Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.

I really have to stop pairing Jeff off with so many people in a story. I end up conflicted. But then again, that's where I build up readers' anticipation and speculation.

Randy, Cena and Adam. Who should Jeff end up with? I'm going to leave Scott out of this because he doesn't deserve him. And rest assured, Mark is not going to be in this story. I've given him a major role in another story I've just put up and he's not complaining.

Thank you all for your kind reviews. Lets get the next chapter on the road!

Chapter 10

"What are you up to, Adam?" Chris was seated at the bar with Adam. They had adjourned to a nearby pub after the others had left.

Adam raised his brows at him questionably, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not up to anything!" he reiterated before taking a sip of beer from his glass.

Chris' mouth crooked into a smile, "Don't lie to me, man. We know each other better than that. Come on, what gives? Tell me what's going on."

Adam shook his head, "I told you, nothing. Why won't you believe me?"

"Because it's too much of a coincidence. Twice in two days? You are following Jeff, aren't you?" Chris persisted in his questioning.

Adam snorted, "Believe what you will. I've already explained everything to Matt. I don't want to repeat myself again" and emptied his glass. He gestured to the bartender for a refill and waited for Chris to swallow his drink before saying casually, "I've given up my title shot."

Eyes widening with disbelief, it took some time for Chris to finally splutter out, "What! You can't be serious?"

Adam shrugged carelessly and said, "Do I look like I'm joking? Anyways, I've spoken to Vince already. He can give the title shot to someone else."

Letting out a long drawn breath, Chris said, "It's unheard of." He furrowed his brows before asking anxiously, "Are you sick or something? Is there a family crisis?"

Adam gave a short laugh, "No, I'm healthy as can be and my mom is doing fine." He stopped to think and decided to give an explanation. No one would be the wiser. "Randy and I are the current tag team champions. It's taking a toll on me with our feud with DX and our matches against the other tag teams. I want to take it easy for a while after our feud ends."

Chris said after some hesitation, "I can understand, but … you may not get another shot at it again so soon. There are a lot of guys waiting in line."

"I know. I can wait. I've come to a point in my life where I've discovered that championships aren't everything. I've missed out on the simple things in life, like going to a movie or a hockey game and just hanging out with friends and have fun. I have more money than I can spend, but I have no time to spend it, and no one to spend it with. Kind of pathetic, isn't it?" and let out a half-hearted laugh.

Chris studied him contemplatively before saying, "You're feeling lonely, aren't you?"

He watched sadly as the half smile disappeared. There was a long moment of silence and finally, Adam nodded despondently, "Yeah, I'm lonely" he admitted quietly and took a large gulp of beer.

A long silence persisted and then, "I'm really sorry to hear that but it doesn't have to be that way. Each of us faces the same problem at one time or another. It's all business when we compete in the ring, but once we step out of the squared circle, we're colleagues, friends. The time we spend on the road brings us together and the people we work with become our extended families. You should come out with us more often. I promise you it'll get better," Chris assured him.

He had no idea that Adam had been feeling that way. Adam was actually a pleasant guy but he had a strong competitive spirit and it extended into his personal life. He just had to win in everything he did, be it a card game or a game of pool. The fact that he had sold out his two close friends didn't put him in a good light with the others. Besides himself, Randy was the exception, but that had changed. Adam always knew what he wanted. He wanted to be the ultimate singles champion, a world champion. That was his goal. He had gone to see Vince about breaking up the Edge and Christian partnership so that he could pursue his dream. He didn't think of where it would leave Jay and that hindsight caused him dearly, their friendship. Even though it was a matter of time before any tag team broke up, Jay didn't see it that way. He felt humiliated and betrayed.

