Title: Into better days

Rating: rated M

Disclaimer: The real people I'm referring to belong to themselves of course. Their characters and gimmicks belong to the WWE.

Pairing(s): Sheamus/Wade, Mason/Evan

Summary: High school can be hell. But what happens if some of the 'outsiders' decide to stand together, facing all the injustice each of them had to suffer in their past? A loose alliance soon transformed into friendship... and more...

Warnings: sexual content, strong language

A/N: OMG, I've been neglecting lately, I'm sooo sorry. University kept me busy but I'm still alive... ;)
And thanks to everyone that's still with me!

VII. - Step by step we march

He felt the hot breath in his neck, strong arms holding him in place, tips of hair tickling on his back, sweat running down his spine.

Wade had delivered on his threat. He had turned him around to face his pillow, pinned him into the cushion, and he had to realize that there truly was no escape from the taller and surprisingly strong man. He had tried to fight against him, against the weight on his back and against his very own desires. Eventually, he gave up, and now he could feel Wade's hard cock inside him, thrusting into him, and giving him pain and pleasure at the same time.

His head was swirling and his mouth felt dry. He pressed his head into his pillows to make his room stop spinning. It was hot and he had the feeling that suddenly there wasn't enough air in there. He breathed heavily and bright spots started to dance in front of his eyes. Everything felt so unreal, like a dream.

Wade's hands clawed into his hips, his fingernails digging deep into the flesh. He heard a long and lustful moan, and after some moments he realized that he himself had produced the sound. The thrusting movements of his friend made his own member rub against the soft surface of his bedding, and he felt close to coming.

Wade was rough, not a least bit gentle, but he didn't mind. The vast amount of alcohol, and the heat of the moment left him in a state of total resignation. Whatever the taller yet a bit younger boy wanted to do to him, he agreed with it. He knew that if he would really try he could fight off the black haired boy. He could've stopped him from approaching him in the first place, but he actually didn't care. Therefore, he decided to make the best of it and enjoy the feeling of Wade dominating him, taking him.

With a relieved roar he came.

Moments afterwards he realized that the pressure on his body was gone. Wade desisted from him, panting and holding his head. He felt some warm and sticky liquid running down his lower back, but he was way too exhausted to waste any further thought on it. He rolled on his side, dragging his blanket over his body, and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

The next morning, Wade woke up with a major headache. He had a very nasty taste in his mouth and his throat felt like sandpaper. He sat up, digging his fingers into the blanket. Then, he opened his eyes, and... he didn't recognize the room. It wasn't his, for sure, but where else did he go after the gig? He looked around and noticed a messed up bunch of red hair laying next to him. A surprised yell escaped his sore lungs.

Sheamus sleepily shook his head. He also suffered from a major headache. When he realised who was laying next to him a much more scared scream filled the room. He sat up and looked at Wade with big eyes. "What're you doin' here?", he asked and Wade shrugged. "Seems as if you dragged me off last night", the Englishman tried to make a joke, but Sheamus neither laughed nor showed a smile. He just sat there, staring at his friend as fragments of memories of the last night at the bar came to his mind.

Cautious he lifted the blanket and looked back at Wade with a suspicious expression. "Are ye... clothed?", he asked.

Wade was confused. "Why'd you ask?", he responded, peeking under the blanket himself. His eyes grew bigger when he looked back at his friend. Then, slowly, he shook his head.

"Bloody fucking hell!", Sheamus yelled, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed,turning his back at Wade. "Fuck!", he repeated, resting his aching head in his hands.

"Stop yelling and tell me what's wrong", Wade demanded, fighting back the urge to throw up. "What's your problem? We drank a lot yesterday and it seems that I didn't manage to go home and slept here, so what?"

Sheamus turned around, the pale skin of his face almost as red as his hair. "My butt hurts", he hissed between clenched teeth and suddenly Wade understood. His face turned bead red in an instant and he felt the urgent need to run away, flee the room. His stomach revolted and he closed his eyes to calm down a bit. His heart was racing, and he swallowed hard.

"I should go and we should never ever speak of it again!", the English-born decided and got up. He collected his clothes and got dressed while Sheamus remained seated on his bed, and avoided to look at him. "Lets just pretend that nothing happened, okay?", Wade asked and Sheamus finally looked up to face him. "We can't remember anyway so it's as if nothing has ever happened. As long as we behave normal, nothing has to change."

