Disclaimer: I don't own the guys, nor the WWE, blablabla, blablabla, I don't make money with this, so please don't sue... I spent enough going to your show anyways Mr McMahon :-)

So, finally done, the next chapter hehehe

I just don't get them to get it going, Mark needs some more introspection and "help" hehehe

Well, this one was one though bitch to breed (if you may excuse the language lol), man, what did this chapter annoy me, mainly because of the tape part, jeez, I had no good ideas, and that's why I decided to just leave it like that, unfinished, was a sideplot anyways, I hope you bear with me on that one, I made it up with a first Flashback on why Matt and Jeff are so pissed at each other ;-)

A couple of other things, I scraped the Canada trip since I lost the site with the details *not happy* (I think I screwed that one up, must have been another year yikes), I'll have Jeff stay home, he won't own dogs in this fic, and there's no girlfriend either *nyan*, I just have trouble writing things other than slash lol

There's no indication for the flight time, I don't know the different distances, so please, bear with me on that one ;-)

Well, I hope you'll enjoy reading this chapter, on we go…

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Chapter 25

Mark stared into Ric's eyes, and what he could read there terrified him a little, Ric, besides grinning victoriously, was reading him perfectly well, he pushed him away "Ric, please", "Ah, finally, it dawns…", "Ric", "No, that look you had when he said he wouldn't come with us to Pennsylvania Mark, please, don't tell me you don't miss him already", Mark couldn't believe Ric played that game now, he didn't remember looking any differently at Jeff at that moment, and he couldn't care less, no that was a lie, he cared, but he wasn't about to show or admit that "It's got nothing to do with that", Ric sighed dramatically "Oh no, please Mark, don't go back to the denial", Mark decided playing it in Ric's manner, and perhaps admitting something would get the Nature Boy of his back "I don't deny that there's something Ric, ok", Mark put his head in his hands, worst case scenarios popping up "Something weird even, something I don't understand, but I swear to you, I just don't want him alone at home, that's all, with all the crap he ingests, who knows what state he'll be in for Vengeance", there was a chuckle, Ric not ready to believe the crap his friend was serving him "Of course Mark", they stared each other down "Mark, it would be so easy just to admit you know"

Mark shook his head "Why don't you understand I can't do that…", Ric came and stopped next to him, putting his hand on his shoulder "Because I know that denying it only makes you bitter and angry Mark, and you'll end up suffering the loss of something you didn't even taste, which will make you feel even worse… What can happen?", Mark stared at him not moving "What can happen? Do you seriously have to ask…", Ric was wondering what his friend was hinting at "Yes, because I don't understand you, there's this cute young man who's interested in you, and you keep denying that you'd enjoy screwing him senseless, Mark, you won't turn gay by sleeping with him you know", Mark shook his head, pulling a semi-disgusted face and poked Ric back a little "It's not that Flair", and Ric still didn't understand why Mark tried so hard not to give in "Then what, please, enlighten me because you've got me lost here", it was so low Ric wondered if he had heard right "I don't want to make him suffer Ric, the kid's fuck up enough as it is", he looked at Mark "And playing around doesn't make him suffer? Remember Shawn", Mark snapped "Don't go there", Ric wasn't about to let go "And why not? You just make the same mistake twice, it's kinda funny how fate serves you the same situation on a platter a second time and that you just go on and react like a big moron", "No I don't and stop, it's not the same Ric, Shawn didn't drool over me", Ric couldn't but grin "Not as much as Jeff does no, but he would have sold his soul for you", Mark looked at him with a funny look, and decided to change his approach of the problem "And how do you know Jeff would be interested in me?"

Shawn had hurried after Jeff and caught up with him in time to throw himself into the elevator "Puh, now that was close", he had literally made a flight, and was grabbing Jeff's shirt to get up, who was shoving him back "You are nuts Shawn", "No, did you see Ric take Mark outside?", "No", "Well he did", "So what you're saying?", "Well, don't you find that weird, I'm sure it's about you", "WHAT?", Shawn grinned "Oh come on, don't tell me you don't notice how Mark's looking at you", "No I don't" Jeff was so chocked that he didn't even think of asking what Ric taking Mark outside had to do with him, Shawn continued "Well then perhaps how you're looking at him", Jeff was blushing, even if he tried very hard not to, but it just happened, that warm feeling filling him again "I don't know what you're talking about", "No, of course not, but you like him", Jeff couldn't look at Shawn anymore, his glance on the elevator door mumbling "Soooo", "So, do you want to…" Shawn was still grinning evily as he added "… conclude with him", "What?", "Oh please, do you want to fuck him or get fucked or whatever", Jeff gasped "Shawn…", "What, do you or don't you?", "I… I…", "Uuuh, you want to ha", Shawn hugged him, whispering in his ear "At least with you he'll finally have the balls to do it, I never got him to", "Shawn, please, I… Jeez, it's embarrassing enough without you talking about it like that", "No, it's only normal, I mean, look at him"

