Dark Saviour
Chapter 39 -Words are Meaningless
A/N: I apologies to everyone who loved the match between Shawn and Undertaker at WrestleMania 25. I enjoyed that match immensely, however, the actual Pay-Per-View will be changed for this story. My plans for WrestleMania 25 are a little different then what was actually aired. Thus, WrestleMania 25 shall be my own creation. I will also be changing the Hall of Fame ceremony a little in order to achieve part of my goals. More of this will be clarified later. I hope you all don't hate me too much for this change.
Now, on with the show.
….
(The morning before the Hall of Fame Ceremony)
"So, you remember the plan, right?" Rey asked earnestly.
"Yes, Rey, I know the plan," Jeff replied for the umpteenth time that morning.
"I'm just making sure," Rey said. "If there is anything you're not sure of . . ."
Shawn walked up behind Rey, clapping a hand on the smaller man's shoulder. "The kid will be just fine," he smiled. "You went over the whole thing at least fifty times in the past two days alone."
Rey blushed slightly at that. "I haven't been that bad, have I?"
Shawn glanced at Jeff as they both nodded simultaneously.
"Oh, god," Rey gasped. "I'm turning into you."
"It's not that bad being me," Shawn pouted, his feelings hurt.
"For you, no," Rey admitted as he looked at Shawn, hoping to amend what he had said. "But I don't think that the world is ready for two of you."
"Why not?" Shawn asked, still pouting.
"Because you're too unique," Jeff interrupted. "And we don't think that the world is ready to lose that uniqueness with two of you running around."
"Especially when one of those two is me," Rey added.
Shawn considered that for a few minutes before nodding in agreement. "That makes sense."
"Good," Rey smiled before turning back to Jeff. "Did I tell you where he's going to be?"
Jeff shook his head. "No, you haven't. You still had to convince him to show up the last time you talked to me."
"Right," Rey nodded. "It took a while, but with a lot of begging and blackmail, I finally managed to get Mark to come to the Hall of Fame ceremonies."
"I wish I was there to see the blackmailing part," Shawn smiled mischievously.
"It was one of my finer moments," Rey agreed. "But even with all that, he wouldn't agree to sitting in the audience."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Jeff asked, slightly puzzled.
"Yes, it is," Rey nodded. "But I needed him to think that it was all his idea."
"Why?" Shawn asked.
"You know how stubborn that man can be," Rey answered simply.
"True," Shawn said.
"Anyway, he'll be in the VIP lounge right above the audience . . . in direct view of the stage."
"And where is that?" Jeff asked.
"Up the first flight of stairs on the left. I believe it's the only room on that side," Rey answered.
Shawn shook his head in amazement. "He really likes his privacy, doesn't he?"
"That he does," Rey nodded in agreement. "Which is perfect for what I'm planning. The main thing now is to make sure that Mark actually shows up for the ceremony."
"I don't understand why you wanted him to appear at the ceremonies. I would have thought that bringing him to WrestleMania would have been better?" Shawn asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"I have my reasons," Rey replied.
"But why?" Shawn whined.
"All of that will be revealed later," Rey answered. "Right now it is strictly on a need to know basis."
"But why?" Shawn whined again.
"Don't worry about it, Shawn," Jeff interrupted. "I don't even know what all Rey is planning with that."
"That's not fair," Shawn pouted.
"I'm sorry, Shawn," Rey replied sadly. "I just don't want any rumors being spread around."
"You think I'd be so careless?" Shawn asked, shocked by what he was hearing.
"No, I don't think you'd have any trouble keeping a secret," Rey said. "But the walls do have ears."
"They do?" Shawn asked, his eyes going wide as he searched the walls for ears.
Rey shook his head slowly, a smile creeping across his face. "Oh, Shawn."
"Anyway, I'm heading off," Jeff said as he stretched his back.
"Where are you off to?" Rey asked.
Jeff shrugged his shoulders. "To bed. Is that all right?"
"Okay," Rey nodded. "You sure you don't want to stay here tonight?"
"I'll be fine, Rey," Jeff smiled. "I've got the two-by-four covered in barbed wire that you gave me sitting on the nightstand."
"I thought I said keep it under your pillow?"
"You did," Jeff replied. "But the wire cut into my arm when I slept and, in all honesty, the wood isn't very forgiving on the skull either."
"I guess you're right," Rey admitted reluctantly. "At least you still have it nearby."
