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

Thank you!

Pounded out this chapter this evening. Hope it won't disappoint. Please R&R.

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Chapter 17

"I'm glad the storm has passed," Adam commented as he looked at the skies. He brought his gaze back to Jeff who was walking beside him. With his rental at the workshop, they had decided to walk. At least, this way, they didn't have to worry about getting stranded and if need be, they could always catch a cab.

With hands shoved into his jacket pockets, Jeff gave him an embarrassing look and said apologetically, "I'm sorry for freaking out earlier. I never did like storms."

Adam gave him a reassuring smile, "I understand, you don't have to apologize."

There was a moment of awkward silence between them. Adam wanted to bring up what happened earlier but decided against it. He didn't want to upset Jeff again and hoped the rest of the evening would go well. They had decided to just browse through the stores on foot like they used to. Shopping used to be their favorite pastime. Matt and Jay always complained that they were shopaholics and hated it every time they had to accompany them on their shopping sprees. Both were known to spend countless hours in stores.

Adam stopped suddenly when a coat at the display window caught his attention.

"Nice, let's go in and take a look," he suggested and led the way into the store. As the saleslady attended to him, Jeff browsed through the racks. An hour and a half later, both men left the store carrying three huge bags each.

Adam stopped in front of a fancy restaurant and suggested they go in, saying he was famished.

"We have to put on a tie to get in. Let's go somewhere else less formal." Jeff was about to move off when Adam pulled him back.

"I want to take you somewhere nice for dinner. Anyways, we'll get mobbed elsewhere. Just give me a minute and I'll get us in without the tie."

Jeff watched as Adam spoke to the captain and bribed him. Adam turned to him and gave him a thumbs-up and grin. They were ushered to a secluded corner of the restaurant. The lights were dimmed and candles illuminated each table. Soft classical music played over the air lending a romantic aura to the atmosphere. The waiter handed the menu to them and stepped away to give them time to make their selection.

Adam let out a sigh of contentment and said, "It's nice to sit down and eat without anyone coming up for autographs. Come to think of it, it has been a while since I came out to eat. I always order room service."

Jeff grinned, "Matt and I always order take-away and go back to our rooms to chow down."

They stopped talking for a while to browse through the menu. After the waiter had taken their orders and served them a bottle of chilled wine, Adam sat back and studied Jeff contemplatively. He fidgeted uncomfortably under his gaze. "Is something wrong?" he finally asked.

Shaking his head, Adam spoke casually, "It's my birthday tomorrow," giving him a crooked smile.

Jeff reached down to pull out a gift box from one of the shopping bags. "Here, this is for you," he gave him a shy smile as he handed it to him.

Adam's eyes widened in surprise as he accepted the gift, "I didn't expect you to remember!" He toyed with the present quietly, a sense of warmth filling him. Jeff actually remembered his birthday after all these years! He couldn't find the words to tell him how that made him feel.

"Are you alright?"

Adam looked up to see Jeff looking at him anxiously.

"I'm fine. I'm glad we have this opportunity to go out together. I can't remember the last time someone celebrated my birthday with me." He cleared his throat and his voice took on a cheeky tone, "So, did you get me diamonds?" and shook the box, trying to figure out what it was.

Jeff snorted, "I'm not made of money! This is the best I can do from what I make."

Adam chuckled and opened up the gift box. His face beamed with pleasure as he took out the simple but elegant bracelet. He immediately wore it around his left wrist and gave Jeff a huge grin, "It's beautiful! Thank you!"

"Many happy returns on your birthday," Jeff wished him.

The waiter came back with their orders and Adam requested for a bottle of their finest champagne to celebrate the occasion. They spent two hours in the restaurant, taking their fill slowly and chatting about the old days. Adam felt he was making good progress although Jeff still seemed somewhat awkward. He told himself to be patient as it was, after all, their first date together after three years. As they made their way out, Adam suggested they drop off their shopping bags at the hotel first. He hailed a cab and they were in and out of their hotel in fifteen minutes.

