"Hey there Jay." Jay turned around to find Chris Irvine standing behind him, a big smile on his face.
"Hi Chris." Jay studied Chris's smile, feeling a little confused. "So how are you?"
"I'm great." Chris's smile didn't fade one bit. "And you?"
"I'm pretty good."
"Great." Chris's smile grew a little wider. "So what are you doing tonight? Deflowering more young virgins?"
Jay sighed. "Does EVERYONE know?" he exclaimed in exasperation.
"I think so," Chris replied.
"Who the heck told everybody?" Jay wondered, frowning in annoyance.
"Well, I heard from Andrew, who heard from Taka," the talkative Chris replied, happily rattling off the chain the gossip had traveled through, "Who heard from someone or other, who heard from...Adam, I think."
"Adam." Jay scowled, making a fist with his right hand. "I should've known. Just wait 'til the next time I see that gossip!"
"You won't have to wait." Chris pointed to the tall blonde walking down the hall towards them. "See ya later Jay!"
Jay put his hands on his hips, keeping the scowl on his face as Adam approached. "What's the big idea?" he demanded angrily.
"Huh?" Adam looked confused.
"What's the big idea telling everyone that I slept with Jeff? Do you think I wanted the entire WWF to know?" Jay exclaimed.
"I didn't tell anyone!" Adam cried defensively. "Well, maybe one or two people, but that's it."
"Apparently that was enough!" Jay crossed his arms over his chest. "Maybe next time I won't tell you at all. That's private, you know. It's not something I want everyone to hear. What if Jeff hears and thinks I've been bragging about laying him?"
"There you are!" Their conversation was interrupted by a shout from down the hall. Benoit walked up to them, smiling warmly.
Jay took his smile the wrong way and sighed. "Go ahead, congratulate me, whatever stupid thing you're going to say."
"About what?" Benoit looked at Jay innocently.
Jay blinked. "You haven't heard?"
"Nah, I'm not much for gossip. Anyway, I wanted to give you this invitation." Benoit handed Jay a sealed envelope. "There's this great club where we'll be a day or two from now, and I'm gonna have a major bash there. It'll be fabulous."
Jay looked unsure. "I don't know, Chris. I'm really not interested in any of your 'party' things."
"Oh, it's not a GHP function. It's just gonna be a party, just for fun. You can bring Jeff if you like," Benoit suggested.
"Thanks." Jay gave Benoit a brief smile, being careful not to lead him on. "I'll try to make it."
"Great." Benoit smiled to himself as he continued down the hall.
"Why is everyone looking at me?" Jeff wondered as they walked through the halls of the arena.
"I don't know." Matt was just as confused as his brother.
"You didn't tell anyone about me and Jay, did you?" Jeff demanded.
"I didn't." Matt pushed Jeff into the locker room, feeling anxious to
get away from all the eyes looking at them. "Maybe Jay did. You know how
wrestlers love gossip."
"I don't think Jay would tell anybody." Jeff frowned, a rather pouty look coming across his face. "I should go find him. I miss him. I need to get a hug before my match."
Matt made a noise in his throat. "You're away from him for a few hours and you miss him already?"
"Not always, but right now I really want to see him. Remember what we did last night, Matt. It was really special. Stuff like that has a big emotional impact on sensitive guys like me, you know."
"Well, your prayers have been answered, because I'm here."
Both Hardyz turned to see Jay and Adam standing in the doorway. Jeff happily ran into Jay's arms and gave him a big hug. Jay enfolded the young Hardy in his arms. "I missed you," Jeff said, resting his head on Jay's shoulder. Matt made a face, which Adam saw and returned.
Jay smiled lovingly at Jeff as he drew back. He brushed the Hardy's lips gently, which made Matt grimace. "Did you have a good day, baby?" Jay asked, gently brushing a loose strand of hair behind Jeff's ear.
"He has a name," Matt grumbled.
"I know. But I like to use affectionate terms like that." Jay's face was still only inches from Jeff's. "You like that, don't you Jeff? Everyone uses your name, but how many people call you baby?"
Jeff grinned. "Just you and Matt. He doesn't do it in the same way, though." Matt rolled his eyes.Adam caught his arm and pulled him out of the room.
"I think they'd rather be alone," Adam told Matt.
"I'd rather they be alone, if they're gonna act like that. They were bad enough before they slept together, they're awful now!"