"Yes, mother. I have my weapon handy if anyone tries to sneak up on me."
"Good," Rey replied, choosing to ignore the 'mother' remark.
"And I'll try not to attack you or Shawn when you come to wake me up in the morning," Jeff smiled.
"That's a relief," Rey said, shaking his head. "Oh, and Jeff . . ."
Jeff turned to face Rey. "Yeah?"
"Please work some magic."
"What?" Jeff asked, confused.
"I've called in some really big favours to accomplish all of this," Rey answered. "I don't want it all to be for naught."
"I'll try not to screw up your plans," Jeff said, shaking his head. "I don't need you to come chase me again." As he turned to leave one more, Jeff stopped as something caught his eye. Turning, he picked up a small frame and stared at the picture it contained.
"That was taken the week we found out," Rey said as he walked up behind Jeff. "It took a long time before he agreed to have it taken, but we got him in the end."
"They really loved each other, didn't they?" Jeff asked, tilting his head slightly.
"They did."
"He still does, you know," Jeff muttered softly.
"Who does?" Rey asked.
"Mark," Jeff replied. "He still loves Chris."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he carries a picture similar to this with him where he goes," Jeff answered, running his finger lightly over the smiling faces of Mark and Chris as they stood beside a smiling Eddie and Rey. "It's his most prized possession."
"How do you know?"
"Because of the way he looks whenever he sees the picture," Jeff frowned slightly. "He was so protective of it when I accidentally found it one night."
"I guess he hates the fact that he'll never know exactly what happened that final night," Rey replied sadly. "He never got to say good-bye," he added as his throat tightened a little.
"You know, I thought he was going to kill me that night," Jeff said, his mind traveling into the past.
"Just because you found the picture?" Rey asked, his brow furrowed.
"No," Jeff replied, shaking his head. "The night Cena . . ."
"Say no more," Rey said, putting a hand on Jeff's shoulder. "I understand."
Jeff shook his head again, pulling himself out of that nightmare. "I was so afraid when I thought I had ruined that picture."
"He would never have killed you for that."
"I was still afraid," Jeff admitted. "I was just hoping that since I managed to save the picture itself, that he wouldn't be too upset with me."
"Just one more reason why Cena needs to pay for his crimes," Rey replied.
Jeff merely nodded as he put the frame back in its place.
"Don't worry about a thing," Shawn piped up. "Everything is going to work out for the best."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jeff asked, looking up at Shawn.
"It means that we're going to make everything fall into place, like it's supposed to."
"Huh?"
"He means that we're going to make sure that the two of you get together by the end of this." Rey answered.
Jeff smiled slightly and shook his head. "Why would you guys do that?"
"Because I don't want either of you to wake up one day and realize that you're too late and that you lost the one thing you love most in this world." Rey replied.
"But why?"
"I'll tell you that as soon as that hunk of a man is in your arms, begging you to fuck him."
Jeff nearly choked on Rey's bluntness. "What?"
"I don't care if it takes another year, but Mark is going to be begging to be at your side by the time I'm done with him."
"Why would he be begging me for anything?"
"Because, as I said before, he's a fool for letting you go," Rey answered simply.
"If you say so," Jeff shrugged. "Either way, I'm staying out of this," he said as he walked out the door in silence.
"What am I going to do with that kid?" Rey asked aloud.
"I don't know," Shawn answered. "But I do know one thing for sure."
"And what is that?"
"I'm going to go with him," Shawn replied.
"Why?"
"Because, he can give me some company."
"What do you need his company for?"
"I need to go find Bob."
"Bob?"
"Yes, Bob. My rubber chicken."
"Oh, god," Rey sighed, shaking his head. "I thought you were finished with those things."
"Did you throw him out?" Shawn asked in horror as his eyes began to water.
Rey shook his head. "Unfortunately, no."
"Oh, thank god," Shawn sighed happily.
"You should really get rid of them though."
"I could never get rid of Fred and Bob!" Shawn exclaimed in shock. "They're my pets."
"At least they're cleaner than real pets," Rey mumbled under his breath before saying to Shawn, "All right, where are they?"
"Fred is in my suitcase and Bob is still with Glen."
"You left a rubber chicken with Glen?" Rey asked, his brow rose in confusion.
"Well, yeah," Shawn replied. "Who else would I leave him with? He needed protection from Fred."
"He what?"
"Remember, Fred was trying to kill Bob."