"Where are we going?" Jeff asked as Adam once again hailed a cab and opened the door for him.

"I'm taking you dancing," he replied with a grin. "Remember how we used to tear up the dance floor? We may not be the best of dancers but we sure know how to have fun! I miss the times we had."

Jeff couldn't help grinning. He found himself beginning to relax and feeling more at ease. As the cab pulled in front of a club, Jeff gasped out loud.

"Are you sure? This is going to cost you," Jeff said worriedly as he eyed the expensive looking establishment which was flanked by two well-dressed, attentive watchmen.

"This is a special occasion, I feel like splurging." Adam guided him in and they were immediately greeted by the loud and hot throbbing beat of the music. Mass of hot sweating bodies gyrated on the floor and Jeff realized they were in a men's club. They were led to a table and after placing their orders, Adam stood up, "Shall we?"

Jeff got up and they moved to join the crowd on the floor. It didn't take long before he found himself loosening up. When Adam moved behind him and slid a hand around his waist to pull him in close against his chest, he stiffened.

"Relax, we're just dancing," Adam whispered into his ear reassuringly as he thrust his hips gently against his back. It took a while before Jeff relaxed under his touch and from then on, both men found themselves enjoying themselves. Five dances later, Jeff signaled he was thirsty and they headed back to their table. Adam drank his bourbon while Jeff chugged back half a glass of beer. He sighed with contentment and grinned at Adam, "That was fun!"

"Sure was!" Adam agreed with him enthusiastically.

"We should have invited the rest to join us," Jeff pointed out to him. "Does Randy know it's your birthday tomorrow?" he asked after a moment's pause. He hoped they still remained as friends.

"I didn't tell him, but that's not important. What's important is that you're here with me. I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this day," Adam spoke with deep emotion.

"Please, Adam, don't say anymore." Jeff was taken aback when Adam grasped his hand which was lying on the table.

"There are so many things I want to tell you, I don't know where to begin." Adam paused to gather his thoughts before speaking, "Jeff, I'm in love with you." He shushed him when he opened his mouth to say something. "Please let me finish before I lose my nerve to say what I want to say."

Jeff shut his mouth and looked down at their joined hands on the table. He couldn't bring himself to meet his eyes.

"I think I fell in love with you back then. It never dawned on me because I didn't even know I was inclined that way. Well … that's not exactly true. I think it all started when we began to spend more and more time together. Jay has been my childhood friend and I don't feel that way for him that I have for you. It might explain the amount of time I keep hanging out with you. But, I screwed it up when I hurt you." He paused, rubbing Jeff's knuckles gently with his thumb. "Please look at me?"

Jeff brought his eyes up to meet his, swallowing heavily. Adam smiled gratefully at him gratefully.

"You have no idea how much you mean to me. Ever since you left, I've always felt incomplete, like there's a missing puzzle in my life. I've only come to realize that you're that missing puzzle. I know my confession puts you in an awkward position, but all I want is a chance to prove myself worthy of you. Will you give me that chance?" Adam looked at him pleadingly.

Jeff took a deep breath before replying, "I appreciate your honesty but I can't reciprocate your feelings, Adam. I'm in love with Randy and John. I did love you once but it was a long time ago. Like you said, I didn't know what it was we had together until that fateful night. I was deeply wounded by your actions but I realized that I did care for you in a special way. That was three years ago and this is now. I'm sorry but I don't love you that way, not anymore."

When he saw the look of quiet dismay on Adam's face, he grasped his hand in his and said, "Please don't be sad. I'm glad we have this time together. It takes a lot of courage for you to tell me how you feel and I really appreciate everything that you're doing. Even though we can't be together, we can still be friends, right?" and awaited his reply anxiously.

Adam remained silent for a long while and Jeff started to feel all awkward again. He began to withdraw his hands slowly when Adam grasped on tight to him and asked quietly, "Is this your final decision?"

