First things first, a big big thank you to everybody who was waiting for this chapter
Second, I'm really sorry to have needed that long to finally post this chapter, but a lack of ideas and a lot of stress made it impossible to finish it earlier, this chapter has been rewritten so many times I lost count lol, I hope you'll like it
Nothing really new, more action in the next chapter with the show ;-)
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Chapter 21
Vince had completely misunderstood the reasons Glen had to get Jeff away from Matt, and followed them with his eyes, mumbling, "Smoking kills… And now Jeff has got nothing better to do than to follow Glen and smoke too, unbelievable", Matt didn't need more and before Shannon could intervene and try to silence him, he told Vince, "He has been smoking for years, and his lifestyle is not very healthy anyways, I don't think anyone could make him live even more unhealthy, that's not possible anymore, he's worse than a whole rockband together McMahon", Vince stared at Matt, and nonchalently replied, "As do you, right… You're brothers and you're constantly clinging together…", before Matt could object, Shannon kicked him under the table and made a sign to shut up, Ric catching the moment to start a different topic with Vince, before getting up and making a move over to the bar…
"They have some issues Vince, just ignore it, ok", Vince looked at Ric, "And now you get involved", Ric shrugged his shoulders amused, a twinkle in his eyes "You know I'm known for been bringing back together worse ennemies than those two", Vince couldn't but grin for a moment and squeeze his friend's shoulder "I know, that's why I'm sereine, between you and Mark Jeff is being taken good care of, but I don't want this to grow out of proportions Ric", "It won't, will be over before it gets nasty", "Good", Vince got to the part of the bar he had gotten secluded for them and got down, hoping the evening to be calm and foremost non-hostile…
Jeff was moving silently behind Hunter and Glen, gaze covered by something that could be easily described as anger and hurt, in his mind the worst case scenarios had started rushing and he was certain that something would happen, no way he would let Matt stare him down or say something mean, he had had it with it, Matt had gotten Shannon, what more did he want, he knew Matt would do everything possible to get him to react and that he probably would succeed, and that was something that filled him with some fear, he didn't want to show his weaknesses to Mark, and Glen and the others…
Glen was turning to see if Jeff was still following, knowing very well the younger man didn't really feel like joining them but glad he had decided to do so, even if he had to be a little threatened into it, Hunter seemed to understand the look Glen showed and grinned, whispering, "He didn't want to come?", Glen shook his head, his gaze becoming a little sad and Hunter giving him a reassuring grin, "It will all work out fine, it always does when Mark is involved", Glen couldn't but agree on that, Jeff looking at them and trying not to show his emotions on them whispering, sure it was something about him, and certainly nothing nice, no-one ever said something nice about him, and they were probably talking about how to get rid of him or something in that line of thought. He was lost in his thoughts when he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder, Hunter gently headbutting him and keeping their foreheads together, on hand squeezing Jeffs neck now, "Put that brain of yours on stand-by Jeff and have some fun, you can reflect on things later, now please let go a little and have some fun with all of us, ok?", Jeff sighed and received a slap in his neck, "Ok?", he slightly pouted at Hunter, "Yeah, now let go", Hunter laughed and pushed him inside the bar, following to make sure Jeff would find the spot Shawn was keeping for him…
Glen was following the two, "Jeff, move over to were Shawn is", Jeff was staring at the tables the wrestlers occupied, trying to get where Matt wouldn't be and looking for Shawn anyways, not needing anybody to guide him there, luckily for once he got his way and even if his brother was sitting at the table next to what was their booth, it was still another table, Hunter gave him a sweet smile then just pretended nothing had happened and starting to talk to Ric as he passed him, unaware of Shannon and his stupid move. Jeff was just passing them, and Shannon moved his chair back to go and get drinks, not seeing Jeff, really not seeing him and unintentionally ramming his chair into the younger Hardy. Jeff issued an ouch and massed his hip, glaring at Shannon whose cheeks had turned red, "Oh sorry man, I didn't see you, really, sorry Jeff", Jeff was torn between strangling him first and than punching him or just punching him, and continued glaring at him, a fist forming and moving at speed of light towards Shannon. Glen, who had passed Hunter still discussing with Ric, had become witness to the whole scene and caught Jeff"s arm just in time, "Calm Jeff, he said he was sorry, plus if you punch him he'll be k.o., he's too…", Glen gave Shannon a stare that made him nearly tremble, "…weak to take it up with you… He probably was just to dumb to look before trying to get up", and pushing an amazed Jeff past the chair, Glen slapped Moore on the head, "You are a moron… Stay out of OUR way next time", making a special emphasis on 'our', knowing that would make choke Matt on the sip he was taking…
