Dark Saviour
Chapter 4 - Fun Before the New Year
...
A week before New Years in North Carolina . . .
Rey stepped out of the rental car and pulled his coat tighter against the cold breeze as Shawn stepped toward the front of the car and looked up at the large house before them.
Shawn whistled. "Wow, I knew that he had a big house, but . . . wow."
Rey nodded in agreement as he shivered. "Although, as much fun as it is standing outside and admiring the house, can we please go inside where it is warm and admire it from there?"
"Right, sorry," Shawn apologized sheepishly as he linked his arm with Rey's so that they could walk up to the home of the younger Hardy together.
Since many of the Superstars were on the road for New Years, the two Hardy's had decided to have a New Year celebration early. According to rumor, the Hardy's had argued over which home would host the festivities prior to the invitations going out, but after a quick coin toss, Jeff had gotten the privilege of hosting it. Everyone had been invited and, well Shawn being Shawn, he had to be there. This meant, of course, Rey had to come too.
"I don't know why I let you talk me into this," Taker mumbled as he walked in behind them.
"Because you've been avoiding civilization for too long," Shawn pouted. "You had to come to this."
"Besides, Shawn would never have let up if you didn't agree," Rey added looking at Taker as the bigger man rolled his eyes. "You tried, you failed, now you're here."
"So go play nice with the other Superstars," Shawn smiled.
Undertaker only sighed as he watched Shawn turn away and disappear among the crowd. "How do you do it?"
"Do what?" Rey asked.
"Keep up with him. He'd drive me insane," Taker paused. "No, scratch that. He does drive me insane."
Rey shrugged. "You just have to take things one step at a time with him. You can't rush anything or you'll get lost."
Taker looked down at Rey, his brow raised. "Are you still talking about Shawn, or something else?"
Rey looked up at Taker. "Take it as you want."
"You guys are not still trying to set me up with someone are you?" Taker sighed, a tick working in his jaw.
"I told Shawn to stop," Rey replied. "Seriously, I did. Especially after that bar fiasco."
Undertaker bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself calm. The past few months had been extremely aggravating with Shawn doing everything he could think of to try and push Taker into a relationship. His only saving grace had been when he had finally been able to convince Rey that he was fine, even though he was still not ready to have someone fill the empty spot Chris had left in his life.
Chris is special to me. His place will not be easily taken, let alone by just anyone.
"Look, I know how much . . ." Rey paused to make sure no one was listening to them. "I know how much Chris meant to you. I'm so sorry that we tried to force you to move on before you were ready."
"Thank you."
"But Shawn was right; you've been hiding from civilization for far too long. You need to mingle with people and not just hide at home or in hotels," Rey held up his hands before Taker could interrupt him. "I'm not trying to set you up and I swore Shawn to behave himself tonight. This is mainly to get you out to talk to people, maybe make some more friends, nothing more. You know Chris wouldn't want you to be alone, without friends to talk to."
Undertaker nodded in understanding before Rey disappeared into the crowd to find Shawn. Taker sighed as he rubbed at his temple where a small headache was forming. Even though he knew that Rey had a point, he still hated the fact that he was here. He really didn't feel like socializing. However, since he was here, he might as well try to enjoy himself. Taker walked over to a cooler that sat in the center of what he assumed was the living room. It was hard to tell with all the junk hanging off the walls and furniture pushed out of the way to provide more walking space, but it still had the living room vibe. He knew that the youngest brother was into art, but this . . .
"Hey, Mark, I'm surprised you came."
Undertaker turned to see his brother, Kane, standing over by a window with Hunter, Ric and Edge. After opening the cooler and grabbing a beer, Taker then walked over to join the group. "I got dragged here actually."
"Oh, really?" Hunter asked in surprise. "Who was finally able to drag the great Phenom to a party?"
"Oh, come on. Everybody enjoys a good party," Ric said, flashing him a smile. "Even the Deadman has to enjoy himself from time to time. It would be a boring afterlife if the dead didn't party too."
