Thank you all again for your reviews and still reading this story, I hope this chapter turns out right and you all like it
*kisses and hugs*
I wanted to skip to the matches rapidly, but my sick sick mind made me write things that amazed myself, so there are some, I really hope, funny plots unfolding, there's one that still makes me go nuts hehehehe, but read yourself :-)
Since I only found a transcript of the match, and no video *sighs really annoyed* , I had to go and imagine it and I'm not sure I got it the way I wanted it, I'm also not sure Jeff had his hair already dyed green for that match or if it was only the week after, and the subject doesn't matter so much that I'd spent hours trying to find out (I did hehehe, but didn't find out lol), so I have him dye them later *nyan*, and I have also no idea who went to the ring first, so for those who remember the match, don't shoot, I'll shoot back ;-) and then thank you for informing me hehehe
In italic are mumbled thoughts, bold stays speech
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Chapter 23
As Jeff was walking back to his locker from the catering area, trying very hard not to run into his brother, nor Mark for that matter, but apparently Guerrero would prove just as tiring as those two, as he walked up to him "Hey, punk", "I'm not Punk, man, what is it with you people today", Eddie smiled innocently "You've got me Hardy", he advanced towards Jeff, who felt his back ache again and moved automatically back, out of what he supposed could be harms way "Get the fuck out of my face", Eddie raised his hands in front of himself "Hey cool down, don't get rude, just wanted to tell you I was gonna kick your ass tonight", Jeff's mood wasn't improving "Wow, thanx for informing me beforehand, now I can come prepared", he sighed and Eddie looked at him with some worry "Hey, you ok kiddo?", "Yeah, just some backache and I'm tired", "I just wanted to play around a little Jeff, we're cool, and what happens tonight is not personal, I hope you know that", "Yeah I know, see you later", "Yup", and with some concern Eddie made his way toward his locker, wondering what was going on and making a mental note not to hit him too hard on his back, or at least to try…
Mark, Ric and Lesnar had gone to Flair's lockerroom to get over the match, Rob had wanted to get his stuff to his locker first, but Mark seemed off, something that Ric couldn't but adress with a wicked smile and the question that could kill "Rainbows in your head Taker?", Mark gave him his best glare "Don't go there Flair, I warn you", an even more wicked smile "So it's true", Mark sighed "No, waiting for my tagteam-partner you baboon", "Oh, ok, sad it's Rob hein, would have been kinda twisted if it had been you-know-who-I-mean", any other person would have left at the speed of Speedy Gonzales and found a hole to crawl in as Mark hoovered menacing over Ric "Ric, why did I never notice this annoying habbit you have of not letting go, on some level you're worse than Michaels you know", Lesnar looked from one to the other, shaking his head "What are you guys talking about", Mark ignored him, prefering changing the subject, slapping Flair playfully "So Ric, the figure four, at the beginning of the match?", Ric smiled, keeping back a laughter and stopped his little games, getting down on the couch he had in his locker "I was thinking yeah", "So we start the match", and not impressed Ric gave him another wicked grin "Thought so yes", "Ok, why not", next to the Nature Boy and the Undertaker, Lesnar just let them run the happenings for their match, having gotten an extra message from Vince, one to annoy Mark a little, with a big sign telling him not to say anything before the match, so he hoped Mark would understand later on, and he just asked "So we win?", Ric sighed dramatically, one hand on his forehead like a 30s moviestar "Yes… so… so so sad… Rob and I should be winning", adding amused "We're better looking, have more charisma and sure as hell a better style", Mark throw a towel towards Ric "You're a moron Flair"…
Meanwhile Matt wasn't roaming the floors, he was sitting in Vince's office, having to endure what he only could describe as a very bad moment "I don't care what's up with you and Jeff, Matt, but next week you'll be teaming up against Regal and Nowinski, so get you things settled before you get to Canada", Matt leaned forward, glaring at McMahon "I'd rather have a match against Jeff, Vince", Vince stared at him and with a smirk dismissed that proposal "No, not possible", Matt looked at him in disbelief "Why", "Cause I say so", "That's Austin's line", McMahon inhaled deeply, calming himself mentally "I say you team with your brother, before you always enjoyed that, pfffff, and by the way, I forgot to tell him when he was here earlier, why don't you go and inform him for me", really angry, Matt got up "A blast, really, thanx Vince", the door banged as Matt slammed it, glaring at Shannon who was waiting for him, "What?", "You'll never guess", Shannon so wanted to be somewhere else right now "No, but I know you'll tell me, and probably over and over again, the way you're raging", Matt gave him a funny look, but spat "I'll have to team with him", Shannon played dumb and shook his head "Who", Matt stared at Shannon as if he had lost his mind "Who? You're asking who? Who? Fuck, Jeff man, Jeff", "Oh", "Yes oh, how… No, I don't want to have to act as if nothing happened", "Well you've got no other choice Matt", Matt continued, his voice as if Vince had announced him he would glue his ass closed "And I have to inform him, just imagine that, inform the sucker", Shannon started laughing "You pissed Vince off hin, and now you're suffering", "Fuck you Moore, seriously, you're too amused for you own good"