Phil, who had joined them that night, stared at the whole plot forming and shook his head, "What was that about, you guys in trouble with Kane?", Shannon, still shaking a little mumbled, "Thanks to Matt it seems so, shit, no really man", he punched Matt on the arm, "Thank you, really… Shit, he's got his back watched Matt, if I were you…", Matt slapping him back, "Luckily you're not… I'm not afraid of that monster", Shannon looking at Phil, "Talk some sense into him please", Phil, amused shook his head "No… I don't even want to know what is going on anymore, keep me out of it, I'll come to your funerals guys…", Matt followed Jeff with his eyes, angry as hell at his younger brother for pulling such a thing on him, "We'll be ok Phil, the only one who'll get hurt is Jeff", Phil got up and moved a little closer, whispering, "You're playing with the fire… I seriously doubt you can even reach your brother anymore, and I think that's just how it should be Matt, leave him the fuck alone for crying sakes, I haven't seen him that happy in quite a while, it's not your business anymore", Matt just shook his head, "It still is, and I'd like you to stay out of it", "Oh I will"…
Shawn made some space for Jeff and grinned at him "Hey Jeff, good you're back, I was getting bored with Mark and Dave's discussions", grinning back if just for annoying his brother Jeff got down "Shots?", "Shots it is, Chris just went and got them, thought it would do you some good", "Cool", Mark looked at Jeff "Watch it a little Jeff", Jeff stared at him for a little second before ignoring him again, Mark sighing at Dave who grinned "Kids", Jeff immediately objecting "Hey, you're not that older", Dave just inhaled deeply and kept back all the comments that came to his mind and just answered amused "Eeh, yes I am Jeff", Shawn aknowledged that fact "Yeah he is, sorry Jeff", "Whatever", but Shawn hadn't finished and added very nonchalently "You can see it at his wrinkles, or maybe that's the Kane-effect, who knows", Dave glared amused at Shawn "Michaels stop it, I look better then you ever did", "Oh yes, sure, in your dreams", Dave beamed happiness "Oh no, in my dreams I have other things", "Red Machines", "Among other things", Glen poked Dave "Hey, stop advertising me like that, I don't want to have Shawn on my doorstep", Shawn pulled a sad face and buried it on Jeff's shoulder who tensed a second before grinning and hugging him "I am devasted, I'll have to stay on Jeff's doorstep now", Jeff looked at him laughing then decided he didn't want Shawn on his ass and pushed him away "Oh no you don't, I'm not second choice, to no-one, forget about that", Shawn looked at him and pulled a sad face "You're soooo mean Hardy", Jeff punched him gently "Yeah, with you always", "I'll remember that…", "Whatever"…
Glen had gotten down next to Mark and leaned on his brother, "Did you get the scene with Shannon", "Yes, he didn't watch where he was going though, doubt it was intentionally", "Yeah but still…", "Yes, but all in due time Glen, all in due time"…
Matt had followed the bickering and friendly gestures Shawn had for his brother and momentarly gazed over, mezmerized by the evident happiness he could see in Jeff's eyes, not for long, his brother stared at him and Jeff pushed Shawn away and looked down, suddenly not so happy anymore, but Shawn wasn't going to let him go and put his head on his shoulder, "Jeff…", only to be pushed away again, "Stop it Shawn", "No", "Yes, please", Shawn grabbed a shot form the tablet Chris was bringing back and put it in front of Jeff, "Cheers punk", Mark commenting it by taking the shot and downing it, a little disgusted, "I remember a certain discussion we had Jeff", Jeff leaned in and took another one, drinking it immediately, And I clearly remember my answer Mark", "You're being childish Jeff", "And you're uptight", Glen put his hand on Marks arm and squeezed, "Bad when people don't listen", "I'll make him listen", "Remember your words Mark, all in due time", Mark smirked and took a sip of beer, deciding it wasn't now he wanted to talk to Jeff, nor his brother, "Don't use my words against me Glen"...