"Yeah, but they're such a cute couple." Matt and Adam turned around, jumping a little when they found Chris standing directly behind them. Chris wore the same broad smile he had before. He chuckled when he saw them jump.
"How do you do that?" Matt demanded.
"Magic." Chris continued smiling. Dave and Andrew came up, and Matt
was distracted by the
conversation on the arcane arts which ensued.
Later that night Dave was walking down the hallway towards the parking garage. His match had been the last of the night, so most of the other wrestlers had already left. He heard voices as he passed a locker room. He didn't pay any attention to what they were saying, until he heard Jeff's name mentioned.
"So Jeff finally slept with him, huh?"
Dave pressed his ear against the closed door, his interest sparked. He felt rather protective of Jeff, as he was Jeff's friend and, in his opinion, adviser. He recognized the voices of Rock and Benoit.
"Yep," Benoit was saying. "Jay was so happy when he talked with me. Can you believe he's been waiting two whole months for it?"
"I wouldn't wait two months," Rock stated.
"I'm surprised Jay was willing to," Benoit continued. "I guess he thought Jeff was worth it, though. That Hardy is hot, after all. I'd certainly love to get him into bed. Still, I don't think I'd wait that long."
Dave's interest was caught. He frowned, not appreciating the way the two GHP members were talking about Jeff like a piece of meat. He was also curious about their reference to Jay.
"So how did he do it?" Rock inquired. "Jeff's so unsure about all that physical stuff, I thought his legs were the equivalent of glued shut."
"Well, Jay found the key," Benoit told him. "Three words: I. Love. You. Jeff heard that, and hopped into bed faster than you can say '1-2-3'."
Rock chuckled. "He fell for that one, huh? He's real bright. They've only been together for two months. You don't fall in love that fast. And some friend David Heath's been to him, eh?" Dave stiffened at the reference to him. He took insult to the idea that he hadn't been acting in Jeff's best interests.
"Yeah. I think he fancies himself Jeff's love advisor or something. If he'd really wanted to give Jeff some good advice, he would've told him that if a guy wants to sleep with you, the oldest trick in the book is to say 'I love you'. Jeff probably hasn't even thought of that. I feel kind of sorry for the guy." Benoit paused for a moment. Dave was scowling now, feeling upset both about their criticism of him and about what they were suggesting about Jay. "I mean, Jeff's really a nice guy, I hate to think what this'll do to him."
"I hear you. He's pretty naive. He won't be for long, though, that's for sure. That could be a good thing. It's easy for people to take advantage of a guy that naive. But who knows, maybe he won't find out. How do you know that Jay doesn't really love him, anyway?" Dwaine asked.
"I suppose he could. Who am I to judge?" Benoit chuckled slightly. "I hope they do stay together for a while, at least. I really enjoyed hearing about their night."
"He told you the details?" Rock sounded interested.
"Oh yeah. Apparently Jeff's quite the little tiger in bed," Benoit continued,
a smug aire to his voice. "Jay had lots of fun with him. I don't think
anything could be better then me and Jay together, though." Dave sucked
in his breathe sharply. He couldn't believe the things he was hearing.
He just couldn't believe they could really be talking about his friend
Jay. Then again...an
episode from about a month ago came to mind. He shook the thought off
and continued listening.
"So does Jay have to say he loves you to get you into bed?" Dwaine asked, chuckling as he did.
"Hell no. I'd never turn him down. We have such great chemistry, we're meant to be together."
"I'm surprised you don't ask him to dump Jeff and run off with you," Dwaine commented.
"Well, he's having fun with Jeff right now. Besides, it's not like I'm not seeing other people." Dave felt repulsed listening to Benoit talk. He was horrified by what they were saying about Jay. He left in disgust after Rock asked Benoit to give him all the details of Jay's hot night with Jeff. Back at his hotel room, he had to sit down to think. He didn't want to believe what he'd heard, but then again...
Part Six
"You're so great, Jay," Jeff said as he gazed up into Jay's eyes. They were cuddled up on the couch in Jay's room, Jeff lying with his head in Jay's lap.
"Thanks." Jay chuckled, leaning down to brush his lips against Jeff's forehead. He noticed a worried look come over his lover's face. "What is it?" he asked, frowning slightly.
