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

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Am I the only person whose account cannot capture the hits/visitors statistics since last Thursday? That's ten freaking days and the problem still exists! *grrrr* I want a bone to chew on to rid my frustrations!

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Chapter 16

"I hope you know what you're doing. It's hard enough to be caught between two men but to introduce a third? Don't you think Jeff has enough on his hands with Randy and John already?"

Matt didn't reply but continued to wolf down his dessert. He didn't seem worried about Jeff's predicament. Morrison frowned, wondering if he was even listening to him at all.

"I don't envy Jeff's position and I sure don't envy any of those three guys. Two of them are bound to end up hurt," Chris said with a sigh.

Matt wiped his mouth with a napkin and sat back with a sigh of contentment. Smiling at his friends, he said, "Like I told Jeff, they're grown men and they know what they're getting into. What are you guys so worried about?"

"Those guys are our friends. I hate to see any of them getting hurt!" Chris said. "Is that too much to understand?" He found it strange that Matt appeared to be complacent about the whole situation.

Morrison nodded his agreement. "This may very well destroy their friendship. I spoke to John earlier and he told me that Randy refused to hear him out and warned him to stay away from him if he knows what's good for him. What's going to happen now? All our friends are fighting among each other!" he looked helplessly at Matt.

"Come on guys, things aren't that bad. Remember how Randy was with Adam in the beginning? Well, they're talking now, aren't they?" Matt said.

"But, for how long?" Chris asked. "Randy and John aren't talking and we don't know what will come out of the date between Adam and Jeff."

He was beginning to worry. He knew that the renewed friendship between Randy and Adam would soon be put to the test again because he understood Adam's motive. Adam might be grateful to Randy for keeping his secret but he doubted Adam would willingly give Jeff up to him, if it ever came to that. He knew Adam well enough to know that he wouldn't give something up if he really wanted it. And then, there was John. He shouldn't write him off so easily. He could see that he and Jeff hit it off well right from the beginning.

"Stop worrying, will you? I'll talk to all of them when the time is right," Matt assured them. He looked at them contemplatively and asked, "I'm just curious. Which of those guys are you supporting?" he asked looking from Chris to Morrison.

Chris shrugged casually and said, "It's no big secret. Adam has my support for the simple fact that he knows Jeff for the longest time."

He knew for a fact that his fellow Canadian was only beginning to realize he had deeper feelings for Jeff. Adam could be pretty persuasive when he wanted to be. If he could get his act together, he stood a good chance of winning Jeff over.

"I knew you were going to say that," Matt smirked. "You Canadians always stick together!" But he knew better. Chris and Adam had been good friends for as long as he knew.

"What about you, Morri?" he turned to him.

Morrison hesitated slightly before saying, "I'm not exactly sure what went on between Adam and Jeff back then, but John has my vote here. He has been approaching this very cautiously right from the start. He and Jeff may not know each other that long but they get along famously. I can't say that for Adam and Jeff. They do not seem to be that close. John is not an impetuous guy. He would never dream of cutting in on Randy if he wasn't sure about his feelings for Jeff. I believe he has fallen in love!"

Matt mused over what he had just said and was in total agreement with him. Cena had plenty of chances to move in on Jeff but held back all these while. And he couldn't deny that there was an obvious mutual attraction between the two.

Chris pestered him, "Come on, Matt. It's your turn to tell us who has your vote. We're dying to know!"

Matt threw him a quirky grin, "Will you be surprised if I tell you its Randy?"

Chris and Morrison laughed out in disbelief, with the latter saying, "You have been giving him a really hard time! Randy has every reason to hate you for what you've been putting him through! If he could hear what you've just said, he would have flipped!"

"Why are you making it so difficult for him since you want them to be together?" Chris asked in clear amusement. Even though he was on Adam's side, he was particularly interested to know Matt's reasons for playing the obnoxious boor towards Randy.

Matt grinned sheepishly, "He only has himself to blame for his predicament. I actually like him the first time I met him, but when he almost walked out on Jeff after Scott confronted us, I … uh … started to have doubts and hence, these obstacles I've lined up for him."

"You've been pretty harsh on him, Matt. You can't blame him for second guessing after what Scott said. Even you have to admit that kind of news would take some getting used to," Chris pointed out to him. "I, and anyone else, for that matter, would react the same way he did."

