HAPPY EASTER DEAR READERS
Disclaimer: Would love them to be mine, but they're not, nor is the WWE or Cyber Sunday… Only a work of fiction, not earning a cent with this…
Notes:
--- Had to download Cyber Sunday again to watch the matches, and then Austin just begged to be used lol, so in comes the Rattlesnake for a little intervention ;-)
--- Smut in the next chapter lol, sorry, nothing sexual happening in this chapter
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Chapter 11
Cyber Sunday
(October 26th 2008, Phoenix)
Jeff had spent Saturday between resting and working out, they all met at the bar after dinner to chill a little, Hunter teasing him relentlessly "So Jeff, tell me, how will you get me or Kozlov down", "Quick and painless", "Uh, quick and painless ha, well I'm looking for forward to see you do that kid", "And what if Kozlov gets voted in alone", "He won't Jeff, your fans won't let you down, what happened to your confidence", "Don't know, guess I'm more nervous and anxious than I first believed", Mark squeezed his shoulder "They will vote you in and you will shut him up", Hunter laughed "Wouldn't bet on that Deadman", "We'll see"
They drove to the arena before lunch since Vince wanted everybody there on time, Mark taking Jeff up in his lockerroom, he had been so nervous and quiet all morning that he wanted him around to keep him in good mood, stating the obvious he squeezed his shoulder "Jeff, you don't seem well", "I am, I'm just…", letting himself fall to the couch he sighed "I don't know, I'm so scared to lose again Mark, it's just insane you know, it's as if I knew that I'd lose so why hope", "Jeff, you're prepared, I'm sure your chances are higher than what you think", "If I lose I won't be able to try again", "Don't think like that Jeff, it will only block you", "Too late", "Kid come on, that's not what I taught you", "What? Not feeling confident? I'm sorry ok, but I lost so many times against him", "And today you'll win", "If I get voted in", "I thought we'd discussed that subject", "Yeah, you guys all think they will vote for me, but what if…", Mark interrupted him "Then you'll watch the match, Jeff, don't go there, you'll end up screwing up if you let this get to you too much"
Hunter had gotten on his ex-wife's nervs to know how the votes looked when he arrived and made his way over to the Deadman's lockerroom, knocking and entering immediately, Jeff was listening to music, curled up on the couch and oblivious to the world around him, he had to smirk, if he wanted to play it evil he could launch an attack already, but that wasn't his intention, he wanted Jeff to be at his best and give it all, he kicked him softly on his leg and smirked even more amused when Jeff jumped up and glared at him "Oops, didn't want to startle you", "What do you want?", "To tell you that for the moment you're leading kid, so you better prepare for the match", "How do you know?", "Asked Steph nicely", "Don't like surprises Game?", "Not really", Jeff gave him a weak smile "Thanx for informing me", Hunter wasn't sure he liked Jeff's attitude, and this time it was the lack of defiance that troubled him "What's up kid?", "Nothing", "Not believing you", "I'm ok, nothing's going on", Hunter stared at him for a little moment, before deciding it wasn't his business and if Jeff had something that was bugging him he could always open his mouth and talk, he wasn't going to go fishing for answers "If you say so, well, see you later then"
Jeff got dressed then took his bag and went through it, searching for something, oblivious to the door that opened and to the person that entered, Mark stopped and contemplated him before coughing and grinning at his jumpy reaction "What did I catch you with this time", "My hair-dye, but thanx for the heart attack", Mark sat down on the bench and took the different little bottles, then handed him one "Take this one… Listen, you want lunch? Well late lunch, we all meet at the catering area in ten minutes", "Would love to but I wanted to do my hair", "Do it afterwards, you'll have enough time", "Mark, I…", "No, you've been brooding in here long enough kid", "Ok, but not for too long, I need to get ready", "We all do, now come", sighing a little annoyed Jeff moved past Mark and into the hallway "There's nothing I can say that would make you leave me here right", "No Jeff, no solitary brooding for you", "But Glen can", "Glen is Glen Jeff, you're… It's different with you, that's all", "Uhu, I can't really chokeslam you, that's the thing", "Yeah, probably", Jeff spent his lunch not feeling too well, his mind was miles away, or better said, hours away, what he noticed though was the discreet yet intense gazes Steve and Mark exchanged, he excused himself after an hour to go and rest a little, wondering why Austin had looked at him the way he did…
Jeff watched the first matches in his lockerroom, opening the door only to check on Glen as he passed after his loss against Rey, Glen stopping to smirk "I swear I'll kill him one day, he will smash him, he's getting on my nerves, how does he do that", Jeff shook his head "I don't know, maybe luck", "No no no, but I don't care, I'll get him… And you get Hunter", "I'll try", "Do it, don't try", "Ok"
When Matt had come back backstage after his match Jeff had been waiting there for him, hugging him "Congrats bro", "Thanx", "That belt really suits you", "Yes", "I'm proud of you", "And I am proud of you", "I haven't won yet", "But I know you will", Jeff went with his brother to his lockerroom, staying there until Mark's match started, they both made it to the screen and sat down, Matt only shaking his head at Jeff's shiverings, Shawn putting an arm around Jeff "It's nice to see that some things never change", "Oh please stop it", Jeff relaxed a little, Shawn constantly teasing him throughout the match helping a lot, he left with Mark to have some quiet time before his match…