Slowly, Sheamus nodded, and got up. He wrapped the blanket around himself, and walked over to the window. He opened it, and fresh and cold air streamed into the room, chasing the smell of alcohol, smoke and sweat. "Alright", he finally said. "We were drunk. Really drunk. Neither of us could think straight, and luckily we can't remember anything either. As soon as you leave my room, the house, nothing has happened!"

Wade nodded thankfully. He had been arguing and fighting with the Irishman a lot, but nevertheless he liked him very much. He didn't want to loose him as a friend, and he was glad that the redhead felt the same. Taking a deep breath he felt the feeling of sickness declining. While he put on his clothes Sheamus went back to his bed, sat down and took his phone.

As soon as Wade was dressed he went towards the door, hurrying to leave the night and whatever they had done behind. Sheamus called him back one last time, holding his phone out to the black haired boy. "Apparently, you gave me a blowjob..."

At about the same time Sheamus and Wade were busy exploring each other's bodies, Evan and Mason arrived at the Ryan's house. The street lights were still on but the sky already began to brighten. Mason opened the door. Quiet and quickly they went upstairs and in his room. Knowingly, Mason locked the door behind them and when he turned around Evan already took off his clothes and snuggled down on his bed.

Mason smiled. His small friend was indeed very tired, and at the time he crawled into the bed he heard him breathing low and steady. He tried to make himself comfortable but his bed was quite narrow, and he had to lift up Evan and placed him on his chest in order to lay down somewhat comfy. Evan laid on his arm with his full weight, and he knew that it would hurt terribly later on, but he himself was too tired to worry about that. Soon, he also fell into a restless sleep.

The next morning Mason's arm hurt like hell. When he woke up it was itching and feeling numb at the same time. But he didn't dare to move because he didn't want to wake Evan, who was still sleeping peacefully at his side. His room was icy and he could see his breath turn into a faint cloud before his mouth and nose. Carefully he pulled up his blanket, wrapping it tightly around the slender body of his little friend.

The tall boy was laying in his bed, staring at his plain ceiling for just a couple of minutes as movement next to him caught his attention. Evan sat up, freeing his arm which he instantly stretched and massaged. "I'm sorry", the sleepy boy muttered, rubbing his eyes. His eyes widened as he looked at his boyfriend. "It's freaking cold in here!", he exclaimed accusingly.

"I know", the taller one responded and got up. "I bet she forgot to pay the bills again", he growled and hurried to get dressed while Evan watched him from his warm spot under the thick blanket.

"Your mother?", he asked. Mason looked back at him with his eyebrows raised. Evan understood. Mason hated to talk about his mother. In conversations he referred to her as 'she' or 'the woman' but he always tried to keep her out of the interests of his friends. Evan knew that his friend didn't think too high of her and from his visits he knew why.

On all the occasions he had been to the Ryan's house he had met her once. They had been sitting in the kitchen, watching Mason's sister Marysa preparing lunch and playing with little Maria when she had walked in... completely drunk. She hadn't been able to utter a proper sentence, and after some minutes she went to her room to sleep. Mason and Marysa had been totally embarrassed by her, and he had assured them that he didn't mind. But in fact he felt sorry for them.

"Let's get downstairs", Mason interrupted his thoughts and pointed at the door. "Hopefully it's warmer, and I have to check the thermostat."

Evan hurried to get dressed, struggling to get into his tight jeans while Mason patiently waited, one hand already on the doorhandle. When Evan was fully dressed the older one unlocked the door, and they went downstairs. Mason went straight into the kitchen where his sister was standing at the window, trying to warm herself in the afternoon's sun that shown into the room.

"You're up so soon?", she asked sarcastically but her warm smile betrayed her words. Mason kissed her on the cheek, and afterwards greeted his youngest sister, which was sitting at the table, drawing into one of her colouring books.

"I'll see what I can do about the cold", Mason announced and, addressing Evan, added: "Help yourself. There must be some cereals in the top drawers."

"I'm sorry we can't offer you anything special", Marysa apologized after Mason left the room. "It's all we have left. I have to go shopping tomorrow."

"It's okay", Evan said. "I'm not that hungry."

Actually, that was a lie. He was starving but he didn't want to take something Mason's family needed for themselves. He knew that, as soon as he got home, his mother would prepare something delicious for dinner, and up to then he decided to wait. He sat down next to Maria, and Marysa interrogated him about the concert and their night at the club.

Talking to her improved his mood. He liked the friendly yet stern girl, and he admired her for running the house and caring for her little sister almost on her own. Of course, Mason helped as often as he could, and Evan even witnessed that his friend was actually a quite reasonable cook, but he was in his last year of school, and Marysa insisted that he concentrated on his graduation first.