There was a puffing sound, and Phil passed them, stopping a couple of feet behind them and turned towards them, decided to have his word out on this "Don't tell me, still on that Hardy?", Matt turned to CM Punk "What do you want, I thought you made your choice clear, go and hang with Jeff, he can teach you a thing or two about a non-straight-edge lifestyle", Phil was deeply scowling "Matt, seriously, you're an ass, a real one, and I start seriously pitying your brother for having to cope with you and your mean tongue", if Shannon had been Matt that would have been the moment to shut it, but Matt surely didn't intend to do that, and Moore didn't want to have to hear some more accusations of letting the older Hardy down, so he just stood there sighing as Matt moved towards Phil "Well what about dispensing your pity at his doorstep or want to fight me, cause if you want a piece of me, I'm surely not denying you your beating", Phil started laughing "Right, as if you could beat me with that rage dwelling inside of you, pfff, I want my opponents to be fit and have their minds free, so, when you get back to being normal, then we can talk about it…", turning, he just said "Shannon, you have all of my support, my friend", Matt wanted to follow him, but Moore kept him back "Stop it, not now… You know Phil, he'll get over it",
Jeff got down on the bench and stretched a little, but no position proved to be comfortable, so he let himself slide to the floor and got comfortable there… Not for long though, sharing lockerrooms was usual, at least when your name wasn't Taker or Flair or Hunter, and so he wasn't alone long, Rob making his way in, laughing with Tommy Dreamer and nearly tripping over him "Hey Hardy… Hey..", he started kicking him playfully with his foot until there was some movement and Jeff started stretching "You suck, you know that, I was resting", "On the floor?", "Yes, on the floor, the bench is not exactly comfortable", Rob stared at him not really believing him "But the floor is?", "Yes, or at least it was before you got here", "Whatever, you're the freak", "That's supposed to be an insult?", "No, a fact", Rob grinned and passed a hand through Jeff's hair "Don't pout like that, instead get some color in there", getting up, Jeff gave him a quick grin before answering "I don't pout, but I will soon do things to you if you don't stop", "Oh yes, pleaaasseeeeeeeee", "You're annoying", "You love that", "But not today", "Oh Jeff, spoilsport", and then the door opened, the Dudley's strolling in "Aaah Jeff, not sleeping", "How, with all of you", Jeff pulled a pout worth a million and frowned "I'll find myself a quiet spot", "Don't miss the match", "Noooooo", and with that he took off, searching a corner, preferably a dark one, with no traffic…
Spike shook his head "He's weird", there was laughter and Rob getting up from where he sat looked at Spike "You only noticed now?", Bubba joined in "I think he doesn't like us", "No, he's tired, has been partying with the boys for days, think that got to him", "Great, hope he won't fuck up the match", Rob shrugged his shoulders "I don't think so, he wouldn't want to fuck up his golden streak and Vince's trust", Bubba got his stuff down "Well let's hope so", Rob, on his way out "Relax guys… He's ok…"
Jeff was walking in search of a little spot to lay down, Rob following him fast "Hey, Hardy, wait", Jeff stopped, and annoyed let himself drop on his knees and pretended hitting his head on the floor "No no no no no no no no", only to hear a chuckle "Euuh, you're ok kid?", startled, Jeff raised his eyes to meet those of Hogan "I don't mind you dropping on your knees before me, but saying no?", he blushed a little "Sorry, wasn't for you, was for him", Rob grinned, stopping next to Jeff "I just wanted to propose the Taker's locker, he's with Flair right now, and I guess he won't be back that quick, so you'd have a couch to rest on", Jeff's cheeks turned unvolontary a deeper red as he answered a little too fast to be discret "Noooo, sure as hell not HIS locker", Terry smirked "Oh, not HIS, ha…", "What?", Rob joined Terry on that one "Yeah, why not Mark's, I'm sure he won't mind, he has you hanging in his room all the time anyways, I'm sure he's used to you by now", "I just need a little quiet space in some corner", Terry had to suppress a laughter "You're not some dog Jeff, take his couch, he'll be ok with it, and if not, I'll tell him I told you it would be ok", "No", Rob objected "Stubborn as a dog though, go and get his couch, seriously, the Dudley's are afraid you're not in a good shape for your match, and if you keep searching for a quiet spot, you'll be at it until tomorrow, unless that is, you take the most quiet room around, no-one will come in there you know"