With Matt, things spun out of control. The circumstances of their fall out became gossip fodder for the media. Out on an injury, his girlfriend just had to pick the one guy, his best friend, to entice. Chris realized that Adam developed feelings for Amy when he stood up and defended their relationship in public, trying to protect her by shifting the blame to Matt even though he knew that the situation could be avoided if they had been honest with him in the first place. Even then, he could have apologized and just let Matt rant, but he didn't. He just had to win. Amy left all the talking to him, never saying a word. It was her saving grace and Adam bore the brunt of adverse public reaction after the harsh exchange with Matt on national television.

Chris hated to be judgmental. Both men were his friends. He didn't want to take sides but he felt that everything that happened was not entirely Adam's fault. Amy and Matt were having problems in their relationship which was what led to Amy's transgression. To complicate matters, Vince made a drastic mistake, which was rare, by releasing Matt, hoping that it would bring things to a close. He didn't expect the overwhelming fan support for Matt, petitioning for his return. After discussing with his board of directors, he rehired Matt and put him on a separate brand to avoid further confrontation between him and Adam. It served its purpose but their friendship suffered irreparable damage. Matt felt nothing but antagonism towards Adam. He couldn't stay cordial with him. As a result of that incident, no one trusted Adam. His reputation as a conniving, back stabbing bastard preceded him and Chris had to admit that he played the role very well, or, had it just been a cover up all along to protect his pride?

"I believe he genuinely wants to patch things up with Matt. He tried but he failed. He must really be hurting. I have to do something to help him!"

Coming to a decision, Chris paid for the drinks and got up, "Come with me."

"Where are we going?" Adam gave him a baffled look as he got to his feet. They just got there not long and he was enjoying Chris' company.

"To see Matt," Chris informed him.

"Chris, he doesn't want to have anything to do with me," Adam spoke in a dejected tone.

"You saved Jeff. I know he's grateful. I think he'll hear you out this time," Chris said and urged him along. They took a cab back and headed immediately to Matt's room. When no one answered the door after a minute of knocking, Chris took out his phone and called him instead. He answered almost immediately.

"Hey Matt, where are you at?" Chris asked.

"I'm with Randy. We're waiting for Adam in his room. I've something to discuss with him. Is he with you?" Matt asked.

Chris' face lit up, the opportunity he was looking for! "Yep, he's with me. We'll see you in a couple." He hanged up and informed Adam that Matt was waiting to see him in his room.

"What does he want?" Adam asked as they headed to the lift.

"Lets go find out," Chris told him with a grin.

When Adam opened his door, Matt got up to meet him. Randy was leaning against his bed, arms folded across his chest. He looked pissed as a hornet!

"It's about time someone got here! He has been giving me a lot of heat!" and glared at Matt balefully.

"What did he do to get you so hot under the collar?" Chris chuckled as he sat on Randy's bed. Something told him it must have something to do with Jeff.

"He put Jeff together with John! And there's only ONE bed in his room! What was he thinking!" he griped.

Chris raised his eyebrows and looked at Matt, "I thought Jeffro's staying with me."

"No offence, Chris, but Jeff and John got along so well that I asked John to room with him instead. He said he's fine with it," Matt said off-handedly.

"Of course he's fine with it! I'm fine with it too! But would you let me stay with him? Nooo … YOU decided that Jeff is much safer staying with HIM!" Randy ranted, drawing snickers from Chris.

He turned his glare to Chris and hissed, "Some help you are!"

"Come on! You know I've no say in this. Matt's the one you need to convince!" and laughed when Randy groaned out his exasperation. Chris noticed that Adam didn't look too pleased either. But, what amused him was that Matt didn't know that he had just put his brother with another would-be suitor!

Adam gritted his teeth. Why was this happening to him? It wasn't as if he hadn't enough on his plate! Now, John was thrown into the mix!

Matt spoke up, getting down to business, "The reason I'm here is because John came up with a plan to keep Scott away from Jeff. At the moment, Jeff can't and doesn't want to press charges. He doesn't want this to get out as he's not comfortable testifying in court. So, the only way to keep Scott away is to put up a restraining order against him. We can do this without drawing media attention."

He turned to Adam, "I need your testimony against Scott to put up the order. Will you help us?"