Hunter made his way to the ring, he was pretty sure the votes hadn't changed and so he stood in the ring and waited, mainly for Jeff, both Jeff and Kozlov were backstage and waited for the results of the votes, Jeff's heart was racing, even if Hunter had informed him earlier his confidence wasn't that high, in fact he was feeling quite miserable inside, he let the announcers' voice wash over him, relief showing the second he heard his name, now all he had to do was go and fulfill his dream and hope that Kozlov wouldn't attack him, Matt who had been waiting a couple of meters from his brother grinned, happy for him and accompanied him to the courtain, smirking "Told you so", "Yeah man, I was stupid thinking they wouldn't vote for me I guess", "Yeah, very much even… Good luck bro", "I need more than luck", "Don't disappoint your fans", "Will do my best"
Hunter was a lot less surprised, he had a nose for things like that and if Jeff was one thing it was the crowd's favourite, he first nodded, taking his belt of and holding it wondered how ready Jeff was and if he would walk out of the ring still Champion, he knew Jeff had prepared and was ready to show him what a real match was made of, he waited patiently, letting Jeff get to the ring, his eyes on the younger man all the time…
Hunter pushed Jeff into the corner, it was a game of strength that the Game won, Jeff waiting for punches to rain down on him the second he felt the ropes and the turnbuckle, Hunter whispering "I knew it… Now give me your best kid", Hunter moved a step backwards and Jeff glanced at him, wondering why he wasn't hurting yet, but apparently Hunter wanted the match to last a little and taunted him "This close… You always get this close… One second away", Jeff straightened and nodded, moving out of the corner and somehow glad Hunter hadn't decided to launch a full attack on him…
His mind was spinning around their match, but even more around the man he was yet again facing and yet again not sure how to get down, when Hunter had pushed him into the turnbuckle he had felt like losing his last hope, but then again Hunter's eyes told him a different tale, they were circling each other, Jeff making sure to get the upper hand the second they touched, making sure he got the Game to the mat, keeping his arm in a tight grip, and leaning on the larger man he whispered straight into his ear "I'll give you my best… Just make sure you do too", Hunter had to hand it to the younger Hardy, whenever he thought he knew how he was ticking he made sure to prove him wrong, trying to get him to lose his grip he whispered back "You want my best? You're getting it, don't you worry", and Hunter reversed the situation, chuckling into Jeff's ear "That all you can bring boy", "No" Jeff managed to roll over and get up, forcing Hunter do move along with him and pushing him into the cords. Hunter knew what would come now and smirk mentally, using the ropes to gain further speed he waited for Jeff to try and stop him and threw him down, the fact that he didn't seem to understand that he didn't match him in strength amazed Hunter but didn't stop him to try his next move, only to find that Jeff had anticipated it and grabbed him to throw the Game down…
Laying on his already aching back Jeff retaliated immediately, rolling back and jumping up before grabbing Hunter and applying the same move on him, whispering "Two can play that game, Game", nevertheless he managed to get out and pushed Jeff unoto the turnbuckle and threw himself after him, unfortunately all he could feel from Jeff was his lite body flying over him, how the kid had managed to jump so high he could glide his body over his was a mystery to Hunter, what wasn't was Jeff trying to perform the Twist of Faith and he quickly pushed him away, tumbling a little before trying his Pedigree…
Hunter could feel Jeff wiggle and mumble "Oh no, fuck you" and push himself away, the Game was outplayed on that move and mentally cringed, they locked eyes, Jeff moving away from him and communicating silently, they both were panting and sweaty and had realized that this match wouldn't be an easy one, Jeff hanging against the turnbuckle and Hunter stretching in the ring, eyes locked and their friends backstage, in awe and wondering who would win, Matt was sitting next to Shawn and Mark and was praying that his brother would finally win, and be happy again, well genuinly happy, Shawn was wondering how it would end, he knew both men wanted to win, and even if Hunter had the title for quite a while he wouldn't give it away, he breathed and lived for it, Mark was hoping for Jeff to finally ignite the little flame and get the pin, but he knew how hard it would be and even if he wanted him to win wasn't too convinced he would, Glen was standing behind them and hoped Jeff would get Hunter pinned, not because he didn't like him but because he knew firsthand how hard the younger Hardy had worked out and pushed his body…
In the ring Hunter was still looking at Jeff and was torn between wanting the younger man to raise above himself and him to fail, the Game wasn't ready to give his title away and he would do whatever it took to win, but he also knew Jeff was ready to do that, he inhaled at the same second Jeff straightened and pushed himself out of the cords, both men circling each other, Hunter the first to react but Jeff pushing out of his hold, Hunter immediately went for the same type of attack and smirked, Mark's teachings clearly showing in Jeff's newly improved skills as he first bended his body to get a submission hold of his own before jumping up and grabbing Hunter and applying the same hold on him, whispering "Two can play that game, told you so"
