Dark Saviour

Chapter 20 - Deadman Don't Choose

A/N: I'd like to say thank you to everyone whose reading my story, both new and old.

….

"Whoa, calm down man. You look like a horny high school girl waiting for her boyfriend to call when he gets back from summer vacation."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Taker replied, looking up at Kane from his drink. "And where the hell do you get those analogies?"

"I'm not telling," Kane smiled. "And how do you not know what I'm talking about?"

"I honestly have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, come on. I've seen you sitting in your room all night next to the phone, and your cell is always on now."

"Your point being?" Taker asked, causing Kane to roll his eyes. "What was that for?"

"You are being so difficult," Kane sighed.

"With what?" Taker asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Well, isn't it obvious?"

"If it was, we wouldn't be having this conversation," Taker paused. "Or I can at least hope we wouldn't be."

Kane laughed, shaking his head. "You're in love silly."

"What the hell are you smoking these days?"

"I'm not smoking anything," Kane replied as he watched his brother closely.

"You could have fooled me."

"I'm serious. I think you're in love with a certain Rainbow Haired Warrior."

"And why the hell would you think that?" Taker asked, slightly taken aback by where the conversation was going.

"Well first off, you've appeared lost and lonely since he left. Second, you've gone back into your little hiding place. Thirdly," Kane paused, looking directly into Undertaker's eyes. "You haven't left your phone for a second since he left. That alone tells me that you are waiting for him to call you."

"I'm not waiting for him to call," Taker shook his head, smirking slightly.

"And who's him?" Kane asked.

"Jeff," Taker said pointedly. "The man you say I'm in love with."

"When did I say that? I never specified who it was."

It was Taker's turn to roll his eyes. "Who else is known as the Rainbow Haired Warrior?"

Kane went to reply but stopped when he realized he had gotten himself into a corner. Shaking his head he said, "I still think that you're waiting for him to call."

"Well, I'm not," Taker replied, taking a sip of his drink.

"Then why are you always waiting by your phone?"

"I'm not."

"Oh?" Kane asked, sitting forward slightly. "Then what are you doing?"

"I've always had my cell on and it's not my fault that the hotel phone is right next to my bed," Taker replied, not looking up at Kane.

"Bull," Kane muttered, leaning back in his chair.

"Excuse me?" Taker asked, looking up at Kane.

"You're lying to me."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"Prove it."

"I can't."

"Bull."

"Honestly, I can't explain it."

"Why not?"

"Because it's in your eyes."

"My eyes?" Taker looked at Kane, confused.

"Yes," Kane replied, staring directly at Undertaker.

"How?"

"I don't know. But I can see it in your eyes. You're definitely in love."

"No I'm not," Undertaker snapped, his gaze falling to the floor.

"Deny it all you want, Mark. But it's true."

"You're crazy. I don't love anyone. I never did."

"So you're telling me . . ." Kane paused, not completely sure if it would be wise to continue down the path he had chosen. Seeing no other alternative, he continued, "You're telling me that you didn't love Chris."

Taker quickly looked up at Kane, anger burning in his eyes. "How dare you?" he growled.

"Hey, you said it yourself. You said that you have never loved anyone. If you're telling me the truth, that would include Chris," Kane said sympathetically, trying to curb the bitterness in his brother's voice and pain in his eyes.

"Chris was . . . he was different."

"So you loved him?"

Taker didn't respond, he merely continued to stare down at the floor.

"You loved Chris, but don't want to admit it. Are you ashamed of him?"

"I could never be ashamed of him," Undertaker replied softly, closing his eyes as his memories assailed him anew.

"So you did love him?"

Taker nodded, feeling his throat tighten as he realized the truth. "Yeah, I do."

"You still love him?"

Taker nodded once more, fighting back the tears that wanted to fall. "I still love Chris. I've never stopped," Taker shook his head, winning his silent battle over the tears in his eyes. "What the hell am I saying? He's dead."

"Your point being?"

"I shouldn't care like that any more."

"And why not?" Kane asked, patting Taker's hand lightly. "Just because he's gone, doesn't mean you can't still love him."

Taker smirked, pulling away from Kane. "I'm the Phenom, Glen. The Deadman. I don't love anything but destruction."

"That's a lie and you know it," Kane replied.

"What's a lie?"

Both men turned to see Jericho looking between the two of them, a look of curiosity on his face. Kane glanced over at Undertaker, unsure of how to reply.

"What's a lie?" Jericho asked again.

"That," Kane paused, trying to come up with a plausible story. "That Mark is, uh . . . scared of Dalip."