Jeff looked up at him inquiringly. "Jay, what we did last night - you're not gonna want to do that ever night, are you?" He looked a little nervous as he waited for an answer.
Jay chuckled and shook his head. "Is that what's bothering you? No, of course it won't be every night. Just when you want to." He squeezed Jeff reassuringly, taking Jeff's hand in his.
"Oh, good." Jeff looked relieved. "Because, I mean, last night was really great, but I don't want to start sharing rooms with you or anything."
"There's a big difference between the first time you're intimate and when you move in together, Jeff," Jay replied.
"Yeah." Jeff continued to gaze up at Jay, his manner still baring a hint of question. "Are you gonna want us to be together again tonight?" he wondered.
"Well - don't you want to?" Jay asked softly, running his hands gently over Jeff's chest. He leaned down to meet Jeff's lips briefly. Jeff giggled from the upside-down kiss.
"I'm not sure," he said after he finished giggling. "It was pretty intense, maybe we should wait a little bit before we do it again."
Jay's smile faded. "More waiting?"
"Only a little." Jeff sat up and turned to look Jay in the eyes. "Isn't that ok?"
Jay sighed. "I guess. It's just, now that we're past your first time, I thought you wouldn't be so shy about it."
"I'm not being shy," Jeff began. He was interrupted by a knock at the door. Jay looked annoyed, but he got up and opened it anyway. He found Andrew Martin standing on the other side.
"Hey Jay." Andrew peaked past Jay and caught sight of Jeff. "Ah, good, I thought he might be here. You two want to grab a bit of a late night snack? I've rounded up some of the other guys to come, Adam, Chris, the usual bunch. I thought you might like to tag along, too."
"That's very nice, but I think we'll just stay in," Jay told Andrew.
"I'd like to go," Jeff spoke up. He cleared his throat. "But, I mean, if you don't want to - "
"No, it's ok." Jay gave Jeff a warm smile. "We can go."
"Great." Andrew turned to walk away. "I have a few more people to invite. Meet me downstairs in, say, 10 minutes, ok?"
"Sure, see you then." Jay closed the door. He looked a little annoyed, but he covered it up pretty well.
"Is that really ok?" Jeff asked. "It sounds fun, but I can stay here with you if you're not in the mood to go out."
"Not in the mood." Jay sat back down on the couch and sighed. "That's certainly something you seem to be a lot."
Jeff caught his meaning. He sat down next to Jay and took his hand, a serious look on his face. "Sweetheart, you know this is my first real relationship. And last night was the first time I slept with a guy. It can be kind of overwhelming, you know. You've given me a lot of time, and I appreciate that, but we're not over all the hurdles yet. I still need you to be understanding with me."
Jay was quiet for a moment, looking deeply into Jeff's eyes. "I'm trying to be, Jeff. But there are certain things I need from this relationship, too. I can't always be a babysitter."
Jay's words were spoken softly, but they stung Jeff. He turned away, sniffing back tears. "So now I'm a baby because I need time?" he choked out, fighting tears.
"No, that's not what I meant." Jay wrapped his arms around Jeff from behind, squeezing and holding him tightly. "I'm not calling you a baby. I just have physical needs. I love you so much, it hurts me when I can't be with you, Jeff."
Jeff turned to look at him again, careful not to break the circle of comforting arms wrapped around him. "I don't like being apart from you, I'm just not ready for that much of a physical relationship. Not yet. I will be, Jay. And I love cuddling, and hugging you, and being in your arms." Jeff rested his head against Jay's shoulder and closed his eyes to blink back the tears. "I love all that."
Jay stroked Jeff's hair gently. "Ok, calm down. I didn't mean to upset you. We should probably go to meet Andrew now, if you still want to go." Jay hoped that Jeff would say no, he didn't want to go, he wanted to stay and make love. Jay was a little disappointed when Jeff nodded and headed for the door, but he hid his disappointment as he followed the Hardy Boy out into the hall.
"I should tell him. No, I shouldn't, it would just hurt him, and who knows if it's even true?" Dave was mumbling to himself. "Jay's a friend, he wouldn't do that. But..." Dave shook his head. "But friends do bad things sometimes." He sighed in exasperation. He was no closer to a decision that he had been an hour ago. He glanced at the red letters of the clock. It was late. He should really be sleeping. How could he sleep with something like this on his mind, though? He couldn't. No way he could.
