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

Esha Napoleon, Eve-Tuscany, redsandman99, NeroAnne, WraithRaider, takers dark lover, BellaHickenbottom and Takerslady, thank you all for your kind reviews!

I surprised myself with how this turned out. It wrote itself. Enjoy!

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Chapter 13

"You go on ahead with them, Jeff, I'll be fine," Cena said hoarsely from the bed.

Jeff had woken up to find him in a bad way and had immediately called for a doctor. Thankfully, it wasn't anything serious, just a viral infection, the doctor said. Cena was prescribed some antibiotics and ordered to stay in bed. Although his fever had subsided, he still felt weak.

Jeff shook his head adamantly as he tucked the blankets around him, "I'm not going to leave you here by yourself!"

He sat down on the bed beside him and said cheerfully, "We can go clubbing anytime! We will stay in tonight, have a nice quiet meal right here with no hassle and watch a movie. You've been taking care of me all these while, it's time I take care of you for a change!" He had already called Matt to inform him that Cena had taken ill and that he wouldn't be joining them for dinner and after activities.

Cena was stirred by his concern. Reaching out, he grasped his hand and said, "I'm really sorry for taking you away from the celebration. I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Don't worry about that, it's not important. Now, what would you like to eat?"

"I'm easy on anything. Why don't you decide?" Cena said, smiling warmly at him.

Jeff grinned, "Lets have Chinese then. I wanted to try the restaurant downstairs for quite a while."

He got up and Cena released his hand reluctantly. Jeff collected his wallet and cardkey from the side table and said, "Why don't you check for a good movie while I'm gone? I'll be back in a jiffy!"

"Jeff!" Cena called out to him just before he stepped out. He turned back, "Yes John?"

Cena grinned sheepishly at him and said, "Hurry on back, I miss you already!"

He was pleased to see him blushed before nodding. As soon as the door closed, he lay back against the pillow and sighed contentedly, feeling blessed that Jeff was there to take care of him. Half an hour later, as he was browsing through the movie rentals, someone knocked on the door. He got up somewhat unsteadily to his feet and stumbled towards it. Just as he reached for the knob, he heard Jeff's voice on the other side and the door swung open.

"What are you doing up, John? You shouldn't be out of bed!" Jeff scolded. Behind him, Randy looked startled at his condition. Jeff quickly deposited the bags of food on the table before helping him back to the bed. Once he had settled Cena comfortably in, he turned to see that Randy was still standing outside.

"You can come in, Randy," Jeff said awkwardly. It was obvious they felt uncomfortable around each other after their earlier spat. Randy stepped in and closed the door before approaching the bed. "What happen to you, John? You look terrible!"

Cena gave him a wry grin, "Don't I know it! I got a viral infection and I feel like jello." He nodded to the chair beside the bed, "Please have a seat."

As Randy took the chair, Jeff sat on the bed beside Cena. There was an awkward silence and Cena nudged Jeff to say something to Randy. But, he remained silent, not knowing what to say. Randy watched them for a while. It didn't escape his attention how close the two were, but he reassured himself that they were just friends. He fought his jealousy down with some effort. It got him into his current predicament and he really didn't need to aggravate the situation. He noticed with some relief that the flowers he had sent Jeff were sitting in a vase on the side table. "Well, at least there's hope for me" he thought to himself. He actually came to apologize but knew it probably wasn't a good time but he had to try.

"Jeff, I'm sorry about this afternoon. I didn't mean to say those hurtful things to you. Will you forgive me, baby?"

He hated being so pathetic, pleading in front of Cena but he was desperate. Now that Adam and Cena had made their intentions known, he felt a sense of urgency to sort out any misunderstanding between them before either man moved in on his beloved. His heart sank at Jeff's noncommittal reply.

"Can we talk about this another time, Randy? John's ill and I have a lot on my mind."