Jeff gulped visibly but he nodded and whispered a firm, "Yes."

Adam stared at him for the longest time but his mouth slowly lifted into a smile. "I will respect your decision then," he said. "But, if either Randy or John trifles with your feelings, they will have to answer not only to Matt but also to me!" he said in a no-nonsense tone.

"Oh, Adam!" Jeff moved to hug him, his eyes brimming with happy tears.

Adam noticed the tears and frowned upon them.

"Hey, no crying on this happy occasion! We should celebrate! Come on, I want to make a toast." Both men grabbed their drinks and Adam said, "To our everlasting friendship! May the Lord watch over you and guide you on a path of happiness and true love! Cheers!" and clinked his glass against Jeff's.

They drank and Jeff returned the toast, "Happy Birthday, Adam! May all your wishes come true and may the future hold a lot of wonderful surprises for you!"

Adam grinned before tossing back his bourbon. He laid down his glass and said, "Let's dance some more."

Both men headed to the dance floor. They failed to see the pair of eyes following them, or more precisely, Jeff, at a dark corner of the club. They narrowed in anger when their owner realized that his once boyfriend seemed to be enjoying himself tremendously.

"Who are you looking at, Scott?" his companion asked, trying to follow his line of vision but there were just too many people out there and he couldn't pin down who he was looking at.

Scott slowly let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and said, "Cherry blonde hair at three o'clock with that tall blonde guy."

Johnny Devine aka Havok looked over the crowd and he spotted Jeff. His eyes widened in recognition. "Isn't that Jeff Hardy?" and when Scott nodded curtly, he let out a low whistle and said, "Man, he's hot! Can you introduce us?"

Scott flared out with anger. "Look at me! That guy with him and some of his friends did this to me!" His nose was taped down and he had difficulty breathing. He sounded nasal and he did look like he was used as a punching bag. When questioned earlier, Scott told him he was attacked by jealous rivals.

Havok looked uneasy when he saw the glint in Scott's eyes. He recognized the sign. "Please don't cause any trouble, Scott. Jarrett means business!" He heard about his suspension and by putting the pieces together, figured out that Scott wasn't going to take it lying down. He was planning revenge.

Scott grinned deviously. "I don't give a damn what Jarrett wants! As of now, I can do whatever I want!" He glanced over to the dance floor again and studied the couple in question contemplatively before turning to Havok. "Do me a favor and put this in their drinks," he said as he opened his hand to reveal two small blue pills.

"No, I don't want to get involved!" Havok said as he got up. "I came here for a drink, not to get into any trouble. You have to do your dirty deed yourself," and left without a backward glance.

Scott muttered angrily under his breath at being abandoned. He watched Jeff and Adam for a few more minutes and decided he would just have to wait for an opportune time. He was in no condition to defend himself if he was caught. When both men left to go to the washroom, he immediately got up and left. The time would come when he would have his revenge on all of them!

-ooo-

Shannon snickered quietly as Randy pleaded with him over the phone, "Please, Shannon, be a good sport and help me out. You know Jeff for the longest time. I bet no one, not even Matt, knows all his secrets but you."

"Tell me why I should help you," Shannon spoke seriously, although he had a tremendous urge to start giggling. "You let him down once already."

"And I deserve to be whipped for that! I'm willing to be punished but I just can't lose Jeff. I can't go on without him!" Randy hated sounding weak but he dreaded losing Jeff more than anything else. If he had to swallow his pride, he would do it in a heartbeat. Anything for his love one!

There was silence on Shannon's end and he finally spoke up, "Okay, I'll help you but if you let my buddy down again, I'll shoot you without hesitation! Ask Jeff or Matt, they'll tell you that I'm a darn good shot! I always aim for between the eyes!"

