AN: Okay, finally got this chapter finished. Took me forever, but here it is. Also want to remind everyone that this is slash. ;)
Please, please, please! REVIEW! Even if you hate it.

Oh, and if you find mistakes, my apologies. I don't edit. I write and post. lol. Sorry.

Thanks,
FortheloveofWrestling

The next morning, Mark woke up to the sound of the alarm beeping. He turned to Jeff's bed, but he didn't see the usual mound of blankets that Jeff slept in. He slowly got out of bed and made a quick check to make sure that Jeff wasn't in the bathroom. He walked out of the bedroom into the main room, but still found no sign of Jeff. What he did notice though was a note that was left on the table. Mark walked over to the table and read the note.

Mark

Couldn't sleep so I thought I would make some good use of the time at the gym.
If you need me, call, otherwise i'll be back later.

Jeff

Mark sighed and for a second wondered if Jeff was telling the truth. He hated thinking that maybe Jeff was lying to him, so instead he let it go and thought that maybe Jeff was actually getting serious about everything.

After contemplating whether he should go back to bed and with a sigh, he called Jeff instead.

"Hello?" Jeff answered, a bit winded.
"Hey. Have time for breakfast?" Mark asked.
Jeff paused for a moment and then answered, "yeah, i'll be up in a few."
"Great. Bye."

Jeff clicked off the phone and put it back in his pockets. He finished his reps and then gathered his stuff to head back to the room.

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Mark put his phone back down onto the table and couldn't help but smile. The small lecture he gave Jeff the night before, he figured, settled well with Jeff. Although he had secretly wanted Jeff to counter some of the words he spoke, he was glad that it got through to him. That's what was most important.

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During breakfast, Jeff was feeling really good and he and Mark were getting along great. No questions or suspicious looks. They were both feeling good about what had happened the night before. Although he did feel comfortable, it did still linger in Jeff's mind, though, that he was hiding something from Mark, and he didn't feel comfortable about it. He wanted to tell him, but for the moment he didn't want to ruin the good time they were having.

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For the next couple of weeks, things went smoothly between the two. Jeff's body returned to a state in which it hadn't been in a quite a while- clean. Jeff was in the gym everyday, and although he didn't change much in his actual routine, he could feel his body getting stronger. With Mark's help the pain that he always felt when he wasn't using something was completely bearable now. Mark had even taught him a couple of different things he could try to relieve the pain for the times it wasn't bearable. Mark was happy to see the changes in Jeff's physical condition, but more than anything he was glad to see Jeff get much more comfortable around the other guys. Before, Jeff was always so worried about what they would think or say about him and the mistakes he'd made in the past, but now he wasn't. He was out spending time with people other than his brother and his small group of friends. When their off days came around, Mark had no worries about Jeff using again. It had taken a long time and many things lost for it to finally sink into Jeff that he couldn't get away with his mistakes, he had to own up to them and make sure they wouldn't happen again. And that's he did. Jeff had taken responsibility for his mistakes and everything was working out well. Things were so well that there were many times when Mark had wanted to remind Jeff of his feelings for him again, in hopes that maybe Jeff had changed his feelings. Every time Mark would get the courage to speak up, he would quickly back out when he started to think of how hard it would be to actually hear the words come out of Jeff's mouth that he didn't want to be with him and that they were 'just friends'.

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Royal Rumble

"SHIT!" Jeff shouted as he made his way through the hallway of the arena.

Jeff made his way into Mark's locker room where his friends sat waiting for him. When he walked into the room, Matt stood up, waiting for Jeff to say something. Jeff just looked up at the guys around the locker room and shook his head lightly.

"Shit, Jeff." Matt said as he walked over to Jeff and gave him a small hug. "Don't worry about it, man. Just means that Adam's going to get his ass handed to him some other time."

Jeff looked at Matt with a small, sad little smile, "yeah. It looks that way."

Mark, Jeff, Matt and Paul turned their gaze to Adam who was feeling a bit awkward. He was happy to hear he'd be getting the title again, but he knew how much it had meant to Jeff and what Jeff had done to make sure he kept it.