Hunter pushed him into the corner whispering equally discretly "Yeah, two can play that game, but only the Game owns the game" and he threw his whole body at the smaller man before pulling him and pushing him into the opposite corner, what Hunter didn't see coming was Jeff's elbow that hit him in the face, he cringed but seeing Jeff get on the turnbuckle he smirked, Hunter felt bad but went on instinct and pushed Jeff off the turnbuckle, his hands nicely grabbing Jeff's ass before he pushed him down, not really caring where he would actually land, how many times had Mark told the kid not to get up there when he didn't have his opponent down, really down that was, so now his reckless behaviour would make him suffer through his mistake, and suffering Jeff was, pretty much knocked out by his majestic connection with the barrier, he was laying on the floor and trying to will the pain away while Hunter was catching his breathe in the ring…
Hunter waited patiently for Jeff to roll back in the ring, backstage Mark was shaking his head and Shawn was laughing "When will he remember not to do that", "Never, he will never learn it", Jeff was going through kicks from the Game now before he felt Hunter grab him and literally throwing him against the ringpost, Jeff felt a stingy pain in his shoulder and winced, especially when Hunter did it again before going for a pin that Jeff managed to get out from, Hunter kept him on the floor and his arm bended, he even leaned on him to intensify the straining, whispering "Painful ha… You need to look behind you from time to time", it wasn't as much painful as it was annoying for Jeff, that kind of submission holds weren't a problem for him, Hunter's taunts on the other hand were "You'll never win against me like this kid", he whispered back "Screw you", Hunter smirked and lifted him up, keeping his arm in a tight grip, the mistake dawned when Jeff punched him in order to detach from him and Hunter retaliated punching him back…
Hunter got Jeff down and went for another pin, Jeff for a second enjoying the closeness of his firm body but pushing away any lust he had for the older man, he got out of the pin only to feel Hunter grab his arm again and this time the Game made sure to hurt him, he pushed his knee against Jeff's elbow, bending his arm as far as he could without breaking bones "You give up?", "Never", Jeff got up and after trading kicks and punches all Hunter could feel was the flying clothesline that Jeff delivered, they both were on the mat, panting and catching their breath, Jeff got up faster and immediately went back to attack Hunter, going for a pin now too, but Hunter wasn't weakened enough and pushed out, after a couple of more moves Hunter managed to grab Jeff and get a hold of his arm again, Jeff starting to get pissed at Hunter's ability to stop and reverse his moves…
Hunter kept him in a submission hold, only letting go to pull Jeff away from the ropes and immediately going back on keeping him down, Shawn was grinning backstage at their position "I'm sure he enjoys that", "Who?", "Both, I mean Jeff's arm is very close to Hunter's crotch", "Oh come on, he has his arm blocked between his thighs you moron, what's there to enjoy", seeing Shawn's grin widen Matt shook his head and went back to watching his brother's match, Mark shaking his head also "Oh Shawn, sometimes I wonder if killing you wouldn't be the right choice", "Hey", as they were friendly bickering, Jeff was trying to push his body up with only one arm and was plotting a move of his own, he managed to push up and reverse the situation, blocking Hunter with his shoulders on the mat and going for the pin…
Hunter cringed mentally, now that he hadn't seen coming but he managed to get out, Jeff throwing himself in the cords, no way he would let the bigger man pull him back to the middle of the ring to go back to his submission moves, but Hunter wasn't planning on that, he was angry and started kicking Jeff who rolled himself out of the ring, hoping to catch his breath a little, Hunter followed him outside, Jeff reversing his attack and throwing him into the staircase before throwing his whole body at him, Jeff was up first and rolled back into the ring, Hunter following shortly not wanting to be counted out and immediately brought down by Jeff's Whisper in the Wind, Jeff using the moment and performing a second one immediately after his first one, he had him down and wasn't ready to give up and went for the pin, unfortunately for Jeff Hunter got out of it again, whispering "Oh no, no no", "Damn", they both were down and catching their breaths again before Jeff launched on him again, but still Hunter got out, it started to frustrate the younger Hardy that whatever he tried Hunter managed to buck out…
Backstage they were all fueled up by the match they were witnessing, Austin having arrived with Orton and Dave for their match that was next "They still at it?", Shawn turned towards him and nodded, a grin on his face that was bordering pride, not that he wished for his good friend Hunter to loose, no, he just hoped Jeff would win "Yup, Jeff's not ready to lose nor is Hunter", "Well guess we'll have to wait then", Mark and Steve looked at each other as he sat down next to him "Seems you trained him well", "Yes, well I'm not sure he's ready to beat Paul though", they both followed the screen, and saw Jeff's try to perform a Twist of Faith but Hunter managing to push him violently away, before grabbing him for a Pedigree, Steve shook his head "No, he clearly isn't, but he's giving him a hell of a fight", "Yes, and he will be devastated after the match and I will be worrying about what he will do", "Hey, my brother stopped doing stuff", Orton joining in now too "Yeah, but for how long Matt, you know him, he will go back to doing drugs, it's just a matter of time", "You better shut it and get out of my face", Shawn punching Randy playfully "Yes Randy, leave Matt in peace, you're a referee tonight, you should behave", Austin burst out laughing "He's a silly piece of shit that's what he is, a referee, my ass, what are you on", blowing him a teasing kiss Shawn grinned "Your beauty Rattlesnake", "I'll give you beauty and rattlesnake Michaels", Dave smirked "Don't, it would only make him too happy", it was the moment Chris chose to arrive too, snarling at the round of men "Oh I see, you guys are all playing buddies, perfect, my win will only be sweeter", "Your loss you mean asshole"