"Then you don't know my brother all that well, Ric," Kane said, shaking his head.
"And once again, it's as though I'm not even here," Undertaker muttered, thankful he had been able to hide the pang of sadness that washed over him at Ric's words. Only one man had been able to bring out the 'party' side of Taker's personality.
And that man is gone . . .
"What's that supposed to mean?" Edge asked, catching the glint of emotion in the Deadman's gaze before it vanished, as if it had never been there.
Three out of the four men looked at Edge as though he had grown an extra head. Ric and Hunter smiled as Kane looked at Edge in confusion. Taker shook his head to try and dispel the morbid thoughts entering his head so he could focus on the conversation.
"What?" Edge asked nervously.
"Nothing, just . . . nobody has ever asked Mark to explain himself. Except for maybe Glen who has a death wish," Hunter explained.
"And even I only do when I'm feeling particularly suicidal," Kane remarked.
"That's because you know I don't like answering them and would probably make your life miserable for asking too many," Taker replied simply.
"But still," Edge said as all eyes were on him again. "I still want to know what he meant. I didn't think people tended to ignore you," he continued as he looked up at Taker.
Taker didn't respond to Edge's comments. He just stared at the younger Superstar, trying to figure out why the man was so curious about him. "Now why should I tell the guy who wants to end my career, anything personal about me?"
Edge looked taken aback at the accusation. He lifted his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. The big guy doesn't want to talk. I get it," he said as he backed away from the Phenom.
Hunter smirked at the younger man. "Don't let Mark scare you, Adam. He's just very private about his thoughts," he looked over at Taker. "Though, it does beg the question what he's hiding?"
"I bet that it's something about flowers," Ric laughed. "Something really unexpected."
"Well, have fun guessing," Taker smiled evilly as he turned and walked away. "You'll never guess the twisted idea's going through my mind."
"Aw, come on. We were only teasing," Ric called out after him, but Taker didn't answer. He didn't even turn back. He just kept walking away. He didn't know where he was headed, but anything was better then being interrogated by those guys. He respected most of them enough to be partially open, but not enough to go into all that much detail.
"Hey. Wait up, Mark."
Undertaker turned to see Kane running after him. Stopping, he let his brother catch up. "What do you want?" he asked.
"I haven't seen you in a while. Am I not allowed to wonder how my older brother is doing?"
"No."
"Look, I know that things haven't been necessarily the best this year, but, that doesn't mean you have to shut everybody out," Kane said, staring Taker directly in the eye. "I'm worried about you."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Taker replied, turning away.
"Oh, no you don't," Kane hissed, grabbing onto Undertaker's wrist. "You are not going to blow me off that easily."
"All I'm trying to do is leave."
"No, you're avoiding me again. Come on, Mark. We used to be able to talk. Is this about Chris?"
Undertaker stared at Kane, confused and slightly scared about where the conversation was going. "What?"
"You know, Chris . . . Benoit. Are you still upset about what he did?"
Undertaker could feel his anger beginning to grow, allowing him to ignore the feelings that had clutched at his heart at the mention of Chris' name. "What those bastards are saying is complete bull shit," he growled.
"Whoa, I didn't know you felt so strongly about that," Kane said, taken aback. "You of so few emotions feeling so strongly about what happened to Benoit, that's something I never thought would happen. When did that become a sore spot?"
You don't know the half of it, Taker thought, his gaze moving away from Kane's probing stare.
"Is there something more?" Kane asked, confused with his brothers sudden evasiveness. When Taker didn't respond, Kane took hold of his hand and all but dragged him to the first secluded room he could find. Closing the door behind him, he turned on Undertaker. "What's going on?"
"Nothing."
"Bull shit."
"Honestly, there's nothing."
"Bull shit," Kane repeated. "You mean to tell me that you, you of all people, had a major mood swing over nothing? I don't think so."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Taker answered, once again avoiding Kane's gaze.
