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

Thank you to all the wonderful, faithful reviewers! I'm glad to see you rooting for your favorite! Rest assured for those rooting for Adam, not all is lost! You'll find out in this chapter. Enjoy!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Chapter 14

Chris tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He was thankful that Matt was already asleep when he got back in. As he lay on the bed, he couldn't stop blaming himself for putting Adam in a situation. It wasn't that he condoned what he had done, but, things had spun out of control. Adam could very well be fired and go to jail. However, the possibility of Jeff pressing charges was second to none. If he had wanted to, he wouldn't have waited until then, but that would change if Matt ever found out. He told himself to keep it from Matt at all costs. He groaned inwardly at the thought of talking to Jeff the following morning and wondered how he was going to bring it up. With that question in mind, he finally fell into a disturbed sleep.

................................................................................

Randy lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't sleep. In the solitude of his room, he was able to calm down and think clearly and was beginning to have regrets. He asked himself for the umpteenth time, why this had to happen. He no longer considered Adam a threat for Jeff's affections, Jeff would never consider him after what he did, even if he had been receptive to him recently. That's because he's grateful to him for saving him. However, that thought didn't make him feel any better.

Despite himself, he was beginning to feel sorry for Adam. Having known and worked with him for the past couple of months, he knew that Adam was not a malicious person at heart. So, what exactly happened? What prompted him to commit such a heinous act?

He sighed, rolling over on his side. He regretted shooting his mouth off in Hunter's presence. He should have given Adam a chance to explain, but it was too late for that now. Obviously, Jeff didn't want anyone to find out and had kept silent all these years. He had been on cordial terms with Adam which meant he must have already forgiven him. So, what's your problem with Adam? …… "You're afraid he'll steal Jeff away from you!" his inner voice whispered.

Randy realized with a start that in spite of everything, he didn't want Adam to be behind bars, he didn't want to get him fired. Adam was still his friend and partner. He hadn't forgotten how close they were until Jeff came between them. Was he prepared to sacrifice their friendship to seek justice, which Jeff apparently didn't want?

He sat up in bed. What would he accomplish by pushing for Adam's punishment? Nothing, he decided. He would have achieved nothing. In fact, it might prove detrimental to his relationship with Jeff; he doubted Jeff would appreciate his efforts. It dawned on him that he got nothing to gain but Adam had everything to lose - his job, a fine career he had painstakingly built up, the respect of his peers, fans and family. Was this what he wished on him? He knew the answer to that. Pulling on a t-shirt and a pair of track pants, he took the cardkey from the night table and left his room. He doubted Adam was asleep. He decided to go over and talk to him, thrash things out with him. He needed to know how he could hurt Jeff, a man whom he once was very close to and whom he was now trying to court.

…………………………………………………………………

He felt numb; his past had finally caught up with him and he had no one to blame but himself. He just had to go and drown his frustrations by drinking and ramble about the past. He didn't blame Chris for what happened. Even now, Chris stood up for him and was trying to salvage the situation. But, what if he failed? What if word got out of what he did? He was finished if that happened!

He was worried about Jeff's reaction once the news came out. Jeff had never once mentioned the incident. The only time it was brought up was when he was forced to tell him what happened. He had buried the incident and Adam was grateful for that, but he never ceased to wonder how he could pretend that it never happened. But soon, everyone would find out. He didn't want to see him hurt; he was the victim and shouldn't be made to go through the ordeal again. And what would Matt do when he found out? He had never been more relieved when Matt finally forgave him, but he doubted he would forgive him this time. He wouldn't be surprised if Matt came at him with a shotgun!

Chris assured him that Jeff was unlikely to press charges, so he had nothing to worry about. But Adam knew that Randy would not let the opportunity passed. It was his chance to get him out of the way. All he had to do was to leak the news and he was doomed!

He couldn't but feel disappointed at the way things had turned out between him and Randy. They were such good friends once, just like the way he was with Jay, Matt and Jeff years back then, but looked at them now. They couldn't trust each other and were always bickering. He couldn't fathom why every close friendship he had always turned into shambles. Mulling over them, he admitted that he was the one who fucked it all up. His damn ego, his will to win all the time, and his selfishness, they led him to be what he was today, a lonely soul with no friends, with the exception of Chris.