"You're afraid of Khali?" Jericho looked over at Taker, his brow furrowed.

Taker shook his head. "Of course not."

"See I told you that he was telling a lie," Kane said, gesturing toward Undertaker.

"Uh-huh," Jericho said, nodding slightly, not believing a single word of it. "If you say so."

"Well, um, I'm heading off to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, Mark. I'll talk to you later, Jericho," with that, Kane dashed off. Taker, however, remained sitting as he finished off his drink.

"Um, do you mind if I . . ." Jericho paused as he gestured to the vacant seat.

"If you what?" Undertaker asked, glancing up at Jericho.

"If I sat with you?"

Taker shrugged, looking away. "It's a free country."

"Thanks," Jericho muttered, taking up the seat Kane had previously occupied. "So, uh . . . how have you been?"

"Fine."

"Seen any good movies lately?"

"No."

"Seen anything good on TV?"

"No."

"Find anyone interesting to talk to lately?"

"No."

"Looking forward to your match in three weeks at One Night Stand?"

"Sure."

"You happy today?"

"Sure."

"I'm not going to get much more out of you, am I?"

"No."

Jericho sat back in the chair, stumped. He had really wanted to talk to Undertaker, but the guy seemed so reluctant to even talk about the basic's, that he had no idea how to get to what he really wanted to talk about.

Taker glanced up at Jericho, noticing the look on the Superstars face. "What did you really want, Jericho?"

Jericho looked up quickly at the Deadman before shrugging. "Just wanted to chat."

"Bull."

Taker's simple statement shocked Jericho. He had gotten used to Taker's one-word answers, but not one quiet like that. "What?"

"Bull. You came down here for a reason," Taker replied, trying to keep his anger down. "Is it to harass me more about Jeff's suspension?"

"Why would I harass you about that?"

"It seems to be everyone's favourite pass time currently. Maybe you figured you'd finally get in on the action," Taker replied, sitting back in his chair, watching Jericho skeptically.

"Why would they do that?"

"I'm surprised. I thought that you would have been right in the middle of all the gossip."

Jericho snorted. "I don't follow gossip."

"Surprising."

"Why?"

Taker shrugged. "You just seem like the gossipy type."

"Things aren't always what they seem."

"Tell me about it," Taker muttered, his gaze once again turning to the glass in his hand.

"What's got you so glum?"

"Nothing."

"Bull," Jericho smiled as Undertaker looked back at him. "Sorry, couldn't help it."

Taker merely rolled his eyes at the younger man before going back to his drink.

"So, what are the rumors?"

Undertaker glanced up at Jericho. "Ask any guy or Diva here and I'm sure they can tell you all of them."

"I'm asking you."

Taker didn't reply, instead he merely downed the rest of his drink and got up.

"Wait!" Jericho said, grabbing at Taker's wrist quickly. "Please?"

Taker sighed, sitting down once more. "What do you want?"

"Um, well . . . I just wanted to know if you've heard from Jeff lately."

Taker raised a brow. "And why would I have heard from him?"

Jericho shrugged. "I was just curious. You guys were roommates for a little bit . . ."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Jericho shrugged again. "Sometimes roommates like to keep in touch when they're separated."

"We don't."

"I see," Jericho trailed off.

"If that's everything?" Taker said as he looked at Jericho expectantly.

"I guess," Jericho said, not watching as Taker left the table. Since he had not been watching Undertaker leave, he didn't notice the other two Superstars leaving after him.

….

"Did you see that? Did you see that? All my plans are finally working out. All thanks to Jeff being suspended."

"That's not very nice of you to say."

"I know. But it's true," Shawn said, as he sat down next to Rey on their bed. "You didn't see them down there earlier."

"Shawn, I was with you. You're the one who dragged me with you as you followed Mark back to his room."

"Oh, right," Shawn smiled sheepishly. "So, you saw the look in Mark's eyes. He's in love with Jericho."

"How do you know?"

"I can sense these things."

"Shawn, please . . . just leave Mark alone."

"I can't. Not now that things are finally working," Shawn leaned over and gave Rey a big hug.

"Besides, Chris would want us to help Mark move on. What better way then with another Chris?"

"Shawn," Rey pleaded. "Please, I don't think that this is what Mark wants."

"And how would you know?"

"I don't," Rey replied. "And neither do you," he continued, cutting off Shawn's remark.

"But I know that look when I see it. Mark is in love and so is Jericho," Shawn shrugged. "And if you put two and two together . . ."

Rey shook his head. "Oh, Shawn."

"What?"