"What did Benoit mean to you? Wasn't he just another guy you respected or . . ." Kane stopped, his eyes going big as he made a connection. "He was the one, wasn't he?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Undertaker replied, still unable to meet his brother's gaze.
"He was, wasn't he? Chris was your secret admirer, the one that sent you that corny gift on your birthday a few years ago. It all makes sense. A secret relationship that you don't want to talk to me about, the sudden mood swing after his death and all but disappearing off the face of the earth for the better part of the year. Your secret lover was Chris," Kane said, a smile coming over his face.
"I don't know what you're smiling about," Taker snapped the depression and bitterness he had been fighting off for the past few months reared its head and hit him squarely in the chest, all but knocking the air out of him.
"So, I'm right. The great Phenom found love with the Rabid Wolverine," Kane clapped his hands. "That is so cool. I mean, damn."
"Just . . . forget it," Taker said, turning to leave.
"Oh, Mark. Don't worry. I'm sure everything will be all right."
"All right? All right?" Taker growled, his anger getting the better of him as he rounded on Kane. "Those idiots at the news stations are slandering Chris's name, he's all but been stripped from wrestling history and you're telling me it's going to be okay? Chris is dead and everything will be all right?"
"Whoa, calm down a little. How do you know . . ."
"He called me before," Undertaker cut Kane off before he could finish. "He called me and he was happy. There was no way he could have done it."
There's no way he would leave me willingly. Not when we could finally be together without coming up with lame excuses.
Kane nodded in understanding. "Your judgment has always had some hint of truth in it. So, I believe you when you say that he didn't do it."
"Thank you," Taker said his bitterness fading slightly as he turned to open the door.
"You know, although you have me believing you, it still won't change Vince's mind," Kane said.
"I know," Undertaker sighed, his hand dropping from the doorknob in defeat. "Nothing will change his mind. If he wants to remove Chris from WWE history, then that is what he'll do," he shook his head. "It's just too bad that it has come to this."
"I know," Kane walked over to where Taker had stopped, he couldn't believe the torment in his brother's gaze. He could tell that his brother really loved Chris. "It's too bad that Chris will not be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but the media would have a field day and with the WWE being hit so hard about drug abuse already, I don't know what he can do."
"I know," Taker said, trying to prevent that swell of emotion to take over again. Shaking his head to clear it, Undertaker looked up at Kane. "Now, I'm going to go back out there, maybe have another beer and then I'm leaving."
Kane nodded. "But just before you go, can I ask you one more thing?"
Taker smirked. "What?"
"Who dragged you here?"
Undertaker sighed in relief at the change in topic. "Shawn and Rey."
"Really?" Kane asked in shook. "You mean that those two actually managed to drag you here?"
"Shawn's been trying to drag me to these parties for months now. I just got sick of fighting him over it. He can get really annoying."
"That he can," Kane shook his head, smiling. "Now, let's get back out there before somebody thinks that we are up to something evil."
As Kane opened the door and stepped into the living room, they both heard a shout, "Found Glen. Nothing's on fire." The whole room burst into laughter, Kane joining in with them. Taker let a small smile cross his lips before banishing it from his expression as he reentered the room. He trusted Kane to keep his secret, but he was far from wanting to trust any of the other Superstars with knowledge that they could use to control him or destroy him, mind and soul.
...
"So far everything seems to be going well," Jeff smiled as he sat down next his brother, Matt, in the kitchen.
Matt nodded as he rubbed his forehead. "Yeah, Glen was found, no fires were set, things are good."
"Night's still young," Jeff joked as he grabbed himself another drink.
"You seem to be drinking a lot tonight."
"I'm not drinking that much," Jeff retorted.
"That's what, your tenth drink tonight?"
"No, it only the fifth one," Jeff said, sticking out his tongue. "I know my limits."