He glanced at his watch; it was about four in the morning. A few more hours and he would know if he was a condemned man. He closed his eyes, telling himself to get some sleep. Nothing could save him this time; he was a dead man awaiting sentence. He heard knocking and thought he was mistaken. Sitting up, he listened carefully, someone was at the door. He got up and made for the door, thinking it could be Chris, but was surprised to see Randy instead.

"Can I come in? We need to talk." Randy looked dead serious.

Adam hesitated but finally opened the door wider to let him in. Randy waited for him to face him.

"Look, I know things haven't been good between us for a while. We both want Jeff, I get that, but I never intended for this to happen. I still remember the good times we had and in spite of everything, I do not want you to get fired and end up behind bars."

Adam looked at him dubiously, "I'm not exactly sure why you're here. I mean, I appreciate what you're telling me but what are you getting at?"

Randy fixed him a penetrating gaze. "I do not want to see either Jeff or you getting hurt. Nothing good is going to come out of this. I know Jeff will not press charges against you, he would have done so already if he wanted to." He took a deep breath before continuing, "I'm going to ask Hunter to drop this matter. He'll do it because he owes you for his title shot. No one needs to know about this, your secret is safe with us."

Adam looked stunned, he couldn't believe his ears. It took him some time to find his voice. "Are you serious? You're not pulling my leg or something, are you?" he asked in an incredulous tone.

Randy shook his head, "I'm not joking, but I need you to tell me something." He took two steps forward so that they were about a foot away from each other. "How could you, Adam! Everyone kept telling me how close you and Jeff were back then. I just can't believe you would do such a thing, you are not that kind of a person!"

Adam dropped his eyes ashamedly, before finally looking up to meet Randy's eyes, they were filled with remorse.

"It wasn't intentional, I wasn't even sober. I couldn't even remember what I did and till today, I haven't forgiven myself."

He drew in a deep breath and repeated what he told Chris earlier, not leaving anything out. When he finished, he felt a burden lift off his shoulders. With Chris, he felt his agitation and was compelled to tell the truth, but with Randy, he already knew what happened and just wanted him to explain his actions. He had been bearing the guilt for so long that it was a relief to finally pour out his trouble without dreading the consequences.

Randy shook his head in disbelief when he finished. "I don't know what to say, Adam. Jeff said nothing all these time?

"Nothing at all, he didn't even speak to me until I punched Scott for giving him drugs and getting him into trouble," Adam said quietly. "I'll always regret not intervening when they got together, that man abused him! I wished I had done something so he wouldn't have suffered in his hands. But, then again, who am I to judge others when I'm scum myself! I hate myself for hurting Jeff!" Adam reproached himself.

"You're not the same as Scott; he knew what he was doing, you didn't!"

Those comforting words meant more to him than Randy would ever know.

"I don't know how to thank you Randy," he said gratefully.

Randy crooked a smile, "No need to thank me. I'm glad we have this conversation, it clears the air, but, I want to make this clear, right here, right now. I'm not giving way to anyone when it comes to Jeff, you got that?"

Adam broke into a grin and proffered his hand, which Randy took in a firm grip.

"Fair enough, so I guess it's every man for himself. May the better man win!"

.............................................................................

Chris closed the door quietly behind him; he decided to leave before Matt woke up, intending to grab some coffee before heading to Jeff and Cena's room. He still had no idea what to say when he got there. How was he to get Jeff alone? Cena was always, and that was putting it mildly, never far from Jeff; that man was like his shadow!

"Shit! John would ask a lot of questions, what am I going to tell him?" he mumbled to himself as he walked towards the breakfast corner. He didn't notice the two men advancing quickly upon him from behind. They had been waiting in the lobby for him to come down since six o'clock.

"Chris!" He turned in surprise to see Adam and Randy coming up to him. With a look of confusion on his face, he asked, "What are the two of you doing here this early?"

"Listen, I've cleared the air with Adam and there's no need to bring up what happened last night!" Randy spoke quickly.

A sense of relief washed over Chris but he was still baffled by the turnabout. "Let's grab some coffee and you can tell me what's going on."