"You are probably right but I'm doing what I see fit to make sure that no one hurts my baby brother again!" Matt's tone had taken on a serious note.

"I don't know what he saw in Scott in the first place but he did love him. What I don't understand is how that man can abuse him in every way in spite of that. I don't want history to repeat itself. I hope you understand what I'm trying to do."

"Matt, I think it's time you cut the apron strings. Jeff's twenty-eight years old! We understand that you're looking out for him, but don't you think you should let Jeff decide who he wants to be with?" Chris said. "It's really not your decision to make. I hope you don't take offense to what I'm saying here but it has to be said. This idea of Jeff going out with three different guys is bordering on bizarre!"

"I agree with Chris. Having two guys fighting over Jeff is bad enough, but three? Need I point out to you that Jeff really looked lost this morning? He's upset that Randy is upset and if he finds how upset John is, he's going to end up more confused than ever! You have actually put him in an awkward position. Have you even considered what if he can't decide? What are you going to do then?" Morrison asked. He understood Matt's reasons but he felt strongly that he shouldn't have interfered, albeit with good intentions.

"Guys, I'm not trying to run Jeff's life, I'm just trying to help him sort out his feelings. Jeff never went out with another man after Scott. He doubted himself too much to even try to love again. He gave himself over to a man who did not have the decency to return his love but destroyed his faith and trust. I don't know what Randy did but he managed to lower his defenses and won over his affections. It was a step forward and I'm forever grateful to him, regardless of Jeff's final decision. I honestly don't know who Jeff is going to choose and I have no intention of influencing his choice. I know my proposal is throwing everyone into a loop but it will unravel itself. Just give it time."

His attention was caught by a familiar lone figure walking into the restaurant. It was Cena. He called out to him and waved him over.

"Hey guys," Cena greeted them listlessly as he sat down and leaned his chin on his hands, sighing out loudly.

Matt clapped a hand around his shoulders and said, "Don't look so glum. You have your chance so it's only fair that Adam gets to spend time with Jeff today."

Cena grumbled, "You're not making this easy for any of us! Randy is really upset with me and I won't put it past Adam to just kidnap Jeff and flee the state!"

The three men twitched with amusement but they maintained their silence. Cena continued to ramble on, "This isn't working out too well, Matt. Randy and I are miserable and Jeff is not getting closer to knowing who he wants to be with. And now, he's out on a date with Adam because you insisted on it!" he groaned out loud. "It's confusing the hell out of him and frustrating the hell out of us!"

"Just be patient, John. All you guys have to do is to start behaving instead of fighting every chance you get when you're with him. Jeff is obviously upset to see you guys going at each other's throats! Okay, just let me ask you this, do you care for him?"

"Of course I do!" Cena reiterated.

"Then, wouldn't you want the best for him?"

Cena gave him an exasperated look and said, "Do you even have to ask!"

When Matt waited for him to continue, he spoke in a begrudging manner, "I just want him to be happy and so does Randy, I guess."

Matt smiled, "I'm glad to hear that. Look, I know you have feelings for each other but you have to understand that he's going to need all the support he can get while he finds out who he wants to be with. Whoever he chooses, I'm sure you'll respect his decision. So, until then, why can't you guys just learn to get along? It will help Jeff to make up his mind a lot easier. I know I'm asking a lot and I'm not making it easy on any of you, but I'm doing it because I love my brother. I know it sounds selfish but I don't want him hurt, period!"

Cena nodded reluctantly. "I understand but I can't speak for the others. I tried to talk to Randy but he's not even giving me the time of day. I can understand how he feels because I feel the same way now that Jeff is out with Adam and I don't blame him at all. But, you have to understand one thing, Matt. This is harder on Jeff than any of us. He's going to feel really bad when the time comes for him to choose. I hope you know that."

He had spoken up his piece and got up to leave but Morrison stopped him, "Aren't you going to eat?"

Shaking his head dejectedly, Cena said, "I just lost my appetite. I'm just going back to my room to think," and turned to go.

"Wait! I'll come with you," Morrison got up to join him. He didn't want to leave him alone and depressed. He hit on an idea to distract him from his misery and decided to surprise him. He had to make a few phone calls first.