It was shortly after midnight when Vince decided to send them all to bed, knowing he would get evil stares and comments, but there was a show the next day and he wasn't ready to have a crappy show because his athletes had gone to bed too late, "Breakfast is at 9 tomorrow, whoever wants to be in my good graces better move their asses down", it was Shawn who, yawning mumbled, "Well I won't be in your good graces then", "2 o'clock at the arena in that case", Vince was up and gone, not wanting to get angrier than reasonable…
They all finished up their drinks and got up, Jeff feeling the alcohol pump through his body, a little dizzy, just like Chris and Shawn, all three were clinging to each other laughing their asses off at Vince's face when he had left, Chris unfortunately not thinking when they passed Shannon and Matt, as he pushed Jeff into his brother's arms, chuckling, "How cute our two Hardys", they both tensed and even if Jeff had trouble standing still and straight, he pushed his chest onto Matt's, locking his eyes with his. Time seemed to stand still for a moment, both brothers glaring at each other fists forming…
Mark was just coming out of the bar with Glen and Hunter, and looked at what everybody was looking at, it seemed that a dark cloud had formed and was hanging over the hall they were standing in, "O o", Matt and Jeff weren't moving, actually there was doubt if any of them was breathing, they were both glaring full of hate at the other, and Mark wasn't sure intervening was the right thing, ok a fight in the entrance hall of the hotel wouldn't be the most intelligent thing but still, at least they both would be calmed a little and have it out of their system, or not at all, he sighed and moved over, grabing Jeff by the waist, "Not here guys, you should both learn to control your feelings, especially in public", he moved Jeff a little away from Matt, but they both seemed to ignore him and continued staring each other down. "Jeff… Matt… Stop it both", his voice was not leaving room for interpretation, and Ric came to his help, taking Matt by the waist, "Cool kid, cool… Mark's right, not here… You're both a little drunk, you'll feel sorry tomorrow morning…", Matt spat, pushing Ric away, Oh nooo, nooo, I'd be very happy to know I kicked his face", Mark, the master of fast moves never saw it come, Jeff moved so fast he lost the grip on his waist and jumped his brother, bringing them both down to the floor, Matt crashing with both his weight and Jeff's, Jeff hitting the floor hard with both knees but caring little, and the brawl started…
He didn't even manage a single blow, nor did Matt for that matter, Ric and Mark, with the help from the others took them apart, Mark with Hunter, Shawn and Chris pulling Jeff along not caring much if he hurt him or not, and pushing him into the elevator not even thinking about keeping him in the same area as his brother, Mark slapping him, "Idiot… What were you thinking", Jeff got down against the elevator wall, his head spinning a little, "He was calling for it", "Jeff… Not in an hotel, dammit", "He didn't care either", "And so you had to act like an ass too, great Jeff… And Chris, really great move", Jericho shrugged his shoulders "I didn't think they would react like that, Jeff… You and Matt need to talk", still slumbed against the wall, Jeff shook his head, "I've got nothing more to say to him", Mark made a sign to Chris that it wasn't the moment to talk to Jeff about that subject and got out of the elevator, pulling Jeff along…
He just mumbled a goodnight to everybody not letting Jeff have the time to do the same, pushed him inside their room and sighed deeply, "Jeff… You can't jump your brother like that", "He would have jumped me", "Jeff…", "No Mark, and I don't want to talk anymore, I'm tired", and Jeff moved to the bathroom, closing the door. He felt like vomitting, it was all getting too much for him, and trembling he sat down leaning his head against the bath-tube. His peace wasn't for long, as Mark entered the bathroom and looked at him, taken aback by the vulnerability he could read in the young Hardy's whole beeing…
Shawn went straight to the bathroom, got ready and hopped under the covers, Hunter sighing and reflecting on what had happened, "That wasn't the most amusing thing", "Yes it was, you have to agree it was Hunt, come on, it was priceless", "No… Matt can bring Jeff to the brings of sanity with just a gaze, no matter where they are, that's kinda sick", "Mark has got Jeff's back Hunter, and seriously, I've seen worse fights, if they could have had a little punching and biting and pulling hair they'd probably be friends again by now", "So? And I very very seriously doubt that", "So? He will be ok, Mark will make sure of that, and me too, so don't pull a face like that", Hunter got ready and went to bed too, "No more listening on the walls Shawn, not today", but he didn't get any answer, Shawn already soundly asleep, "You guys need to stop the shots"…