Jeff walked over and extended his hand to Adam, "congratulations, man."

"Thanks." Adam said a bit hesitantly, taking Jeff's hand.

"Oh, Matt. Vince wants to see you." Jeff said, turning back around to Matt.

Matt looked surprised, "he did? I guess I better go see him then. You going to be alright?"

"Yeah, i'm fine, Matt." Jeff said reassuringly.

When Matt left, Adam and Hunter left as well.

"You okay, kid?" Jeff heard Mark ask.

He turned around to grab his stuff, "yeah, Mark. I told you guys, i'm fine. Just wasn't my time to hold onto it."

"That's exactly right, Jeff. This time wasn't your time to keep it, but you'll get it back sooner or later."

Jeff nodded his head, trying not to look directly at Mark, "I know."

"Okay." Mark said, "I'll let you get ready. If you want to talk or anything i'll be in catering."

"Alright, i'll see you later, Mark." Jeff said, as Mark left the room.

When he heard the door close, Jeff sighed and sank down onto the bench, his head in his hands.

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After the pay-per-view, on the way back to the hotel, Jeff hardly said a word, but did say enough to make it seem as though he wasn't upset about having to drop his title. As Matt left to his room, Jeff and Mark entered theirs. Jeff walked in and threw his bag onto the couch and stomped into the bedroom. Mark then followed in behind him.

"Well, are you ready to stop pretending?" Mark asked, as he set his own stuff down.

Jeff looked over at him, "What are you talking about?"

"Stop this, Jeff. You don't have to be embarrassed or anything." Mark told him. "It's okay to be mad."

"Man, Mark. I already told you. It's no big deal. So I lost. It was going to happen sooner or later."

"Jeff, come on. This is me you're talking to. You can't hide anything from me."

Jeff chuckled, "whatever, Mark. You don't know anything about me anymore."

"So you're not mad or upset that they made you drop the title after a month and decided to do this angle with Matt?" Mark asked, wanting Jeff to be honest about it. It wasn't going to do anyone any good if he bottled it all up.

"I told you i'm fine. Adam's a good friend. I'm glad that he's on top again and i'm glad that Matt's got himself a good story for once." Jeff said, hoping Mark would just drop the subject.

"So you're happy with everyone coming out on top, except you?"

"Yeah. I'm not as self-obsessed as some are when it comes to other people's happiness." Jeff spat, getting up and in Mark's face.

"What the hell are you talking about, Jeff?" Mark asked, suddenly very confused as to where the conversation had turned.

Jeff snorted, "yeah. I figured as much." he said as he moved to grab a new shirt.

"Jeff, whether you're mad or upset or whatever, I don't want you to keep it to yourself." Mark told him..

"Fuck off, Mark. I've already told you. I don't give a shit about the title anymore. I'm happy for Adam."

Mark sighed and nodded, "okay. You win. I'll stop, but just because the past few weeks have been really great and I don't want to hurt our friendship."

Friendship? Jeff thought. Mark never referred to their status as a friendship, it was always a relationship to him, even if Jeff thought otherwise. Jeff swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat, pretending to wondering why it was there to begin with and changed shirts so that he could go downstairs and meet up with everyone else.

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Mark had given up on trying to get Jeff to talk, for the time being. He thought maybe if Jeff was drunk enough to talk to him, but still sober enough to remember the conversation, maybe they could get passed this quickly. When they got down to the bar, there were only a few guys there and when Jeff walked in, they all stood still for a moment, waiting to see what Jeff's initial reaction would be. When Jeff walked over and congratulated Adam with a hug, everyone quickly went back to there celebration. Jeff took a seat with some of the guys where they offered him a beer to start off with, but much to Mark's surprise he didn't take it. Mark laughed to himself, even without knowing, Jeff managed to turn the tables on him. Jeff noticed the sly smile on Mark's face and realized that Mark was probably hoping he'd get drunk tonight. He did tend to be an open book when he was completely wasted. Jeff slipped around to Mark's side of the table and placed his hand on Mark's knee, getting a small rise out of the Deadman.