Rey shook his head again before kissing Shawn on the lips. "You're so silly."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

Rey turned so that he could pull Shawn into his arms. "That's a very good thing."

"Hmm," Shawn sighed, leaning his head on Rey's shoulder.

"What's the matter?"

"Just thinking."

"About what?"

"How to convince you that I'm right?"

Rey sighed, pushing Shawn away from him. "How many times do I have to ask you to leave him alone?"

"Apparently not enough yet," Shawn smiled, bringing Rey close to him again.

"Apparently," Rey smiled as he allowed himself to be wrapped up in Shawn's arms.

"Why won't you help me get them together?"

Rey sighed, closing his eyes. "Because I don't feel like it's right."

"What do you have against Mark and Jericho?"

"I've got nothing against the two of them. I just don't think they belong together."

"Why not?"

Rey shrugged as he leaned in closer to Shawn. "I don't know. That's just how I feel."

"But there's usually some kind of reason for it," Shawn replied, leaning his head on top of Rey's. "There has to be a reason why your gut is telling you that they don't belong together."

Rey sighed. "I just . . . I think he's just got too much on his plate already."

"Like what?" Shawn asked, shifting slightly so that he could stare at Rey.

"I don't know," Rey answered. "There's just something in his eyes that . . ." Rey paused, glancing up at Shawn. "That makes me think that he's in trouble."

"The Deadman? In trouble?" Shawn said doubtfully. "I highly doubt that."

Rey shrugged. "Maybe not exactly in trouble but there is something definitely wrong."

"If you say so, Rey," Shawn sighed, leaning his head against Rey's once more.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that, though I love you very much, I think you're wrong about Mark," Shawn replied, pulling Rey down onto the bed so that they could lie together.

"And I could be," Rey agreed. "And I love you too," he said as he curled up closer to Shawn. The two Superstars lay in silence, before Rey finally broke it by adding, "I still think I'm right though."

"And I have to disagree with you. You saw those two talking earlier."

"Yeah, about Jeff," Rey replied.

"That's because Jericho is planning on when to make his move," Shawn insisted.

"Or they both like Jeff."

"Or Jericho just wants to know how his friend is doing."

"Or he wants to know how his boyfriend is doing," Rey said, poking Shawn in the chest. "Did you ever think of that? They did sleep together at the party."

Shawn waved his hand, dismissing the thought. "No. They're not together. You've heard them denying it for the better part of a year."

"Maybe they wanted to keep it a secret. I mean Jericho did just break up with John."

"Your point being?" Shawn asked, looking at Rey skeptically.

"My point is, that if they came out the same night that Jericho broke it off with John then . . ." Rey paused.

"Then?"

"Then things would look suspicious."

"How so?" Shawn asked, slightly confused.

"Think about it. If Jericho just broke up with John and then came out as dating Jeff, that would mean one of two things," Rey paused. Shawn watched Rey with a raised eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. Rey sighed and shook his head before continuing. "First, it could mean that Jeff is the rebound, which would not do well with either of their egos. Second, it could mean that Jericho was cheating on John. Though not as bad as the first, I doubt either of them would like that little rumor to be flying around backstage, especially if it would label Jeff as a home wrecker."

"I guess you've got a point there," Shawn said, turning the new thoughts over in his mind.

"Of course I've got a point. Hell, maybe Jericho somehow knows about Mark and Chris and was asking how those two got through all of their rough patches. I mean, they had been dating for a full year before we found out."

"I don't see him doing that though," Shawn replied, shaking his head. "That's not the Jericho I know."

"People change, Shawn," Rey said sadly, running a finger along Shawn's arm.

"I know they do," Shawn replied, kissing Rey lightly on the top of his head. "But not completely. There's always some of the old in them."

"I guess," Rey closed his eyes, leaning once more into Shawn's chest. "Sometimes that's a good thing."

"How so?" Shawn asked, joining Rey in closing his eyes and losing himself warmth and security he felt with the smaller man in his arms.

"I like the old you. I'm glad you haven't lost it all."

"Really?"

"Really," Rey sighed contentedly. "I like your childish antics. Although you mature, adult attitude is also refreshing at times."

"That's good. I don't plan on changing now."

"I don't want you to."

Shawn smiled slightly at that, though Rey couldn't see it. Shawn squeezed Rey's arms lightly, just enjoying the feeling of the smaller man in his arms as he remembered a promise that he had made to himself the year he and Rey had gotten together. He had promised to keep Rey happy at all times and to protect him the best he could. So, if staying out of Undertaker's personal life would make Rey happy, then that is just what he would do. Shawn sighed in resignation.