Jeff couldn't deny Rob was right, even if the mention of the Dudley's made him cringe, but another sermon from Mark and he knew he would break, so he needed a failsafe in case he didn't wake in time "You send me a text-message when he leaves?", Rob shook his head affirmatively "I'll even call you the second he's on his way", "You promise?", Terry intervened "Yes he does, now go get some rest kid", Jeff looked at them, starting to believe it would be a good idea, knowing Mark besides annoying him with checking on him, was a friend, or had become something close to one "It's on you guys, if he gets me and kicks my ass, I'll shamelessly say your names and tell him you forced me", Terry put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing "No problem, go and get some rest, you have a tiring match tonight and deserve a nice nap", Jeff gave him a thankful, yet respectful smile "Sure, thank you Hogan", Rob punched him softly "Hey, it was my idea", "Yeah, but he got me convinced", Terry raised his arms in victory "I knew it, now you hop off, see you later", he turned towards Rob "You're on your way to Flair's?", "Yup", "Gonna join you", "No problem", and with that they left Jeff standing there…
Not for long though, Jeff had seriously been convinced, his respect for Hogan having clouded his doubts over, and knowing, or at least believing he'd make it out on time, he searched for Mark's lockerroom and entered, looking around to make sure no-one would see him sneak in, and got comfortable on the couch that the Taker had in his lockerroom, closing his eyes and doozing off in a matter of minutes, his body coming down from his lines and becoming tired "Damn you Flair" were his last mumbled words… And since he hadn't checked for his phone, he couldn't know he had left it in his locker…
Rob and Terry made it to Flair's locker "Sorry, met Hardy on my way and had to find him a place for a rest", Terry not far behind "Yeah, and we found him a really nice one" and he gave Ric a large grin, before adding "I played the game in your favor Ric, knowing what you've got planned and all, you know, with that thing we spoke about", Rob looked amazed at Terry and started wondering what he was talking about, but Mark started talking to him and his thoughts went over to his own match pretty quick, forgetting about the younger Hardy…
A short hour later they had finished going over their match and Mark got up, looking at his watch that showed it was passed 1800 already, stretching "Good, we've got that settled guys, I'll go and prepare", Rob got up too "Me too, beat you later guys", laughing he got an amused glare from Terry, that reminded him "Oh shoops guys, have to make a call", and with that he got out and started calling Jeff, who was soundly asleep, hugging himself, curled up on Mark's couch, his phone ringing in another lockerroom and not disturbing his peace but having Spike jump a little "You think we should answer?", Bubba shook his head "I don't think so, would you like people going through your stuff? And answering your phone?", "No, but maybe it's important", "And where are you gonna find Jeff? Who knows were he is right now", "You're right", down the aisle, Rob started swearing as Jeff's answering machine jumped on "Shit", he tried again but with the same outcome, wondering what he could do as Mark passed him, looking at him worried "You ok?", he quickly made up an excuse "Yeah, some shit with my phone, that's all", Mark didn't register the lie "Humm, yeah, not cool, see you in a while, partner", Rob gulped a little, and turned to get back in, "Yo Terry, he's not answering", Terry gave him an evil grin "Good, it's cool Rob, don't worry, Mark won't kill him, it's cool, don't look like that", Ric looking at him "Perfect, everything plays out perfect for once ha, you're a genius Terry", Terry grinned but made a head motion towards Rob "Was his idea though", "Just as good, Rob, forget about it will you, we'll explain what it is about later", "Whatever guys, but if Jeff gets angry with me, I'll send him over to you for any explanations", "You do that kid, you do that"
When Mark entered his lockerroom, he halted and stared at the slumbering figure on his couch What the heck?, and Terry's words started making sense suddenly, as he went further into the room, groaning slowly at Jeff, You're a real nuisance kid, you are, man, you're getting on my nervs here, jeeez, and sitting on a chair next to the couch he started contemplating the sleeping man, rage and anger leaving to be replaced by something else, wondering when this had become so hard to cope with, it was just friendship, no no no, it was respect, and a hard earned one with that, well, and he had to somehow accept that that had lead to the beginnings of what could become a friendship, if… He wondered why he found it so hard, and alone in the penumbra of the room, feeling free to catch a good glimpse of Jeff, realizing he looked serene and had a little smile on his face, he couldn't but sigh slowly and realize he really was kinda cute, laying there on his couch like that, chest rising slowly up and down and not knowing he was being observed. Time passed on a surreal level for Mark, as he became somewhat aware that maybe Ric hadn't been so wrong after all, it was like with Shawn, but still different, it was far more exciting, it made him quiver to stare at Jeff for too long, like it was forbidden, something he wasn't allowed to do, he couldn't do, something that was shaking him to the core, him, the bad-ass… He chuckled to himself, You are my forbidden fruit kid, and you're making me crazy, me, the Bad-ass, and putting an elbow on the arm of the couch he let his mind dwell before leaning towards Jeff, watching him up close, so calm, so sweet somehow, like he couldn't do anything bad, fact Mark knew very well was just an illusion Why are you so fucked up, what got you so broken, what broke your wings little angel, the answer forming on itself in his perturbated brain