Randy let out an uneasy laugh, "Uhh … you don't have to go to that extreme. I promise that you won't have to carry out your threat, Jeff means everything to me!" He assured him but was beginning to wonder if he had underestimated the pint-size, cherubic looking friend of his boyfriend. Was he serious about shooting him?

"I'll take your word, for now. So, what's the problem?" Shannon hadn't heard the latest; that Jeff had fallen for Cena as well.

Randy quickly updated him on the latest development and finally said, "Do you see my problem? Even as we speak, Jeff is out on a date with Adam! I don't know how much more I can take. If this goes on, I'll lose my sanity and start kicking people's heads in, starting with one Matt Hardy!" he said with a growl. He heard Shannon giggle at the other end and groused, "Hey! This is not funny! I won't get to see Jeff until it's my turn and Matt even insisted that Jeff rooms with him. Can't a guy catch a break?"

Shannon calmed himself enough to say, "I'll call Jeff later and check with him what's going on up there in his head. Until then, I can only ask you to sit back and wait. I'll call you once I find out the juicy bits. Till then, tada!" and he hung up.

Randy stared at his phone in stunned silence. He was expecting immediate help and not to be told to wait. "Fuck!" he shouted and closed his eyes whilst pinching the bridge of his nose, telling himself to calm down. "Think! There must be something you can do to stop this stupid dating game!" he said to himself. He was interrupted by several sharp raps to his door. He got up quickly to get it, hoping that Jeff was back from his date and came looking for him, but he was sorely disappointed.

"Hey, Randy, I invited some friends over and I was just wondering if you would like to join us for a couple of drinks," Morrison said as he moved forward but Randy barred his way.

"I'm not in the mood. I'm waiting for Jeff to come back. You guys have fun," he spoke glumly.

"Stop brooding, will you? You should go out and have fun. After all, Jeff's out there having the time of his life. If he can play the field, why can't you?"

Randy's eyes narrowed with anger. "Are you asking me to cheat on him?" he rasped out angrily as he twisted Morrison's shirt front.

Morrison put up both his hands in placation, "You're one hot-headed mule! I'm just saying you shouldn't stay cooped up in your room. Look, my friends are waiting downstairs at the bar. You are welcome to join us, that is, if you want to."

Randy released him and stabbed a finger at his chest, "Don't ever accuse Jeff of playing the field! He's not like that at all!" and turned away from him to sit on his bed.

Morrison couldn't help feeling sorry for him. He knew that Cena must be feeling pretty the same way. That was why he needed to get them both to go downstairs. Randy was his first stop. He moved towards Randy and said, "Don't tell me you're going to sit there and wait?"

Randy fixed him with a steady look and asked, "What is it to you?" A look of suspicion came over his face and he stood up, "Did John send you? Is this his idea to make me look like I'm betraying Jeff so that he can have Jeff all to himself?" His voice had taken on a snarl and Morrison backed away hastily. Everyone knew that Randy had a foul temper and he was known to thrash his room when he lost his temper. He could imagine what he would do to him.

"Calm down, man, this is not what you're thinking. No one sent me. I'm here because I want to help."

"Well, that's a first," Randy let out a harsh laugh. "So, why aren't you helping John instead? Why me?"

"You're my first stop. I intend to get John to go down and join us as well. So, how about it?" Morrison asked again, praying that he would change his mind. All would come to naught if both men refused to join them downstairs.

Randy thought for a moment and finally decided he might as well have a few drinks. He was going raving mad thinking of what Adam might be doing to Jeff.

"I'll go if John joins us as well. I want to clear the air with him," he said in a compromising tone.

"Let's go get him then," Morrison said as he led the way out.

Cena was surprised when he opened the door and saw Randy standing outside with Morrison.

"Hey," he greeted them and ushered them in. "What's up?" he turned to face them.

"Can I have a moment with John?" Randy requested and Morrison nodded and showed himself out.

The two men looked at one another and Randy spoke first. "I'm here to apologize for my behavior this morning. I shouldn't have attacked you. You can't order one to love and you can't stop whom you love."