"I'll remind you of that when I pick your ass up off the floor tonight when you pass out," Matt replied, biting his lip to keep from smiling at the horrified look on Jeff's face.
"You aren't touching my ass, Matt," Jeff smiled, catching the amusement in Matt's face that he tried so hard to hide. "I'm not drunk enough for that."
"Ew, gross," Matt gagged. "That is not an image I want in my head."
"Then you should have kept my ass out of the conversation," Jeff laughed.
"Apparently," Matt shuddered.
"Oh come on, Matt, lighten up a bit," Jeff smiled as he punched Matt's arm playfully. "Look, the party is going well, you even said so yourself. I don't know what your problem is."
Matt only shook his head at Jeff. It was nearing midnight and the partygoers were getting excited for the 'countdown'. Even though the New Year didn't start for another week, everybody was excited to be celebrating it at all.
"There's nothing wrong. Everything is going great. You put together a really good party, Jeff."
"Then why do you look so sad?" Jeff said seriously, pouting slightly. "Did I do something wrong?"
Matt shook his head, trying to prevent himself from bursting into a giggle fit. "I'm fine. You've done nothing wrong, yet. I'm just tired."
"Well, you're no fun then," Jeff said, getting up from the bar stool he had been sitting on. "I'm going to find somebody who's more entertaining."
"You go do that," Matt smiled.
"Humph," Jeff stormed off dramatically, causing Matt to burst into laughter. Luckily others who saw the whole thing transpire joined him in his laughter. Getting his laughter under control, Matt went to find out what trouble his brother was getting into. To his surprise, Jeff was acting, well, normal. He was off in a corner talking to Chris Jericho and they seemed to be really hitting it off. So, instead of interrupting them, Matt went back into the kitchen.
He needs to make new friends. God knows he needs to get out and meet people. It's been so long since he's had a girl in his life, he needs to go and mingle again.
...
"So, how do you like being back with the WWE?" Jeff asked as he perched on the arm of the chair Jericho was sitting in.
"It's fun. Some things are different, but that's to be expected," Jericho shrugged. "I'm having fun with the whole, 'Save Us' storyline though."
"Well that's good. Glad to see that everything is going well for you," Jeff replied, before he bit his lip in indecision.
"What's up?" Jericho asked, catching Jeff's hesitation.
"I wanted to ask you something but . . ."
"What?" Jericho asked, his head tilted to one side.
"You and Cena."
"What about me and Cena?"
"I don't mean to pry, but, it seems like you're having a lot of problems with him lately?" Jeff said, his concern evident.
"Yeah, we are. He's just being an ass," Jericho paused. "Actually, more like a jealous ass."
"You know, calling him an ass is an offense to donkeys," Jeff smirked.
"True," Jericho laughed before he caught himself. "I can't believe that I just said that."
"Well, at least you finally realized the truth. I mean, the guys have been trying to tell you that for years."
"I know. But then again, how could I believe them when most of the guys didn't like him in the first place," Jericho pointed out.
"True," Jeff nodded in agreement. "There is some resentment there. I won't deny it."
Jericho shrugged. "Oh well. It doesn't really matter anyway."
"Well, it does matter. You are going to have to decide if your going to stay with John or not," Jeff said.
"Why would you say that?"
Jeff shrugged. "I don't know if you have been hearing any of the rumors lately, but from what little I've overheard from you, things are only getting worse, not better."
"Maybe," Jericho said, trying to make it sound like it wasn't a big deal. "He wasn't always like that."
"If you're not happy, you should dump him right now."
"Not tonight," Jericho yawned, stretching a little to relieve the pressure that had been building in his back. When he heard a satisfying crack, he relaxed back into the chair. "No point in ruining a good party."
"Well, considering he's not here, all you'd have to do is find a private place and call him," Jeff pointed out. "He won't be here to cause a scene."
"True," Jericho said. "Why isn't he here again?"
"Cause I can't stand the guy," Jeff answered honestly. "So, there was no point in inviting him."