So I can care right, great, just great, what ironic fate send you, damn you Hardy, Mark started stroking his cheek gently, arising a little reaction from Jeff whose nose wiggled a little, but still no waking up, Don't be so cute dammit, Mark moaned his frustration about himself and the man laying in his couch and shook him slowly "Jeff… Jeff… Wake up", of course Jeff continued sleeping soundly, leaving the Taker more than lost for a split second, before he got up and got on his knees in front of the couch, shaking Jeff again "Wake up Jeff… Hey… Jeff… Kid…", Jeff got ripped out of his dream brutally, and woke with a hiss, opening his eyes and in the semi-dark, losing orientation, knocked his supposed assaillant down with a headbutt "Fuck you", he jumped up, stumbling and tripping over Mark, and, since the fate Mark had already blamed seemed to have a very wicked irony, Jeff ended on top of Mark knocking him down, a little panicked at not knowing who he had nuked down like that, a string of pain passing through his lower back, until a hand started planting itself around his throat and a menacing growl was cutting the silence and taking his thoughts of the pain away "What are you trying to do kid"…
In the catering area, Glen and Dave were playing a game of chess to pass the time, Shawn commenting on it, laying half on the table, a little bored "Guys… Chess is really boring", Glen, without looking at him and moving his queen across the board "Not for any longer, after pool, chess is the next game I'll kick his ass in", Dave laughed "Oh no you won't", and stealing the queen, he grinned at Glen "Ha, mister too self-confident, your lady is mine, and soon so will be your king", Glen shook his head "I don't think that will be possible", Shawn howling "Uuuuuh, no disguised sex-talk guys, I'm not stupid you know", Dave looked at him a little perplexe "He's right, I can't take his king like this you know, I need at least three moves, no disguised sex-talk at all, you pervert", even though the look he got from Kane could be interpreted as it just being that, luckily Phil made it to their table just at that moment, and got down, Shawn immediately harassing him "They talk about sex Phil", Dave and Glen both rolled their eyes as Phil shook his head "To me it looks as if they were playing chess Shawn, not talking about sex", then he added "Want to play too? I'm sure I can find another board", both players smiled gratefully at Punk, but Shawn really didn't want to play "No, you'll have me mate in a minute", and with a sick smile reached out and caressed Phil's arm, fooling around a little "Unless you want to mate in a minute, that would be quite acceptable", Phil just continued staring at him "You're hitting on me now?", "You want me to hit on you?", Dave moaned loudly and pushed Shawn forcefully, making him fly to the floor, even though Shawn would later point out he made a sexy sensual glide "Stop sexually harassing Phil Shawn, Hunter will be back soon to endure your incessant abnormalities", and then there was a voice, barking like thunder, making him startle "Baaaaatista… Have you lost your mind?", Glen grinned at Dave, and more than amused mumbled moving his next piece "Oups, now you're in trouble Dave… Baaaaatistaaaaa", as Vince made his way over…
As Vince moved closer to them, yelling and finally venting all of his built-up frustration, Jeff was trying really hard to move away, but was kept back, trying to breathe "Mark? Sorry, please… You freaked me out man", "Oh I did, didn't I" on some level Mark was glad he still freaked out the kid "Good, you did too, sleeping here like Snowwhite at the Dwarfs", "Let go, please Mark", the hand let go and Mark pushed Jeff off of him, slapping his neck "What were you thinking, leaping at me from the couch?", there was a little embarrassed growl "I didn't leap, I tripped", and that made it for Mark who started shaking with laughter "Hehehe no, you're serious? Great… He tripped… You tripped… You from all people tripped, I love it", and remembering Jeff's back, he asked a little worried "You ok?", Jeff finally relaxed and snapped "Besides the heart attack you gave me, yeah, oh, and the pain in my back, which you seem to always provoke… back Mark", Mark couldn't see him grin in the dark "Your back? You're ok? You can wrestle?", there was a playful slap landing on his thigh instead of his arm, aiming in the dark proving to be difficult "I'm ok, I was joking, the pain is gone, was just the first moment, it has been replaced by shame", and he got up, stepping on Mark in the process, but managed to lit a light and quickly removed his weight from Mark's leg, and guilt-striken murmured "I'm sorry… I always mess everything up…", "No, it's ok, besides that headbutt kid, oh yes, and mistaken me for the carpet", "Hey, you scared me… And I'm used to tiles, so making out the difference took some time", and for that oh-so-funny comment, Mark just had a little push in the petto "What are you scared of Jeff? Who would want to hurt you", "What? Nobody, I just got somewhat scared", "Matt?", "Jeez, no stop it, you woke me, and I jumped, sorry, nothing to do with fright or whatever I could have", "So you agree that there is something that could frighten you?", "No, I don't, I say, everybody would have reacted like that being interrupted in their dreams… On a soft couch… When they only have a bench… Or the floor…", "Yeah, right Jeff", "Mark…", Ric's words washing over Mark and his attitude changing a little "No, I agree with you, seriously, I think I should have put on a light", "Yeah… And sorry for sneaking in here like that", Think of what Ric said… and it came out somehow naturally "No problem, you needed the rest… And the quiet… Next time just ask…", Jeff looked at him gratefully, wondering why he was still that nice with him "Thanx, after my attitude this morning I didn't think you…"