Jeff sighed, there was no use in denying he liked Mark, a lot, an awful lot, but as to jump into bed with him, that was another matter, it was about respect, not about sex, even if every touch from the Deadman made his senses go crazy, he shook his head eyeing Shawn amused "Ok, it stays between us, yes I'm attracted, hell I've been since I first lay an eye on him, and I was pretty young back then, he's a great guy, how not to be attracted by him", Shawn chuckled "So basically, you're a ringrat", Jeff laughed "Very funny Shawn, very funny…", laughing Jeff smacked Shawn on the head, before adding "No seriously, I just want to see respect and admiration in his eyes… So what makes you think with me he would Shawn", "The way he looks at you, and the way he treats you, you can do whatever you like, he doesn't kill you", "Oh right, and that makes you think he would sleep with me, great, I just think he tolerates me, perhaps likes me a little too, but nothing more", Shawn pushed Jeff out, following him, he wasn't done with the subject "Yes, he looks so sweetly at you", "You're nuts Shawn", "No, I'm not, I saw him look at you, man was drooling what he did", "You've lost it, it's just our match that made him see me differently, and I'm just riding that wave, nothing more Michaels"

Outside, Ric was smoking a cigarette, sitting down on a bench, laughing at the pacing Mark in front of him, who stared at him waiting for an answer, it was all too funny in Flair's eyes "Oh Mark please, he blushes when he looks at you for too long, not to mention when you look at him, when you pass him, he relaxes and closes his eyes, it's in his eyes mostly…" and for the amusement added "and it's in your eyes too", Mark shook his head "That's bull Ric", "No, it's not, and just admit it to yourself… and me of course… And then you can start working on it… You don't have to ask him to marry you, just get closer to him… Look, I even repeat myself just for you, your brother didn't have any problem seeing that Dave was just as attracted in him as he was, and bang… Now they hang together all the time and both reek serenity and peace, why can't you indulge in something that exquisit", Mark had to chuckle "I hope you listen to yourself Ric, please, Glen is a different matter, an all together very different matter, he's… well he's different that's all", "That's what I have been saying, with you and Jeff feelings are involved" Ric grinned selfassured and cocky, making Mark growl "Oh please, no, there are not, I just admire his achievements Ric, and I want to make sure he keeps it clean and stays on the right track", "You were admitting that like two minutes ago Mark", "But…" oh yes, many things were dawning to Mark, and yes, maybe if he thought about it, he could feel something deeper, but that was friendship, only friendship "it's friendship, I want to take care of him", "And hug him at night, putting hairstrains back when they fall in his face" Ric was grinning as he continued "massaging his back every night, what else is there?"

Mark got down in front of him "Shut up Flair, why does torturing me amuse you that much", "It doesn't, I understand you're confused, but denying it won't make it better, and you can't tell me that you don't enjoy caring for him, giving him massages" and just for fun added "watch him sleep", he got yanked up and a nice headlock was placed on him, Mark draging him along, not caring for the look Vince, who had gotten back from his dinner with Terri, Regal and Bischoff, gave him, leading Ric to joke "Let's move quickly, I don't want to have him on my ass", "I don't care, it's your fault", "As with Dave and Shawn, and yet there's a tape", "Yeah, what was that about", "You'll see, your roomie ain't dumb, he's got connections", "Yeah, for drugs too, so thank you for reminding me", Ric detached himself "Mark, he's making puppy mistakes, relax", "No, sorry, with Shawn it was cool too until he…", "Yeah, I know, but with Shawn nobody watched this closely, so, relax a little", Terri and Regal had caught up with them and William, not even knowing what they were talking about repeated "Yes Mark, relax a little", Mark turned, slightly annoyed "Why is it that one can not have a private conversation with you people around", "Oh, chill man", Terri pushed them in the elevator "Let's go before Vince catches up with us", "Good idea, so guys coming for the tape too?", "What tape? And of course", Ric laughed "You'll see it'll be great", Mark pushed the button of his floor "I need to get my stuff to my room, I'll be there in a sec Ric", "No problem, we'll go and wait for you to start"