Adam nodded without hesitation, "Of course! When do you want to do this?"

Matt looked surprised. "I … really wasn't expecting you to agree so readily," he said somewhat awkwardly.

"Look, I know what I did was wrong but that doesn't mean I'm an asshole all the time! You need my help on this, you got it!"

Matt nodded his thanks and opened his mouth to say something but then, changed his mind.

Adam saw the opening he needed. He was glad that Matt had been behaving more civilized towards him ever since he saved Jeff. Maybe, he could still bring him around to forgiving him and decided to keep the conversation going between them. "Huh … I assume you want this done as quickly as possible?"

Matt nodded and said, "I'll ask for a few days off. We can file your testimony tomorrow and once the order is put up, I can head on back."

"Will Jeff be coming with us?" Adam asked nonchalantly. He was aware that Randy was looking at him warily.

"He has to but he's not going to like it." Matt knew that Jeff was feeling apprehensive about the whole thing, but he really didn't have a choice. It was the best they could do at the moment to help him.

"Wait!" Randy spoke up, looking at Matt. "If you're not leaving yet, then Jeff doesn't have to stay with John at all! He can still bunk with you. Lets go get him now!" and he jumped off the bed eagerly, ready to go.

"Hold it, Randy. Jeff's asleep. I don't want to wake him up," Matt told him, keeping a straight face. He was enjoying the reaction he was getting from Randy. His faith in him was slowly being restored, but of course, he wasn't going to let him know that!

Randy's jaw dropped with disbelief. "Oh come on!" he finally said in an exasperated tone before getting in front of Matt. "You're pushing it!" pointing his finger indignantly at him. Matt just blinked innocently at him.

"Calm down, Randy. Jeff had a rough time the past two days. Let him sleep. You can trust John," and Chris believed he did. Randy was just upset that he couldn't be with Jeff.

"I …" Randy started to say but got lost for words. He finally let out a growl of frustration before snatching his jacket from the bed. "I'm going for a walk!" and slammed the door after him, making everyone winced.

Matt got up, looking somewhat embarrassed. "I think I better get going. I'm not anyone's favorite person at the moment."

"I'll come with you," Chris said quickly and bade Adam good night. Matt paused at the door before grudgingly thanking Adam and stepped out. Chris followed him.

"Can we talk in your room?" Chris asked as they headed towards the lift.

"Sure. What is it you want to talk about?"

Chris decided to get to the point. "When are you going to forgive Adam, and why are you tormenting Randy?"

Matt stopped and turned to him, "I see you're still taking his side!" and cocked his head towards Adam's room.

"Matt, don't you think he has redeemed himself already? He saved Jeff twice!"

Matt let out a sigh, "Okay, let me think about it, but, I make no promises."

Chris grinned, "Fair enough. Now, what are you trying to do to poor Randy? You got him all flustered!"

Matt chuckled as he got into the lift. "I know. I'm testing his patience. I just want to know how far I can push his buttons!" and gave Chris a wicked grin.

"You're a terrible, terrible person, Matthew! He's not going to get any rest tonight! He's wondering if John is ravishing his baby!"

"John will do no such thing! I trust him!" Matt spoke with conviction.

It was Chris' turn to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Matt asked as they stepped out of the lift. In a few strides, he reached his door and unlocked it, gesturing to Chris to enter first.

"Are you sure that John won't seduce your brother? Randy's worried, so, why aren't you?"

Matt dropped his key on the side table before plopping down on the bed wearily. The last twenty-four hours had been murder! Chris made himself comfortable on Shannon's bed.

"That's the whole idea," Matt said, adding another pillow to prop himself up.

"Getting John to seduce your brother?" Chris was trying to understand his motive.

"No, getting Randy jealous. I want to see how far he'll go to get Jeff back. I don't want to make it easy on him" and proceeded to tell Chris the instructions he had left for Cena to follow. "I need you and Morrison to back him up on this. He's going to have his hands full with them. Promise me to help John out?"