Evan felt sorry for them. In his eyes they deserved so much better, but he didn't know how to help. Every time, Mason visited him his mother invited him to eat with them, but that still didn't help the other members of his family. Evan felt bad for pitying them, and not being able to help at the same time.

"I did my best but I' afraid someone forgot to pay the bill."

Mason returned and sat down at the kitchen table. "Again", he added shaking his head. "I have to talk to her. She should leave all financial matters to me, at least I'll manage to pay the bills on time."

Marysa went around the table, hugging her big brother from behind. "Leave it to me", she whispered and kissed him on the cheek. "I know that you hate talking to her."

"And about her", Mason growled in response.

Maria looked up from her colouring. "Where is mommy?", she asked in a very pure and innocent tone, and Marysa looked at her with a warm smile. "She's still out, darling."

"But she promised to play with me today", the four-year-old claimed, her eyes watering. Helplessly Marysa looked at her brother.

Mason understood. He got up and stepped between Evan and Maria's stool. "I'll play with you, is that okay?"

Maria's face lit up immediately. She screamed in delight, and raised her arms to indicate Mason that she wanted to be lifted out of her stool.

"My little princess", Mason smiled and took her in his arms. Evan couldn't help but to smile, too. When Maria was around Mason behaved like a big, cuddly teddy bear that wanted to fulfil his little princess' every wish. Seeing him like that reminded him why he enjoyed the tall man's presence so much.

"I think I'll leave", he announced and got up. "I promised my parents to be home soon." He said good-bye to Marysa, and Mason accompanied him to the front door, Maria still on his arm. After Evan put on his jacket he looked up into Mason's eyes. The taller man put down his little sister, telling her to go back into the kitchen, and to prepare something to play with. Happily the little girl ran away, thinking loudly about what she wanted to play with her big brother.

"She's so cute", Evan smiled.

"You too", Mason whispered leaning forward, and placed a soft kiss on Evan's forehead.

"See you at school tomorrow", the smaller boy said and grabbed Mason's hand, squeezing it quickly. Then, he went down the three steps leading to the Ryan's front door. At the end of the driveway he turned around one last time, waving at the tall man who was still leaning against the doorframe. Shivering he turned up the collar of his jacket and hurried to get home where his mother was already awaiting his arrival.

The next day was Evan's first day of school since the 'incident'. His classmates and the other members of the swimming team didn't get tired of quizzing him about the beating, and he was quite relieved when the bell rang, and the first class of the day began.

At the beginning of the last class before the afternoon break Evan was exhausted. He sat there, his elbows on his desk, staring blankly into his biology book. Daniel, who was in the same class, sitting behind him, poked him with a pencil. When Evan looked at him the bearded boy gave him an encouraging look. "At least they care, right?", he whispered and Evan smiled.

He turned his attention back to his book but he couldn't concentrate. Looking into Daniel's smiling face made him think of Saturday evening, and of what Daniel saw and might or might not remember. He made a mental note to ask the boy right after class. He had tried to do so the whole day, but every time something prohibited it. Nevertheless, his concentration was gone, so he decided to daydream a bit instead of listening to Mrs. Carolan talking about genetics and some guy with yellow and green peas.

After class Daniel hurried outside to meet his friends. Evan ran after him but they soon met up with Phil and the others, and the young boy's chance of talking to Daniel eye to eye vanished once again. While the blond boy started chatting to his band mates, Evan joined the group and positioned himself next to Mason. The tall man sensed Evan's resentment.

"What is it?", he asked as they all went towards the cafeteria.

"I tried to talk to him about... the thing", the small boy hissed. "But it's as if he's running away from me..." He sighed and fell silent when they all sat down at their usual table. Resting his head on the table he decided to not talk to anyone for the rest of the day.

Sheamus, who was sitting next to the desperate young boy, gave Mason a curious look. "What's with him?", he asked but Mason just shrugged. "Drank too much", Phil answered for him and chuckled. Sheamus looked down at his plate, trying to stay calm and avoid the topic of being drunk. He and Wade had a lot to say about that but they decided to not share their experience from the weekend with anybody ever.

While Evan was pouting Mason was thinking of how to solve this little problem. He too was very interested in what Daniel remembered or not. Looking around he did the only thing that came to his mind. He took the can of soda out of Phil's hand – the tattooed boy gave him puzzled look – and poured it over Daniels sweater.