Inside the ring Jeff had pushed Hunter away and rolled himself over him to go for a pin, his heart was racing as the referee counted, but Hunter got out of it again, both men got up but Hunter wanted to bring an end to it and applied a sleeper hold on Jeff only to find himself thrown into the corner, and this time the Twist of Faith worked, unfortunately for Jeff the pin didn't, he performed a Swanton, but instead of hoing for the pin he got up on the turnbuckle again, fact Mark quoted backstage "You've got to be kidding me", "Oho, I think we all know what will happen now", and it did happen, Hunter saw Jeff fly towards him and only lifted his knees, he didn't have to do more than that and Jeff ended winding on the floor, but they both had energy left, Jeff pushing Hunter away as he tried the Pedigree again and Hunter ending out of the ring…
Jeff went flying over the top rope and crashing down on Hunter who had just gotten up again, all Jeff could think about was how to get him pinned, he so desperately needed this victory, to finally get what he had been working so hard to achieve, he pushed Hunter back in the ring and climbed the turnbuckle, but Hunter willed himself up and slapped Jeff hard, making him tumble a little and then grabbed him for a Pedigree from the turnbuckle and pulled him inside the ring, he was done playing and this time it worked, he went for the pin, Jeff not capable of bucking out, he heard the referee's voice count 'till three and somewhere inside of him something broke, Hunter rolled away and panted, he was glad it was over, another move from Jeff and it would have been over for him, he needed a while before he got up, Jeff still down too, they were both exhausted beyond everything, somehow Hunter had to give it to Jeff, he had fought like a maniac but it just hadn't been enough…
Hunter felt battered, his ribs hurting but content, as he was celebrating with the belt in his hands Jeff was still down and fighting the tears back, he didn't feel anything besides a big disappointment and all he wanted to do was to die right on the spot, rolling himself over to get up but not finding the necessary strength nor will to do so, Hunter looked at Jeff and suddenly his victory didn't seem so cool anymore, he had again broken Jeff's dream and he could only guess how the younger man must be feeling, but he couldn't change the events and with a mental frown got out of the ring, he didn't want to make this any harder for Jeff who was still on the mat, but facing him now and their eyes locked for a moment, Hunter nodding softly, Jeff was getting there, and the different aches and pains that the Game was feeling were a proof for that, only tonight faith and experience had yet again been on his side, he made his way back, turning a couple of times to check if Jeff was up already and to make sure it had in fact been the younger Hardy he had been facing, he had so much improved that Hunter knew it was only a matter of time before he'd have to hand the belt to him, Jeff was on his knees in the ring and dropped his head to the mat, before deciding he needed some quiet to come to terms with his failure and following Hunter…
Hunter had stopped and nodded to Mark who gave him a little sad smile "He nearly had me there", "I know, but he wasn't ready", "No, but he will be soon", "Yes, if he doesn't lose his focus", "Oh I don't think he will, don't be sad guys I know you'll miss me but I need a shower", "You won't watch my match?", "I will in my lockerroom Dave, don't cry, but I know you will destoy Jericho anyways", Hunter looked at Shawn and an amused smirk made it to his face "Sexy outfit Shawn", "Was thinking the same, even Austin likes it", Steve just shook his head annoyed and rolled his eyes, Hunter grinned "Have some fun guys" and walked down the hallway to get to his lockerroom…
It was Dave who receptionned Jeff and hugged him, knowing and understanding how the younger man was feeling, he still had a minute or two so he ruffled through his hair "Hey, great match", it was the gesture too much and Jeff's tears finally spilled "He beat me again", "He's good, but you're getting there Jeff, you're getting there", it was Austin who grabbed Jeff and pushed him away "Stop whining and let him get ready kid", Dave smirked "I am ready Steve, are you?", Jeff stared at Austin who gave him a wtf-glare and Matt hugging his brother only made the Rattlesnake roll his eyes again, commenting it with a little "Oh my, how cute", Matt glared at him but he didn't want to waste time on a stupid argument now that his brother miserably sighed, Jeff didn't even want to watch the match and he was really glad his brother put his arm around his waist and pulled him along to his lockerroom, Shawn nudging Steve "Leave Jeff alone, the kid just lost his dream", "We all did at one time or another Michaels, what happened to being tough around here", Dave shook his head "Shawn is right, leave Jeff alone Austin, he won't be in the mood to take your teasing", "Wasn't teasing, what happened to all of you, this became a nursing station or what"
Orton burst out laughing making Shawn chuckle "Don't go there Orton, you enjoyed his cock so loud that you disturbed the Deadman", Steve was starting to wish he was deaf and his facial expression showed it "You banged the Hardy baby?", now it was Dave who was warming up before them who burst out laughing "I think I remember Jeff being older than Randy, so the baby would be Orton", by then Randy had fully blushed "Hey, could we change the subject please", Shawn just gave Chris, who was frowning with disgust clearly written all over his face, a deadly glare before smirking "And Randy begged for Jeff to let him suck him, so technically Jeff banged Randy", Steve shook his head "Too much information Shawn", "Why? Weren't you the one saying Jeff was cute", "Yeah so what", "You'd bang him too", Steve locked eyes with Randy before smirking amused"Wouldn't beg to suck him off though", Jericho snarled, it was all just too much for him but since his entrance music started he could make his way to the ring, hoping but not believing that Randy would be voted to "play" referee, Shawn was the worst possible choice even though Austin wasn't pleasing him either, Dave gave him a glare and dangerously whispered as he passed him "Savour the moment, you won't be Champ when I'm done with you", Chris didn't even turn he just let them stand there and strutted to the ring…