"What?" Rey asked, shifting slightly in Shawn's arms.

"Nothing," Shawn smiled lightly. "Just deciding to do as you asked and stay out of Mark's personal life."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Of course I would," Shawn answered, turning Rey's head slightly so that he could capture Rey's lips with his own.

As Shawn deepened the kiss, both men shifted their positions so that they could be more comfortable. Both Rey and Shawn groaned as somebody knocked on the door. Shawn broke away from Rey, glaring at the door. Rey turned Shawn's head slightly, forcing the other man to look at him.

"Ignore it," Rey whispered.

"Really?" Shawn asked, his brow rose in amazement.

Rey nodded, capturing Shawn's lips once more. For a second, both men thought that they would finally have peace and quiet, but a second knock, a little more forceful, interrupted them once more.

"Go away," Shawn hissed.

"Shawn? I need to talk to you."

"Can't it wait?"

"Please, Shawn? It's about Mark."

Shawn rolled his eyes, lying for a few more seconds on top of Rey before cursing as he got up to get the door. He looked up at the man standing in the doorway, his bright blue eyes showing that he was unimpressed. Rolling his eyes slightly, Shawn moved out of the way, letting the other Superstar to enter the room.

"So what's this about, Glen?"

Kane looked between Shawn and Rey, slightly nervous. "It seems like I interrupted something. I should come back."

"What's the matter with Mark, Glen?" Rey asked, sitting up on the bed.

"Nothing's the matter. It's just that, I wanted to ask Shawn about relationships."

"Why? Do you have some weird crush on him or something?" Shawn asked, sitting next to Rey, a curious look on his face.

"No," Kane shook his head. "I know Mark's fallen for someone. It's just a matter of making him see it."

"So you noticed it too then?" Shawn smiled, hitting Rey lightly on the arm. "See I told you Mark was in love."

"You know?"

"Of course we know. We'd have to be blind, deaf and dumb to not see it."

"Oh brother," Rey sighed, rolling his eyes.

"What?" Shawn and Kane asked in unison

"I swear right now it seems like you two were made for each other."

"Why would you think that?" Shawn asked, confused.

"You're both wanting to play matchmaker instead of leaving Mark on his own."

"But if he's left on his own, he will never make a move," Kane pointed out. "He won't take a chance and listen to his feelings."

"Exactly," Shawn agreed, nodding at Kane.

"You two . . ." Rey paused, shaking his head. Before either could say another word, Rey left the room, hoping to find someone sane to talk to.

Once Rey was out of the room, Kane turned back to Shawn. "So, what are your plans for getting those two together?"

"Well, see, I was planning on getting the two of them together at . . ."

….

Rey made his way down to the hotel bar, as he tried to figure out why Kane and Shawn were so obsessed with finding someone for Undertaker. The guy seemed quite capable of finding a partner on his own. Rey just couldn't see why people thought he needed help. Hell, he did it once before didn't he? I'm sure he can do it again. Actually, I'm positive he can do it again on his own.

Rey was brought out of his thoughts when something caught his attention. Turning to his right, he saw Undertaker sitting on a bench, almost completely hidden by a decorative plant. Rey paused for a second before turning completely so that he could join Taker on the bench. The two Superstars sat in silence.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" Undertaker asked, causing Rey to jump slightly at the sudden sound.

"What?" Rey looked at Taker, startled. He honestly hadn't been expecting Taker to be the one that would break the silence.

"What's wrong with me?" Undertaker repeated.

"I didn't realize anything was wrong with you."

"Bull," Taker muttered under his breath.

Rey shook his head, smirking. "No, no bull. It's the truth."

Undertaker looked up at Rey, startled that the other man had heard him. "You honestly don't see something wrong with me?"

"Why would I see something wrong with you?" Rey asked, slightly confused.

"Everyone else seems to see something."

"And who's everyone else?"

Undertaker shook his head. "It doesn't matter."

Rey watched Taker's expression and could easily see the turmoil in the Deadman's eyes. "Tell me what's wrong, Mark."

"It's just that . . ." Taker paused, his eye's downcast.

"You know I won't tell anyone, Mark. Not even Shawn."

Undertaker sighed, he was so uncertain if he should say anything at all, to admit what he was feeling to anyone. After a few minutes, he looked up at Rey with such emotion in his eyes, that Rey was slightly scared. He had never seen that kind of emotion in the Phenom's eyes.

Not even when Chris was alive. Hell, not even when Chris died, Rey thought, his concern for the Deadman's welfare growing. "What's the matter, Mark?"

"I don't even know where to begin."

….

A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed that.