Shawn wasn't leaving Jeff's side, and not shutting for the matter "Jeff, oh come on, you can't tell me that you've thought about how nice it would be to kiss him, be held by him, protected", "Did that already", well at least he got Shawn quiet, who stared at him in disbelief, shaking his head and trying to find his voice back "You're serious?", "Yes", "How", Jeff was still a little amused under all of his embarrassment he felt "Well, we put our lips together and…", Shawn chuckled, interrupting him "Yeah I know how kissing works Jeff… When… And details please", "A couple of days back, as for the details, screw you", Jeff's cheeks couldn't possibly blush more "Wow, not bad, see, I told you he had feelings for you", "It was in the moment Shawn, he didn't do it again after", Shawn was still staring at him, between amusement and amazement "So he initialised it", "No, I don't know, I was sleeping in his bed and it just happened", Shawn grinned stupidly, letting the words slip sweetly "You slept in his bed… And he kissed you", "That's what I… Nothing happened Shawn", "But you would have loved it", "Shawn", "Yeah, I get you, you're shy", "I'm not…", "Yes you are" Shawn sat down on the bed, a large goofy grin on his face "If I were you I'd try to seduce him tonight", "I think you lost it", to Michaels it all made perfectly sense "No, you won't see him for a couple of days, what better than to smell like him", "I do take showers Shawn", "You understand what I mean", "No, seriously, I don't, and I don't want to screw him… And this sort of friendship that is…", Jeff wondered what word to use, just shook his head and got his laptop and the disc "Let's move, you're making me go crazy", Mark got to his room, finding the door wide open and stopped at the door looking at them "Thought you were already crazy kid"

Jeff was lucky he wasn't facing the door because his reaction was priceless, Shawn thought he'd faint on him, every color drained from the younger Hardy's face as his eyes were shaded by fear, staring with panic at him like that, Shawn couldn't but laugh, looking at Mark "Mark, you scared us here", "Then close the door next time" Mark, oblivious to the reaction for now, got in, and put his bag next to his bed, looking at Jeff and frowning "You're ok?", "How long you've been standing there", "Not long enough judging by the look on your face Jeff", Jeff thought his heartbeat could be heard all through the hotel, Mark was at a loss, what could have spooked him like that, he looked from Shawn to Jeff and back "Ok, spill it boys, what's been going on", Shawn shrugged his shoulders "Nothing, we were talking, that's all", "Right, that's why you both have that look on your face", Shawn stretched on his bed "Relax Taker", Jeff was glad he had something in his hands he could put his attention too "Just came here to get everything", "Doesn't explain your looks boys", in Mark's mind they had been talking about drugs, or worse, even though he just couldn't come up with what would be worse in their case, but since neither of them wanted to tell him, he'd have to find out differently, and later, he could feel the awkwardness of the situation, Jeff had gone from blushed to pale to blushing again, Shawn was grinning way to stupidly for his taste "Ok, so let's go, before I'll make you tell me what was going on", Shawn got up "Oh you wouldn't dare", Mark looked at him "That something you wanna bet on?", "No", "Then move it"

Hunter looked at the arriving men, and seeing Mark's face, he let out a long sigh "What now, Michaels…", he somehow felt like a parent picking up his child at the neighbour's and being announced that the-said child had broken the antique chinese vase that was priceless, and knowing Shawn, and seeing Mark glare somewhat, something had to have happened, besides Brock's earlier intervention on Mark's good mood "What have you done or said this time", Shawn looked at his friend speechless "Please what? I've just been with Jeff picking up the laptop, what are you talking about", Hunter turned towards Mark "What happened", Mark looked at him, shaking his head "Just for once nothing", "Uh, your eyes tell a different story", "Listen, between you, Ric and those two idiots, oh yes and Lesnar I've had enough shit with all of you today, so Hunter, get down and shut up, those two didn't want to tell me what they were talking about that's all, Ric annoyed me beyond belief, how do you want me to look merry with all that crap", Hunter look at him "oh ok, sorry", Shawn shook his head, pulling a played pouting face "I'm no idiot..", getting only an answer from Jeff "Then come and help me connect the laptop", Jeff started connecting the laptop to the tv, Shawn's only help being his entertainment, he was laughing his ass off "Can the laughter start? Cause guys I swear, it was good"

Dave let out a groan, the memory still very fresh in his mind "It was humiliating, annoying and very degrading… And you were the reason for it… So why don't you tell them what you did to provoke the incident", Shawn grinned sheepishly "I glided over the table to the floor…" he started jumping through the room like a ballerina "… gracefully… Because you pushed me", Ric announced "What about watching it, instead of hearing from it or", he made a hand gesture towards Shawn and played a disgusted face "…or from that", as he got down on his couch, pushing Dave a little to get comfortable and by the same time pushing him into Glen, who mumbled "Ric, there's not that much space here", Ric wasn't about to let go of what seemed the best spot, next to the refrigerator and the window, and no-one was gonna chase him from there "Well then move, it's my room, I sit where I want" and he made a mental note not to invite everybody next time, his room was way overcrowded, Glen muttered "I didn't say you couldn't", "Good Glen, then why are we discussing it"