"Oh, my."
"So, I'm hoping that these past few months apart will have fixed the rift that was between them."
"What am I going to do with you?"
….
(Night of the Hall of Fame Ceremony)
Jeff stood outside the imposing doors inside the Toyota Center. His heart raced in panic while anticipation and dread filled him as he thought about what he was about to do. It had all seemed so easy when the three of them had gone over it back in the hotel room. Sure, there were some points that seemed like they might pose a slight challenge, but then, he hadn't been standing right here, just outside the door, about to put all their plans into motion. In the distance Jeff could hear the music playing, signaling that the ceremony had begun. Letting out a slow breath, he mentally kicked himself for wasting time. He had a promise to keep. Rey was counting on him to keep the big guy there until the very end of the night, although, that was easier said then done. Shaking his head, Jeff stiffened his spine and walked up to the door, intending to knock on it, but at the last moment, he changed his mind and opened the door, letting himself stroll in unannounced. As the door closed behind him, Jeff stopped, his stomach twisting into a knot.
"I thought I said that I did not wish to be disturbed further?"
Jeff didn't respond, instead he continued to stand there, resisting the urge to act like Shawn and run around like a maniac.
"Didn't you hear me," Undertaker stopped, his gaze finally coming to rest on the smaller man behind him. Taker slowly rose to his feet, not believing his eyes.
"Hi, Mark," Jeff said meekly, waving his hand slightly.
"What are you doing here?" Taker asked softly.
"I've come to see you," Jeff answered truthfully.
"Why me?"
Jeff shrugged. "Because I wanted to."
"Why?" Undertaker asked again.
"Because . . . there are some things I wanted to talk to you about," Jeff answered as he met Taker's gaze.
"Like what?"
"Everything."
"What does that mean?"
Jeff lowered his gaze briefly before raising it again. "It means that I want to tell you everything. Everything that's happened to me in the past year, everything that you went through during that time," he paused, "I also want to talk about what happened two years ago to make you so distant now."
"I'm the Deadman, I'm supposed to be distant," Undertaker replied as he took up his seat again, turning away from the man behind him.
Jeff moved forward a little. "That's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?"
"I meant when you were out in public."
"I'm not Mr. Friendly, Jeff."
"I hear that you were more sociable when Chris was alive," Jeff could visibly see the Deadman stiffen at his words.
"That was a different time," Taker replied softly.
"Why don't you tell me about it?"
"There is nothing to tell."
"Not according to Rey and Shawn."
Undertaker turned around quickly. "What have they told you?"
"I know, Mark. I know about your relationship with Chris."
"Lies."
Jeff shook his head, his heart constricting at the pain in Taker's voice. "No, no lies. You can't hide that from me anymore, Mark. I know about the week you spent with him at Eddie Guerrero's home. I know how you were found out. Why do you insist on denying something that you still feel today?"
"Because that's what I do. You should know all about it since you do it as well," Undertaker snapped bitterly, hating that his emotions were getting the better of him. He hated the pain he saw in Jeff's eyes that the man tried so desperately to hide.
Maybe Rey was right . . .
"I'm sorry I lied to you," Jeff said. "That's what I'm here to hopefully rectify."
"Don't bother."
"I want to, Mark," Jeff replied stiffly, moving to stand in front of the Deadman, forcing the older man to look at him. "And you are going to listen to me."
Undertaker looked up at Jeff who, in their current positions, towered over him. "Fine," he said as he stared up at the Rainbow Haired Warrior, his heart pounding in fear and . . . something else.
"Good," Jeff nodded. Although, now that he had won that fight, he didn't know where to begin.
"Well?" Taker asked impatiently.
"You were right."
"About what?"
"It was Cena who attacked me that night."
"Hurray for me," Undertaker retorted sarcastically.
Jeff glared at Taker. "I'm being serious here."
"I know you are," Undertaker replied, looking away. "But you're telling me something I already know."
"I figured you did."
"Then why are you telling me?"
"Because I want you to hear it from me," Jeff replied, his courage wavering slightly. "I want you to know what was going on with me. Why he was able to hurt me so much, why I let him hurt me and why I didn't say anything to you."
"I'm listening," Undertaker said softly, mentally kicking himself for the hurt he saw in the smaller man's eyes.
Apparently I do have a weakness . . .
"Well, I guess all of it stems from what he told me . . ."
"What did he tell you?"