Jeff laughed and then asked, "what was that little smile for?"

Mark looked down at his knee where Jeff's hand was with a brow raised and then replied, "I was hoping you'd get a little wasted."

"Yeah. I figured that, but no such luck, Taker." Jeff said in his southern drawl.
"Well, I guess it's better that you don't drink anyway." Mark told him.
Jeff waited a moment, giving feather-light scratches to Mark's knee, making him fidget in his seat.
"If you aren't having too much fun later, maybe we can leave a little early? Jeff asked.
"Yeah? We can go now, if you want?" Mark said, trying to decipher what Jeff was saying and doing.
"No, we'll stay for a while." Jeff said as he continued his ministrations, but turned his attention to the conversation of the table.

For the rest of the time they spent at the celebration, Jeff continued to tease Mark without really making a big deal about it, which drove Mark crazy the whole time. After almost two hours, Jeff gave a knowing glance to Mark who nodded and addressed the table, letting them know that they were going to head off. A couple of guys at the table gave small chuckles as Jeff stood up and Mark followed behind him, sending a few glares to the guys at the table.

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When they got back to the hotel room, Jeff changed out of his clothes and Mark just sat on the bed waiting for Jeff to say something. Sensing that Mark was starting to get a little impatient with him, Jeff sat next to Mark and waited a minute before he spoke, trying to figure out what it was he wanted to say exactly.

"Mark, I..." he began. "I got clean and i'm staying clean, but they still fucking took the title away from me!" Jeff said, letting his anger and emotions take over. "I can't believe this. What the fuck do I have to do in order for these people to trust me and believe in me. I thought I was getting somewhere, I thought that the guys were starting to get on my side, but no. They took the title from me knowing that I went through hell and back to prove to them that I was taking this opportunity seriously. If I can't even keep the fucking thing when I'm this clean, then what difference does it make if i'm clean or not?"

"Hey, it makes a difference. To Matt and your dad. And to me." Mark interrupted.

"Bullshit!" Jeff yelled, "It doesn't mean a damn thing. I got clean and i've stayed cleaned. No pot, no nothing! And it didn't mean a thing! Vince obviously doesn't believe in me, if he did he would see how hard i'm trying."

"Jeff, it's only been a month." Mark said, trying to say something to convince Jeff that his hard work was worth it. "So they had you drop the title, big deal. You'll get it some other time. Everyone has to lose it sooner or later. It's not as if Vince is taking you out or anything, he's got you in this new story with Matt."

"Fucking great. My brother and I get to beat the shit out of each other for a few months. Great." Jeff said, now trying to cover his face and the few tears that dropped. "Then we both end up on the mid-card again. Fuck that. These guys don't respect me anymore. Losing the title was just an added embarrassment." Jeff stood up, his anger now getting the upper-hand. "Shit! I knew I shouldn't have put so much effort into this. I knew it wouldn't last. They weren't ever going to use me as a champion for very long. It was probably just an excuse to get me clean so people wouldn't blame my mistakes on the business or on Vince. How could I be so fucking stupid to believe their lies?"

"Everything you just said is complete bullshit, Jeff, and you know it! Whining isn't going to get anything back!" Mark yelled back, his own anger reaching a boiling point. "And if it was just a ploy, is it really that bad, Jeff? You got clean and healthy and the title, when you could have just been fired and never given another shot at gaining back their respect. It's been a fucking month, Jeff. You can't expect everyone to forgive and forget so soon. You're healthier now, now is your opportunity to show everyone that you deserve it more than ever."

Jeff stood there still. He was shocked at how quickly Mark's temper had changed. The voice of reason, once again, Jeff knew what he was saying was true. There wasn't anything he could other than going out and making sure that everyone knew that that old Jeff was dead and gone. He had to make the best of everything and show everyone what he knew was true. That he deserved to be the champion. He could hold the responsibility and not screw up.

Jeff chuckled to himself, "how the fuck do you always now what to say to get my head out of my ass?"