Jeff wanted to kiss away the look of hurt on his face but he held himself back. More than anything else, he wanted to forgive him and set things right again between them, but he decided it was time for him to step back and look at their relationship objectively. He had woken up from his nap with some clarity of mind of what he should do. He didn't doubt that Randy loved him, but he obviously didn't trust him. Even now, he was looking at them with distrust in his eyes.

Cena looked on uncomfortably. He didn't know what to say to ease the discomfort between the two men. Randy got up and said quietly, "I understand. Let me know when you're ready?" Jeff nodded silently and looked down. He just couldn't bring himself to meet Randy's eyes. They were filled with hurt and misery.

Randy bade them goodnight and made his way to the door, Jeff got up to follow. As Randy was about to walk away, Jeff called out to him suddenly. He turned just as Jeff threw his arms around him in a hug. He hugged him back gratefully, breathing deeply in his scent. The gesture had eased his pain somewhat. They finally pulled apart and Randy frowned at the tears glistening in his eyes.

"Don't cry, none of this is your fault," and he gently thumbed the tears away. Giving him an comforting smile, he said, "Get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow" and pecked him lightly on the lips before leaving.

Jeff closed the door and turned despondently around to see Cena watching him with sympathetic eyes. He forced a smile to his face before grabbing the bags of food from the table and brought them to the bed.

"You must be hungry, I bought lots of food! You have to eat to keep your strength up!"

He tried to sound cheerful but looking far from it. He started taking out the boxes of food but Cena grabbed his hands to still them and said, "You don't have to hide from me, Jeff, I know how you feel. Do you want to talk about it?"

Jeff shook his head forlornly, "I've to figure out some things for myself first. I think it will do Randy and I some good to stay apart for a while. I can't think clearly when he's around me."

"That's a good approach. You know I'm here if you need to talk," Cena said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. Jeff sent him a grateful smile. "Okay, what did you get? The food smells wonderful!"

They lay the spread on the bed and tucked in, enjoying the scrumptious food and each other's company. Somehow, they got to talking about anything and everything and the movie was forgotten.

Jeff glanced at this watch and was startled to learn it was almost eleven. He got up while saying, "I'll draw you a nice hot bath. It will remove all the impurities from your body and help you to sleep better."

While he was busy in the bathroom, Cena disposed the empty boxes and tidied up the bed. He felt so much better after a good rest and a full stomach. He hesitated before making his way to the bathroom. Jeff was adding salts into the water and making bubbles. He turned around when he heard the door clicked open.

"Are you feeling alright, John?" He moved quickly to his side to help him.

"I thought I was getting better but I feel woozy all of a sudden," Cena complained as he leaned against the doorway.

"Come on, lets get you back into bed," Jeff said but Cena resisted.

"I really need a bath, Jeff. I was in the pool this afternoon and I haven't washed yet. Will you help me? I would like a good soak and I can rest in there."

Jeff hesitated only momentarily before nodding. "Sure." He lowered the toilet seat cover and said, "Why don't you sit here and remove your clothes? I don't want you falling over and cracking your head."

Once Cena was seated, he turned his back and said rather awkwardly, "Just let me know when you're ready and I'll help you into the tub."

"No peeking," Cena teased and was delighted to see the blush running all the way up his neck and ears. He quickly shucked off his clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist. "I'm ready."

Jeff turned to see him getting up clumsily. He quickly helped him up, putting his arm around him. "Take it slow, John," he cautioned and sat him on the side of the tub. Cena slipped and tipped over into the tub without any warning. He grabbed Jeff as he went in and unfortunately, banged his head against the tub.

"John!" Jeff gasped as he struggled to right himself. Cena still had his arm wrapped round him. He managed to turn himself around, although it meant he was pressed up against Cena.

"Shit! My head!" Cena groaned, rubbing the back of his head ruefully, although inwardly he was grinning like a fool. So far, so good.

"Are you alright?" Jeff asked with concern.

Cena sighed blissfully. "I will be as soon as you rub me … I mean, my head!" he added quickly when Jeff gave him a guarded look. He watched in dismay as Jeff climbed out of the tub and stood, dripping water. C'mon, think! Say or do something to get him to stay!