Jeff licked his lips, trying to think of how to put his feelings into words. "I've been raking my brain, trying to figure out why I believed him in the first place . . . and I've come up with nothing."
"What did he make you believe then?" Taker asked as he grabbed Jeff's arm, pulling him to sit on the arm of his chair as he silently wished he had the courage to comfort the man the way he wanted to.
"The first thing he told me was that . . . that he had backup on every brand of the WWE and that if I didn't do as he said, he'd send them to take out Matt."
"He threatened your brother?" Undertaker growled.
Jeff nodded. "After that, he started to threaten you."
"Me?"
Jeff nodded again. "I know it was stupid of me to believe him. I know both you and Matt can protect yourselves. You even more so," he babbled.
Undertaker lifted a finger and put it softly on Jeff's lips to silence him. "You only wanted to protect us."
"But . . ."
"No, no buts," Taker replied. "You didn't want your brother to be hurt again, so you protected him. And when that bastard threatened me, you wanted to protect me too."
Jeff smiled a little, his eyes downcast. "I guess that's why I never told you or anyone else."
"That's exactly why," Undertaker said sadly as he began to fully understand.
"What's wrong?"
Taker shook his head. "I fell for the exact same thing."
"What?"
"He came to me a couple months before I left. He told me that he'd hurt you even worse then when I brought you to the hospital if I didn't do what he said."
"You didn't!" Jeff exclaimed, his mind racing through all the horrible things that Cena could have done to the Deadman.
Undertaker shook his head. "No, I didn't do what he said. Instead I tried to scare him off so he wouldn't hurt you any more."
"So, you were the one that beat him to a pulp in the ally that day?"
Taker nodded. "Nearly wish I had killed him."
"No, you don't."
"Oh, yes I do."
"No, you don't," Jeff repeated. "Because you would never kill a man. You might hurt him really bad, but never kill him. Chris wouldn't want you to," he paused. "Nor would I."
Taker smirked. "I guess you're right."
"I'm always right," Jeff smiled.
"Not always," Undertaker replied, raising a brow at Jeff.
"Okay, I'm usually right," Jeff amended. "But if you look at my logic, I was, in my mind, doing the right thing."
"True enough."
"So, why did you leave?" Jeff asked, his tone going soft again.
"What?"
"Why did you let Adam win and end your career?"
"Oh, that."
"Yes, that."
"Well, I was hoping that with me out of the picture, he would leave you alone."
"Why would you think that?"
"Because I'm a strange man, an idiot," Undertaker shrugged. "Either way, we saw how well that worked."
"Yeah," Jeff shrugged. "Complete failure."
"Apparently."
"I guess Rey told you what's been happening since you left."
Taker nodded. "More like yelling at me, but yeah, he's told me."
"Why didn't you come back?"
Undertaker shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I was hoping that Rey was wrong."
"And now?"
"I want to kick some Cena ass," Undertaker replied. "Actually, more like brutalize him so that he takes a nice long, maybe permanent, vacation."
"Mark," Jeff chastised.
"I never said I would kill him," Taker said sheepishly, "Just make him go away for a long time."
"Right," Jeff said, rolling his eyes.
"I'm not the only one who wants him on hiatus," Undertaker said in his defense.
"I know," Jeff replied, thinking. "So . . . why don't you?"
"Why don't I what?"
"Put him out for a while?"
Taker shrugged. "I don't have easy access to him anymore."
"Then come back."
"What?"
"Come back to the WWE."
"I can't. I'd get caught. Then I'd be the one in trouble."
"If you came back, fully came back to the WWE, you could take him out in a legal fight." Jeff replied, his eyes shining. "You wouldn't get in trouble that way."
"Did Rey put you up to this?" Undertaker asked.
"Not completely," Jeff shrugged a little. "The only thing he told me was that you had to come here and see the ceremonies. Maybe talk to me while you were here."
"Why does he want me here?"
"I don't know. All he would tell me is that I had to make sure that you were here for the end of the show."
Undertaker looked out toward the stage. "Well, the show has ended . . ."
….
"Please stop pacing, Rey. You're making me nervous," Shawn sighed as he watched the smaller man pace back and forth.
"I can't help it," Rey replied. "This is taking forever."
"Geez, you really are turning into me."
"I am not," Rey said, shaking his head. "I just want to get the show on the road."
"Rey," Shawn said as he grabbed onto Rey's shoulders, forcing the smaller man to stop moving and look at him. "Usually I'm the one who's impatient."