Mark interrupted him "Jeff, you have demons to fight… And I won't let you down on that, but I need you to realize that and work on it", he got up and flipped one of Jeff's locks back behind his ear, before sliding his thumb over his cheek and realizing what he was doing, pinched his chin "And now go and see your team-mates Jeff, I need to get prepared and they are certainly already waiting for you… And don't tell anybody I didn't kick your ass for sneaking in here", Jeff smirked "Euuh, the two main wrongdoers too?", Mark sighed "Terry and Rob?", another guilty gaze "You know?", Mark laughed "Tell me, was Rob supposed to call you?", even more guilty "Perhaps", Mark shook his head "Bastard played me", Jeff looked down "It's not his fault, it's mine, if I had just rushed downstairs, he would have never suggested it", "He suggested it?", "That's not what I said", Mark was way too amused for his own good, and he started pushing Jeff out before he had to hug him for his cuteness at that moment "Get out Hardy, now… And don't screw your match or you'll have me on your… back…", "Nothing new then", "Out I said", giggling, Jeff moved backwards towards the door, Mark still poking him in the chest "Bye sprite", Jeff stepped out "Bye Bad-ass Taker", leaving Mark with a weird impression that Jeff might have heard his mumblings as he watched him jump down the aisle "Crazy punk", and the sole thought of what he had just done made him slam the door and kick it half a dozen times before shaking his head I don't believe it, I'm seriously going nuts…
A little hunger made Jeff pass at the catering area, and he could have found the way blind just following the screechy voice of his boss, who was hoovering over a very smirking Batista, who tried to ignore a couple of things simultanesly, there was Shawn on the floor giggling, no, he was positively dying of laughter by now, and dying of trying not to be loud, there was Glen, who was seriously battling himself to stay in character and not do what he wanted to do, making comments as Vince's little speech went on, there was Phil, who tried not to grin, but had like a huge question mark over his head, that Dave could have sworn he saw in pink, but his mind told him it had to be punk and pink that he was confusing and on that he started laughing, waging a hand in Vince's direction, trying to say he was sorry, but not able to stop, Jeff somehow laughing too, but at the scenery that was unfolding before his eyes, Shawn on the floor, Glen seeming to talk with no words coming out actually and Batista laughing, Phil just looking both amused and very lost, oh yes, and Vince yelling, and then there was Trish who was comfortably sitting next to the muffins he was looking for, filming the whole thing, making Jeff laugh even more "Nooo, don't tell me you're that mean", "Pssschhhh Sugar, this is first-class entertainment", Jeff whispered "Don't forget to pass a copy to me", "Sure, but it will cost you, this is too good to just give away", "You're a witch", "Yes, and in moments like this, I love being one", he so much wanted to just get down and watch it, but he was already a little late, so he just took some muffins "Whatever the price, I want it by tonight", "Uuuh, watch it, you may tremble at knowing the price", "Don't be like that, Trish", "Alright, you'll have it… But you'll owe me one, big time", "No problem", "Ok… Good luck with your match", "Thanx… And happy watching…", "Oh, that I'll have"
Jeff made his way back to his lockerroom, eating a muffin and having a large grin on his face, entering it and being faced with an annoyed Spike "You finally made it back", but Jeff's grin made him tilt his head "What?", Jeff just handed him a muffin "You wouldn't believe it, if you guys seriously have my back and don't have them crush me on that table, I'll even show you", Jeff started changing, still grinning like a cheshire cat in a cup a whipped cream with strawberries "And it's good, I swear", Bubba laughed "You won't hit the table too many times, or none if it's up to me, but I swear to you, if you lie, I'll personally terminate you on one", Jeff shook his head "Oh no, you'll love it… Catering area… And I have a delayed broadcast for us… If I'm not broken by tonight that is", he finished and made his way out, "See you soon, wanna see if it's still going on"