"You've given me plenty of times for practice." Mark answered, settling down.

"Yeah, I guess I have." Jeff said. "I'm sorry to act so childish, but it's hard working so much for something and then just having it ripped from you. I thought this was it, my time in the spotlight. I've worked too hard to get clean this time, and I wouldn't do anything to mess that up, but it did cross my mind. Shit, and that kind of scares me for a whole other reason." Jeff laughed.

"Well, you know that this isn't worth screwing up again and messing yourself up, so that's half the battle. And you know if you do feel like it is that bad, you can talk to me or Matt or any of your friends." Mark said, sitting on the bed again.

"I know."

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After having talked for another hour, Mark and Jeff decided to continue their conversation in the morning. As Mark was settling into his bed, Jeff sat on his and looked at him.

"Hey Mark?" he asked.

"Yeah?" Mark answered, his eyes already closed.

Jeff smiled to himself, "do you think, maybe I could join you?"

Mark lifted his head and raised an eyebrow to Jeff, "what?"

"Come on, man. It's cold and I just lost my belt." Jeff told him.

"That isn't going to work for very long, you know?" Mark told him with a sigh, "hurry up and turn out the light."

With a leap, Jeff landed next to Mark and threw the blanket over himself, making Mark grin, of course he wasn't going to refuse him. Although Jeff had his mind going every which way the whole day, he didn't mind one bit sharing the bed with him. After a couple of minutes of Jeff trying to find a comfortable position, he finally settled down, coiled up close to Mark, with Mark's arm acting as his pillow.

"There?" Mark asked playfully.

"Yes, sorry." Jeff replied.

"Good, goodnight."

"'Night, Mark."

"Mark?" Jeff asked a minute later.

"What is it, Jeff?" Mark asked.

Jeff paused for a moment, "do you think that i'll really get people's respect back? Hunter hasn't really talked to me since I told him what happened."

"Of course I do, and you will. Just give it time. And Paul's just busy with being the bosses son-in-law. Don't worry about him." Mark told him.

After another minute, Jeff continued, "Mark?"

"Go to sleep, Jeff." Mark said, turning to lay facing Jeff.

"Thanks for everything." Jeff said, grabbing Mark's hand in his.

Mark smiled, "you're welcome." and gently pressed his lips to Jeff's and then pulled away hoping he hadn't made a mistake.

When Jeff hadn't moved or said anything, Mark worried.

"Jeff?" he asked, but was silenced when Jeff smashed his lips against Mark's.

Jeff hadn't wanted it to be so forceful, but he couldn't hold himself back. Jeff pushed his tongue past Mark's lips and deepened the kiss. He let his mouth roam what he was so familiar with. Mark too let his mouth do the same, within a few moments, they were both fighting for dominance. Jeff, being the daredevil, wanted to know how far Mark wanted the moment to go so he reached down with one hand and grabbed the front of Mark's shorts. Jeff rubbed his palm against Mark, and then pulled away from Mark's mouth, allowing him to let out an almost silent moan.

When, instead of stopping or moving Jeff's hand, Jeff felt Mark's start to roam his lower body, Jeff slipped his hand underneath the waistband of Mark's shorts. Jeff heard another moan when he wrapped his hand around Mark's stiff cock. Mark fumbled his hand across Jeff's own hardening member, causing Jeff to buck his hips slightly. Jeff stopped his motions on Mark and moved so that he could sit up and straddle Mark's legs. Mark sat up as well and grabbed the back on Jeff's neck and locked their lips together again. Just as Mark's mouth was making it's way to Jeff's neck, Jeff pulled away and pulled down Mark's shorts, with Mark helping along the way. Jeff scooted backwards a little and wrapped his hand around the base of Mark again and gave a few pumps as his mouth made it's way around his shaft. He let his mouth completely cover Mark and used his hand to tease the rest of him. Mark closed his eyes, the feeling of Jeff's mouth around him bringing him so close. Jeff worked his mouth and tongue in ways that drove Mark crazy. Soon, feeling himself, near the edge, he placed his hand on Jeff's head and followed the motions he made. Through half closed eyes, Mark saw Jeff's hands move from his cock to Jeff's. He could feel how relieved Jeff was at this action when he felt Jeff's moan around his cock.