Jericho laughed. "You're right. So, where can I make that phone call?"
"Follow me," Jeff smiled as he jumped up. Grabbing a hold of Jericho's hand, Jeff led him to the back of the house before he could change his mind.
...
Rey had gone up and down the stairs multiple times before he finally found Shawn hanging out with Kane and Hunter at the front of the house. "So, this is where you've been hiding."
Shawn looked up to see Rey standing beside him. "Hey, Rey. How are you doing?"
Shaking his head, Rey turned his attention to Kane and Hunter. "Thank you for watching him for me. I know it couldn't have been easy."
"Hey," Shawn pouted. "That wasn't very nice."
"You know I'm only kidding," Rey said, punching him lightly in the shoulder. "You know I love you."
"In all honesty, Hunter was with Shawn longer then I've been," Kane admitted. "You should be thanking him more."
"Oh? Where were you?" Rey asked, staring a Kane in confusion.
"Well," Kane paused, "I was doing some mingling"
.
"Yeah right," Hunter scoffed. "He was taking to Mark in secret."
"I was curious as to how my brother was doing," Kane said in his defense. "After his comment to Adam do you honestly think I'd ask him personal questions out in the open?"
"I still swear they were planning something evil," Hunter smiled.
Kane merely shook his head slightly disappointed the Hunter fell into the crowd that believed the silly rumors. Now I know why Mark's been hiding for so long.
"Anyway," Shawn said, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen. "Where did Mark go?"
"He left a few minutes ago," Kane answered. "He said something about having to head out somewhere tomorrow."
"Oh?" Rey asked, confused.
"Speaking of Mark," Hunter interrupted. "Glen here told me that it was the two of you who were finally able to drag him here."
"Yeah," Shawn smiled. "I will admit it wasn't easy. You have no idea how stubborn that guy can be."
"But you managed the impossible," Hunter said, smiling. "I never thought anyone would be able to get Mark to come to one of these."
"Yeah, well, we know Mark had to come out of hiding. He has to move on," Shawn shook his head.
"Unfortunately he fell deep," Kane muttered under his breath.
"What are you talking about?" Shawn asked, catching Kane's comment.
"Oh, uh . . . nothing," Kane shook his head.
"You figured it out didn't you?" Rey asked, looking directly at Kane.
"Figured out what?" Hunter as he looked between the three men, confused.
"Wait, you guys know about it?" Kane said his eyes big in surprise.
"We knew about it roughly six years ago," Rey replied simply.
"Well, Rey found out about six years ago. I found out a little later, after he came back from Eddie's," Shawn added his head tilted slightly. "When did you find out?"
"What the hell are you guys talking about?" Hunter stared at each of them, not able to follow the conversation at all.
"I figured it out while I was talking to him earlier," Kane said, ignoring Hunter. "He fell hard."
"Well, that's why we were trying to get him to come out and socialize," Shawn replied. "We were trying to find somebody else who would fit into his life."
"We're not playing match makers anymore," Rey retorted. "You promised you would behave."
"Okay, what the hell is going on here?" Hunter said, interrupting Shawn.
Everybody looked at Hunter, a confused look on their faces. "What?" they asked in unison.
"Wow. Now understand what Mark meant about people talking as if he's not there."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to leave you out," Rey apologized.
"To get me back on track, who are we talking about?"
"Mark and Chris," Kane answered.
"Jericho?" Hunter asked in confusion.
"No, Benoit," Shawn clarified. "They were together for a couple of years."
"A couple?" Rey turned to look at Shawn. "Try about seven or eight years."
"Wait, wait, wait," Hunter waved his hands. "Mark was with Chris? Like, couple wise? Friend wise?"
"Let me put it this way, if it wasn't for the fact that Chris was married to Nancy, I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't have been married by now," Shawn answered, smiling a little at the discomfort he was causing Hunter.
"Wow."