"It's not that I'm impatient . . ." Rey replied.
"Then what is it?"
Rey looked at Shawn. "I'm just nervous, that's all."
Shawn looked at Rey, confused. "Why would you be nervous?"
Rey moved and looked out the curtain that separated them from the stage. "I'm nervous about what I have planned. I'm worried that Mark won't be here to see it. I'm scared Vince is going to have my head on a platter for this."
"Ah, come on. Vince likes you. He wouldn't kill you."
"After this," Rey paused. "I'm not too sure."
"Are you backing out now?" Shawn asked, putting a hand on the smaller man's shoulder.
Rey shook his head. "Hell no," he smiled.
"Good," Shawn smiled.
Rey shook his head again as he leaned against a wall. "Am I doing the right thing, Shawn?"
"Of course you are," Shawn smiled as he moved to stand next to Rey. "Why wouldn't you be?"
Rey shrugged. "I'm not sure."
"Is something bothering you?"
"I think I'm just anxious."
"Rey?" Shawn scolded softly.
"Okay, okay, so I'm also worried about how Mark is going to react to all this," Rey admitted finally.
"Why are you worried about him?" Shawn asked.
"Well, if all goes as planned, Jeff is still talking to him right now."
"And?"
"And, then when this starts . . . it just might be too much for him to handle."
"Mark is a big boy, he can handle it."
Rey shrugged his shoulders. "I hope so," he said, biting his lip. "Otherwise I may have put Jeff in harms way."
"Look at it this way." Shawn replied, putting an arm around Rey's shoulder. "He's been out of it for far too long. All you're doing is nudging him in the right direction."
Rey nodded. "You're right."
"Of course I am," Shawn smiled brightly.
"Light's out," Rey commented, nodding at the now unlit red stage light.
"Cameras' are off," Shawn said as he looked down at the smaller man.
"It's now or never."
….
"I wonder what he's planning," Jeff whispered as he pulled another chair up beside the Phenom's to watch the final moments of the Hall of Fame.
"Knowing him, nothing good," Undertaker replied, equally soft.
"What?" Jeff asked, turning slightly to face the Deadman.
"You were wondering what Rey has planned," Undertaker said, not meeting the smaller man's gaze. "I merely said that it won't be anything good."
Party pooper, Jeff thought, a smile trying to spread across his lips. If Rey wanted you to stay here this bad, for you to talk to me this bad, he's got a damn good reason for it.
"What are you thinking?"
"Hmm?" Jeff asked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"What are you thinking?" Taker asked again.
Jeff shook his head. "Nothing really."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I'm not really thinking about anything right now."
"But you're partially thinking. So, what are you thinking about?"
Jeff shrugged his shoulders slightly. "Guess I'm thinking about you."
"Why me?" Undertaker asked, finally turning to look at the Rainbow Haired Warrior.
Jeff shook his head. "It doesn't matter."
Taker tilted his head to one side, confused. "Why doesn't it matter?"
"It just doesn't."
"Humour me."
"It's nothing."
"Come on."
Jeff looked up at the Deadman, his brow raised in surprise. "Is the Deadman begging me?"
"No," Undertaker replied quickly. "I'm just trying to make conversation while we wait."
"Sure you are," Jeff smiled.
"It's the truth," Taker said, turning back to face the stage.
"I don't believe you," Jeff replied as he followed Taker's lead and turned to look at the stage. "What are they waiting for?"
"I don't know," Undertaker said, shaking his head. "Maybe they chickened out."
"I don't think Shawn would let him."
"If Shawn's back there," Taker paused. "Gods help him."
Jeff laughed. "Didn't think you believed in anything like that."
"I don't," Undertaker replied. "But someone does around here."
Jeff nodded. "Looks like you were right."
"Right about what?"
"The camera's are shut off, shows over. They must have chickened out."
"Made me sit here for nothing," Undertaker said, shaking his head in disgust as he began to rise from his seat.
"Wait, here they come!" Jeff yelled as he grabbed hold of Taker's wrist and pulled him back down into his chair.
"What the hell are they doing?" Undertaker asked in confusion.
"Hush," Jeff whispered. "I want to hear what they're saying."
….
"Hey, everyone! Can you wait one second before you go?" Rey shouted, trying to be heard over the din of the music and voices as the ceremony closed.