Chris turned to Matt after they had left. "John is right; this is not easy on any of them. I think you should go talk to Randy and explain everything to him. Friendships are breaking apart because of your dating plan. Don't let the situation deteriorate any further, Matt. I hate to think if something else goes wrong and things blow up right in your face!"

Matt relented, "Okay, I'll talk to Randy now. You want to tag along and play peacemaker? I'm not his favorite person at the moment."

"I guess I better come along because he really hates your guts right now! He may hit you with the RKO for your damn interference!" Chris shook his head and followed Matt out to face Jeff's most temperamental boyfriend of the whole lot.

-ooo-

The two huddled close together in the vehicle, sharing their body warmth. It was still pouring outside and the car refused to start. It was cold enough without their damp clothes to aggravate the situation.

"A..A..ddy," Jeff shivered, "C..can you t..try to call out again?" He wished he had his phone with him but in his haste, left it behind at the hotel.

Adam rubbed his arms to warm him up before taking out his phone, but he still couldn't get any signal.

"Sorry, Jeff, I still can't call out," he informed him and pulled his head down to rest on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm sure we will be able to call out once the storm passes," he reassured him.

He had managed to calm Jeff and coax him back into the car, promising he would not force himself on him. He was stunned but happy that Jeff had revealed, in a moment of despair that he had been waiting for him to look him up all these years. No words could describe how he felt, however, he still felt so ashamed that he had let him down for the second time. He wished he could turn back the clock. He would have done things differently, but it was still not too late to make amends. He swore he would make everything right between them again.

Jeff snuggled closer to him, seeking comfort and warmth. Adam looked tenderly down at him, stroking his soft locks. He told himself that if this was his only chance to hold him, he was going to cherish every second of it! He checked his watch and noted with relief that it was past four o'clock. It was still early and he would still have several hours to spend with Jeff, even if it was in a car. He rested his chin on Jeff's head and spoke in a hushed tone, "I'm so sorry for letting you down time and time again. I swear it won't happen again! I'll do everything within my power to make it up to you!"

"Hmm…" Jeff responded drowsily. He was almost asleep. Time passed and Adam started to nod off when both were startled awake by someone rapping on the window. Adam rolled the window down and saw it was a police constable."

"Is everything alright?" the officer enquired as he looked over them. His eyes lit up when he recognized them.

"You guys work for the WWE, right? You're Edge and you're that Jeff Hardy guy! What are you guys doing parked here?"

Adam explained to him that their car had stalled in the storm and they couldn't call for help because there was no reception with the storm's interference.

"I'll call a tow truck for you and I can give you guys a lift to your hotel. Come on, my car's parked that way. You have to make a run for it though. It doesn't look like the rain is going to stop anytime soon."

They ran after the officer to his patrol car and climbed in. Half an hour later, both men were dropped off at their hotel. After thanking the officer for his help, they quickly made their way in.

"Jeff!"

They turned to see Randy hurrying towards them. "Why are you wet?" Randy asked with concern as he hugged Jeff towards him.

"We were caught in the storm and our car stalled, but an officer came to our rescue. Can we talk later, Randy? I really need to get out of these damp clothes," Jeff said with a shiver.

"Sure." He hesitated, giving Adam a cautious look before asking Jeff, "You want me to come up with you?"

Jeff looked uncertainly at him and back at Adam. Adam's fists were clenched but he kept silent. He waited to see what Jeff would say. It was his time and he didn't appreciate Randy cutting into his time with Jeff.

"Can I see you tomorrow, Randy? I'm going out with Adam after I shower," Jeff explained.

To his surprise and relief, Randy nodded albeit reluctantly. "I'll see you tomorrow then. You better get out of those wet clothes before you catch a chill." He leaned down to kiss him gently on the lips and released him. Adam nodded silently to him before following Jeff to the lift.

Randy watched as Jeff entered the lift and his face creased into a smile when Jeff blew him a kiss just before the doors closed. He turned to leave, feeling a lot better. Matt came to his room with Chris a couple of hours ago to explain his actions and they had somewhat resolved their differences, although he had not clearly forgiven him for his interference. Matt apologized but hoped Randy wouldn't bear him any hard feelings because he was only trying to protect his brother. He also talked about Cena's remorse in losing his friendship.