"Jeff, why don't you take off your clothes and join me in the tub?"

Wow, real smooth, John! He wanted to kick himself for that lewd remark, he sounded like a pervert!

Jeff flushed furiously and mumbled embarrassingly, "It's not appropriate, John."

Say something, fool, before he gets away!

"Come on, Jeff. All of us shower together at one time or another at the arena, there's nothing to be bashful. Look, the tub is big enough for both of us. If it makes you feel more comfortable, I'll put on my boxers and you can keep yours on. We can both relax in here at the same time. I feel guilty having you wait on me. Come on, say yes, or you don't trust me?" He swore he was so convincing, he would have convinced himself!

"I.. I don't know, John," Jeff said, looking unsure of himself.

Cena looked deflated. "Never mind, then. I'll have a quick wash and then you can have your turn." He guessed he just didn't have it in him to be cunning, but at least, he tried.

"Cover your eyes."

He looked up, startled to see Jeff already stripping off his shirt. His belt went next and as he pulled down his pants, he let out a squeak when he saw Cena watching him. "John! I said no peeking!"

"I'm not peeking! I'm not peeking!" Cena covered his eyes with his hands and waited, wearing a big grin on his face. He felt Jeff's legs touched his briefly as he climbed in and he instinctively drew up his legs to make room for him. "Can I look now?" he asked.

"Yes," came the shy response. Cena uncovered his eyes and grinned at him. Jeff had placed himself on the other side of the pub. He looked so ill at ease and he was trying to avoid his eyes.

"Hey, don't feel so awkward" and he tickled his sole with his foot, making him giggle. "That's better." He leaned back and realized the water was cooling off quickly. "Can you turn on the hot water while I'll throw in some more salts to make more bubbles?"

In a few minutes, both men were in total bliss, soaking in a hot steaming tub full of bubbles. Cena shifted to remove the towel he was wearing and tucked it behind his back. It went unnoticed. He took the sponge from the side and said, "Will you scrub my back, Jeff?"

Jeff leaned forward to take the sponge from him and requested he turn around. Cena dutifully obeyed. Once Jeff was done scrubbing his back, Cena turned back to lean against the tub. "Come on, Jeff, move up and I'll do your back," he offered.

Jeff turned his back to him and slid up slightly. He gasped when Cena secured an arm around his waist and pulled him all the way up to rest flushed against him between his legs. He immediately worked the sponge over his chest, rubbing in circular motions, focusing on his nipples.

"J..John, wh..what are you doing?" Jeff trembled with anticipation. Against his will, he was turned on by his touch. The hot water, the hard body and organ pressed up against his back, his hands roaming his body. The hand holding his waist had moved to caress his hip bone, sending thrills through his body while the other had forsaken the sponge and was now rubbing and teasing his nipples into hard nubs.

"Please, Jeff, I won't hurt you. Oh God! You're so beautiful!" Cena continued his ministrations while trailing hot kisses along his collar bone and neck.

"J..John, please ... y...you have to stop!" and he let out an involuntary groan when the hand encircled him beneath the water and started stroking him into full hardness. Cena abandoned his nipples in favor of turning his face towards his and capturing his lips in a feverish kiss. Jeff lost any semblance of control and thrust into his hand, surrendering himself. He kissed him back fervently, moaning into his mouth. Both finally broke the kiss to breathe, panting heavily.

"J..Jeff, will you let me make love to you?" Cena's voice shook with his emotion. He could sense his hesitation and that was all he needed. Grasping his chin, he kissed him hard and rough, letting him know how much he desired him and to his immense relief, Jeff responded with equal fervor. In a haze of lust, both men threw caution to the wind. Cena lifted Jeff to straddle him and was buried deep within him in mere seconds. They moved as one, grinding their hips sensuously against each other, luxuriating in the feel of the other's body.