Mark pulled slightly at Jeff's hair, "wait." he said. Jeff pulled away, making Mark moan at the loss. "Not like this," Mark told him. With a smile across his face, Jeff rid himself of his own shorts and moved up Mark's body.

Mark quickly flipped them around and reached behind him to cup Jeff's cock as he smashed his lips to Jeff's. As Jeff moaned, Mark slipped his tongue into Jeff's mouth and then moved to his neck and shoulders. His hand had a slight grip on Jeff, which wasn't nearly enough, as Jeff began to buck up into Mark's hand as his own moans filled the darkness around them. Jeff lifted his legs and wrapped them around Mark's waist where he continued to buck up, now into Mark's cock. "Go" Mark barely heard Jeff whisper. "Wait, we need-" Mark started, but was cut off by Jeff reaching forward and stroking him. "No, I need you now," Jeff said. "No, I don't want to hurt you." Mark said, in between moans, "Just wait a second." Jeff couldn't wait any longer, he grabbed Mark's hand and sucked on his finger while he continued to stroke him. "There," he said. "Shit," was all Mark could say, now he was the one bucking into Jeff's hand. He was so close and could barely hold on. He reached down and started to prepare Jeff as well as he could. "Oh fuck," Jeff yelled. "Shit, that fucking feels great." Mark chuckled to himself at hearing the words Jeff spoke in this state of condition. "Shit, come on," Jeff moaned.

With a bit of hesitation, Mark removed his fingers and placed the tip of his cock at Jeff's entrance and leaned forward to take Jeff's lips once more as he slid inside of him in one swift motion. "Oh shit," Jeff grunted, shutting his eyes. "You okay?" Mark asked concerned, "mhm" was his reply. "Jeff, baby, look at me," Mark said, forcing his hips to stay still. Jeff opened his eyes just as Mark covered his mouth with his own. Jeff wrapped his arms Mark's back and pushed his tongue into Mark's mouth and soon he was moving his hips, trying to get Mark to move. Taking it as a sign, Mark started to move in and out of Jeff's body, letting his hips take over. "Mark, fuck. Harder," Jeff said. Mark wasted no time in trying to bring relief to them both, his thrusts came quicker and harder as he wrapped his hand around Jeff's dripping cock. He moved his hand in time with his thrusts as Jeff clawed at Mark's back, arching up into his hand and hips. Their moans and the sounds of their bodies connecting rang throughout the room. Soon, Jeff's moans quieted and his eyes closed, a sign Mark knew meant that he was close to coming. He quickened his pace even more and moved so that he could angle himself better. He hit Jeff's spot and within seconds, had him spilling in his hand. He continued to pump Jeff's cock and his muscles tightened around Mark's and drove him to the brink. "Shit, Jeff. Fuck. Jeff," Mark grunted as he released himself into Jeff. His movements slowed until they were both completely spent and he collapsed onto Jeff's body.

After a few moments, he pulled out and rolled onto the bed and off of Jeff. "You okay, Jeff?"

Mark asked. "Hm. Fucking great." Jeff said, turning to face Mark. Mark chuckled and pulled Jeff closed to him and planted a tender kiss to Jeff's lips, Jeff returning the tenderness until he pulled away for a breath of air. He smiled and looked at Mark, "Even if I act like I don't, I do love you, Mark. I couldn't stop even if I wanted to. You're too important to me." Mark smiled, "good. I love you too, Jeff. No matter what."

As Jeff drifted off to sleep next to Mark, Mark sighed inwardly, wondering if what had just happened and what Jeff had just told him, meant that this was just an 'in the moment' thing that happened. With another sigh, he wrapped his arm around Jeff and left his mind worry himself into sleep.

What do you think? Enjoy it? Hate it? REVIEW and let me know.

Also, I had to jump forward because i'm way behind! Sorry about that. Okay, go REVIEW!