Suddenly, Rey had to block his ears as a shrill whistle sounded, effectively gaining everyone's attention as well as silencing them.
"Thanks, Shawn," Rey smiled meekly.
"No problem," Shawn beamed.
Rey shook his head as he walked up to the podium. "Can I get everyone to take a seat please?"
As the crowd shuffled into their seats again, both Shawn and Rey couldn't help but notice the curious looks they were getting from some of their co-workers and the majority of the fans. Rey licked his lips slowly and cleared his throat. When he remained silent, Shawn nudged him in the ribs, hoping to get a reaction out of the smaller man. Rey jumped slightly before nodding at Shawn in thanks and clearing his throat again.
"Ladies and gentleman. Superstars and fans," Rey said, his heart racing as his nerves started to get the better of him.
"We've got a special announcement to make before you all head off to bed and rest up for the exciting day tomorrow," Shawn added when Rey fell silent again.
"Uh, yes, a . . . a special announcement," Rey chuckled nervously, his eyes darting back and forth.
"As voted by the current and former WWE Superstars we have one last, informal, induction to be made tonight," Shawn smiled, as he looked over at Rey. "Which my friend here is delighted to do."
"Yes, I am," Rey replied. "Excuse me for being a little, uh, nervous, folks."
"Now what do you have to be nervous about?" Shawn asked, his hands on his hips. "It's not like I'm asking you to kiss me in front of all these people."
"That's not funny, Shawn," Rey retorted through clenched teeth so no one would see or hear him speak as the crowd laughed. "Although that is true, Shawn, I haven't exactly had to do this before," he said loudly.
"Oh, come on, you can perform in front of millions of people world wide in the ring all the time," Shawn said, shaking his head. "You can't tell me that you are afraid of talking to them."
"I'm not," Rey said meekly, shaking his head. "I'm just worried about someone else coming down and pummeling me for this."
"We discussed this already," Shawn chided. "The dead can't hurt you."
Rey glared at Shawn as a ripple of laughter went through the audience. "Be that as it may, this is still not easy to do. Especially when it is a dear friend."
Shawn nodded dramatically. "Yeah, I guess it would be difficult, but not as difficult as it would be for Vince to do this for either Bret or I," he paused. "Or for a lot of other people come to think about it."
"True," Rey nodded. "But enough with that. I know that there are a lot of people anxious to get out of here so . . ."
"Get on with it," Shawn scolded softly.
"All right, all right," Rey replied, holding up his hands in defeat.
As the audience continued to laugh and Rey saw that Vince, Steve Austin and a lot of the other, tough Superstars were laughing, he began to relax. "As I said earlier, this nomination is unofficial and is done with the blessing of the other WWE Superstars."
"Excluding a small handful of pricks," Shawn added. "You all know who you are," he said, glaring at a few of the Superstars.
Rey chuckled softly along with the audience. As the laughter subdued, Rey's smile turned sad. "This individual has had a lot of bad press lately and for the most part, has all but been forgotten by everyone, except his close friends and fans."
"You know who you are," Shawn added, glaring at the audience again.
"Yes, Shawn," Rey smiled. "However, for those of us who knew him personally, we decided that it wasn't fair for him to be forgotten completely, so we're starting, tonight, the unofficial Hall of Fame inauguration ceremony."
"And this year, only one person is making it into this special Hall of Fame."
"I know you all know him," Rey added. "Even if your opinion on him may have changed within the last year, there are a handful of people who remember him for how he was before and will always miss him as well as respect what he managed to accomplish inside and outside of the ring."
"That is why, this year's nomination goes too . . ." Shawn paused and looked over at Rey.
Rey nodded slightly as he began to turn toward the movie screen that had once again lowered. "Chris Benoit," he said, trying not to show his tears. However, since the trial of putting together the film that Shawn, Chavito, Vicki, Adam, Hunter and himself worked on for the past couple of months, he found that he had since been able to prepare himself for this moment.
A picture of Chris flashed across the screen, smiling, his dates appearing to the right of it. When the picture faded, Rey's own voice began to issue from the speakers. Rey listened at how alien his voice sounded as a recording. Pictures passed before his eyes as he narrated the life of one of his best friends. The sound died off for a few seconds as the film cut to a video of one of Chris's first matches. As the clip ended, Shawn's voice floated out of the speakers, taking over for Rey to discuss the rest of Chris's life, clearly avoiding the tragedy that occurred at the end of it. Once again, the first picture of Chris appeared as the crowd heard the voices of Shawn, Rey, Chavito and Vicki say together 'You'll be missed'. As the movie rolled to a close and the screen lifted up, both Shawn and Rey could hear a murmur from the crowd. One part was angry, another confused, but mostly it was sad.