As their little discussion went on, Jeff was looking for a place to sit, best far from Mark, especially after Shawn's little speech, but he didn't find any that wouldn't rouse suspicions, so he went down before Mark sitting on the floor between his legs, mumbling an apology "Sorry Mark, cable only reaches 'till here, and I want to check with the computer since many want copies", and to Jeff it didn't even sound like a lie, it was logical, nearly too logical, and when Shawn handed him the empty discs he finally relaxed a little, there was nothing wrong with sitting there, just why was it suddenly feeling differently and why did both Shawn and Flair look at him like that…

And he wasn't the only one confused, Ric wondered why Jeff looked so in thoughts, why Shawn was grinning like that, why Mark, well Mark, he had figured that out, he just didn't know how to react with Jeff, as to Mark he sat there and wondered why Jeff had felt compelled to explain to him why he sat there, but dismissed it quickly as he saw Ric's eyes linger on him "Pass the bottle Flair… And don't look like that", Ric tossed a Whiskey bottle over "Sorry, I'm running low on glasses", "I need more than a glass", "Oh Mark" Ric watched his friend take a huge sip, before putting the bottle down "Don't get drunk", he got a glare "Mind your own business", Mark was annoyed, that was the least to say, and feeling Jeff getting very comfortable between his legs, arms on his legs he didn't get merrier, especially the look he got from Ric who seemed glued on him with his eyes, a sweet smile on his lips as he asked "Jeff… We're ready to start kid"

And what could be seen was hilarious, Shawn was lying on the floor, giggling, as one could see Vince hoovering over a very annoyed Batista, who had to endure screeching straight into his ears "You're an animal, how dare you act like that… You're not in the ring here, nor in the wild", Vince waved before Dave's eyes, which prompted a reaction, Vince's hand went flying back, there was only a shrugging of the shoulders, a comment "So strong… Slapped that hand away like a fly" and one could see, as the zoom went to Vince's face that he was absolutely furious, red and glaring like a madman which made the whole audience laugh their asses of at their boss, everybody had been faced with that expression on Vince's face at one time or another, but seeing it actually like that just was a hundred times more fun…

Dave had to chuckle knowing what would follow, a pityful attempt of Shawn to get up, taken back by another wave of laughter and the camera moving from the contorsions Shawn was making to Dave's neck, his dry comment echoing "But I'm the animal, all right Vince, I get you, he gets to play monkey and I'm being called names", there was a sneer from Vince but the camera captured Glen who had a lot of trouble of staying impassible, eyes blocked on the chessboard, playing with his king, "You are all animals… But the noises from your room at night Batista… They frighten even me", a soft chuckle could be heard and the camera moved over to Phil, zooming on him as Vince continued "You haven't chosen the Animal as a ring name for nothing…", as the sound of a chair being moved violently could be heard there was a comment that made everybody laugh coming from Trish, camera still zooming on Phil "Now there's a cutie", very low and then there was Vince's voice again "Just don't make people know it's a reference to your sex life", Phil was glad Vince had choosen the subject sex as it caught everybody's attention, he was more than embarrassed, cheeks flushed, and sighed with relief as the camera went back on Vince, who had moved and started kicking Shawn to get him up, who, moved very quickly and in a very funny manner over to throw himself next to Phil, dramatically sighing, one hand on his forehead "Puh, I survived him", Vince banged on the table, "I can change that… I want you people to behave like humans… But that's too much to ask from someone as primitive as you all, one day… one day of peace… but no", there was a loud laughter that exploded, and the camera quickly zoomed to Glen who had to move the chair back, head buried in his hands, it had more been the tone Vince had employed, going from his usual "I yell so I frighten", to a shrieky voice that could hurt the hearing-sensitive to go very deep on the last words…

Chessfigures went flying, a mumbling clearly and correctly identified by the audience as Dave's "Now that's what I call civilised…", and then came another voice full of laughter, which was Glen's "…and evolved…", of course it didn't take long before Vince was screaming again, "I wonder if you are human at all you idiots, I am civilised, you are the ones that can't behave, you're making fools of yourselves wherever you go, and of this company", Vince was starting to cough, losing his voice, fact that not only amused the audience, but also those on the tape, as Shawn was heard laughing again loudly and suggesting "Boss, you should stop yelling, you'll never make it as a Rockstar, don't have the voice for"