Mark had followed Jeff and Matt and wiped the tears from Jeff's cheeks as he sat down in front of him "Jeff come on, don't let it get to you too much, you had a great match", "I failed", "Wouldn't call it failure, you came close", "Yeah, but still, I lost", "I know, but you won't always, so calm yourself kid", "I'll try my best", "Hurry and come back to the screen ok", "Do I have to?", "Yes, you do", "Whatever", Matt took over Mark's place and leaned on Jeff's knees "How are you feeling? Painwise I mean", "My back's killing me but I'll manage", "I'm sorry you lost bro", "I'm getting used to it you know", "You came close to winning though", "Yeah, and then I handed him my ass on a silver platter Matt", "Yeah you did, but once again you learned something, you're getting there Jeff", "Hope so", Jeff got up and winced as he undressed, his body feeling more than battered as he made his way to the showers, glad Matt didn't follow him, he really needed to be alone…
Dave made his way to the ring after Jericho, waiting for what referee the audience had chosen, he wasn't worrying, he could live with any of the three men and couldn't wait for the match to start and hurt Chris, but before they could start Austin was announced winner of the vote, Jericho not happy and Dave smirking as Steve arrived, and Chris just mouthed back when Steve got the belt, something Dave had to grin about, Jericho had become a complete asshole and so impetious that it was funny, but slapping him on the cheek made him explode, Dave grabbed and lifted Chris and violently pushed him into the corner, Chris quickly rolling out of the ring and out of harms way, both Dave and Steve followed him with their eyes as he started backing away from the ring and towards the backstage, Shawn chuckled "Oh my, he's chickening out of it, I don't believe it", "What an asshole", "Yeah, big mouth but nothing to back it up", but Austin was already fed up with the shit Chris was pulling, and Shawn having explained things to his long time friend didn't help raise the sympathy he had for Jericho, Steve asked for a mic, enough was enough, "Hey Chris… I know that you think that if you get disqualifyed or counted out you retain the title but ahah, that ain't gonna happen, if Stone Cold Steve Austin counts you out or disqualifies your little ass that title is changing hands tonight, and that's the bottom line cause Stone Cold said so", and he threw the mic away before starting to count, and Chris reluctantly making his way back to the ring where Dave was waiting for him…
And the second Chris was back in the ring he could feel Dave's annoyance too, a massive elbow hitting him in the face before the Animal backed him into the corner and continued punching him, really playing around with him, a smirk on his face, there was one thing David had learned while working out with Jeff, and that one was how to get a lighter body down with maximum pain, and Christopher's body was just that, lighter, and Dave's soul was too, Jericho's earlier stupid comments and all getting punished, Dave slapped him in the face, even if deep inside he wanted to just take him apart…
Unfortunately he ended outside the ring, Chris having thrown him there, Dave knew it was his own fault for having let him, and when he got back in the ring after Chris had kicked him he retaliated, Chris continiously targetting his knee, and even getting cocky enough to hoover over the Animal and slap him a couple of times, Dave lost it and slapped him straight in the face, Shawn chuckling backstage "Ouch, now that hurt", "Getting that paw in the face like that is majestic", in the ring Batista had gotten up and was back to punching the life out of the smaller man…
Backstage, Glen was a just as upset as Jeff and entered his lockerroom making Matt jump back, raising his hands and mumbling "Uh, I didn't do anything Glen", "I know, it's not after you I am… Where's your brother", "He didn't do anything either" Matt smirked and added grinning "Well at least I hope so", "Matt, I just want to talk to him", "In the shower" Glen just marched past Matt and entered the shower room, Jeff was the only one in there so he didn't have any problems finding him, he stopped behind him "You're ok kid?", "No", "Me neither", Jeff turned, his eyes red and tears running down his cheeks "Why can't we beat them?", "Don't know, but there will be the day when we will be victorious Jeff, never forget that", "I don't think so", "But I do", when Mark had told him Jeff was pretty down Glen had immediately made his way to go and check on the younger man, he had lost too and was more than disappointed, even if he had to admit he'd rather have lost against Hunter than Rey, he handed Jeff a towel "Let's just get wasted tonight and forget about it", "I'll never forget that I failed again", "You're getting there Jeff, you've become a dangerous adversary for Hunter", "I still lost", "If I hear you say that again I'll hurt you kid", "What? Oh come on", "I mean it Jeff", Matt asked curious "What do you mean?", "I will inflict pain if your brother talks about his stupid so-called-failure again"