And with that he was on his way to the room where Vince was still raging, head red, Shawn having moved next to Phil and sitting there resting his head on his hands, elbows on the table, making Vince only more angry "Don't you dare give me DX now", Dave shrugging "I don't do DX", and with that he got a slap from Vince "Don't push it", Shawn only asked innocently "Who? Dave or me?", but Jeff didn't get that, being pulled aside by Booker T before being able of casting a glimpse "Hey", Booker T shook his head "You don't wanna go in there Hardy, seriously, Vince is losing it", Jeff beamed "He's still at it? Wow", "You knew?", "Yes, was great before, better now?", he detached himself and moved towards the door, before jumping back "Oh yes, great", "Great? You find that great?", "Yes, too funny", "Oh yes, he screams at everybody, very funny indeed", there was a chuckle and Regal came towards them "He's quite losing it, that's funny… indeed", Jeff was feeling kinda excited to finally go to the ring and to see that the little film would really be a blast, he was jumping up and down backstage, but stilled by Regal, two hands keeping him down by his shoulders "You make me dizzy", "Yeah, it's done on purpose man", "Oh I see, trying to destabilize me", "Exactly William", he looked behind him, seeing both Eddie and Chris standing there, giving him amused glares "Don't be so friendly with him, he's our enemy tonight", Eddie grinned at Jeff who pulled out his tongue "You have other enemies behind you, so watch yourselves, I didn't come alone, my army is ready to strike", they both turned to come face to face with the Dudleys "Hello boys", there was some laughter and they started to make their respective ways to the ring…
Jeff was buzzling with adrenaline, every nerv in his body trembling, as he entered the arena, his blood pumping along the beat of his entrance song, Mark, Matt and all of his trouble far away at the moment he made it down the aisle, in complete serenity, even though some parts of their match would be though, he was looking forward for it to finally start, waiting for his tag-team-partners sitting on the ropes in the corner of the ring, still grinning as they got next to him, William's entrance song starting to air and the Brit making his way to the ring, tailed by Eddie and Chris. Spike started the match against Guerrero, Bubba whispering to Jeff "So you'll get some film or what of Vince?", Jeff shook his head, eyes on the action inside the ring "Hey, we're at ringside, not gossiping backstage Bubba", "Spike is doing fine Jeff", Jeff chuckled "Not so sure about that you know" and the action in the ring was speaking a different tale anyways as Eddie was pinning Spike "You said Bubba?", he only got a snarl as an answer as Bubba jumped in the ring, Jeff shaking his head trying to hide his amusement "Go get them", not having long before being switched in, seeing the dangerous glare in William's gaze before winding himself on the floor knocked down Ouch, bastard, from the corner of his eye he was observing something not really legal going on, oh shit, we're at that already, and what he saw in Regal's hands annoyed him more than everything, knowing if something went wrong he'd be the one with a probable gash in his face, and than everything went quite quick, Bubba arrived and got hold of the belt and knocked William down with it, unluckily the referee as supposed saw it, and Jeff started feeling kinda lonely out there, both his partners gone as the referee started pushing Bubba out of the ring. He quickly got up and grinning to himself he jumped on the last turnbuckle and swirled onto Regal, ignoring Bubba who was taking care of Eddie and Chris outside the ring, his mind going blank and savouring the moment of freedom, the feeling of flying through the air, that perfect moment being over way to fast as he hit Regal with his back, another piercing string of pain passing through his lower back Shit, no no no, no blocking, pleaseeee, but fortunately he managed to move, forcing on his back a little and he pinned Regal, who whispered "You need to lose some weight, you're getting heavy to reception like that", Jeff grinned and waited for the three count, feeling a punch landing on his back, both Eddie and Chris jumping him mercilessly…
He managed to somehow get out of their grip and pinned Eddie, keeping him down as he was trying hard to wiggle his way out of the Jeff's rollup pin but failing, and pretending to be very upset started pounding on Jeff, before the referee managed to get him out of the ring and send him backstage, Chris jumping Jeff until he started retaliating and backflipping onto him just as Eddie got back to the ring distracting the referee as he got there, giving William the time to slip back out under the ring, a shiny object shimmering in his hands, both Jeff and Chris on the floor, pretty knocked down, and Jeff winding himself, feeling Regal lift him up to give him a hard punch that made him valse back and William wasn't done, he felt a couple of more hard and painful punches hit him, before he felt Chris grabbing him and offering him his crossface…
Everything went fast from that moment on, Jeff having his breath knocked out and laying on the mat, trying to catch his breath but having some trouble to do so, there was a bang and he only could guess that the bastards just got the table in the ring, he didn't have long for pondering the question as he was grabbed and nicely picked up, and if it hadn't been for the shadows that he saw approaching the ring he would have started fighting back, but apparently neither Spike nor Bubba had forgotten about him and dangling in Bubba arms he whispered "Thanx guys, man, I was waiting there", a chuckle as they helped him back backstage "Our curiosity for the film was bigger than our pleasure in seeing you suffer", "Oh I'm grateful guys", as they arrived back, Tommy, Rob and Steven were standing there, ready for their appearance, and so they just passed them quickly, and made it back to their lockerroom, Regal, Eddie and Chris behind them, Regal shouting "Hey Hardy, nice bruise I got you on your chin", "You're an ass old man, you could have kept back a little", William laughed "I had that planned, but then I saw your face and I felt like having to punch you hard, very hard", there was a hiss and a voice reached them "Welcome to the club", "Oh the other Hardy"