"You know him better than I do and I'm sure you can see that he is in love with my brother, just like you. I leave you to decide if falling in love counts as betrayal. But remember, true friendship is just as equally hard to come by as true love."

Matt reiterated that Jeff would feel responsible if they had a fall out because of him. He told him that regardless of Jeff's decision, he would always be grateful to him for the love and concern he had showered on his brother.

After Matt and Chris left, Randy mulled over everything that was said and realized that he shouldn't hold Cena responsible for what happened. Everyone has the right to choose who they love and it just happened that they all fell in love with the same man. He decided to make his peace with Cena and was looking for him when he came upon Jeff and Adam in the hotel lobby. Adam's reaction, in this case, his grim silence, put him immediately on his guard. They might have come to an understanding regarding Jeff, but somehow, he had this feeling that Adam was going to be the tougher of his two opponents. If Adam had somehow got through to Jeff, he was a bigger threat than Cena. He didn't like it but he had to face the fact that Jeff might pick one of the two over him.

"What can I do to improve my chances?" he thought furiously and then it dawned on him who could help him.

"Shannon! He's Jeff's best friend! He should be able to tell me what I can do to up my chances! I've got to talk to him as soon as possible!"

He decided to look for Carlito instead, knowing he had been keeping in touch with Shannon. He believed strongly that if anyone was able to help him, it would be Shannon.

-ooo-

"Morri! I'm so glad you called. How're things with you?" Miz gave him an affectionate hug.

"Good, Mizzy. Hey, Khali, glad you can make it. I'm going to need all the help I can get to help out some friends of mine."

"Boyfriends?" Khali asked and Morrison laughed, "No, they're just friends."

"Want me to be boyfriend?" Khali asked excitedly. Everyone was daunted by his size and he found himself disappointed without a date every time they went out.

Morrison snickered, "No, my intention is to help them, not make them run for the hills!"

Khali sighed and shrugged his broad shoulders, "Better luck next time?"

"Your English is improving, Khali. Don't tell me Mizzy has been coaching you?"

Khali just nodded and beamed at him and sat down on the bed. It sank down under protest of his weight, the springs creaking dangerously.

"Who are they? Did their boyfriends dump them or what?" Miz asked as he threw himself on the other bed and made himself comfortable.

"Not exactly. It's very complicated but I don't want to get into that. I just want your help with John and Randy," Morrison said as he sat down.

Miz perked up immediately and he leaned forward eagerly, "John as in John Cena?"

Morri laughed and pushed him back, "Yes, the one and the same, and before you get your hopes too high, he's not interested in the likes of you!"

Miz pouted and sat back with a sigh, "Damn! I was really hoping you can introduce us. He's cute and those dimples are so … sexy!"

"He's not for you, you're too loud for him!" Morrison snorted with laughter at the peeved look on Miz's face.

A low rumble of laughter escaped Khali's throat and he added, "Loud! Noisy! Chatterbox!"

"Right on! Give me five, Khali!" and the gentle giant promptly gave him one, a hard one.

Morrison shook his hand and winced in pain. "Take it easy, big guy, you can break my hand you know," he said, nursing his palm gingerly.

"Sorry," Khali apologized. He brightened up next and asked, "Randy, sexy too! Introduce?"

Morrison shook his head, "No, he's in the same boat as John."

Before he could explain further, the door clicked open and Carlito walked in.

"Hey," he greeted them and closed the door after him. "What's going on?" he asked Morrison but he kept a wary look on Khali. He noticed how low his bed had sunk and reminded himself that if the springs had broke, he was going to force Morrison to switch beds with him.

"Good question! Why did you call me here if not to introduce me to that hunk of a man?" Miz asked, wearing a perplexed look on his face.

"We have two guys who need help, Randy and John. Listen, I need you guys to do something for me."

He bent and whispered his plan to them. After he finished, Carlito grinned and said, "I like your idea but what if it backfires and aggravate matters? Those guys will skin you alive!"

"I'll take the risk! So, are you guys up to it?" Morrison asked, looking from one to another.

"Sure, no problem, I'll do what I can to help," Carlito said. He had to admit that it he was looking forward to seeing the outcome.

"I've nothing better to do, so count me in!" Miz said with a grin.

"Me too!" Khali said, nodding his approval.

"Great! I can't wait to see what happens when this gets underway!" Morrison rubbed his hands in glee.

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