"Good man," Shawn said, breaking the silence as he wiped at his eyes. "No matter what you guys say."
Rey cleared his throat before turning back to the podium. "So, as a tribute to the great life that Chris led before the end, we salute the hard work and dedication of a master of his art."
"To the Canadian Crippler!" Shawn shouted, fist raised in the air. The audience softly responded to his call.
"To the Rabid Wolverine!" Shawn shouted again, Rey joining him. As their two voices mingled, a greater majority of the crowd joined in and slowly grew louder as people began to applaud.
Rey stepped back a little, so that his voice would not be clearly heard over the noise. "This is for you, Chris," he smiled. "And for you big guy. Please don't hate me."
….
Undertaker sat speechless as the clip rolled, watching silently as it showed off Chris's accomplishments and life. He had to swallow past the lump in his throat as he watched the life of the one he loved flash before his eyes and memories of those times assaulted his mind. As the film ended, Taker closed his eyes, praying that the Deadman's strength wasn't going to abandon him now. He really didn't need Jeff to see him break down. It was bad enough the first time when Shawn had seen him crumble. He didn't know how he would survive if Jeff saw it.
"Why the hell would they do that?" Undertaker snapped bitterly.
Jeff jumped at Taker's tone. "Why are you so upset?"
"They couldn't just leave well enough alone."
"They did this for Chris," Jeff replied. "They did it for you."
"I didn't need this. I don't need any more torture."
Jeff put a hand on Taker's arm, causing the bigger man to look at him. "It wasn't meant to torture you," he murmured sadly.
"How do you know?" Undertaker snapped.
Jeff didn't wince at the menacing growl. No matter how much he tried to hide it, the Deadman was failing horribly in his attempt to hide the pain in his eyes. "Because they care about you."
"Yeah, right."
Jeff stiffened his back. "I know you loved him, deeply," he snapped. "But many of the others cared about him too. Maybe not as deeply as you, but they stilled cared."
"What do you know?" Taker asked under his breath.
"I know that his death affected more than just you," Jeff retorted.
Undertaker looked up at the smaller man, his mask breaking. "I know that it did," he said, his voice softening a little.
Jeff sighed as he stood to stand in front of the bigger man. "This unofficial inauguration may have been done primarily for you, but there are a lot of other people who wanted this to happen. Rey even said so himself. A lot of people helped put that show together, Mark. Rey may have thought about it originally, but he had help in making it come true."
"I know."
"No, you don't know," Jeff snapped, his own eyes beginning to mist over. "You've been so wrapped up in your own world that you've never noticed the other things going on around you."
"Like what?" Taker asked meekly.
"Like the fact that there are people out there who need you, people who depend on you," Jeff paused, looking away. "People who care deeply for you."
"Nobody cares about me."
"You're wrong. Rey cares. Shawn cares . . ."
"Whoopee."
"But they aren't the only ones."
"Who else then?" Undertaker asked, attempting to call Jeff's bluff.
Jeff looked at Taker, his heart jumping into his throat as he struggled to find the words to say. He knew that the bigger man was trying to call his bluff, but Jeff wasn't bluffing. He just had to prove it.
"See, you can't think of anyone . . ." Undertaker was unable to finish the sentence as Jeff's lips fell upon his own, his arms braced on either side of the Deadman's head. Taker's hands went up in surprise and his eyes widened at the sensations he felt as Jeff's lips moved against his own. However, before he could even think to move, Jeff broke away from him, turning away quickly. Undertaker licked his lips lightly, still feeling the pressure of Jeff's kiss on his lips. Still tasting him . . .
"I'm sorry," Jeff said, not meeting the Deadman's gaze.
"What for?" Undertaker managed to say weakly as the shock slowly dissipated and was replaced by a variety of other emotions.
Jeff shook his head. "I know that you love Chris. I . . . I crossed the line. You don't care about me like that . . ."
"When did you get the job of telling me what I'm supposed to feel?" Undertaker asked calmly, his brow rising slightly as he stared at the smaller man.
Jeff closed his eyes and swallowed past the lump that had formed in his throat before opening his eyes again to face the Phenom. "I just know that you don't care for me like that."