As Jeff was getting dressed, pouting slightly but at least not as depressed as he would have guessed, Chris managed to reverse the situation in the ring and get Dave in a hold, Steve making sure everything was going smooth, but when Dave grabbed the ropes and Chris didn't let go he grabbed him by the hair and pulled him away from Batista, Chris getting immediately in his face, Hunter, who had showered and changed and had gotten down next to Shawn smirked backstage "If I were Jericho I wouldn't piss off Steve", "Steve already was pissed off at him before the match, I don't think there's anything that moron can do to make it worse", in the ring the match was continuing, Dave throwing Chris off the turnbuckle before performing a flying shoulder block on him, it was a move he had started doing with Jeff when they had been sparing, Jeff having taunted him to do something involving flying and Chris had gotten his whole weight flying in on him but he didn't have time to think about what just had happened, Dave continued going after him, that was until Chris moved out of the way and he hit Steve who flew out of the ring…
Dave was looking at Steve and when he turned Chris jumped him, knocking him out a little, unfortunately for Jericho there was no referee, backstage Shawn had jumped up and rushed towards the ring just as Jeff arrived with Matt and Glen "Wow, what happened?", "Steve is out, Shawn's going to replace him", "And Dave?", "Knocked down by Chris from behind", giving Hunter a shy and sad smile Jeff sat down next to him where Shawn had been sitting, mumbling "Damn" and putting his attention on the screen, not sure he could look in Hunter's eyes after his defeat…
Shawn had arrived in the ring and was counting, well not really counting, he pretended to want to count but just pulled one of his best faces and locked eyes with Chris, who was raging, of course Dave managed to catch his breathe and buck, Shawn had given him enough time to do so, Chris was upset and started discussing with Shawn who just shrugged amused, he wasn't done with Jericho, not by a long shot and tonight was just one more level in his plans that he played, Chris pushed Shawn back in his rage and that did it for the Heartbreak Kid, a nice Sweet Chin Music came and nearly hit Jericho full force, luckily for him Shawn stopped his foot in time, Chris turning and Dave already waiting for him with a Spear, Dave went for the cover but out of nowhere John Bradshaw arrived and pulled Shawn out of the ring, attacking him…
Dave let go of Chris and wondered why the hell this match couldn't just go normally, it was apparently too much too ask tonight, Dave turned towards John and unleashed a couple of threats and insults on him, it was the moment Chris used to attack him from behind, nodding a "thank you" towards John who was making his way backstage, Steve had rolled back into the ring but was still down, Shawn was down at ringside, backstage Jeff looked at Randy "Uh, shouldn't you go out now? I mean, there's no referee left", Hunter nodding and adding "Yes Orton, move your lazy ass out there", Randy had a slight frown on his face, he had been the big loser in the vote and that was something that bugged his ego "You should all shut up", but he knew they were right and so he got up and made his way to the ring, ready to just be himself and that included throwing himself at Steve and punching him the second he entered the ring, Chris and Randy looked at each other, Randy not really impressed and more focused on Dave, he didn't say anything when Jericho hit Dave with the belt and went for the pin, but Dave kicked out, and he wasn't the only one "kicking out", Steve was up and ready and waiting behind Orton, royally pissed…
Randy wasn't sure his mind had registred everything since it happened extremely quickly, a Stunner hitting him and knocking him out cold, Jericho bumped into him and Steve didn't wait, trying a Stunner on him too but Chris pushed him away, it was all Dave needed to perform a Spinebuster on Chris followed by his trademark Batista Bomb and that was it, all Steve had to do was count to three, he got the belt and handed it to Dave raising his hand, Dave was grinning and even Steve had to smile, Jericho had gotten his lesson and that was all he'd wanted, he got some beer and handed one to Dave who was celebrating…
They had decided to have dinner at the hotel, Mark pulled Jeff along to where his bike was standing "You ride with me", "And what gives me the honor?", Mark cocked his head and locked eyes with him "Your emotional state, now get on", Jeff gave him a sad smile and got behind him, sighing "You should stop knowing me that well", "I think I'll go with being glad that I do kid", they arrived before the others and Mark took Jeff to the bar for a drink, he wanted Jeff to know he hadn't failed but didn't really know how to get him to realise that "Jeff, you had a great match, there's things you can improve but overall, it was good", "Then why do I feel this empty", "You're disappointed that's all", "I failed, I didn't disappoint only myself, but you, Shawn, Matt, Hunter, hell even Dave", "Jeff come on, you didn't disappoint me, you had a great match, you can never disappoint me with that", Jeff glanced gratefully up, finally meeting his eyes and managing a little smile "Thank you, but I still feel like a fool", "You shouldn't", "But I can't change it", a pair of hands came resting on Jeff's shoulders, squeezing gently "That's where you wrong kid, you can… By continuing to work out and train and improve… And at the next PPV you can whoop his ass, 'cause that's what he deserves and you too", Mark turned his head and laughed "Wiseass", "Maybe, but you know I'm always right", "Of course Steve…"
