Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.
Chapter 9
Scott yelped in surprise as his braids were pulled back hard and the next moment, he was sent crashing to the bins lining opposite the wall. He didn't have time to recover before a bin lid slammed hard against his face, breaking his nose on impact. He fell to the ground, blood gushing out from his nostrils, making it difficult to breathe. Pinching his nostrils to try and stop the blood flow, Scott opened his mouth to breathe but he wasn't given any respite. His attacker kicked viciously at his ribs and he screamed with pain, feeling a couple of ribs cracked. One last kick connected with his exposed groin and he doubled over, hissing in pain. But, his attacker wasn't done with him yet. The contents of a trash bin were dumped over his head before it was slammed against the side of his skull, knocking him out cold.
Adam stood over him, wild-eyed and breathing out harshly. He threw the bin aside and hissed at the crumpled figure, "You piece of trash, I should have taken care of you back then! Lets see you get it up from that!"
He turned his attention to Jeff, who was cowering against the wall, shaking like a leaf. Crouching down beside him, he asked anxiously, "He didn't hurt you, did he?"
The North Carolinian opened his mouth, trying to speak but nothing came out. Adam watched him battle with his emotions. Finally, a choked sob escaped him and he burst into tears, crying brokenly. Adam reached out and took him into his arms, feeling the anguished sobs wracked the small frame.
"I took care of him, he won't hurt you anymore!" Adam reassured him in a grim voice.
"Jeff!" Adam looked up as Matt, Randy and the others rushed out. Reluctantly, he relinquished Jeff to his brother who gathered him protectively in his arms. He got up and stood to one side as Matt fussed over his baby brother. Randy looked on anxiously, waiting for Jeff to calm down.
John glanced over at the crumpled figure of Scott and muttered, "Son of a bitch just wouldn't leave him alone!"
"He was about to rape him!" Adam hissed angrily. He watched as Randy got up silently and approached the unconscious figure in a predator-like manner. The only tell-tale signs that he was fuming were the protruding veins on his temples which throbbed visibly and his clenched fists. Without warning, he delivered a vicious kick at the man's temple, sending him toppling over on his back. The slight rise and fall of his chest was the only indication that he was still alive.
Carlito fidgeted nervously and asked, "Shouldn't we call an ambulance? He's bleeding profusely, he could die."
"Let the bastard die!" Randy snapped before turning on his heels and returning to crouch beside Jeff. To his surprise and relief, Matt handed Jeff to him before getting up to face Adam.
"You always pop up in the right place at the right time. What the fuck are you up to, Copeland?" he demanded to know.
"Matt, he saved Jeff," Chris reminded him, putting a hand on his shoulder to placate him.
"I know that! I want to know why he's following my brother around! Well?" Matt waited, not taking his eyes off Adam. He was searching his face for some indication.
Adam was made aware that every single one of them was looking to him for an explanation, except for Jeff who had his face buried in Randy's chest. He had stopped crying. There was distrust in their eyes. Even Chris was looking at him warily. A part of him wanted to lash out at Matt for his ingratitude but he knew that he had every right to doubt his motives. He couldn't admit he was following Jeff, so he made do with what came close to the truth.
"I really want to make it up to you for the wrong I'd done you. I followed you here, hoping to get one last chance to talk to you before you head back tomorrow. I was hanging around up front when I saw Scott and his friends enter the building. I waited for a while and when none of you came out, I decided to go round the back and check. I got there just in time to stop him from hurting Jeff."
It was the truth except for the part of trying to speak to Matt again. He knew it was a hopeless cause trying to get Matt to come around. He had actually intended to wait till Matt leave before attempting to talk to Jeff but something nagged at him and he had turned back. He saw Randy following them in his car and decided to stick around to see if he had better luck getting through Matt to allow him to see Jeff. When Randy didn't come out and Scott turned up, he knew there was going to be trouble. He got fed up with waiting and had gone round to the back, hoping to sneak in but caught Scott trying to rape Jeff instead.
Matt stared at him and Adam saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He waited with abated breath, praying that Matt would believe him. Regardless of the harsh words exchanged, he really wanted to be friends again. His conscience had been eating at him for all the wrong he did. He just wanted to make it up to them, although with Jeff, it was going to take more than that. He had taken something precious from him, his virginity and trust. The former couldn't be replaced but the latter could be earned. Adam swore he would do anything to gain Jeff's trust again. That would be his first step. He would then progress to show him how much he meant to him. He had been such a fool to give him up. If he had persisted, Jeff wouldn't have suffered in Scott's hands.