Jeff felt him hard and pulsating deep within his core as he rode him. He was lost in the throes of passion. There was no clear thought in his head, he could only feel and every fiber of his being screamed this was what he wanted. Cena felt so good, so right.

Cena controlled the pace, moving slowly, deliberately. It was as if he was afraid for it to end. He poured sweet endearments into his ear, his voice a hoarse whisper as he thrust his rock hard body up against him. The hot, tight heat encased him in a loving embrace. The wanton cries escaping Jeff's mouth as he made love to him gave him a sense of euphoria. Nothing else mattered, this was their moment. Their hearts thundered as they soared together towards the heights of ecstasy, and it was over too soon.

……..

Cena held Jeff in his arms, playing softly with his hair. He finally broke the silence. "Jeff?"

He turned his head to look at him, "Yes?"

"I've a confession to make."

When Jeff sent him a questioning look, he admitted, wearing a guilty look on his face, "I was bluffing when I said I was woozy when I came into the bathroom. It was a ploy to get you to stay with me."

Jeff stared at him in astonishment.

Cena swallowed nervously before continuing, "I couldn't keep it from you. I don't want to lie to you. Please don't be angry with me?"

Jeff lowered his head in deep thought. He looked up moments later. "Just tell me one thing, John. What just happened between us? Is it just sex to you?" he asked quietly.

Cena grasped his chin lightly and said in a voice filled with tenderness, "What if I'm to tell you that it's love."

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Chris watched Adam as he downed another glass of tequila.

"Slow down, Adam, you're already on your sixth glass," he cautioned before sipping on his beer. It wasn't his usual drink but seeing Adam drinking like a fish, he thought it best that he stayed sober and watched out for him.

"Don't worry, it will take more than a few glasses to get me drunk," he replied as he gestured to the bartender to set up a few more shots for him at the counter.

They were at the hotel bar, having decided to postpone the celebration. Matt, Carlito and Morrison were holding a discussion about the Intercontinental and US Championship Titles at a separate table. Adam insisted on sitting at the bar. Randy was missing. He told Chris he wasn't in the mood to party and had returned to his room. He had moved out to stay by himself that evening and hadn't been seen since.

"What's wrong?" Chris asked Adam. His friend was drinking more than the usual and he speculated that something was troubling him.

"You know what's wrong!" Adam groused and slammed his glass down. "If it's not Randy, it's John! I always end up with the short end of the stick! They get to spend time with Jeff, what about me?"

"I don't understand why you're so upset. It's not as if you and Jeff were ever a couple," Chris said.

"Remember how Jay, Matt, Jeff and I used to hang out back then? Jeff and I were really close," he said wistfully.

"It's not the same, Adam, that's friendship," Chris pointed out.

"That was what I thought but I was fucking stupid to see what it really was!" He didn't realize he was running his mouth the more he drank and he shot back another shot.

"You're telling me that you were in love with Jeff back then?" Chris asked in an incredulous tone.

He nodded sadly. "I didn't even know it. I wish I wasn't so blind."

That changed the whole perspective on things. Chris wondered how Matt would react if he found out. He had a suspicion that Matt agreed to let Adam into the whole shindig because he was confident that he stood no chance at all. But, what if he was wrong?

"Does Jeff know how you feel about him?" He doubted Jeff even knew but he needed to be sure.

"I doubt it. Even if he knows, he'll never see me in a good light," Adam said despondently.

"And why is that? You saved him, twice! I don't think Jeff will overlook that. Even Matt, who can be stubborn as a mule, couldn't overlook that!

Adam knew he could save Jeff a hundred more times but nothing could erase the fact that he did rape him! His thoughts went back to that day. He still felt ashamed of himself for what he did. The drinks had clouded his mind and he spoke out loud without realizing it. "I wished I hadn't asked him back to my room that night! I wished I hadn't drunk so much, then, I wouldn't have hurt him!"

Chris froze. He suddenly leaped forward and grabbed Adam by the collar, "What did you just say? What did you do to Jeff?" he hissed in anger.