"Surprising isn't it?" Kane said.
"Hell yeah. I never thought he was like that," Hunter shook his head. "I never thought Mark was gay."
"Yeah, well, you never thought I was either," Shawn smiled, giving Hunter a hug. "But here we are."
"Get off me, Shawn."
"Aw, is poor Hunter uncomfortable," Shawn pouted.
Rey laughed at the look Hunter gave Shawn as he pried the smaller man off of him. "Okay, okay, I get it Shawn. Now get off."
Shawn finally let go, causing Hunter to stumble a bit. "So," Shawn said, looking over at Kane as if nothing had happened. "Do you know of any potential candidates for Mark?"
"Shawn," Rey warned.
"Nope," Kane shook his head.
"Darn," Shawn let his gaze roam the room. "What about him?"
"Who? Montel?" Hunter asked, slightly disgusted.
"No, the guy behind him, that young kid. Moore I think his name is," Shawn said, looking at Shannon. "He's kind of cute."
Rey smacked Shawn upside the head. "No looking."
"Hey, I was only scouting for Mark."
"Sure, sure. You promised you would behave tonight," Rey smiled. "And besides, Shannon won't work, he's with somebody."
"Oh, who?" Shawn asked, completely ignoring Rey's reminder to behave himself.
"I don't know her name."
"Oh, so he's a straight guy. No good then," Shawn sighed. "Too bad."
Kane shook his head. "Doesn't really matter, does it? Mark won't fall for just anyone. Actually, I don't know if he will fall for anyone again."
"Too true," Shawn sighed. "Man, that guy is not easy to please."
"Looks like it's almost midnight," Rey said as they saw everybody grab their glasses and start counting down.
The four of them all grabbed their own glasses and joined in on the count down. As they all called out Happy New Year, Shawn grabbed Rey, brought him close and kissed his passionately. Hunter nearly chocked when he noticed the display, Kane laughed as Hunter coughed and sputtered.
"Happy New Year, love."
"And to you, sweety," Rey murmured.
"Wow, major sappiness here," Hunter said, backing away a little. "I think I'm going to head on out now. Leave you two alone."
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," Shawn smiled evilly as he let go of Rey.
"No, it's okay. I should be going anyway. Don't want to stay up too late."
"Kind of late for that, isn't it?" Kane smirked.
Hunter just shook his head before leaving the small group behind. Kane turned back toward Shawn and Rey. "So, you want to set my brother up with somebody?"
...
Hunter went upstairs, intent on looking for his coat. He knew he had thrown his coat onto one of the beds at the back of the house, intending to claim the bed for himself if he stayed too late. Unfortunately, he couldn't find Matt or Jeff to ask them which room he had put dibs on, so he had to go looking for it on his own. Thankfully, he found his coat in the first room he came to. As he walked in, he realized that he wasn't alone. Turning, he saw that Edge had followed him.
"What do you want, kid?" Hunter smirked as he grabbed his coat.
"Why do you keep calling me that?" Edge asked as he leaned against the doorframe, blocking Hunter's way out.
"Calling you what?"
"Kid."
"Because that's what you are. You're nothing but a kid in this business," Hunter explained. "I'll start treating you like an adult when you do something worth talking about."
"Oh, really? Is that all it is?" Edge scoffed.
"What can I say? You're Canadian. Canadian's suck," Hunter smirked.
"I hear that you do to. So, you must be Canadian," Edge smiled.
"I don't think so," Hunter tried to maneuver around Edge, but his way was continuously blocked. "Can I help you?"
"Why do you always have to be so negative, huh? Why can't you ever say anything positive?" Edge asked in curiosity.
"What, like your finishing move is awesome? Your ring gear is the best? You've got the better entrance music and you are definitely the better blond?" Hunter said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
"Maybe," Edge said softly. "I doubt it would kill you to say something nice every once in a while."
"Sorry, not how I roll," Hunter once again tried to leave but was stopped when Edge grabbed his wrist. "Excuse me?"