"I need a second opinion, is what I need," he muttered to himself. "But who the heck can I tell? Not only is it the middle of the night, but I can't think of anyone who'd give me a useful opinion. Can't tell Matt, he's Jeff's brother. Can't tell Chris, he's a gossip. Can't tell Andrew, he's a bit of a gossip, too. Can't tell Adam, he's Jay's best friend. And those're all the people I'm close enough with to trust with something like this." Dave sighed, banging his head repeatedly against the table he was sitting at.
"I wish I'd never heard that conversation!" he exclaimed, feeling a little angry. "Then I wouldn't be in this awful situation." He sat back in his chair, thinking silently for several minutes. He thoughtfor a good portion of the nighttime hours left.
"Morning Dave." Chris Irvine plopped merrily into the chair next to Dave's. "Just get up? Me too. Last night kicked ass. You should've come."
"I was busy," Dave muttered, poking groggily at his breakfast.
"With what?" Chris inquired, a cheerful smile remaining on his face.
"Moral dilemma," Dave replied.
"Oh. About what? Whether it's ok to low blow the other guy in the ring if you know he's not wearing a cup?" Chris grinned impishly. "I told that Chiwawa he'd get it if he didn't stop bugging me, and I wasn't kidding! I have that tape in my room. It makes me laugh every time!"
Dave did not look amused. He didn't even crack a smile. His mood was as dark as the bags under his eyes. "A real dilemma, you talkative oaf," he snapped, shoveling a mouthful of food into his mouth and chomping it down noisily.
"Well, you don't have to get snitty," Chris replied haughtily, crossing his arms in supposed insult. "So what is it then?"
"Whether I should tell a friend something that might hurt two of my friends a lot," Dave told Chris.
"Oh. Gosh, that is actually serious." Chris's smile faded a little. "Who is this? About what?"
"If I tell you, it'll be a secret for an hour, max."
"Not true," Chris said defensively. "I can keep a secret."
"Yeah. If you'll excuse me, I have to take care of this." Dave shoved his plate away and stood up.
"You gonna tell him? Or her, I guess. Are you?"
"Yes." Dave nodded solemnly. "I'm gonna tell him. He has a right to know."
Jeff was busy streaking his hair a new shade when someone knocked on his door. He opened it, smiling when he saw it was Dave. "You're just in time," he told his grim looking friend. "Here, come help he with this." He beckoned for Dave to enter. Dave did, taking a seat on the couch.
"Maybe you'd better do that later, Jeff," he told the young Hardy.
Jeff took a seat next to him, looking at his serious face with confusion. "Is something wrong, Dave?" he inquired.
"I have something to tell you." Dave took Jeff's hand and help it, swallowing before continuing. "It's something I heard last night. I just heard two people talking, I can't vouch for what they were saying. But, it concerned you, so I thought - I thought I should tell you."
"Tell me what?" Jeff's expression had gone from bright to worried.
"They were talking about you and Jay." Dave paused, squeezing Jeff's hand supportively. "Benoit was talking to Rock about some things he said Jay'd said to him." He stopped, not wanting to go on. The look in Jeff's eyes was bad enough already.
"What were they saying?" Jeff asked, his voice small. The worry in his eyes had grown.
"Jeff, did Jay tell you he loved you?" Dave asked. Jeff started slightly, and then nodded. "And did he say it right before you two - you two slept together?" Jeff nodded again. "Well, Benoit was talking about how great a line that is for getting someone into bed, and how that was how Jay got you to do it, and how Jay was really happy when he told him about it. Then he started tell Rock - all the details." Dave charged on through the rest of it, staring down at his lap instead of at Jeff. "It also sounded like - like he has some sort of relationship with Jay." Dave looked up as he finished. He winced at the pain he saw in Jeff's face.
Jeff blinked back tears, shaking his head. "No. Jay wouldn't do that. He wouldn't!"
"Jeff, I'm not saying it's true, maybe they were just talking," Dave tried to tell him.
"No!" Jeff yanked his hand out of Dave's grasp. "Get out! You're lying! What do you have against Jay? How could you say that about him?"
"Jeff, I - "
"Get out!" Jeff screamed, angry tears flowing down his face. "Now!"