Chris frowned. "You're sure about this? You've an odd way of doing things. Why don't you just let them stay together and if Randy disappoints Jeff, I'll help you feed him to the sharks."

Matt snorted with laughter, "No, it's more fun to watch him squirm." His voice suddenly turned serious and he said, "I have to know how he genuinely feels about Jeff. I don't want Jeff to jump headlong into the relationship and end up hurt, again. It's good to make them go through the whole courtship/dating thing. It will give them time to learn more about each other. I want my brother to be happy. If Randy is the right man for him, I'll not stand in their way. Jeff deserves to be happy after everything he has been through."

"I believe you are right but … you may get more than you've bargained for," Chris said with a knowing smirk.

Matt threw him a questioning look, "Care to explain what you've just said?"

Chris grinned at him, "Randy isn't the only guy who has his eyes set on Jeffrey."

Matt's eyes widened and he suddenly gasped, "Don't tell me you too!"

Chris spluttered with laughter. "Of course not! Jeff is like my brother, I don't see him in that way."

Matt let out a sigh of relief and then frowned. Who was it then? He shifted his feet to the floor and leaned forward, "Come on, Chris. Don't keep me in suspense. Tell me who!"

"You may not like it," Chris warned him.

"Come on, just tell me!" Matt urged him.

"Okay, but you have to promise me first not to freak out and that you won't try to stop them."

"Them?" Matt looked taken aback. "You mean there's more than one?" and when Chris nodded, he shook his head in disbelief, wondering who it could be. Nobody struck him. He finally gave up trying to figure it out. "For the life of me, I don't know who they are! Will you just tell me?!"

"You have to promise me first," Chris insisted and Matt caved, "Okay, I promise. Now, tell me!"

"Adam and John," Chris finally divulged their identities.

Matt looked to be in shock. He tried to come to terms with what he had just heard. "Are you sure?" He looked pleadingly at Chris, hoping to hear him say he was mistaken or just kidding. He was disappointed when Chris said, "I'm positive!" who then proceeded to tell him about Adam punching Randy after he found out that his friend spent the night with Jeff. "John is a gentleman. You don't need to worry about him taking advantage of Jeff. But, I thought you should know that he's interested. Haven't you noticed how he keeps hovering over Jeff?"

Matt groaned out loud. "Oh crap! I thought he was just being concerned. Three guys! I don't think Jeff can handle them! I doubt I can either!"

Chris chortled with laughter. "Now, what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know if I can do anything about it! It's getting far too complicated!" Matt groaned again. He suddenly got up and jumped on Chris, shaking him by his shoulders, "You got to help me, man. I can't have Jeff staying with John now! What am I supposed to tell him? I put him in charge of this operation!"

"Hey, calm down," Chris reassured him. "Let John stay with Jeff, as planned. He won't do anything rash unless, of course, Jeff encourages him which he won't, because he's in love with Randy. Now, as I see it, you can trust John to keep his hands to himself. But as for Randy …" and here, Chris started to splutter with laughter, "I swear, that young man has no control over himself! I still can't believe he locked us out and ploughed your brother in a public toilet!" and collapsed into full blown laughter.

Matt scowled. And he, of all people, was questioning him why he was punishing Randy! A public toilet! The nerve of that man!

Chris gathered himself and wiped the tears from his eyes. He took a deep breath before continuing with his assessment. "As for Adam, now, he's like a shadow. I didn't suspect he has feelings for Jeff until he punched Randy. I doubt anyone knew."

When Matt started to brood, Chris nudged him, "I know you have your differences but, give him a chance. Everyone makes mistakes. He's no different and he's trying to atone for them. You have forgiven Amy, so why not him?"

"You are always taking his side!" Matt groused.

"No, I'm just being objective. He did wrong and he admitted his mistakes. He apologized for them. Don't force him to keep bearing the cross. Time has passed. Amy is gone from the company but both of you are still here. You are colleagues. Don't you think it is time to bury the hatchet?"