Adam paled. "Chris, I...I didn't mean it! Please don't tell anyone!"

"What's going on here?" Matt suddenly appeared at their side. He saw the way Chris was gripping Adam's shirt and had come over to check. Did the two just got into a disagreement?

Chris released him and sat back. He looked shaken. He took in a deep breath to compose himself.

"Chris, are you alright?" Matt asked, studying him closely. He sensed something was amiss.

Chris looked grimly at Adam and said, "I'm alright, just thrown back by what I've just heard!"

Adam sent him a pleading look.

"Adam just told me that he has just given up his title shot. I told him he was a damn fool and shook him to knock some sense into him!"

Matt looked at Adam with disbelief, "Are you nuts? I guess all those chair shots must have finally gotten to you!"

Adam grinned weakly at him and reached for his drink. On second thoughts, he pushed it away. He had given himself away to Chris because of his drinking. It had brought him enough grief to last a lifetime! He swore off it, telling himself no more hard liquor. When Matt turned to the bartender for a refill, he sent Chris a grateful look but the man's stormy eyes warned him he wasn't done with him.

"So, Adam, how do you plan to woo Jeff from the others?" Matt asked as he joined them at the bar with his drink.

"Randy has fallen out with Jeff, it seems, and as for John, he's just a friend. I just need to convince Jeff to look at me in a different light. After all, we used to be close."

He could feel Chris staring him down, making him uncomfortable, but he avoided looking at him. His discomfiture didn't go unnoticed, however.

"You don't sound confident. Now, why does that surprise me?" Matt asked, studying him carefully. Adam was not his usual cocky self and he wondered if maybe, he wasn't as secure as he made himself to be.

"If you haven't noticed, I'm at a disadvantage over here. Both Randy and John got to spend some time alone with Jeff. It isn't fair to me."

Adam thought it was a good enough reason to get Matt to lay off him. He was surprised therefore when he said, "You have a point there. Let me talk to Jeff and see if we can arrange for the two of you to spend some quality time together."

"Lets not discuss this right now, Matt. Jeff has his hands full, if you haven't noticed. He and Randy are trying to work things out and he's attending to John," Chris said. Until he clarified matters with Adam as to what exactly did he do to Jeff, he wasn't about to let him anywhere near him. He had to tread carefully, though without alarming anyone, especially overwhelmingly protective Matt. If he even suspected, Adam was totally screwed!

Nodding his agreement, Matt sighed, "You're right, this is not the time, but I have a feeling that Jeffro is going to seek me out tomorrow."

He wasn't looking forward to it because he had spewed out his plan without discussing it with him and it had backfired, causing a rift between him and Randy. He knew Jeff was pissed at him but he was too upset at the moment to seek him out, plus the fact that John had suddenly taken ill and keeping him preoccupied worked in his favor. It was one of those rare moments where Matt felt he had put a foot in his own mouth, but enough of that. He would face his brother's wrath soon enough.

Morrison and Carlito came up to them. "Guys, we're calling it a night. We'll see you tomorrow." They bade them goodnight and left.

Matt glanced at his watch, it was past midnight. "Chris, you're ready to go?" he asked.

"You go on first, I've something to discuss with Adam."

Matt cocked an eyebrow but left it at that. Soon after he had taken his leave, Chris got up and said, "Lets take this in your room."

Back in Adam's room, Chris immediately launched his attack. "Tell me exactly what you did and don't lie to me! If I even suspect that you're lying, I'm going to go to Matt and tell him what you said. You got that?"

Adam nodded glumly. He had come to the end of the road. There was no way out for him but to tell the truth. He knew Chris' reaction was going to be bad. He was just as protective of Jeff as Matt was.

He gulped and ran a hand through his hair, trying to find an easier way to say it but who was he trying to fool. Taking a deep breath, he just spilled it out, telling Chris what happened that Christmas Eve in 2001. The look of utter disbelief on Chris' face switched to rage when he got to the part where he cornered Jeff in the locker room while he was alone and he finally heard from his own lips that he had raped him.