Dave obeyed Jeff's command, turning once he reached the hall only to have the door slammed in his face. He rested his head against the wood, sighing and shaking his head. "I guess I shouldn't have told him," he whispered. "God, I hope I haven't screwed things up too much."
"Did you see that? Threw him right out!" Benoit exclaimed gleefully, pacing around his quarters with a big smile on his face. "Little slut was crying about it. What a baby. Jay'll probably be glad to get rid of him. Good old Dave, huh? I knew we could count on him."
Rock didn't look up from the magazine he was reading. "That's good," he said in response, not giving any indication that he was actually paying attention to what Benoit was saying.
"I hope he talks to Jay about it tonight," Benoit continued, rubbing his hands together in a satisfied way. "They're sure to break up once Jeff practically accuses him of lying to get in his pants. Then Jay, upset over his paranoid and babyish ex-boyfriend, will turn to the person he really should've been with all this time, me."
"So you don't need my help anymore, then?" Dwaine inquired.
"Not today," Benoit replied. "We'll see how it goes. We may need to push them a little more, but they're definitely going to break up now."
"Well, if you're done gloating, I think I'll be going. Angle said he'd be in his room this morning in case I wanted to drop by." Rock smiled and chuckled. "Good old Angle. Personally, I'd recommend someone more like him if you're looking for a boyfriend. Sure, he's a little arrogant, and he won't join the GHP." Rock frowned slightly. "I don't like that. Still, he's always willing to get on his knees. Funny, isn't it? He's an 'American Hero' and a 'king', and too arrogant to join the GHP, but he'll kneel before you any time you want. It's interesting." Rock headed for the door, pausing before he left. "You won't need my help today, then?"
"Oh, I'm fine." Benoit smiled to himself. "I'm gonna make sure to get in Jay's good graces today. I've got my own little plan regarding him for tonight's party. Hopefully, he'll bring Jeff before Jeff has a chance to talk to him. If all goes well, they'll be hopelessly split before the morning even comes!"
"Yeah, well good luck. See ya at that party." Dwaine paused in the door, looking at Benoit inquiringly. "Are you having that just for Jay?"
"Nah, I planned it a while ago. It just happens to come at the perfect time. Oh, and Dwaine - " Rock glanced back at him one more time. "If there's a 'Do not disturb' sign on the door tomorrow, you'll know why," Benoit finished, his sly smile spreading across his face.
Part 7
"Have you seen Jeff?" Jay asked, glancing at his watch. "I'm getting a little worried. He should be here by now, and I haven't seen him all day. You think he's mad at me or something?"
"Ah, don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll be here soon," Benoit assured him. He was sitting in the chair next to Jay. They were big, comfortable chairs in the snazzy nightclub Benoit had rented for the party. Most of the WWF cast was there already. The majority of the guests were dancing to the music playing through the huge speakers.
"I don't know. We got in a little fight last night." Jay sighed, looking longingly at the dancers.
"He's probably just making himself pretty for you," Benoit said with a chuckle.
"I wish he'd hurry up and get here. I'm dying to go dance." Jay watched as Adam twirled Alanah around the dance floor.
"Well, why don't we?" Benoit suggested.
"What, you and me?" Jay looked a little dubious.
Benoit shrugged. "Why not? We're friends, right? Maybe you can teach me some moves. I'm sure you're a fabulous dancer."
"I am, actually." Jay smiled, nodding and standing up. "Alright. Let's go. I hope you don't mind if I cut our dance short when Jeff comes, though."
"That's just fine." Benoit took Jay's arm and pulled him onto the dance floor. Jay laughed as they spun around the floor. He didn't notice when Jeff entered from a door across the room.
Jeff swallowed, glancing nervously at all the people around him. He wasn't sure he should've even come. Then again, practically everyone he knew was at this party, and it did look like fun. Jeff scanned the chairs around the dance floor for Jay, who he assumed would be waiting for him. It took him a moment to spot the golden haired wrestler. Jay was still spiraling around the floor with Benoit.
Jeff remembered what Dave had said about Benoit. He already felt upset, and he couldn't take anymore. He turned around and fled the room before Jay even noticed him, going straight back to the hotel.
Jay stayed at the party until it wrapped up in the early hours of the morning. Jeff's absence had completely slipped his mind. He only thought of it as he was returning to the hotel. He was in a great mood, so he decided to pay Jeff a visit and ask what had happened. He figured Jeff might not have gotten the message he had left proposing they meet at the party.