They got their coffee and made their way to a secluded corner. It helped that it was still early and there were not many early risers, they really didn't need anyone to overhear their conversation. Very quickly, Randy briefed Chris on what had taken place and his decision to tell Hunter to drop the whole matter.

Chris was glad to hear the two had made up and were friends again, but would Hunter readily agree?

"Are you sure Hunter will go along with this? I mean, you guys beat him up that day and he's not known to be a forgiving person."

"You don't need to worry about Hunter, he'll drop the matter," Adam said with conviction.

"If you say so." Chris hesitated before asking, "What about Jeff? Don't you think it's time you sit down and talk to him? It doesn't seem right to just brush aside what happened and leave it at that."

Adam nodded and spoke with the utmost sincerity, "I know I owe him a great deal. I've been waiting for a chance to talk to him but you can see how difficult it is, with Matt, John and Randy always getting in the way," and he playfully punched Randy on the arm, who grinned at him.

"I see what I can do to get you some alone time with Jeff," Chris said and Randy added, "You take care of Matt while I distract John. Just tell us when you want to do this."

"The earlier the better," Adam said. "I think I shouldn't delay talking to him any longer. Let's make it lunch today. I would like to take him out somewhere private, so that we can talk without anyone listening in."

"Matt did say he wanted to get you some time to spend with Jeff, he's not going to object but John will be something else," Chris mused out loud.

"If Matt gives the okay, there's nothing John can do. You convince Matt and set it up. Come on, let's finish our coffee and go talk to Hunter. I want to settle this as quickly as possible!" Randy said with some urgency.

An hour later, the issue was settled. Hunter was surprised but relieved that things turned out the way it did. A feud in the ring stays in the ring; he had no quarrel with Adam outside it, but he gave Adam a piece of advice, "Don't take for granted what your friends are doing for you! You need to sit down and talk to Jeff and make things right by him." Something struck him and he asked anxiously, "Is Scott still bothering him?"

The three men looked at one another, contemplating if they should tell Hunter what they did to him two nights ago. Randy decided there was no harm telling him. That wretched man must have survived since they didn't hear otherwise.

"He tried to rape Jeff two nights ago in a back alley but we served him his just desserts!" he gloated and told Hunter in detail how Scott set his friends on them at a bowling centre and grabbed Jeff while they were busy, and finally, how they dealt with him.

"I will kill that bastard if he comes anywhere near Jeff again!" Randy spoke with vehemence.

"Be careful with that man, he will do anything! If he has his eyes set on Jeff, he will come for him again. Be prepared when he does," he cautioned them.

"Don't worry; we will be on our guard. We will make sure Jeff is never left alone." Randy vowed.

Hunter couldn't help smirking. "I can't help but wonder which one of you is going to end up with Jeff," he said looking from one to the other.

Chris rolled his eyes and snorted, "You forgot Cena; it's a three-way battle here."

Hunter slapped his knee, chortling with laughter, "I really don't know whether to sympathize or envy Jeff, I mean how do you choose between a legend killer, the ultimate opportunist and a chain gang leader?" he gasped between laughter.

His laughter finally wound down and he looked amusingly at the two suitors, "I can see the two of you are back to being friends. Are you both going to gang up on Cena?"

The Rated RKO members looked at each other, smirking, and Adam said, "Now, that's a thought!" All burst out laughing.

……………………………………………………………………..…

Jeff's eyes slowly fluttered open as he awakened and caught Cena watching him with a soft look in his eyes.

"Morning," he mumbled sleepily, smiling at him as he stretched like a cat.

Cena grinned at him, "Sleep well?" He didn't wait for an answer but bent to take his lips in a slow lingering kiss.

"Mmm…" he moaned blissfully when Jeff curled his arms around his neck and returned his kisses. He wasn't sure how Jeff would react after last night, but looking at it, he was worrying unnecessarily.

They finally broke the kiss and Jeff was the first to speak, "John, what am I going to do? I can't deny I have feelings for you, but I do love Randy." He looked so confused and torn up that Cena felt sorry for him, he wanted to comfort him.

"Listen, don't feel pressured to make up your mind now, I can wait. I don't want you to regret anything, so take your time."