Matt sighed, "I guess you're right. I'll try to be nicer but, this thing with Jeff, if he's just toying with my brother just to get back at me, I'll hunt him down!"

Chris patted his shoulder reassuringly and said, "I don't think he's toying with Jeff. If he really wanted to get back at you, he had his chances, but he saved Jeff and protected him from Scott. You have to admit his actions belie your theory. I promise you, that if he as much as hurt Jeff, I'll take care of him myself!"

That drew a smile from Matt. "Since you put it that way, I've nothing to say. I do trust your judgment."

"I'm glad that you're going to make your peace with him. Shall I arrange for him to join us for dinner tomorrow?" and when Matt nodded, Chris grinned and said, "It's settled then. Well, I better head back and get some sleep. It has been a long day."

He started to get up but Matt stayed him by his arm, "Why don't you just stay here tonight? I doubt Shannon's coming back anyways," and glanced at his watch. It was almost two in the morning.

Chris hesitated, "You're sure about this?"

"What's wrong? Afraid I might ravish you in your sleep?" Matt asked with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"Hey! I'm the Chris Jericho! If there's going to be any ravishing, I'm the one doing it! Now, get back, you raven-haired beast! Go back to your lair!" and he sent Matt tumbling off the bed, chuckling as he did.

"You're a hard and cruel man!" Matt moaned as he got to his feet. He kicked off his shoes and crawled into bed, letting out a huge yawn. "I'm too tired to change. Night Chris, we'll talk some more tomorrow" and buried himself under the covers.

Chris shook his head before taking off his shoes. He turned off the lights and lay down. It had been an eventful day but something good came out of it. He felt pleased with himself for helping his friends make peace with each other. Adam didn't have to feel left out any more. With that thought, he was soon fast asleep.

~*~

Cena woke up with a start. A noise had awakened him. He sat up and saw Jeff thrashing around on the bed, crying out incoherently. Alarmed, he got up and turned on the side lamp and realized that he was having a nightmare.

"It's okay, everything is going to be alright," he cooed softly as he held him close, rocking him gently. Jeff quiet down and Cena felt him easing back into peaceful slumber. He continued to rock him until he heard his soft even breathing. Just as he was about to put him down, Jeff latched onto his shirt with his fingers. He tried to disengage himself but in the next moment, Jeff shifted and snuggled against him, his face buried close to his crotch.

Cena let out a loud gasp before swallowing heavily. He was titillated by the small puffs of air escaping Jeff's mouth which wafted through the opening of his boxer front. He started to squirm, wondering how they could end up in such a compromising position. Trying to calm his escalating heartbeat, he lifted Jeff's head and breathed a sigh of relief when he let go of his shirt. But, the next moment, Jeff wrapped his arms around his waist and clung to him like a baby koala bear, throwing one leg over his. Cena leaned back against the bed and groaned silently. How was he going to detach himself without waking Jeff up? He looked down at the sleeping form and couldn't help breaking into a smile. Well, at least Jeff was not having any more nightmares. He inched slowly down to lie on the bed on his side and was amused to see that Jeff still clung to him. He shifted to get comfortable and so did Jeff, who nuzzled closer to him, resting his head on his shoulder.

Cena gently brushed back the locks of hair that had fallen across his face and whispered endearingly, "You'll be alright. I'll not let anyone hurt you" and leaned down to kiss the top of his head. He soon joined Jeff in sweet slumber.

………………

Cena woke up to find that Jeff wasn't beside him. And then, he heard the sound of running water and realized that he was taking a shower. He hugged Jeff's pillow to him, telling himself that he would just close his eyes for a few minutes and wait for Jeff to come out. He kept his eyes closed when he heard the bathroom door open, willing himself to give himself another five more minutes of shut eye.