A sleepy looking Jeff opened the door. Jay didn't wait for an invitation to enter, simply pushed open the door and caught Jeff up in his arms, twirling him around several times. "What a great party!" he exclaimed. He twirled Jeff around once more, then tripped and tumbled onto the room's large bed. He landed on top of Jeff, laughing as he brushed the Hardy's tousled hair out of Jeff's face.
"You're drunk," Jeff stated, a frown coming over his features.
"Just a little." Jay chuckled as he brushed his lips against Jeff's. "Weren't you there? I didn't see you."
"Were you looking?" There was an accusing tone to Jeff's voice.
"Of course I was." Jay kissed Jeff again, a longer, deeper kiss. He ran his hand tenderly down Jeff's side, raising his eyebrows suggestively. "I can think of a spectacular way to end a great night. Making love to my beautiful, sweet, wonderful boyfriend. Hmm?" He began to undo a buttons of Jeff's shirt.
"I don't think so, Jay." Jeff's frown remained.
"I'll get that frown right off your face," Jay chuckled, slipping his hand into Jeff's shirt. "Come on baby. You know I love you." He pressed his lips against Jeff's, bringing his other hand up to stroke Jeff's soft blonde locks.
"No, Jay." Jeff pushed him away and stood up, self-consciously pulling his shirt closed. "Why did you say you loved me then? Because it's the best thing to say to get me to go along?"
Jay slammed his hand into the mattress in frustration. "What is it with you? Everything I say, you take the wrong way! Everything isn't about you!" He heard a sob come from the Hardy Boy, who had his back to the bed. "Jeff, hold on." Jay stood up and wrapped his arms around Jeff's back. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell."
"Yes you did." Jeff sniffed, a tear running down his cheek. He broke out of Jay's arms and turned to look the golden blonde in the face. "Jay, please be honest with me." He had to swallow before continuing. "Did you say you loved me just to get me into bed? Is that really all you want?"
"No! Not at all." Jay pulled Jeff into his arms, who accepted the hug a little unwillingly. "Is that what's been bothering you? Jeff, would I have been willing to wait two months if all I wanted was sex?"
"I don't know. Maybe." Jeff pulled back, the look of hurt on his face unmistakably. "Maybe you would, if you had someone else to - to satisfy that need until I started putting out. Someone like Benoit. Did you sleep with him?" Jeff demanded accusingly.
Jay glanced at the floor, then looked back at Jeff. "Jeff, I haven't cheated on you! I don't see how it matters if I've slept with him."
"I want a yes or no!" Jeff yelled. "Tell me! Yes or no?"
"Yes," Jay admitted. "I did, but that was months ago! Long before you even came out. There's been nothing between us ever since then."
"It didn't look like that tonight, at the party," Jeff shot back.
"So you were there." Jay tried to put his hand on Jeff's arm, but Jeff pulled back. "Why didn't you come up to me? I was just dancing with him while I waited for you, Jeff, I swear!
"You're lying!" Jeff turned away from Jay again. "You've been lying to me all along, and you still are now. How could you do this? I thought we were friends! I thought it would be good to learn with you!"
"I haven't lied about one goddamn thing!" Jay shouted back. "Not once. I told you I loved you because I do! I fell in love with you right from the start."
"You expect me to believe that?"
Jay was shaking his head, his anger growing. "So that's what you really think of me? Well, why don't I tell you what I think of you, then? You are a baby! You're scared of something that is a perfectly normal part of any romantic relationship! I waited two months, and when you finally slept with me, I thought we'd gotten over all the silly fear! But no, you're still too scared or whatever to sleep with me again. Well, I've got knews for you, Jeff. If you want a boyfriend, you have to keep him happy. Do you think most guys would be as patient as I was? Hell no! Guys want sex, and if you won't give it to them, they'll find someone who will. But I love you, and I didn't see that as an option. Haven't you noticed how frustrated I've been because you just don't want to sleep with me?"
"I'm new at this! You can't expect me to jump right into bed!" Jeff shouted.
"That's the same excuse you've been using for two months, and I'm just sick of it!" Jay returned. "If you can't handle a mature relationship, then I really don't want to be with you anymore!"
"Fine! Then leave, go fuck Benoit!" Jeff screamed.