Stone Cold sat down next to Jeff and ordered a beer, motioning to get some for Mark and Jeff too "I need a moment of peaceful quiet, Vince is getting all bossy by telling people where to sit… He made me dizzy with his bull", Mark smirked "Oh my, it will be a long night", "You're not saying… Poor all of you who have to behave", it took two minutes for McMahon to come and get them "What are you guys still doing here? Hardy, what is it with you, lately you're always the one I catch misbehaving", Jeff paled but seeing Steve's facial expression he defiantly spat, pouting a little "What? Hey, we came here to wait for you guys and then Steve joined us Vince, I haven't done anything", "He's with me Vince, we drove back together and where here to wait, with only good intentions", "How many cops stopped you", "I didn't race Vince", Steve clapped his hands "Wow Mark, you actually can say that without blushing, my respect", "Dinner… Now", and Vince took off, Jeff sighing "What can I do to prove him I'm not doing stupid things again?", "Nothing, he's a son-of-a-bitch and will piss you off just to lighten up his day", Mark finished his beer and got up "Exactly, but in Jeff's case I'd say not get back to doing stupid things will improve the situation immensly"
Matt gave Jeff a disapproving headshake when he sat down "You're really looking for trouble, right bro", "No, we were here like half an hour ago, so we went to the bar to wait, that's all", "If you say so", "Hey, it's the truth"
After dinner Jeff sneaked out on them with a little lie "I forgot something in my room, I'll come to the bar", "Ok", he followed Brian and jumped him from behind, startling him "Hey Kendrick", trying to detach Jeff from his back, Brian wasn't sure he liked the situation "What do you want?", Jeff just put his arm around his neck "Knowing you, you're on your way to smoke some right", "Yeah", "Can I join you please, I really need to be stoned tonight, like stoned out of my mind", "You're sure it's not a ruse to beat the crap out of me?", "Promised", "Ok"
Half an hour later Jeff was on his way back down, completely wasted and in a better mood, also smelling as if he had bathed in pot, the second he sat down he was grabbed and pulled outside, Shawn not so happy "Have you lost it, if Mark smells you he'll have a fit", Jeff giggled, patting Shawn's hair and playing with it "Relax", Shawn pushed him down on a bench outside "Jeff seriously, first Mark will flip then Vince", "No, they won't know", "Uhu, you smell like Bob Marley", "No", "Oh yes, damn it Jeff, I thought you were done trying to lose everything", "What? Seriously, fuck you, it's just weed", "Yeah, but you know very well how bad you were, and…" Jeff interrupted him annoyed "Hey, the last time I smoked was for my birthday, so relax ok, no need to go all Mister Morals on me", "Why Jeff? Just tell me why", "Because I was feeling really crappy", "And if tomorrow you feel crappy, you'll go and smoke again?", "No, I'll try and find some H to shoot"
Shawn slapped him on the neck and kept his hand there, pulling their foreheads together "Jeff, watch it ok, I don't want you to end detoxing again", "I won't, geez, was just tonight", Jeff gave him a sad gaze "I lost… I failed… Hunter will beat me again and again and again… I'll never be Champ", "Jeff, I'm sure he'll let you try again… And you will be Champ", there was a deep snarl "Oh no, don't tell me, baby crying again", Jeff blew a fuse and pushed Shawn away and stepped up to where Stone Cold stood "What is your problem man", "Your whiny attitude boy, that what Mark taught you?", "I've had it", Jeff threw his cigarette on the floor and tried to enter only to find Steve blocking his path "Whining and running away now, I think you need to sit down and listen", Jeff sighed and realized he wouldn't be able to get Steve to move and let go, so he moved backwards and sat down, arms resting on his legs and sulking…
Steve felt like slapping him through Portland "What is your problem Jeff", "Nothing", "Uhu, never pictured you to be a baby", "I'm not a baby, man, stop it", "Then stop complaining kid… Stop acting like the biggest idiot, you're not making Mark proud by acting like this", "Like what? Feeling bad for having failed?", "We all have at one point or another", "As if…", "You should stop discussing with me, you start getting on my nerves", "You came and incrusted yourself here, I wasn't looking for you, I even tried to leave, so if I get on your nerves just get the fuck away from me", "Impetious little fuck", "But I'm right, so why don't you stop getting on my nerves", seeing them both already getting at each other's throats Shawn intervened "You're both getting on mine guys, Jeff is stoned Steve, you won't get anywhere with him", "Back into drugs kid?", "No, just tonight, after that stupid loss I felt like it", "You're destroying Mark's work kid" Steve shook his head "So what's a loss, you had enough titles, why rush things, you'll win when you're ready", "I am", "Tonight proved you're not Jeff", Shawn pouted a little "Steve, come on, I was trying to get him to smile again", Steve laughed sarcastically "Oh yes, true, cuddle group, seriously Shawn, come on, I saw the match, he lost because he wanted to do too much and…"
Jeff sighed loudly and looked at him while interrupting him "I know that Steve, but I don't want to discuss it, and I don't want to hear you explain it now", "Yeah, rather get stoned right", "No, getting back to working out tomorrow asshole, but today I need to chill a little", "Glad to hear that", Shawn was the first to get up "Good… Well talking of chilling, I need a drink", Steve nodded "Me too… Are you coming Jeff?", "Later, I feel like staying here for a moment", "Whatever rocks your boat", "You could bring me a drink out though", "And you could suck my dick kid", that did it for Shawn who burst out into a laughing fit "Yeah, well now you sound like Orton my friend", "Screw you Michaels"
Steve sat down next to Mark inside and chuckled "Your little protégé is a real defiant bitch, nearly got his ass whooped", "That I know, what happened?", "A little discussion, he pouts because of his defeat", "He's disappointed, I'm worrying about his improvements, he sometimes acts before thinking", "Na, I think he's ok Mark, a momentary laps of control, but he's ok", Hunter had just come back from the counter and had overheard most of their discussion, he sighed and took two beers, walking out, he didn't need long to find Jeff who had his head back and was staring at the sky, he stopped right in front of him and kicked him in the leg, handing him a beer "You're ok?", "Yeah, I was thinking", "Hum, mind if I join you?", "Why?", "To congratulate you on fucking up my ribs and on a great match", "Hunter, I lost, I fucking lost… Again", Hunter chuckled ""I know I was there", Jeff sighed as Hunter added "Face it, I'm the best", "Or I'm not good enough", "Pff Jeff, I prefer when you're all defiant and cocky, so let's go with me being the best"