Matt's mood hadn't improved as he walked up the Jeff who was ready to strike him down, still panting and sweaty and hugging both Spike and Bubba on each of his sides "What do you want", "To tell you we have to talk, send your girlfriends home sucker", that earned him angry looks from the Dudley's, looks he just ignored, glaring at his brother who just mocked him by spitting "Sure as hell not asshole", "Yes, Vince said, we have to team", "I refuse", "Oh believe me, I tried, didn't work, and he surely won't listen to a junkie like you, so you better listen to me", Jeff yawned provocatively in his face before shaking his head "Nope, I'm deaf when it comes to you, sorry man", Matt got closer and grabbed Jeff, or at least he tried, Jeff grabbing his reaching arm first and twisting it "Get out of my face Matt, or I'll make you", Matt ripped his arm away "Don't push it asshole, I'll see you later, when you're alone", Jeff shook his head "No Matt, I'm busy, I'll call you when I've got time, may take some years though", Matt was fed up and tried to jump him, but Spike pulled Jeff out of harms way "Man Hardy stop it, jeez you're annoying, we just had a match, cut your bro some slack", "Why are you getting involved now" Shannon stepping up too, leaving Regal sighingand waving his hands "You all stop it now, we go the our lockerrooms to get changed, and I suggest you two talk later Matt, and Matt, I thought that match would be in three weeks", Matt snarled "In five days now, man, I'll kill you", glaring one last time at Jeff he took off, pushing people out of his way as he went for the exit, not before stepping into Vince and lashing out some more vile things, Shannon running behind him…
As Ric was passing a lockerroom a couple of minutes later, he saw a security guy enter, and pushed by his natural curiosity, he opened the door and observed the scene "Excuse me, but what are you doing there?", the guy turned and seeing it was Flair "Oh, hello sir, well, there's drugs supposed to be in someone's stuff, I was told to come and check", "By whom?", "Mr. McMahon, Sir", "Great, that's Hardy's stuff you're going through", "Yes it is", "Good, well, nice hunt", and grinning he closed the door, and made it down the aisle, coming across them "Oh Jeff, good, I have to talk to you, wanna join me for a drink", "A shower first Flair", "No, come", he grabbed his arm and pulled him along, making a head motion behind his back to William, who looked at him a little lost, but somehow understood and followed the Dudley's into their locker… Jeff was mouthing some objections "Ric, I'm wasted, sweaty and hurting, please, slow down", "Ok, sorry kid, so, you're ok", "Besides being wasted, sweaty and hurting, yeah", "Good, I don't want you to start raging, but I think someone gave you to Vince", "Hein?", "You and your" he lowered his voice "drugs", Jeff moaned "What are you taking about", "A security guy going through your stuff right as we speak", "What?", Jeff turned ready to speed off, but Ric kept a steady grip on him "Calm down, I have it, remember", "Yeah, but who would do… Matt", Ric grinned evily "Well, your dear brother will be seen as a liar now you know, so you'll be cool, but Jeff, seriously, why would he be that destructive? Is insulting you not enough anymore?", Jeff's eyes turned dark, a slight sad shimmer in them "We have to team", "Ouch, yeah right, in Canada no?", "In less than a week", "Well, you'll have all of my support kid, he won't do anything, besides you'll have Regal in the ring again, and I can tell he's fond of you, so he'll be watching your back a little, even if you're opponents", "Oh, yeah", Jeff pointed to his chin "very fond, but of punching me, and what are you saying there? We have to wrestle Regal? Again? And how do you know", "You start getting to know him, you should train the moves with him, you could have lots of fun and Jeff, I know everything kid", "Oh yeah, great", "Hey" he handed him a bottle of water "You're a talented and lucky guy, so don't be so bitter, Matt will calm down again", "Ric, I… no, he won't", "Oh yes, he's your older brother Jeff, that type of bond can't be destroyed that easy", "Well it has been", "No it hasn't… And now hush, you don't contradict the Nature Boy kid", that brought a smile back on Jeff's face "Yes Sir, of course not"
There was a howl from a table and turning they saw Shawn, jumping Phil, Glen trying not to get pushed around too much by their movements and still talking calmly to Dave, who after having been very amused, was a little down now, Vince's little, well loud and long speech about how using muscles and probably not having a brain had depressed him a little, "Hehehe, you know Vince had a hissy fit, a major one", "Seriously?", "Oh yes, and guess what", Jeff grinned in victory "I'll get a copy of the tape that someone made", leaving Ric applaud in amazement "You're learning quick, and of course, you'll be sharing, right boy", "Yes, of course, watching it alone wouldn't be fun", "Right, perfect, tonight, my room", "Yes Sir", "Don't go on with your Sir-thing kid", "Ok, Ric", Jeff got down next to Dave, seeing his glare "Ho… You ok?", "No", Ric got down on his other side "David?", a hand came resting on his shoulder "What happened", Glen offered "Let's say Vince vented out on Dave for the sins of all of us, so you can imagine", Ric laughed out "That's not a problem, he'll get over it, at least now he'll be in good