A little later Jeff turned off his computer, grinning at Flair, one arm on Mark's leg and chin nicely put on his knee "And?", "Vince was just being Vince, absolutely hilarious", he laughed very amused, looking at Dave "Wasn't that bad was it", "Was funny, but not during the moment", Glen adding "Oh no, it was funny in live too Dave", he got a wicked smile as response that send shivers down his spine "You wait later, I'll show you funny", the two men started slapping each other playfully, Ric getting up quickly and moving away "Guys behave or get a room", Jeff laughing from his comfortable place, he hadn't moved an inch "They have a room, but a little show ain't that bad either, right", Mark slapped him on the head "Don't you dribble on my leg kid", making Ric grin "Uh, don't tempt me to say something now Mark", "Ric… Anyways.. I'm going to bed"

He missed the very cute gaze he got from Jeff, still not ready to move away, and now pushing the leg down and pouting "Don't, I'm comfy here Mark" and Shawn of course helping the younger Hardy "Yeah, stay… It's still early… We could go clubbing", there was some movement a little everywhere in the room "Oh yeah guys", "No", their heads turned toward Ric "Let's stay here a little more, no clubbing 'till tomorrow morning, we all have planes to catch", "And time to rest too you know", checking through the bottles, Ric sighed a little "Well, I'm not coming and I'm not tired, so what about we head downstairs to the bar", there was another deep sigh, from Mark this time "And getting booze and staying here is out of question?", Ric happily smiling, avoiding to tease him about why he wanted to stay upstairs, well Jeff was so nicely wrapped around his knee and leg that Ric could easily understand his friend, and for once he just didn't say anything "Would be perfect of course", Hunter was the first getting up and taking a notepad and a pencil of the table he looked at them "Well, what do we need?", Shawn and Jeff simultaniously screeching "Rainbow Shots man, a couple of platters full please", they high-fived eachother, but Jeff's playful mode was stalted by a hand starting to mess with his hair before coming to rest on his neck, thumb slowly tracing a circle which made him shiver slightly, before looking at Mark and smiling at him "And Whiskey… Mark doesn't like Vodka", Hunter shook his head "That meaning both Whiskey and Vodka kid?", "Yup, for once you're catching fast Hunter", Mark smiled back, mumbling a thank you, before dwelling in thoughts, hand still on Jeff's neck and not stopping to caress, Jeff putting his cheek down on his leg and stared before him, catching Ric's sympathetic smile as the Nature Boy went down again, the blue eyes nothing but kind and soothing his fears and doubts…

Hunter had ignored Jeff's comment, and after having everything down, handed the notepad to Shawn "Now move your silly ass", Shawn jumping up and getting it "Can't carry it alone, can't we play superstars and have it brought up…On Vince's bill?", there was a general laughter, Terri getting up "Oh it will be on his bill don't you worry, and if someone else moves it, I'll help too", Dave got up "I'm coming, need to move my legs", earning himself another general laughter before Chris joined them "Well, we'll get you that guys…"

Ric tried very hard not to look at Mark who was still eyes half-closed and busy making Jeff nearly purr, it was too sweet for their own good, and as Glen looked over he chuckled and before Ric could stop him teased his brother "How cute, how very cute you two", Jeff just blinked at him, grinning, Mark ignoring him altogether, he was too good like that to even think about killing his brother at that moment or cross Ric's eyes, he just enjoyed the quiet in the room and the heat source on his leg, mind drifting off to his earlier discussion with Ric, the way he felt now, like that, sure made him wonder if he wasn't in denial, then again, he wasn't aroused or wanted to fuck the kid silly, so it wasn't like he wanted to sleep with the younger Hardy, no, it was just very comfortable like that, with his head on his leg and the little moans of pleasure he was making as Mark's hand started knotting his shoulder, it was just… Yeah, what was it? He couldn't pinpoint his exact feelings on it, it was very nice, and that was it, Mark let out a sigh and straightened a little, continuing his little massage "You're tense kid", "My muscles are, but I have the feeling that when you're finished I'll be feeling all peachy", Mark smiled briefly at his words, immediately glaring at his brother not to voice anything now, but Glen was busy staring at Jeff and grinning, he just pretended closing his mouth with an imaginary key and looked at Ric, who was looking very happy, murmuring to Glen, very low "Seems they are getting closer ha", "Hmm, yeah, but won't last, you know my brother", "Then we'll have to help it a little", "Got any idea?", Mark had moved his head at the whispering duo, "What are you guys plotting", "Nothing", "Yeah right Glen, you and Ric are bad news when you look like that", Jeff stretched a little before getting down again "Yeah… Worse than Shawn…", Ric laughed, but couldn't add anything, the door opening and the drinks arriving, everyone had their arms full of bottles, Shawn carrying a tray with the shots…