Downstairs, Matt had been taken care of by Ric, who had Glen and Dave to help him, Shannon too shocked to say something, just squeezed Matt's arm, Ric's voice far from amused, "Matt… That was very stupid", "It's Jeff who is stupid Flair", "Ah, so that's the way you wanna act, in that case it's Sir, Matt, and Mister Flair, and not Flair or Ric or whatever you may come up with", Glen had to bite his lip not to start laughing, "Now you're in deep shit Hardy", "What is it with all of you and Jeff?", Shannon shook his head "Matt stop it", "No, I wanna know, why is it that suddenly everybody likes him so much", "Why not like him Matt, why do you hate him so much all of a sudden, you were clinging together like twins", Matt looked at the floor, then turned and left, "Maybe if you explained it to us", Ric's voice was calm and non-hostile, he really wanted to know, "And what would that change? No, really, forget about it… Flair", "Oh boy…", Dave had an angry glare passing his gaze, no-one spoke to Ric like that, reasons or not, "Don't push it Matt, or you'll have me on your ass", Matt glared back at him, ready to snap, but Shannon pulled Matt inside the elevator not wanting a massacre and very happy that they could immediately get in. "You're ok Matt?", Matt looked at him, cocking his head, his tone most ironic, "Yes Shannon, peachy as always… Fuck you man, and thanks for helping me", "Helping is just what I did… Dave was ready to rip you apart in case you didn't notice", "Oh come on, please, I'm talking about Jeff assaulting me", "It was called for Matt", "Thank you again", Shannon pulled Matt out of the elevator and towards their room, "Stop it, we'll think of something…", "That is for sure", "I'm serious", "As am I"
Mark stayed in the doorframe, looking at Jeff who didn't even aknowledge his presence until Mark adressed him, "Tormented beyond healthy… Jeff…", emerald eyes looked at him, and it took Jeff all his strength to fight back the sour tears that wanted desperatly to run, why did Mark have to be so… so involved and stubborn, and why did he have to feel even sicker now, "Mark… Please, not now", "Why", Mark went and sat next to him, "Afraid you could let go and spill what annoys and hurts you so much?", Jeff wasn't ready to open to him and shook his head, "No, too much booze, I don't feel so good", "It's not the booze Jeff, you didn't even have that much, don't lie to me", "It's the booze", "If you say so", "Mark…", Jeff just managed to lean over the toiletseat and started emptying his stomach, Mark at a loss for what to do, so he just kept Jeff's hair back, amused at the ending that evening was taking, until now he had never had to help someone like that, that was it had been long ago he had last had to help someone like this…
Ric had squeezed Dave's shoulder gently, smiling, "Thanks David, but I've got it covered", "He has to learn some respect", "Yes, but I've got it covered", "I know, but I won't let him disrespect you though, ok he's pissed but that really is no reason to talk to you like taht", Ric made it to the elevator, smiling at Glen, "I hope you can calm him a little", Glen smiling evily back "Had nothing else on my mind Ric… Sir… Mister Flair" and started to laugh as Ric punched him on the forehead and added, "Damn I loved Matt's face", Dave objecting "Shannon's was better… especially when he bumped into Jeff and you barked at him", Glen flashed an even more sadistic smile, "Yes, looked like weting himself on the spot", Ric excused himself as he got out of the elevator, "Goodnight you two, see you in the morning, I've got something to take care of", "Breakfast?", "You guys think you'll be done by then?", Glen and Dave were both laughing, "We'll never be done…", "Well, see you for breakfast then"…
It took half an hour for Mark to get Jeff ready for bed, and he hadn't even put him completely in bed that he heard a soft knock on the door, "Dammit", he let go of Jeff who was sitting on the bed, eyes watery and arm clutching his stomach, and opened the door, standing nose to nose with Ric, "Hope I'm not disturbing you guys too much", "Well… Ready for bed that's all", not that that fact would hinder the Nature Boy to enter the room, seeing Mark still dressed he didn't see any reason not to, "Ah good, Jeff, you don't look so good", Jeff grimaced at him and got under the covers, pulling them up and trying not to feel sick again, "Don't feel good either", "That seems obvious", Mark gave Ric a glare that said not now, but Ric wasn't ready to postpone what he had to say, "I'll make it quick… Jeff… You'll talk to Matt tomorrow and settle this shit once and for all, that was the last outburst of that kind, am I making myself clear", even in his bad state, Jeff managed to defiantly shake his head, not ready for such actions, not that Ric thought he would show himself cooperative immediately, no, he just wanted it said, and so Jeff's answer didn't come as a big surprise, "No, I don't think so", Ric wasn't about to say it again, just looked at Mark, "I count on you to bring some sense into that kid Mark, see you in a couple of hours", "At the arena, I think he needs sleep", "Ok, night", Jeff was pouting, a little shaking and inhaling and exhaling deeply, "Ric is right you know", Mark closed the door behind Ric and started undressing, adding, "Whatever your problems with your brother, there is a solution", "Not now Mark, please…", Jeff was fed up with the whole discussing things that Ric and Mark seemed to love so much, "Tomorrow, not now", Mark agreed with him, giving him a smile and went to the bathroom, wanting nothing but to make Jeff ok again but not knowing where to exactly start, maybe having a serious discussion with Matt could help…
When Mark came out of the bathroom Jeff was already asleep, still in the same position he had before, arms resting on his stomach and covers up 'till his chin, Mark sighed deeply and went over to his bed, getting down and laying so he could watch Jeff sleeping, as sleep washed over him too…
A couple of rooms down the hall, Dave came out of the bathroom too, but his roommate was far from asleep, Glen was laying naked on the bed, flexing his muscles and waiting for Dave to get ready, "You take longer than a woman in a bathroom", "I'm better looking than any woman too", they both laughed as Dave got down, covering Glen with his body, "Now… let's get serious"…
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Next chapter will probably not be posted before next weekend, I have a busy week ahead, one last before a nice 2 month vacation hehe