mood for a week", Phil shook his head "He could have said other things, from funny he became mean in the matter of seconds", "Seems to be the day for such actions and words, Dave, you ok?", "I shouldn't have come here, seriously, that idiot annoys everybody", a chess figure went flying direction Shawn "And I'm being punished for it, pfff", "Well, we all had the pleasure to be on the receiving end, don't put too much into it", "Still", "Laugh about it Dave, really, Jeff has a copy of a tape of it all, we'll watch it tonight", Shawn laughed "Oh yes, Trish sat over there filming", and Dave glared some more "I don't believe it", "Everybody seeing it will laugh about Vince, not you", Phil adding "And Shawn", earning a pout from Michaels "You all suck, you're mean", but he got a threatening glare from Glen, who shook his head "Not now Michaels, seriously, shut it", Shawn put his head on the table, sulking…
After a couple of minutes, Jeff got up "I'll take a quick shower, wanted to watch your match", Ric smiling enigmatically "For me or someone else", Jeff jumped him putting a wet kiss on his cheek "You my dear" before Ric pushed him away, laughing "Get away, you smell", Jeff laughed and made his way back to his lockerroom, hoping he wouldn't come face to face with the security guy, not sure he wouldn't take him apart, but before reaching his locker, a small frame jumped him, pushing him against the wall "Here Hardy, your copy", he tried to push her away a little, making her snarl amused "Afraid sexy?", "No Trish, give me that copy", "Just a sec darling", a camera was put in his face "And now say 'I Jeffrey Nero Hardy, do owe a big one to Trish' and don't forget the date, I need prove", "You're kidding right", "Do you want it or not", Jeff shook his head before starting "I, Jeffrey Nero…", "A sec… Now you can start", "I, Jeffrey Nero Hardy do owe one, a big one to Trish Stratus, as of July 15th 2002… Happy?", the camera was replaced with a disc "Perfect, you can play it on any laptop, no problem, shouldn't it work, come and tell me", "Thank you", he grabbed the disc and pushed her away a little "See you later" and she took of, playing with other discs in her hand "And then they say I'm the crazy one" and hurried to shower and get back to see the Takers match…
When Jeff got out of the shower, after having rushed in and just smiling quickly at the Dudley's, Spike inhaled deeply "You've got a couple of nice bruises Hardy", quickly dressing he shrugged his shoulders "Yup, a couple of new ones too, courtesy of tonight", Bubba started "Yo Jeff, someone went through your stuff… looking for drugs", "I know", "You know?", "Yeah, that's why Flair pulled me along", "Oh ok, well William made sure he'd put everything back as it was, and he annoyed him some, the guy stopped because he couldn't take his comments anymore I think", "You're serious?", "No, I just lie to you by nature, of course it's true", "Hmm, cool", Spike grinning "Regal or his lying", Jeff was done and pulled his tongue out "Both, see ya, want to see the next match", "You go, hey… the film?", Jeff stopped at the door "Tonight, I'll tell you what time", "Watch it, wouldn't want to mess with us", Jeff waved the disc "Here it is, cool guys, you'll have your laughter too" and he took of, running back to the screen they had backstage…
Jeff wasn't the only one glued to the screen, Shawn had brought a chair and gotten comfy behind Jeff, Jeff putting his arms on Shawn's legs and leaning back, Glen having pulled Dave there too, in order to bring a smile back on his face and staying alone in the catering area would have bored Phil so he too had found the way there with a chair and got down next to Shawn "You behave or I swear I'll kill you", "No problem", Shawn was busy busting Jeff's hair, knoting strains "Shawn, you don't know how to do that", "Who cares", "I do, it's my hair", the action in the ring took their attention again, and they all counted loud as Mark was pinning Rob "Yes… Cool match", Shawn slapping Jeff's head "Oh yes… Seriously cool, they still have it", "Don't have them hear you Michaels", Hunter got down on Shawn's other side, but seeing what was happening in the ring made him jump up again "Ho… Lesnar just got the Taker down", if Shawn hadn't kept Jeff down he would have bounced up and run to the ring, but he pushed him back down "Cool, I'm sure that was just played", but as Brock came rushing passed them without a look, running off, Mark behind him, raging "Where is he?", "Left that way, Mark?", Hunter tried to keep a distance, seeing him fume with anger "What?", "That not planned?", "NO", "Oh", Jeff got up, but stayed behind too, Mark looked as if he was ready to tear them all apart "I will kill that son of a bitch", Flair standing there at a loss "What was that?", Mark passing him on his way to find Lesnar growling "Betrayal, but I'll make him pay, I swear…", they all stared at the Undertakers leaving frame, a little shaken that someone would have the guts to pull a thing like that on him, until Ric whistled "Well well, that was an interesting unfolding of a even more interesting evening hein guys", Hunter wondering "You mean Bischoff coming back is interesting", "Yes", "Oh", Glen left them, following his brother, knowing noone else could face him right now without serious damage…
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And another chapter done ;-) , the rest of their evening will be coming soon in chapter 24, probably before Saturday, my muse is back hehehehe