"How do you know that?"
Jeff shook his head. "Because you love Chris."
"I may love Chris," Undertaker nodded. "But that doesn't mean that I can't move on."
Jeff shook his head again. "Please, Mark. Don't tease me."
"I'm not teasing," Undertaker replied as he took hold of Jeff's arm and brought the smaller man to sit in his lap, his courage outweighing his fear. "I'm not that cruel."
"Why?"
Taker looked at Jeff, confused. "Why what?"
"Why wouldn't you be that cruel?"
"I may be the Demon from Death Valley, but I'm not completely heartless."
"I don't understand," Jeff said, shaking his head. "If you're not teasing me . . . then why didn't you tell me before?"
Undertaker shrugged. "Probably the same reasons you didn't tell me anything."
"The Deadman was scared? What does he have to be scared of? Nobody hurts you."
"One person did," Taker replied honestly. "He got really close to me and . . . then he left me alone."
"Chris?"
Undertaker nodded.
"But, I'm sure he didn't mean to."
Taker shrugged. "Whether what is said about him is true or false, he still left me here . . . and that hurts."
Jeff nodded. "I can only imagine."
Undertaker nodded as well, unable to think of anything to say.
"So, why didn't you tell me about Chris sooner? If you felt anything for me before, assuming that is, you're not lying to me. I would have thought that you would have said something."
"I'm not lying to you," Undertaker replied. "And I didn't say anything because I was afraid you would reject me."
"Me? Reject you?" Jeff asked, completely shocked by Taker's revelation.
Undertaker nodded. "I didn't know which way you swung, nor if you had someone already."
Jeff laughed loudly, forcing the Deadman to blush even more than he had been already.
"I didn't think it was that funny," Taker muttered softly.
"Oh, yes it is," Jeff said, continuing to laugh. "The fact that you'd think anyone could say no to dating you is laughable."
"Why?"
"Because everyone in the locker room wants a piece of your ass."
"Why do people keep talking about my ass?" Undertaker asked suddenly.
"Because it's so damn adorable," Jeff replied.
"If you say so."
"Me and everyone else in the locker room."
Undertaker merely shook his head.
"So, now what are you going to do?" Jeff asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you've told me all this stuff and I'm sitting on your lap. I can only wonder what the Phenom is going to do next."
"Well, I was thinking about getting a bottle of scotch, a bag of skittles . . ." Undertaker drifted off.
"Oh," Jeff said, slightly disappointed.
"But first," Taker smiled. "I'm going to do this," he said as he wrapped his arms around Jeff and pulled him closer so that their lips would meet again.
Jeff moaned softly as his eyes slowly closed, letting this moment imprint on his memory. So, this is what it is like to be kissed by the Deadman. Damn, Chris. You were one lucky bastard, he thought as he nipped lightly at Taker's lower lip before pulling back just in time to see the dreamy look on the Deadman's face.
"What are you looking at?" Taker asked.
"You."
"Why? Do I have something on my face?"
"No, silly," Jeff chuckled. "I've just never seen you look so . . . peaceful."
Undertaker shrugged. "I guess it's been a long time since I've allowed myself to feel this way."
"Feel what way?"
"In love."
Jeff's heart jumped, twirled and somersaulted in his chest, making it difficult to breath for a moment. "What?"
"I'm sorry," Taker said quickly, looking uncomfortable.
"No, no. What did you say?"
Undertaker blushed as he turned his head away. "I said that . . . I was in love."
"Thank the gods," Jeff smiled, kissing the Phenom again. When Jeff broke away from him this time, he saw the confused expression on the bigger man's face.
"I'd hate to be the only one here who's in love," Jeff answered the unasked question.
"Yeah, that is kind of a good thing."
Jeff nodded before biting his lower lip.
"What's wrong?" Undertaker asked, worried he had said something wrong.
"I was just thinking," Jeff paused.
"About what?"
Jeff looked at the bigger man, still biting his lip in fear. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to do something for me."
"And what would that be?" Undertaker asked, looking up at the smaller man as he began to get worried about what he had gotten himself into.
"About tomorrow . . ."
….
A/N: And there you have it, a nice wonderful cliffy. LOL. You'll all have to wait for the next installment to find out what Jeff is planning now. Hope I haven't disappointed too many people with this latest chapter. Try not to flame me too badly . . . I really like this one.