Matt finally spoke. "I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt" he said gruffly and turned back to help Jeff to his feet, with Randy supporting him on the other side. Everyone wore grim looks. Another night of revelry had gone bad. The only consolation was that Scott's friends had given it their all but they were no match for them. Cena was good with his fists and Randy had been vicious with his RKOs which knocked them out completely senseless. Between the two, they took out four of the six guys, excluding Scott. The group picked their way through the dark alley to the front.
"Lets get Jeff back to the hotel," Randy said as he unlocked his vehicle and helped Jeff to sit in the back. Matt was just about to get into the front passenger seat when he stopped and said two simple words to Adam, "Thank you."
Adam smiled his acknowledgement, a warm feeling washing over him. It was a beginning.
Shannon called out to Matt, "I'll see you later, Matt. Take care of Jeff." It was his last night out and he wanted to stay out longer with Carlito. He knew that Jeff was in good hands.
Matt nodded and climbed in. Cena and Morrison joined Jeff at the back. Chris leaned down and handed over his room key to Matt, "I'll catch up with you guys later. I want to talk to Adam."
Matt took it from him and nodded. Randy started the vehicle and drove off. At the back, Cena wrapped his arm around Jeff, letting him rest against him. Randy didn't read too much into it. Jeff needed someone to hold him after his traumatic encounter with Scott, although he would have preferred it was himself doing the comforting.
"I don't understand what's going on. Why is this happening to Jeff?" Matt suddenly spoke up.
"Charge Scott in court and put him behind bars. Jeff's problems will be over then," Cena said firmly.
Jeff shifted in his arms and broke his silence, speaking waveringly, "I would have to testify against him. I don't know if I can do it."
"You have us for support. We're behind you every step of the way, Jeff. You have nothing to fear," Randy assured him.
"Taking him to court will end our problems but that's not the only issue," Matt said. Besides Jeff's fears of public scrutiny, there was another major obstacle that stood in their way.
"What is it?" Morrison asked in a puzzled tone.
"Scott will fight it and it's going to get ugly. The press is going to blow it up. And seriously, I doubt Vince would even let this go public. I don't see him letting Jeff press charges. He's bound by his contract not to get involved in any legal issues while he's under WWE employment."
"This is bullshit!" Randy spat out angrily. "We can't just let that bastard get away with it! He'll just come back and try again!" Jeff buried his face against Cena's chest and whimpered with fear. The thought of Scott coming for him again freaked him out.
Cena squeezed him gently to reassure him, yet thinking furiously. There must be a way to help Jeff. He finally said, "Matt is right. Jeff won't be allowed to press charges but it's not as if our hands are tied. Adam witnessed the attack. His testimony is enough to put a restraining order on Scott. We can do this without a public court hearing. The press won't get a handle on it," Cena informed them.
Matt's eyes lit up. "You know, that's a brilliant idea! At least, we can do something to stop Scott from coming anywhere near Jeff. If he does and gets caught, he goes to jail, no questions asked." Smiling at Cena, he said "I'm glad Jeff has you guys to turn to. I rest easier knowing you have his back. Thanks for all your help!"
"We're glad to be of help. But, we're going to need Adam's testimony to kick things into gear," Cena reminded him.
Matt sighed and nodded, "I know. I'll talk to him later. I don't trust him but I owe him. He saved Jeff twice in two days."
Randy stayed quiet. His eyes were on the road but he was thinking rapidly. He got a feeling that Adam was going to get his chance to get close to Jeff. He couldn't warn Matt as he would only give himself away. He would have to admit that he was in cahoots with Adam in keeping the brothers apart. If he was found out, his chance with Jeff was blown! He couldn't see any way out except to keep mum and let things run their course. He would just have to keep his eye on Adam and stop him from trying anything funny.
Randy dropped them outside the hotel and parked his vehicle. He hurried into the hotel to hear them make last minute rooming arrangements in the lobby. Jeff saw him approaching and went to meet him. Randy smiled as he wrapped his arm around him, letting him rest against him. With a soft sigh, Jeff's eyes fluttered shut. The day's events had taken a toll on him.
Matt would have preferred to keep his brother with him for the night but he had to fly off early the following morning and didn't want to wake Jeff up and move him about. In any case, he had to stay up and wait for Adam. He needed to discuss with him about giving his testimony to put up a restraining order against Scott. Randy asked if he could stay with Jeff instead but Matt had other plans. The original plan was for Chris to room with Jeff but Matt wanted his brother to feel comfortable with his roommate.
He turned to Cena and said, "I hear that you prefer to room by yourself. I know I'm imposing but do you mind rooming with Jeff? He feels comfortable with you."
Randy blanched. What the hell! Matt didn't trust him to watch Jeff! He bristled at that fact.
