I'd thank people for their reviews but people are jerks and they decide not to review anymore. So, thank you Hatter-Zombie.ate.your.brains for your review. Here's chapter 23. It's kinda short, but the next will be much longer. I promise. Read and Review! -HxG.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any of the wrestlers. I DO own Hope and Michaela.

John sighed, almost forgetting how stubborn Hope was. Of course he knew that Hope could take care of herself. She made that perfectly clear to everyone. But, John knew that one day she'd regret cutting her mother out of her life. He knew it hurt but Hope was going through worse. For now, he'd help her the best way he could. Now if only he could convince her to leave Punk. That would be a challenge. But, it was worth it. Everyone knew that Hope had feelings for Jeff. She just wouldn't admit it.

Hope looked back at John, knowing deep down that he was right. Maybe her mother could help her with her relationship problems. But, she couldn't bring herself to call her mother. She didn't want to deal with her past demons. Especially not after the last words she said to her mother. It was cruel and she knew it. John jabbed her in the ribs, forcing the young Diva back to reality.

"I was serious before," John said.

"About?" Hope asked.

"You really have an amazing body."

"You're such an asshole."

"I speak the truth."

John watched as Hope tried to fight the smile that was forming on her lips. No matter how upset she was, he'd find some stupid way to make her smile. Now his job would be to make sure that Punk and Jeff didn't kill each other. But, John secretly enjoyed watching the two men battle it out. It was amusement to him and most of the locker room. Everyone assumed Hope would end up with Jeff in the end. Actually, the Raw roster was taking bets on both men. John had his money on Jeff. That was obvious.

"Don't do it, Jeff," Matt warned.

The Hardy brothers were hanging out outside of the arena when they noticed Punk and Hope getting out of Punk's car. Jeff's fists immediately clenched as he glared at the Straight Edge Superstar. He was ready to just pummel Punk to the ground. Which was why Matt had grasped the hood of his brother's sweatshirt, making sure a fight didn't break out. At least not in front of Hope. She certainly wouldn't like that. Jeff watched as Punk grinned, wrapping his arm tighter around Hope's thin waist. He leaned in to kiss her, still looking at Jeff. The younger Hardy knew Punk was trying to make him jealous. Well, he didn't have to try too hard. Jeff was already jealous.

"Seriously. Don't do it," Matt repeated.

"Only because she's here," Jeff replied, clenching his fists harder.

"You're acting like a jealous ex-husband."

Jeff shot his older brother a glare as Hope made her way over, her arm around Punk's waist. Matt offered his most sincere smile at the pair, hoping his brother would do the same. Jeff did what he could to hide his glare. So, he focused on Hope. Well, that left him worse off. The more he stared at her, the more he wanted to kiss her. If they were alone, he sure as hell would've made a move. But, Jeff had new plans. He'd let Punk think that he was giving up on Hope. And when Punk least expected it, he'd win Hope over. From the smile on Hope's face, Jeff knew it wouldn't take much to win her over.

"Gonna miss me now that I'm on Smackdown?" Hope teased, smiling.

"I'll try my not hardest not to," Jeff returned her smile.

"Liar."

"So whose ass are you gonna kick on Smackdown?"

"Whoever gets in my way."

Punk, Jeff and Matt all exchanged glances. They wanted to laugh, but it was obvious that Hope was serious. Despite her sweet nature, if you crossed Hope, you were in for it. She could kick your ass for checking her out yet she was quite naïve. Go figure. Jeff's eyes wandered from Hope's face, admiring her body. He couldn't help it. He was just drawn to her. Punk could sense Jeff's feelings and quickly pulled Hope away. Apparently, it was time to set his plan into action. He led Hope into the arena and into an empty locker room. He knew he was going to end up feeling guilty about this.

Hope raised an eyebrow, knowing Punk had something important to tell her. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her into a kiss. Punk was sure she'd believe him. Maybe not at first, but she would. The Straight Edge superstar ran his fingers through his hair, trying to get the guilt to go away. But, it remained. Hope trusted him and here he was lying to her. But, it was really his fault that she was so naïve? No, it certainly wasn't. But, she was giving him that look. That innocent, doe-eyed look. That look always made Punk go weak in the knees. Even now it did. But, he was focused. He knew what he had to do, no matter how much it hurt him. And Hope.