"You son of a bitch! You raped him and you kept quiet all these time?" Chris yelled at him.

Adam hung his head in shame. There was nothing he could say.

"You hurt him and when Scott stepped into the picture, you didn't even try to save him! What kind of a person are you? I've sorely misjudged you!"

"I tried to pull him out of Scott's clutches but he fought me, Chris. I tried to gain his forgiveness but he pushed me away!" Adam protested.

"You should have tried harder! You owe it to him after what you did! Oh God! What have I done! I told Matt that you've redeemed yourself but I never thought …" and he let out a growl of frustration, getting up to pace.

He stopped suddenly and turned around to face Adam, "You're going to tell Matt that you're dropping out!" he said curtly.

"No! I'm not going to withdraw! This is important to me! This is my chance to redeem myself! You can't make me do this, Chris!" Adam got up to face him. "I know what I did was wrong but ever since Jeff came back, my feelings are in turmoil. I didn't know how important he is to me until you opened my eyes for me! Please, this is probably my last chance. All I need is just a chance to make it up to him. If he doesn't reciprocate, I'll back off but you have to let me try! Please Chris, it's the only way I can live with myself!"

Before Chris could say anything, someone pounded furiously at the door and Randy's enraged voice cut through it, "Open the damn door or I'll kick it down!"

Chris and Adam stared at one another in shock. Adam regained his composure first and made towards the door. As soon as he opened it, Randy jumped on him, bringing him down and started pummeling him, breathing out harshly. Chris quickly moved to get him off but got punched in the face and he stumbled back. His intervention gave Adam the opening he needed. He brought his knees up and shoved Randy on his chest with his feet, throwing him back. Adam now got the upper hand as he straddled Randy and starting punching him. Chris tried to pull him off, shouting at them to stop but neither heeded him. The commotion attracted Hunter who had just got in from a night out. He looked in and immediately went to Chris' aid. They held onto each of the two enraged partners, keeping them apart.

"What the hell is going on here?" Hunter asked, looking from one man to another.

Adam wiped the blood from his nose with his sleeve before saying, "He jumped me when I opened the door! I don't know what the hell is his problem!"

Randy growled, "I was just next door and I heard everything! The son of a bitch raped Jeff!"

Hunter was stunned into silence. Chris let Adam go as he felt the fight left him. He looked devastated.

"This is a serious charge." Hunter was at a loss as to what to do. The title shot Adam had given up was now his, Vince told him so a few hours ago. He was grateful for it but he just couldn't condone rape.

"When did this happen?" he asked.

"It was a long time ago, I just found out myself," Chris informed him, letting out a sigh. He felt bad, having started something that was spiraling out of control. "Can we settle this quietly? We should consider Jeff's feelings. No one knows besides us. I think it is best we contain this until we talk to Jeff and we should keep this from Matt for the time being." He didn't like it but it was for the best.

Hunter nodded his agreement, "You're right. We should keep this under the lid until we know what Jeff wants to do. Are you with us, Randy?" He nodded reluctantly. He couldn't disagree. What mattered was Jeff's well-being.

"What if he runs?" Randy pointed at Adam, who wanted more than anything else, to choke the life out of him!

"I can vouch that he won't run," Chris said with a sigh of resignation.

"That's it, then," Hunter said. "We'll meet tomorrow in my room and we'll decide what to do. But, someone has to talk to Jeff." He looked over at Chris, "I think you're the best man for it. Are you up to it? I can't get Randy to do it because he's personally involved." He made it a point to know what went on and he found out that Randy and Jeff were going out.

"I'll talk to Jeff tomorrow morning," Chris agreed. He really didn't have a choice.

"That settles it!" Hunter took Randy's arm and led him out. He knew how hot-headed he could be.

Chris turned to Adam who sat down dejectedly on his bed. He buried his head into his hands, knowing he was screwed.

"I'm sorry, Adam, I'm really sorry."

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