"The fuck!", the young man jumped up and stared at Mason. "What are you doing?" Cursing and ranting he rushed towards the toilets. His friends sat there, laughing. "I don't know why you did that, but I like it", Wade laughed, offering Mason one of his sausages. The tall boy took one, smiled and shrugged.

Under the table he kicked Evan. The young boy looked up. "Go", Mason whispered and while Wade was still thanking him for finding a fun and appropriate way to silence Daniel, Evan followed his bearded friend to the restroom.

"Why did he do that? Stupid Mason. Stupid soda. God!" Daniel was standing in front of the sink, splashing water on his sweater. "I didn't do anything. Why the hell...?"

"I think it's my fault", Evan said, closing the door behind him. Daniel looked at him through the reflection of the dirty mirror. "What?"

"The whole day I'm trying to talk to you but you always run away or people delay me by asking questions about the stupid beating... I need to talk to you!" Evan took a few steps into the room, looking desperately at Daniel. The boy turned away from the sink to face Evan. "I apologize, I didn't want him to do that."

Daniel looked at him. Slowly his anger vanished at the sight of Evan's desperation. "What is it?", he asked calmly and managed to smile.

"Well...", suddenly Evan forgot what he wanted to say. "Erm... about Saturday night... We brought you home, remember?"

Daniel nodded. "Thanks for that", he said, smiling. "My father says thank you, too."

Evan's head turned bead red. "How... how much else do you remember?"

Daniel laughed. "That's what it is all about", he exclaimed. "I know I said that I would probably forget everything. I was very drunk... But, turns out, I didn't!" He gave Evan a wide grin. "You made out in a dark alley. Lil' slutty, don't you think?", he winked.

Evan froze. "You remember", he whispered. "You know it..." The whole seriousness of the problem revealed itself to him. If Daniel knew it was just a matter of time before he would tell Phil, and Wade, and soon the whole school would know about him and Mason and they would laugh and tell him that he's disgusting and his parents would sent him to a boarding school...

Looking at his friend's distraught facial expression Daniel felt bad for making fun of him. "Hey, it's okay. It was a joke, just a joke. I..." He looked around as if something inside the restroom could help him. "Look", he said, placing his hands on Evan's shoulders. He waited until the smaller boy looked up, then he continued.

"What I wanted to say is: I'm fine with it. I haven't met a gay person yet, at least none of which I know, and it was a strange thought at first, but I won't judge you or anything. It's your decision, and even though I seem a little bit chatty or rude sometimes I'm okay with it. You certainly don't need my permission to do anything, I didn't mean that, but I want you to know that... I'm fine with it... I am repeating myself..."

Daniel smiled helplessly. "I don't care whether you like boys or girls. You're my friend, no matter who you are kissing and... stuff. Okay?"

He felt the smaller boy relaxing again. With big eyes he looked up at him and asked: "So you don't think that it is disgusting? That I am disgusting?"

"No!", Daniel shouted. "Never! Why would I think that? Just because I prefer a girl with some nice tits and a sexy bootie doesn't mean I think of you as a pervert or something. I don't quite get why you would choose Mason, but it's your choice. If you're happy..." He waved his hands and his eagerness convinced Evan. The boy smiled and Daniel exhaled heavily.

"Thanks for saying that", Evan whispered. His heart soothed and he was very relieved. His fears turned out to be ungrounded and once again he was thankful for having such good friends.

"But...", Daniel started and Evan gave him a worried look "you have to tell the others."

Evan moaned. He hoped that Daniel could keep their little secret for a while without urging them to come out to the other members of their clique, too. He still remembered the shock he had when Daniel caught them and the fright from just minutes ago still bothered him, and he certainly wanted to wait some time before he had to go through all that again.

"Well, not today", he said, avoiding Daniels gaze.

"I don't rush you", the taller boy responded. "But I don't think that they would hate you for it. We're your friends, and friends accept one another as they are. I know Phil and Wade for a long time, and even though they seem a little harsh or grumpy from time to time, they're good guys. They won't judge you, and accept you the way you are. They didn't gave a single fuck about the rumours in the first place, did they?"

Daniel beamed and Evan smiled back at him. He knew, or at least he hoped, that Daniel was right, but he was still afraid that his other friends might react unexpected. Instead of answering him he just nodded.

"Talking about them, we should go back. Otherwise, rumours about us will spread and you certainly want to avoid that, don't you?"

Laughing they left the restroom and made their way back to the cafeteria.

"But you have to explain to me: why Mason?", Daniel asked him on the way and Evan laughed.

"You wouldn't understand."

A/N: What do you think?