"Baby, there's something I gotta tell you," Punk frowned.

"What? Is everything okay?" Hope asked.

"It's about Jeff."

"You're really gonna start that again?"

"No. Hope, he lied to you."

"Jeff would never lie to me."

"You ever notice the only time he shows affection towards is you is when I'm around? Or right before I walk by?"

"You're a liar!"

Hope felt the hot tears stinging her cheeks. She wanted to believe that Punk was lying to her. But, the more she thought about it, the more she believed him. Whenever Jeff would hold her, kiss her, touch her, Punk would come by right after. It couldn't always be coincidence. The timing was too perfect. Hope let Punk wrap his arms around her as she sobbed into his chest. She was pissed now. She sure as hell wasn't going to let Jeff get away with lying to her. Not a chance.

Inside the arena, Jeff had met up with John Cena and the two men headed straight towards catering. As usual, Jeff was asking for advice about Hope. John never really minded, seeing as how he wanted his best friend with the right guy. It wasn't that John hated Punk. He didn't. He just didn't trust him. Especially since he was always lying to Hope. John had always told Hope that she was too naïve. She'd always tell him to shut up. Jeff looked at John, wishing there was just some magical way to get Hope. But, he knew that was only a fantasy. Just like a relationship with Hope. He looked up to find Hope heading their way. But, she looked beyond pissed. What did Punk do now?

"Uh-oh," John said.

"What?" Jeff asked.

"I know that face. That face is not your friend."

Jeff raised an eyebrow as John pretty much bolted. When Hope finally approached him, he figured out why. Hope's glare was beyond lethal. She looked so hurt, so betrayed. If Punk hurt her again, Jeff was really going to bug out. Hope locked eyes with Jeff, tears still in her eyes. She really didn't want to believe that Jeff had lied to her. He was supposed to be the good guy. He wasn't supposed to lie to her. Before Jeff could say anything, Hope slapped him hard across the face. Jeff stumbled back, his lip busted.

"What was that for?" he demanded.

"You lied to me!" Hope snapped.

"No. I never--"

"You were fucking using me!"

"That's not true!"

"Really? So why is it that the only times you've showed your feelings for me, Punk walked by right after?"

"Hope, don't do this."

"I never wanna see or talk to you again, bastard!"

Hope slapped Jeff once more before storming off. The Charismatic Enigma just stood there, dumbfounded. He never lied to Hope, all of his feelings for her were beyond real. How could she think it was all a lie? Then it hit him. Punk was behind all of this. But, how could she believe him? He felt so defeated. Hope hated him, he was sure of it now. Jeff made his way out of the arena. There was no reason for him to stay anymore. He wasn't even on Smackdown. Let Hope be happy. He gave up. Jeff found himself back at the hotel, knocking on someone's door. She was the last person he excepted to get comfort from. But, he needed her. At least, he thought he did.

Michaela opened the door, genuinely surprised to see Jeff. Before she could say anything, Jeff pushed her into the room, kissing her skin. He pushed her onto the bed, taking her shirt off as he got on top of her. Michaela returned all of Jeff's advances, but she couldn't help but wonder why he'd come to her. She didn't understand him sometimes. First he'd say he hated her and then he'd have sex with her. Something was hurting him. Michaela had always been able to tell. She pushed Jeff off of her, looking deep into his eyes.

"Why are you here?" Michaela asked.

"I want you," Jeff replied.

"No. You just think you do."

"You were right, Mickey. I did miss you."

"What about that girl? Hope?"

"She doesn't matter."

Michaela could tell that Jeff was telling the truth, but not because he liked it. Usually, she would've asked more questions. But, he'd come back to her. That only meant that her plan had worked. He was hers again. Well, at least until Matt found out and tried to talk some sense into his brother. Michaela had to make sure that wouldn't happen. That seemed to be a bit of a problem. She grinned as Jeff started to kiss her neck. Things were finally working out in her favor. What could go wrong?