"What? Is the sledgehammer wielding maniac in a rush?" Edge smirked.
"Maniac?" Hunter said, slightly confused.
"Yeah, maniac. You come down, holding that precious sledgehammer as if you own the place. News flash, you don't," Edge smiled his famous cocky smile.
"Ooh, and what is the 'Rated-R Superstar' going to do about it?" Hunter asked, moving to stand toe to toe with Edge.
"Well, I don't know. Maybe I should just take 'The Game' out back and beat some sense into him," Edge stared down Hunter, only inches away from his face.
"Humph, you don't have the guts," Hunter silently dared him. Come on. Make your move.
When it seemed that the two would break out into a fistfight, the unexpected happened. The two of them started to kiss passionately, Edge closed the door with a free hand. As they moved over to the bed, and rolled onto it, Edge couldn't help but have one particular song float through his head.
Man, who would have thought that Hinder's 'Get Stoned' actually had a point there? He thought. Any further thoughts on the subject were quickly forgotten as Hunter and Edge lost themselves to the passion.
...
Jeff waved Jericho into his room, where he knew that the man could get the privacy he needed to talk to Cena. Some of the other rooms may have ended up being occupied by Superstars that planned to stay the night, so this was the safest place in the house.
"You can stay in here until you're ready to come back out," Jeff winked, as he passed Jericho his phone. "Let him have it."
Jericho chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it," he shook his head, his eyes betraying the sadness he felt.
"Is something wrong?" Jeff asked, concerned about the look that crossed over Jericho's face briefly.
Jericho shook his head again. "No. I was just wondering . . ."
"What?" Jeff sat down next to him.
"Could you stay, you know, for morale support?" Jericho asked, almost begging Jeff to not abandon him.
"Of course," Jeff said, putting an arm around Jericho. "Don't worry. I'll be here. I'll even coach you on it," he smiled.
Jericho nodded, as he turned on the phone and quickly dialed Cena's number from memory. With baited breath, he silently hoped Cena wouldn't answer the phone. He knew he was doing the right thing, but he was still scared. Too Jericho's disappointment, it only took a couple of seconds before the call was answered.
"Hello?"
Jericho froze, his fear getting the better of him. Jeff signaled for Jericho to answer.
"Talk to him," Jeff mouthed. "Say something."
"Hello?"
"Uh . . . hi, John."
"Chris? Is that you?"
"Yeah, it's me," Jericho looked at Jeff, who was trying to encourage him to keep going.
"Hey, how's my favorite guy?"
"I'm okay. How are you?"
"Can't complain. So, where are you? I tried calling you earlier . . ."
"Oh, well, I've been at Jeff's house for a party and . . ." Jericho paused, looking up again at Jeff for encouragement.
"Oh? How come you're with him?" Cena asked.
"Well, ah, see . . ."
"What's going on, Chris?"
Jericho took the phone away from his ear and covered the mouthpiece. "I can't do it," he muttered, defeated.
"Yes you can. You can do it. You don't love him. He's a jerk," Jeff put his hand on Jericho's shoulder for support.
"I know but . . ."
"Chris? Are you still there?"
"Answer him," Jeff encouraged.
Jericho shook his head. "I can't."
"Then I will. Give me the phone," Jeff held out his hand.
"No."
"Either you do it or I will."
Jericho stuck his tongue out at Jeff. "You're so pushy."
"I'm the youngest. Of course I am," Jeff smiled.
Jericho shook his head.
"Chris?"
"I'm still here. Sorry, but, I uh, have to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"It's just that . . . well. John, it's like this. Um . . ." Jericho paused, biting his lip as he tried to ignore Jeff as he rolled his eyes as he continued to stall.
"It's like what?" Cena asked, concern lacing his words.
"Well, it's over."
"What?" Cena's concern turned to anger.
"It's over. I don't want to see you anymore," Jericho could feel a great weight lifting off his shoulders.