"I feel so selfish right now!" He gulped before saying, "I'm not going to lie to Randy. I…I'm going to tell him what happened between us last night, but I'm afraid of his reaction; I don't want the both of you to get hurt!"

Cena sighed; he could see what was coming. Randy was going to come after him without a doubt. He could understand his apprehensions.

"Maybe it would help if the others are there when you tell him," he suggested.

"I guess it will have to do. I'm going to talk to Matt first. He dropped a bomb on me yesterday and I believe he has a lot of explaining to do!"

Jeff was about to roll off the bed to head to the bathroom when Cena pulled him back and climbed on top of him.

"What's your hurry?" he whispered seductively, kissing his way slowly down his abs.

"John!" Jeff gasped in sharply and bucked when Cena covered his love hole with his mouth and he felt his tongue penetrating him. He whimpered and writhed, Cena's tongue sending fires of liquid coursing through his body. Having moistened him up adequately, he replaced his tongue with two fingers, gently inserting them in and preparing him for his cock.

"Oh God, John …" Jeff moaned when his fingers found his 'G' spot and rubbed at it and he felt waves of pleasure besieging him, "Ohh.. ohh.. please … don't tease …" and arched to take his fingers deeper.

Cena didn't let up, he continued to work him and when Jeff tossed his head deliriously, he withdrew his fingers and slid in his thick cock into him in one hard thrust, moaning out loud at the tight fit. He could feel him trembling beneath him, adjusting to him. After a while, he felt him moving against him, urging him to move and without preamble, he lifted his legs on his shoulders and started to thrust fiercely into him. With each thrust, he buried himself deeper, rejoicing in their union. Jeff arched to meet him, crying out incoherently as he approached orgasm.

"Wait for me, baby," Cena rasped as he sped up, thrusting frantically into him. Jeff arched up sharply, stilled and his face broke into a rapturous look as he screamed and went over the edge. Cena followed him immediately, roaring his release. They didn't have time to regain their senses when furious pounding was heard at the door.

Jeff gasped in alarm as Cena rolled off him to pull on a pair of boxers hastily.

"Put on some clothes, Jeff!" he whispered frantically as he made towards the door.

Jeff hurriedly pulled on a pair of track pants. Cena waited for him to be ready before unlocking the door. Their furious visitor barged in unceremoniously.

"I could hear you guys down the hall!"

Jeff flushed but kept silent.

"Damn it, Cena, I should have known you can't wait to get into my brother's pants!"

The two men meekly faced the wrath of one Matt Hardy with a snickering Morrison standing in the background. Matt had woken up to find Chris gone and after grabbing a quick shower, decided to look up Morrison for breakfast. They decided to check if Jeff and Cena were interested to join them and the rest was history.

"Get your bag, Jeff, you're going to stay with me from now on!" Matt said in a stern voice.

"No! You can't order me around, Matty! I have yet to talk to you about yesterday!" Jeff stomped over to face his brother, hands on his hips. Matt took a step back in surprise. "You have a lot of explaining to do, so start right now!" he jabbed his finger hard at Matt's chest while scowling at him.

"I … uhh…uhh…" and Matt suddenly pointed his finger at Morrison, "It's his fault! He and Chris urged me to allow all interested parties get a shot at you. They said all is fair in love and I bought it, lock, stock and barrel!" Morrison threw him a look of disbelief.

"Matthew Moore Hardy! I know it's you who came up with the idea! How dare you blame it on Morrison and Chris!"

The look of ire on Jeff's face made him cringed.

"Okay, I admit that but they supported the idea," he reiterated, pulling a pout.

"Don't give me that! Look what you turn Randy into! He was so upset that he couldn't think straight and he said those unkind things to me and … and now, you got John implicated! What do you have to say for yourself!"

Matt opened his mouth to say something but closed it back. Jeff was right, he had done more harm than good, but he was only trying to help! He shot Cena a furious look when a snort of laughter escaped him.

"Wait, why are you angry with me? I may have started this but you and John finished it! What do you call that, howling and screaming for the whole floor to hear!" he retorted.