They all went back to their respective rooms two hours later, Jeff dropping on his bed, too wasted to get undressed and Mark too tired to help him, he too dropped on his bed and closed his eyes, drifting off immediately…

Jeff woke hissing, he had a pounding headache, dryly commented by Mark "You drink too much", "Don't, please", Mark put a glass with water in Jeff's hand and handed him a pill, against his better judgement, he had lain awake most of the night, thinking why it was bothering so much that Jeff was heading home, hell he should be happy for him, but there was this underlining fear that something could happen, and he needed the kid to trust him enough to call him, yeah, to Mark that made perfect sense, paternalization, and the fact that he was so cute upon waking up, with his hair all messed up was just a stupid side-effect of the booze last night, Mark could feel a little Glen and a little Flair sitting on his shoulders, he didn't quite figure which one would be on what side, but sure they'd have something to say about his thoughts as he got dressed and started to pack his belongings…

They made it to the airport without any major happenings, most of the flights around the same time, so they could wait together…

Jeff's plane got called first, and as he got up "Well, have a nice trip guys, see you on Sunday", Mark got up too "Kid listen…" he moved closer and kept his voice low so only they could hear "Here…", he handed Jeff a piece of paper, and as Jeff opened it, it dawned to him what it was, could only be "Your phone number", "Yeah, if you feel like doing something utterly stupid, give me a call first", a headcocking "Only when it's utterly stupid? So stupid is ok?", Mark gave a deep sigh, yeah the kid never stopped, Jeff smiled at him "Don't worry, I won't do anything stupid Taker, but thanx… You've got no idea what this means to me", a chuckle could be heard, Ric Flair getting up "Thousands… Sell it on the net kid… And now shush… Or your plane will be gone", Jeff laughed taking his bags and giving Mark a gaze the Deadman couldn't quite decypher, he headed off, mind spinning like crazy, Mark just had given him his personal cellphone number, one nearly no-one had, and he was worrying, it warmed him to know that there was someone he could learn from and he was there for him… The first thing he did once he sat down was saving the number into his phone, before his gaze went out to the sky, hands still playing with the piece of paper as his plane took off…

On the ground, to plane to Pennsylvania was called out, Mark and some other guys making their way too, leaving Glen and Dave still waiting for their plane to Tennessee, Glen still a lttle amazed Dave had accepted to go with him, and Dave still amazed Glen had asked him, but now they could discuss in all privacy how they wanted to help Jeff and Mark, amongst who would top tonight and what they should have for dinner, both knowing that the two next days would be very interesting and intense…

There was something bugging Mark, but he couldn't pinpoint it until they were high in the air, and he saw Terri walk by "Damn", startling Ric, who had been sitting there, quietly reading a newspaper "Hin what?", Mark was having an upset and very annoyed glare in his eyes as he asked him "Where's Matt?", Ric thought for a second and shrugging his shoulders he said "Left just after Jeff I think", immediately having Mark hoovering over him like a vulture over a rotting corpse "Why didn't you say something", Ric put the paper aside, scratching his forehead "Mark, they are brothers, they need to settle it without us, and what would you have done? Followed them and missed your match?", Mark let out a deep sigh "And Jeff fucking up because of him?", Ric shook his head, patting the Deadman's leg "No Mark, relax, he'll be ok, he's not a toddler anymore, man, you need to get a grip, either admit that you're interested, or shut up, you're starting to go all paranoid", one incident coming the Mark's mind "Well, let me remind you their last encounter Ric", "They won't start a fight in a plane", "And if Matt goes over to Jeff's?", "They'll settle their dispute, dammit Mark, I'll have you put to sleep if you continue", "Your protégé ain't here Ric, so that's very unlikely", Ric grinned widely at Mark "No, he went home with your brother, he at least can admit things… Two days of fun for him, tada…"

There was a loud chuckle and a head popped up before them, Chris Jericho tears in the eyes from laughing silently "You guys should listen to yourselves, you're worse than women, blabla this one, and blabla that one, and this and that…", after gaining some composure, he shook his head "He'll be alright Mark, Matt's a complete ass, but if there's one thing I know, he loves his brother, and his anger just shows right that… So don't worry, Jeff will spend his time painting and writing songs anyways",Mark shook his head "Matt destroyed his guitar", "What do you not know Taker?", Ric stared at him, Mark shrugging his shoulders "We spoke about music and it transpired that his guitar got killed", "You can't kill guitars Mark", Chris wished he hadn't said that as he got a dangerous glare "Sorry, just saying, Ric's right, you know stuff man, wow… He'll get a new one and that's it", Ric slapped Mark on the head with the paper he had rolled "Exactly, now relax Mark, please", Mark leaned back, eyes in the sky and thoughts on Jeff and how he was doing…