Jeff peeked out to see if he was still asleep. Thinking that he was, he slipped quietly into the room, clad in a bathrobe, his hair wet from the shower. Moving silently, Jeff rummaged through his bag and pulled out clean clothes. He hesitated, looking over at Cena before deciding it was safe to get dressed in the room. Turning his back, he shed his bathrobe at the same time that Cena opened his eyes. Cena's eyes grew wide and his jaws dropped open as he watched Jeff wriggle his fine looking ass into a pair of boxers. He took in the delicious sight of those taut firm thighs that tapered to long gorgeous legs, dismay overcoming him as they disappeared into baggy pants. Jeff turned slightly to check again and gasped when he caught Cena checking him out.

"John! You peeked!" he looked accusingly at him while quickly zipping up and buckled up his pants.

Cena sat up and grinned at him sheepishly before saying apologetically, "Sorry, I didn't mean to. I opened my eyes and there you were, in your full naked glory! What can I say, I'm most fortunate indeed!"

Jeff didn't know what to say. He stood awkwardly in the room, unable to bring himself to look at Cena until he spoke softly, "Jeff, you trust me, don't you?"

Jeff brought his eyes up to look at him. He studied John carefully and finally nodded. "Yes, I do. I do trust you."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Cena patted the space beside him and said, "Come sit here. We have to talk."

Jeff hesitated momentarily before scrambling onto the bed and pulled a pillow to rest on his lap. His fingers started twisting the ends nervously.

"Don't be nervous, I'm not going to pounce on you," Cena assured him. It saddened him to see his friend so nerve wracked just because he peeked. He didn't want Jeff to feel uncomfortable around him, but he didn't blame him. After all, the past two nights had been hell for him!

Jeff took in a deep breath and nodded.

"Your brother told me stuff last night. I want you to know this. Don't throw your life away because of an upset. You have a loving brother and friends who care for you deeply. What Scott did and tried to do to you, put it all behind you. You don't have to fear him. Believe me when I tell you this. If that man survived last night, he'll not survive me if he tries anything with you!"

Jeff gave him a grateful smile and said, "Thank you, John, you have been a good friend!" and leaned forward to hug him.

Cena held him, feeling his tension slipping away. After a while, he eased off and said, "I wish we could be more than that, but" and he raised his hand just as Jeff was about to say something, "I know that you like Randy. I respect your decision. I want to be honest with you, right here, right now. Your brother gave me instructions and I promise to carry them out. I have to tell you that there is no chance in hell Randy is going to bunk with you, tonight or any other night! You're staying with me until Matt gives the green light. Wait, let me finish" just as Jeff was about to lodge his protest. "I know you think we are interfering but we're doing this because we care for you. Matt wants to be sure that Randy does love you. I'm sure you want to know too. Matt wants both of you to take it slow and I can see the wisdom in his actions. Now, tell me you don't agree," and waited for Jeff's response.

Jeff opened his mouth, ready to emit a string of protests but the look Cena was giving him stopped him. He finally let out a sigh and said, "Okay, I agree with the logic but what am I going to tell Randy? He's not going to like it and neither do I."

Cena grinned and putting his arm around Jeff, said, "Why don't you look at it this way? If you make it easy for him, then, you won't know how serious he is about you. This is a sure way to test how genuine his feelings are for you. He will climb any mountain and cross any sea if he really wants to be with you. He will abide by the rules. You co-operate with us and you'll find out the truth. I really need you to go along with this because it's not going to work if you go jumping into his bed behind my back."

Jeff let out a sigh of resignation and nodded his agreement, "Okay, I'll go along with it but you'll still let us go out together, won't you?"

"Of course, but, under chaperon." He laughed suddenly and said, "I kinda feel like a third wheel in this situation! It's tough! Your brother owes me big time!"

He was surprised when Jeff kissed him on the cheek, "You're a good man, John. I envy whoever wins your heart!" and bounced off the bed to dry and braid his hair.

John stared at his retreating back. "I'm more than willing to give it to you but will you take it?" He sighed and muttered to himself, "Randy better not be messing with him, I'll kick his ass if he hurts him!"

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