Inwardly, Cena was ecstatic but he spoke with calm composure, "Not at all. I'm glad to room with Jeff. It gets quite lonesome at times with nobody to talk to. I chose to stay by myself because I like to stay up late and my previous roomies hated it when the lights stayed on," he explained. "I hope Jeff won't mind."
"Jeff sleeps even with the lights on. It won't bother him," Matt informed him with a grin. He looked over at his brother and realized he had fallen asleep against Randy, who was holding him up.
"Come on, lets get you to bed," he said fondly as he moved and lifted his brother into his arms. Jeff immediately nuzzled against him, eyes still closed. The group made their way to the lift and got off at Cena's floor.
Morrison couldn't help feeling sorry for Randy at the moment but he knew that by tomorrow with Matt gone, Randy would go back to room with Jeff. Randy would just have to bear with it for just one more night. He stopped in front of his room and bade everyone good night, wishing Matt a safe trip back to Chicago.
Matt nodded and said, "Keep in touch, you have my number."
Morrison smiled, "I will" he said before disappearing into his room. He doubted that Carlito would be back. He was going to bring his little Shannon to a nice quiet place, probably the beach, and stay with him till the sun comes up. His roommate was besotted with the cherubic, outspoken North Carolinian. Morrison couldn't help chuckling to himself. What was it with these cute green-eyed blondes that came from a small town that had barely 160 people living in it? They had the ability to capture hearts easily.
Cena reached his room and unlocked the door, pushing it wide open to let Matt carry his brother in. Matt stopped short, uncertainty showing on his face. Cena had a double bed in his room. That was going to prove a problem.
Randy who was behind him, spluttered in protest, "No way! You can't be sharing the bed! It's … it's not right!"
Cena shook his head, "I know what you're thinking but I'm not going to take advantage of Jeff. If it makes you comfortable, I'll sleep on the floor then."
His offer eased Matt's mind. He didn't know why but his instincts told him he could trust Cena. He laid Jeff on the bed, who curled up on his side, oblivious that his lover was majorly upset with the arrangement.
Matt removed his shoes and said, "I'll come back with his bag in a while and get him changed." He bent to press a kiss on his brother's cheek and straighten up to face Cena, "Thanks John. I really appreciate what you're doing."
"Don't worry about it, Matt. Rest assured, I'll keep my eye on him. Restraining order or not, I'll make sure Scott doesn't get anywhere near Jeff. You have my word on it!" Cena promised.
"Thanks again. Let me give you my number so that we can keep in touch."
Randy quickly bent to kiss Jeff while Matt was busy keying in Cena's number into his phone directory. He looked up when Matt cleared his throat, waiting for him to leave with him. Sighing, he joined him at the door and glanced one more time at Jeff before following Matt out. He stopped and turned abruptly to Cena behind him, "Keep your hands to yourself, you hear?"
Cena rolled his eyes and said, "Randy, just go back and get some sleep. I won't seduce Jeff, if that's what you're afraid of. Now, goodnight!" and he closed the door firmly in Randy's face.
Matt's mouth twitched. It amused him to see Randy getting worked up. Frankly, it was kind of cute, but he decided he would reserve his judgment until he was convinced of Randy's sincerity.
"Come on, lets go. I've to get Jeff's bag and come back here and then, I'll go back with you and wait up for Adam. You're rooming with him, right?"
Randy spoke in a disgruntled tone, "Yeah, we're rooming together." He wasn't happy with Matt for separating him from Jeff. As they took the lift up to Matt's room, the fact that Matt saw it fit to trust Cena instead of him irked him so much that he finally burst out, "Why would you trust John and not me? He's friends with Adam too!"
Matt's mouth quirked with amusement. It was a first to see Randy Orton, one of the biggest heels in WWE, whine like a child who had his candy just taken away from him. He composed himself and with a deadpan face, spoke, "Did you hear me say I didn't trust you?"
Randy's eyebrows furrowed with confusion. He finally said, "You trust me? Then, why are you keeping me from Jeff?"
"To answer your first question, well … not totally, not yet, anyways" was Matt's reply. "As for the second question, you know why I'm keeping you away. You hurt him once already. I don't want you hurting him again. Both of you need time to sort out your feelings. Until then, you are not to go near my brother and make nookie with him! You got that?"
"Come on, Matt, what did I do to make you not trust me? I've been honest about my feelings for Jeff. You know that!" Randy protested.
Matt shook his head, "I know you like my brother but you're holding something back from me. It's the same with Adam. He's not coming clean. I can tell."
"What is it with this guy? He's like a walking lie detector! It's going to be difficult to get around him, but thank God, he's leaving tomorrow! Just bear with him for a few more hours, Orton. You'll be back with Jeff in no time!" Randy assured himself.