Jeff had arrived, and headed straight to his place from the airport, glad he had his car there since it occurred to him that he didn't have anything left to eat or drink, so he made a stop at the supermarket before heading home to have some peace of mind… Mind who drifted constantly to Mark, wondering if he was ok and everything, but his thoughts were rapidly taken on another subject, the state of his place, after his fight with Matt he hadn't bothered cleaning up, so the mess before him was quite spectacular, making him sigh in desperation, no, the cleaning could wait. He took the grocery bags to his kitchen and put the stuff away, keeping a beer out as he made his way over to the couch, having to move the rests of his beloveth guitar away before getting down and starting to roll a joint, man he needed some consolation before starting to move his ass…

The second they had their luggage, Mark headed over to Mark Henry, stopping the big man in his tracks "Matt Hardy's phone number… Now", Ric had had trouble following Mark and arrived there when Mark was already launching for Henry's throat who backed down "Ok ok" and started searching for it, handing it over shaking a little bit, Ric shaking too, but his head "Mark, this becomes unbearable to everyone", "I just need Jeff's number, and I don't have it, so I go for the fastest way", "Oh, checking the phonebook wouldn't have been easier?", he got a glare and Mark moved away, wondering what was happening to him, but he wanted to make sure his little brat was ok, he knew the kid wouldn't call without an utter emergency, so why not, he just wanted to make sure, and the excuse coming to him was that Vince had told him to keep the younger Hardy in check, easy, no problem, no nothing, if it wasn't for Flair stepping next to him "You're aware that you're reacting the way you deny you're acting", "You're not making sense", "Why you wanna check on Jeff Mark?", "Vince told me", "Oh yeah, right, ha ha, you're seriously believing your lies?", "Yes", "Good for you", their trip to the hotel went without a kill, Flair deciding to want to room with Mark, who just let out a quick complaint but allowed it, hell Ric would be bothering 'till he'd agree anyways, at least this way he could move quicker to his room and figure what to do…

Meanwhile in Tennessee, Glen and Dave had made it to the ranch, Dave letting out an admirative whistle, Glen merely chuckling darkly "Yeah, can't afford neighbours with the killings I orchestre at night", "Ha ha Glen", "What? You haven't seen my torture chamber", "I don't believe you have one", "You hurt me Dave", they got their bags and made it to the main house, entering and going straight to the room to put their stuff away…

Jeff was feeling like flying, and decided that sitting there would only make him fall asleep, but he wanted to enjoy the serenity that had flowed him, so he started cleaning up, which took him a good two hours, but when he finished he felt really proud, belt lying on a nearly empty table and him wondering what to do next… His guitar was completely broken, and only a look at it made his eyes water, as he remembered that day…

Flashback (a couple of months back)

Matt had tried to get in touch with his brother for three days, so fed up with leaving messages on an answering machine and not being called back he drove over, but had just the same luck with the door, he rung the bell a few times but there was no reaction… Somewhat worried he went around the house and got in over the terrasse, knowing his brother never cared to close that door, and got in, a bad feeling in his stomach pit, crawling up to make the hair on his nack stand and tremble, walking through a pretty messy kitchen he made his way to the living room, and what he saw made his blood freeze, and besides a weak "Jeff?" he couldn't voice anything, he was speechless…

Jeff had been spending his days in one of his favorite fashions, ass on the couch, a multitude of different drugs on the table, trizillion bottles of hard liquor around him and finally enjoying a painless moment, playing his guitar for hours and hours… He knew if his brother would come over he'd have a seizure, but that was only a little problem for his conscience before his personal partying started, once he was high enough, he couldn't care less what somebody would be saying, so hearing that soft "Jeff?" didn't make him freak, merely sigh and turn his head to his brother, a cocky "Oops" grinned in his direction…

Now it could have gone like many times before, Matt stomping off upset, and Jeff getting sober to finally call and apologize, but somehow this time it made Matt stay… And start his lecturing… "I can't believe it… Have you looked at yourself… You're…", as Matt got speechless, he gave Jeff the time to sit up and lay the guitar next to him and lit his joint, shaking his head "High? That the word you looking for? Cause it could apply... Plastered too… Completely wasted and high on inspiration…", now seeing his baby-brother smoke weed wasn't a major issue, Matt did it too from time to time, but seeing all the powders and pills splattered over the table something snapped in the older Hardy "Have you completely lost your mind?" not as much a question as it was a statement, walking closer he had to avoid walking on pizza boxes and other food remains, but his brothers absolute ignorance of the gravity of the situation left him again speechless, he knew Jeff had some problems lately, but being confronted with this he just wanted to beat him sober and carry his ass to rehab…