"Oh, uh . . ."
"I'm sorry to have to do this over the phone, but it couldn't wait. I had to tell you now," Jericho said quickly.
"Was it something I did?"
"Oh, no. It's nothing about you. I just . . ." Jericho paused once again. Shaking his head, he continued. "It's just that I don't feel the same about you any more."
"Okay then. Well, um . . ." Cena seemed to be at a loss for words. Jericho looked at Jeff, trying to figure out what to do next.
Jeff tried to tell him, but all he got was a confused look from Jericho. Finally he grabbed the phone from him.
"My boy is needed elsewhere. Good-bye, Cena," Jeff smirked, hanging up the phone. "And that's the end of that."
Jericho just stared at him. "That was . . . that was unexpected."
Jeff laughed. "Well, you were drowning. Any second you were going to start apologizing and begging for his forgiveness. You were going to say that you had a moment of weakness. I know. I've gone down that road before."
Jericho looked at Jeff. "You have?"
"Of course. Everyone does at some point."
"Funny. I never thought that you would have that kind of problem," Jericho mused.
"Trust me. It's never easy breaking up with a guy," Jeff shook his head. "But you eventually learn to work with what you've got and after a few nasty breakups, you learn how to do them properly."
"Hmm . . ."
"What?" Jeff asked. "What is it?"
"I just never saw you as a, well, a guy chaser," Jericho smiled.
"Well . . . um," Jeff started to go red as he realized that he had let that slip. He was usually so careful when talking about dating people so as not to let anyone know.
Maybe I did drink too much . . .
"Don't worry. If you don't want anybody else to know . . ."
"No, it's fine," Jeff shook his head, deciding to just go with the flow. "I'm sure almost everyone probably suspects it anyway. I mean, the hair, the nails . . ." he shrugged.
"Or they could just think that's your creative side," Jericho said. "You are an artist."
"True, but . . ." Jeff was stopped when Jericho's lips met his. Jeff sat there, startled, his eyes wide. When Jericho broke away from him, he seemed slightly startled too.
"I'm, uh, sorry about that. I don't know what came over me," Jericho slid off the bed and headed for the door, his cheeks a bright red. "I only meant to say thank you."
"It's okay."
Jericho turned to look at Jeff in surprise. "I was out of line," Jericho looked around distractedly. "I should, ah . . . I should go," he said as he turned to go, but he stopped as his hand touched the doorknob. Turning back, he saw that Jeff was still sitting on the bed, staring at the floor. "Is something wrong?"
"No, I'm fine. Why?" Jeff asked, looking up at Jericho.
"I was just wondering. You look so sad," he explained as he turned and walked back to Jeff's side.
"I'm good. I'm happy," Jeff smiled. "See."
"I just don't believe you for some reason?" Jericho smirked.
Why am I doing this? I should just leave. He's not someone to rebound with. Maybe I drank too much? But damn. He looks so hot right now and he hasn't pushed me away yet, Jericho thought to himself as he stood in front of Jeff biting his lip in indecision.
"I don't know what I can do to change your mind," Jeff replied, looking up at Jericho. He could feel the heat from his cheeks as he started to blush at the look in Jericho's eyes. "I feel fine."
"Well," Jericho paused as he sat on Jeff's lap so that they were face to face, deciding to take a chance. "You could show me that you're happy."
"Oh," Jeff smiled a little, unsure exactly how far Jericho would go or even if he was doing the right thing. "And how would I do that?"
Jericho leaned forward once more and kissed him lightly on the lips. He half expected Jeff to pull away immediately, but was surprised when he didn't pull away at all, but instead deepened the kiss. He slid onto the bed so that he could pull Jeff closer to him. Letting the heat of the moment wash over them, they scooted up the bed; not hearing the sudden shouting as the people downstairs rang the New Year in.
...
A/N: Well, that was fun. Guys are making out everywhere.