it would have to be, as he didn't have any other choice. He couldn't live in this haze forever, maybe it was time for him to stop waiting to wake up and feel better, and actually do something about it himself. He had one more chance to be the man he knew he was, and to come back better than before.

After all, what else did he really have to lose?