Jeff sighed and took a sip of beer "You are better and that's why you are the still the Champ", "And now you better continue working to improve, got me, and perhaps I'll give you another shot", "Thanx Hunter", Hunter was passing a hand over his ribs "I hope your elbow hurts as much as my ribs", Jeff shook his head, grinning a moment before wincing as he stretched a little "Nope, but I can guarantee you my back is fucked up, I hope your knees hurt too", "No, not at all, just the ribs", "Was nice to actually use the ropes to perform the Pedigree kid", "I'm sure it was, especially for me on the receiving end", Hunter reflected silently for a moment then cleared his voice, sounding soft all of a sudden "Listen Jeff, it was an amazing match ok, so don't feel like a loser 'cause you're not", "It's hard to believe that when I lost", Hunter didn't really understand how a loss could affect Jeff that much on the emotional level, he was more of the angry type and got angry and pissed, mainly at himself, when he lost, depression, brooding and misery weren't really what he was used to feel "Put things in the right perspective Jeff, you're young, and with your skills and talent you're sure to be Champ one day… Don't let the fact that it wasn't today depress you too much, you delivered a great match and made it really hard for me to win", "Why are you so nice all of a sudden"
Taking a sip of beer Hunter smirked arrogantly "No Jeff, you're mistaken, I'm not nice, I'm being honest…", Hunter locked his eyes with Jeff's, glad he had his full attention "From match to match you become a bigger problem, I'm glad you decided on playing it cocky tonight, it was what ultimately cost you your victory kid", "I really believed I could knock you out with that second Swanton", "I'm no Montel or Brian Jeff, I thought you'd realized that by now… You need more to knock me out", Hunter got up and pulled Jeff up by the arm "Let's go back inside, my beer is empty…", Jeff nodded and silently walked next to him, Hunter stopping him "Oh and Jeff, should I catch you stoned again you'll be in a lot of trouble", paling Jeff stared at him "You knew?", when Hunter had seen Jeff leave after Brian he had known, somehow he had known, Jeff's sad expression all through dinner had only fueled his intuition, and one look into his emerald eyes betrayed his stoned state anyways "I know everything kid, I'll let it pass because of your disappointment about your loss, and because Mark so dearly and unconditionally believes you're not a screw-up, I'd hate to see him proven wrong though", "It was just tonight Hunter, won't happen again anytime soon, but from time to time, I don't see where the problem is", "From time to time is ok, don't let it become a habit", "I never intended to let it, I promise", "I only ask to believe you kid, your improvement only shows that you're indeed clean and working out, so don't lose focus on what you want to achieve", "I won't… And Hunter… Thanx for not telling Mark…", Jeff locked eyes with the Game and shyly added "You won't tell him, right?", Hunter gave him a little smirk and whispered "Don't give me a reason too and I won't", "Thanx, I won't disappoint you", "Good"
Jeff sat down next to Shawn, Matt and Glen after having ordered a bottle of Tequila and a couple of glasses, when an hour later one by one they called it a night Matt had to help him up, he had literally drowned his sorrow in hard stuff, he wasn't the only one, Shawn was beyond plastered too, Glen was giving his own brother a hard time, both Mark and Steve were still capable of thinking and walking straight, Hunter was somewhere inbetween and having a vivid discussion about the "assclown" with Dave who had been informed by Shawn about what was soon going to happen to Jericho, he had asked Stephanie to grant a special match at the Raw show next day and needed Dave to agree have everything the way it should for Shawn's plan to succeed, they were all to travel to Tucson before heading to San Diego for the ECW and Smackdown Shows around noon, and Mark already knew it would be a very long day with all the guys who had definetely abused the booze "Matt, you think you'll get Jeff woken up tomorrow", the elder Hardy smirked, pushing his brother towards his bed "I hope so", "Are you going to wake?", "Yes", "Good…", turning to Hunter and Shawn he sighed "Hunter? You got Shawn covered?", "Relax Mark, yeah I do", "See you all at noon sharp", "Night Deadman", "Mark, can't we take Jeff with us to play a little", Matt had just been about to close the door, hearing Glen he stepped out and snarled "NO GLEN, dammit, stop talking about my brother like that", Mark pulled Glen along before he would go all berserk on Matt "I was about to say something like No Glen too bro", Glen let him manoeuvre him to the bed, and was asleep in a matter of minutes, a pouty smirk on his face...
Matt had given Jeff a glare, since his younger brother was sitting on the bed, giggling, "It's not funny Jeff", "Yes it is", "No it isn't", "Yes it…" Matt realized that talking back wouldn't help with Jeff in his current state, he shook his head and helped Jeff undress "Sleep Jeff, you need it", Jeff didn't object and got as comfortable as he could with his painful back, he mumbled "Night bro", "Night Jeff", Matt got ready for bed too, by the time he came out of the bathroom Jeff was already asleep…
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Hope you liked it, I still love Reviews so be a nice reader and drop me a line or two ;-)