Cena's mouth crooked into a smile as he said, "It's alright, I had it coming. I would have done the same if I was in your shoes."

Unwillingly, Randy found himself smiling. "So, no hard feelings?" he asked and extended his hand in friendship.

Cena grasped it and grinned, "No hard feelings."

"You do know that we have to stick this out until Jeff makes his decision, don't you?" Randy said.

Cena nodded, "Yeah, and something tells me that Jeff is going to have a hard time making up his mind. I know he loves you, he told me so. I don't know if Adam is going to be added into the equation," he said with a shake of his head.

"I pray not. We have enough problems as it is. Everyone can see how well Jeff gets along with you. He enjoys your company and to hear him say he loves you … I have to admit I'm really jealous," Randy confessed to him.

"The feeling is mutual," Cena told him with a grin. "But whoever Jeff chooses, I'll respect his decision and back off if he doesn't choose me."

Randy remained silent, wishing he could promise the same but he couldn't. He really didn't know if he could afford to lose Jeff.

Cena seemed to read his mind and said, "You don't have to say anything, I understand how you feel."

Morrison called out to them from outside, urging them to hurry up.

"What's with him?" Cena asked.

"Both of us are invited to join him and his friends for a drink. They drop by for a visit," Randy informed him.

"Who are they?"

Randy shrugged, "I didn't ask. So, do you want to join them or not?"

"I guess it won't do any harm," Cena said as he grabbed his cardkey, phone and wallet from the side table.

As they made their way down, Morrison thought gleefully that everything was going according to plan. Now, to get his friends nicely buzzed and wait for Jeff to stumble upon them.

-ooo-

Adam and Jeff walked back into the hotel just slightly after midnight and were immediately drawn to the commotion coming from the bar which was located beside the lifts. Jeff gasped when he recognized the two men leaving the bar, arms around each other and singing off-key in drunken hilarity.

"Randy! John!" he called out and hurried over to them. Adam followed him from behind.

Morrison grinned sheepishly as Jeff asked, "Are they drunk?" as he looked at them with a dazed look.

"I'm afraid so," Morrison said just as Khali and Miz came out from behind him. They appeared to be just as drunk as Randy and John. Khali was supporting Miz who was leaning against him heavily, wearing a stupid grin on his face.

But Jeff's focus was on his two boyfriends. They were getting touchy feely with each other as Randy leaned down to slur into John's ear, "Johnny … boy," he hiccupped out loud, grinned like a fool before continuing, "you wantz te sleep in ma room tonight?"

Jeff's mouth fell open as Cena nodded fervently and wrapped his huge arm around Randy's waist and slurred, "Le..ad the way," letting out a hiccup before sniggering, "O… shitz, I think .. Imma drunk..." Another hiccup followed and he buried his face into Randy's chest.

To Jeff's disbelief, Randy puckered his lips and planted a kiss on Cena's cheek and snorted with laughter, "Who…s .. drunk? Not me!"

Jeff's face screwed up with fury as jealousy rose in him. Before anyone realized what happened, Randy and Cena received a hard slap to their faces. They blinked in surprise, not registering what just happened before Jeff stormed away.

Adam looked at their sorry state and shook his head. He glared at Morrison and said, "There is going to be hells to pay once these guys are sobered up to face Jeff's wrath," and gave chase, hoping to pacify his upset friend.

Morrison looked at the sorry couples and shook his head in despair. It didn't go exactly as planned but it served its purpose, but he was beginning to worry for his well-being once Randy and Cena discovered he had put them in Jeff's bad books.

He looked at Miz who was whispering naughty things into Khali's ear and knew that his friend was going to walk funny for the next few days. Oh boy! Was he going to get it from each and every one of them the following morning! Carlito was right, he should mind his own business! He groaned out loud, wondering what the hell had he gotten himself into?

-ooo-

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