"Jeff… You can't do this… Seriously, bro, you need help", Jeff raised his hand to make him stop a second as he bended and snorted a coke-line the length of the border between the States and Canada, on his whole length that was, and Matt just approached Jeff and slapped him across the face "You're destroying everything", holding his cheek and getting up, glaring at his brother, Jeff laughed "No, that line wasn't part of a masterpiece, it was just there alone, waiting for me… Now taking one of the pills would have destroyed the artwork, not that line", Matt was at a loss of what to do, and against his better judgement continued, he was heated and really wanted to beat his brother to a pulp "You destroying your career, everything… Your life", "Buhu", "What buhu… Wrestling is our life Jeff, why are you so inclined on getting fired", "Maybe because it always was your dream, not mine", Matt couldn't believe what he was hearing "Excuse me?", "Yeah I excuse you, just leave, you're sucking my inspiration away", "I won't leave", "Oh, as you wish", Jeff got back down, and took his guitar, joint between his lips and closed his eyes, starting to play again…

After looking at his brother for a couple of moments, Matt got behind the couch he was on and grabbed the guitar away, putting it aside "You're gonna listen to me", "Get out Matt, I'm serious… You make me sick, you and your stupid wrestling wrestling wrestling… There's people on this earth who enjoy doing other things too, so why don't you let me enjoy my few days off", "Cause you're seriously fucked up bro", "Uh, and don't you think that maybe I just don't care", "Well I do", "No you don't, all you care for is for me to act like you want it, and wrestle the way you tell me, I'm fed up with you and your shit", "Are you listening to yourself", "Yeah, at least I do listen to myself, since you so nicely ignore my pledge for you to move your stupid ass out of my place", Matt was moving around the couch, his mind made up to pulling his brother under the shower, maybe some cold water could help him reasoning normally again, but Jeff was worked up now too and got up, pushing Matt back "Screw you… Screw you and Wrestling… You know what… I quit… I fucking quit… You can play the idiot in the ring without me from now on", Matt was absolutely furious by then, and grabbed his brother harshly, fist connecting with his face "You son of a bitch", "Watch it, you're one too then", Jeff tried to fight back, but Matt, in order to get him to let go of his hair that his younger brother was pulling violently did just the same and hit his head against the table, kicking him in the ribs while massaging his scalp "You're an ungrateful bastard Jeff", "Screw you" Jeff kicked him and got up, and with that a short brawl started, until Matt moved back and grabbed the guitar, an evil and angry glare on his face "Well screw you little brother" and he slammed the guitar first on the floor, breaking it and then, a real rage inside, slapped Jeff with it, the cords cutting him on the arm he raised to protect himself…

Matt threw the now completely broken guitar against the wall, knocking down one of Jeff's favorite paintings too, Jeff throwing a bottle at him "I'll kill you", "Don't bother, I'm out of here asshole", "I never want to see again" another bottle collided next to Matt's head against the doorframe, Matt just turning and spitting "You're a nobody, without me you'll be nothing… Nothing…", he slammed the door, oblivious to his breaking down brother as he got in his car and drove off…

End of flashback

Jeff had started silently crying as he was remembering, shaking a little too and his respiration not regular anymore, he emptied the bottle and got up to get a new one, wondering if he should call Mark right now, but only scolding himself, Mark would think of him as weak and pathetic, and it was enough that his brother and his friends were knowing that, he didn't need Mark to find out too…

Little did he know that Mark would have been very happy if he had called, he was pacing under Ric's amused, yet annoyed glare "Mark, stop it", "I sense that something is wrong Ric", "Nothing is wrong, the kid is safely home", "Ric…", "Ok, so your gut tells you something is wrong, but I urge you to reconsider calling Matt", "Why", "He will mock you", "Oh no", "Oh yes, I can't see him giving you Jeff's number", "And how do I get it?", "Not at all", "What are you saying", "Leave the kid alone, he'll call you if he needs your help", "Not so sure", "Mark please, it's only a couple of days, he's a grown up guy", "Ok… Whatever", "Thank you" Ric was glad the subject was over as he pulled Mark out of their room "Let's go and have lunch Mark"

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I first thought Batista wasn't on the Smackdown show in Pennsylvania and started writing, to notice later that he was on, so I changed the trip to Tennessee a little but still kept it going…

Hope you liked it anyways, please Review :-)

Chapter 26 is already nearly finished, was a lot easier than this one hehehe