Jeff looked away with mortification but he looked up when Morrison cleared his throat awkwardly and was shocked to see Randy standing at the doorway with Adam and Chris. He must have heard what Matt said because his face had turned beet red and the veins on his forehead throbbed visibly.

"Randy!" Jeff screamed just as he lunged forward at Cena. Before he could reach them, Adam pulled him back from around his waist. The touch of his bare skin sent shivers through his body and he reprimanded himself for thinking such thoughts at an inopportune time. Matt, Morrison and Chris were pulling the two apart.

"You son of a bitch, I trusted you!" Randy yelled furiously as Chris and Morrison pulled him off Cena.

Matt held on to Cena, afraid he would retaliate but he was in control of himself. Jeff moved towards Randy but Adam pulled him back, "Don't! Let him get the aggression out and then, he will calm down."

"Let me go, I need to talk to Randy," Jeff pleaded with him. Adam hesitated but he finally loosened his hold and Jeff moved to stand before Randy who immediately stopped struggling against Morrison and Chris. Jeff cupped his face gently with his hands.

"I'm so sorry, Randy; I didn't mean to hurt you." He fought back his tears before continuing, "I do love you, but I have feelings for John as well. They have been there all these while but I just didn't acknowledge them. You can blame me for everything I've put you through; I'm the one who betrayed you, not John. I don't deserve you!"

In spite himself, his tears fell and Randy pulled him close, cradling him against him.

"Don't cry, I hate myself for making you cry," he whispered into his hair.

"I don't know what to do, I'm so confused. I don't understand myself anymore!" Jeff choked out, pressed against his chest.

"I have a suggestion," Matt said suddenly. Everyone glared at him and he spoke quickly, "It's not what you think." When nobody raised any vocal objection, he continued, "I think the three men involved should, each, spend some quality time with Jeff. Like I said before, you hardly know each other! He paused, looking over at Adam, well … maybe except for him. He and Jeff were joined at the hips once.

"Matt is right. We can come up with a schedule, like Jeff goes out today with Adam, and the next day with Randy and the day after with John. It makes sense to me," Chris said.

Adam caught on and showed his support, "I think the idea is excellent! On one hand, each of us gets to spend time with Jeff and he can take his time to know us. But, we shouldn't put pressure on him to make a decision. Let's take this one step at a time and see how it goes."

Matt looked pleased and said, "Adam is in favor. What about you, Randy, John?"

Each man nodded grudgingly their agreement. Matt turned to Jeff next, "It's all up to you now, Jeff. Do you want to go along with this?"

Jeff looked at one man to the other. He finally sighed and nodded, "I guess it won't hurt to try."

Adam let out a whoosh of relief; he was finally going to get his chance after all!

"Now, how do we do this?" Matt asked and Chris suggested quickly, "Since Jeff has already spent time with both Randy and John; maybe we should let Adam bring Jeff out today."

Randy got the picture. He didn't like it but he did agree to help. "I can live with that," and turned to Cena who looked at him with surprise. He thought Randy would go ballistic but seeing how calmly he reacted, he decided he shouldn't raise any objection.

"I guess I can live with that too," he said, none too happy.

"That settles it! Adam will get Jeff for today!"

Jeff practically cringed at how it sounded. Randy and Cena scowled while Chris and Morrison held back their snickers.

Matt apologized, "Sorry, I didn't mean it to come out like that! Oh, one more thing, Jeff will be moving in to stay with me for the time being." He put up his hands just as Randy and Cena were about to raise their objections. "Look guys, it's only fair to everyone. I don't want my brother to sleep with a different man each night!"

Jeff groaned and hid his face behind his hands as the majority of them laughed. He swore that he was going to kick his brother's ass when he got him alone; he had a knack of embarrassing him in front of the others.

"Come on, Jeff, get your bag and we can go."

Cena looked on forlornly as Jeff packed his stuff and pulled on a shirt. Just as he was about to leave, he called out, "Wait!" He hurried forward and gave him a bear hug and kiss, "Keep that with you until it's my turn," he said.

Jeff leaned up to kiss him and said, "I will."

After the others had gone, Cena sat down on his bed, he felt suddenly so alone. He already missed Jeff terribly! Oh God! I hope this isn't a bad idea.

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Reviews are greatly appreciated.