"Okay, think what you will. I don't want to argue with you," he said in resignation just as they stopped in front of Matt's room.
"What's your room number? I'll meet you there in a few minutes after I leave Jeff's bag with John." Matt said as he unlocked his door, picked up Jeff's bag beside the door and went back out, locking up behind him.
"Why can't we go together?" Randy asked with a frown. He wanted to see if Cena was going to keep his promise to sleep on the floor. Jeff was a cuddle bug and if Cena slept on the same bed with him, he was certain that Jeff would snuggle up to him in the middle of the night and he didn't enjoy the vision that was coming to his head. Anything could happen especially since Jeff didn't know he was in someone else's room!
Matt seemed to read his mind and sighed loudly. "Will you stop that? John isn't going to ravish Jeff, unlike someone here," he said wryly, giving Randy a look and making him blush. "Now, give me your room number and I'll see you later." Randy had no other choice. He told Matt his room number and went his separate way. Just one more day, he told himself, and he would be with Jeff again.
In the meantime, Matt made his way to Cena's room. He wanted to leave instructions with Cena and he didn't want Randy to know. He knocked on the door and heard approaching footsteps. The door clicked and swung open. Cena had showered and was wearing boxers and a loose t-shirt. He ushered Matt in and closed the door, turning to see Matt making his way to his brother. Pulling out a worn out clean t-shirt from Jeff's bag, Matt started stripping his brother down to his boxers. He finally got the shirt over Jeff's head and drew the covers over him before planting a kiss on his forehead and whispering, "Sleep well, Jeffro".
He got up and joined Cena. "There are things I need to tell you but I couldn't because Randy was here. Once I'm gone, Randy would start coming around. Jeff would want to room with him but whatever happens, do not let them stay together. As of now, I'm giving you the rights to do what you think would be right by Jeff. If you have any doubts, consult Chris and Morrison."
Cena let out an uneasy laugh, "I appreciate your trust but aren't you over-reacting? I mean, we saw what happen. Randy and Jeff can't stay away from each other! I doubt either of them will listen to me."
Matt sighed. "I told Morrison a secret earlier and I'm going to share it with you now. Jeff was rushed to the hospital last night because he tried to kill himself with an overdose of sleeping pills. Do you think I'm over-reacting now?"
Cena was struck dumb by what he had just heard. Matt continued to explain. "Jeff is very vulnerable right now. I don't know what he was thinking when he popped those pills. Maybe he thought there was nothing left for him here. No one knows the damage Scott did to my brother, except for Randy. I told him last night to clear his doubts but I just couldn't help wondering what he would have done if I didn't say anything. Would he have believed Scott or would he try to clear things up with Jeff? Scott took away Jeff's confidence. He doesn't entirely trust his own judgment and that's where you, Chris and Morrison come in. You guys have to be his eyes and ears. I need you to watch over him. I have to be honest with you, I do like Randy but I get the feeling that he's hiding something from me. I know I may sound like an overprotective mother hen fussing over its young but I don't want my brother to get pushed over the edge again."
Cena rubbed the back of his neck ruefully and asked, "Why me? What makes you think I can do this?"
"The fact that you care and that Jeff opened up to you about how he felt. He still can't talk about the past with anyone and that's why getting him to testify in court would be the last resort. When he came back to the restaurant, he told me what transpired between you two. He told me he was prepared to take it slow with Randy. I need you to ensure that happens, which means, no bunking together for them. I know it's a lot to ask, seeing that you and Randy are friends but I really need your help. Jeff is receptive to you. He will listen to you. So, will you help me?"
Cena nodded without hesitation. "You know I will do anything to help, Matt. I can't promise anything but I'll make sure that no harm comes to Jeff."
Matt smiled and shook his hand, "Thanks, John, that's all I need to know. You've just taken a load off my mind." He glanced at his watch and said, "I better get going. I've to talk to Adam. Good night!" and left shortly after.
Cena closed the door and took an extra pillow and blanket from the closet. He smiled at the peaceful and serene look on Jeff's face before settling himself down on the floor beside the bed. Folding his arms behind his head, he thought back to the events and stopped his thoughts at Adam's appearance in the back alley. Adam's explanation sounded plausible but one thing bothered him. Why did he go to the back when he could just enter from the front? If he was expecting trouble, he would not hesitate to barge in from the front. Something didn't smell right to him. He decided then that he would also have to keep a close watch on Adam. What Matt said earlier at the back alley struck a chord, and that was that Adam appeared to be following Jeff. Cena had a feeling that Adam was going to be hanging around Jeff more often once Matt took his leave. It looked like he was going to have his hands full. Thank God he would have Chris and Morrison as backup!
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