Jay snorted, stomping angrily to the door. "Good night, Jeff. I guess I won't see you in the morning, although I'd certainly like to. Try and grow up, and stop making stupid excuses. You'll never find a man the way you are!"
"Shut up! Go to hell!" Jeff screamed. He collapsed on his bed as the door slammed shut after Jay, tears pouring down his face. Feeling desperately in need of comfort, he waited a moment and then stumbled out into the hall. He thought about going to Matt, but he felt too humiliated to do that. Instead, he banged of Dave's door.
Dave opened the door, immediately ushering Jeff in when he was how upset the younger Hardy was. Jeff fell into Dave's arms, sobbing on the shoulder Dave offered. Dave stroked his streaked hair gently, whispering words of comfort. "Jeff, what happened?" Dave asked softly when the Hardy's tear began to dry up.
"It's Jay," Jeff sobbed, swallowing to compose himself. "You were so right, Dave! Everything you said!"
"Try to calm down," Dave said, rubbing Jeff's back gently. "Calm down and tell me about it."
Benoit was waiting expectantly in his room. He had made sure that Rock spent the night elsewhere. He smiled as a knock came at the door. He knew it was Jay. They had had a great time together at the party, and Benoit knew that he would be on the top of Jay's mind. He made sure to look a little annoyed as he opened the door.
"Hey Chris. Sorry to bother you so late." Jay had a partly angry, partly forlorn look on his face. "Can I come in?"
"Sure." Benoit feigned confusion. "Have a seat."
Jay took one of the chairs Benoit offered. He put a hand up to his eyes, shaking his head. "God, I feel awful. Totally awful."
"You were in such a good mood earlier. What happened?" Benoit asked in a caring tone.
"I just got in a huge fight with Jeff, and I think we're finished." Jay sighed. "Can you believe it? Two months with the guy, and suddenly he starts accusing me of lying about lots of stuff and even cheating on him!"
"Really? I'm so sorry, Jay," Benoit told the golden blonde sympathetically. "Are you gonna be ok? You can stay here tonight, if you don't want to be alone."
"Thanks." Jay smiled wanly. "That would help. Thanks for being a friend."
"No problem." 'No problem at all,' Benoit thought. 'Being friends first is ok with me. Friends make the best lovers, after all. I'm more than willing to wait a little longer for you. I'm sure it won't be too much longer.'
Part 8
Adam was in a good mood as he headed down the hallway towards the locker room. He had had a great time at the party the previous night, especially since he had been with Alanah for most of it. Jay was already in the locker room when Adam arrived. "Good evening," Adam said in a cheerful tone.
"Yeah." Jay snorted. Adam paused and looked closely at his friend. He could tell that something was very wrong.
"God, what happened?" Adam asked with concern.
"I got in a big fight with Jeff, and I think we're through," Jay choked out. His eyes looked red and puffy, and he seemed to be holding back tears.
"I'm so sorry, Jay." Adam pulled his friend into his arms, holding him protectively.
"Hmm, what's going on here?" Adam turned around to find a cocky looking Val Venis leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed and a smug look on his face. "Getting closer, are you? I thought so."
"Please go away, Val." Adam sighed when Val didn't move. "Jay had a really hard night, ok?"
"Oh really? So he likes Jeff that much?" Val grinned in that oaf-like way that always got on Adam's nerves. Val help out his arms, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "Come here, Adam, I'll give you a hug you won't forget."
Adam scowled, growling deep in his throat. "You lay one hand on me and I'll slap a restraining order on you faster then Rock can get you on your stomach! I'm marrying your sister, for God's sake!"
"I wouldn't care if you were already married," Val stated. "With an ass like yours, it's a crying shame not to use it."
"Get out now!" Adam demanded, anger and indignity flaring in his eyes.
"Fine, fine, I'll leave for now. But don't think you can have that fox all to yourself, Jay. I will get a piece of you, Adam." He turned around and left, just in time to avoid the bag Adam flung at his head.
"What an asshole," Adam muttered as he walked over to the door to reclaim his bag. "And some people think they have bad in-laws! Well, they've never met Val."
"I guess all love comes with strings attached, huh?" Jay said forlornly. "You want Alanah, you have to take Val, too. I want Jeff - hell, I don't even know what the hell he wants! Infinite time and patience? Who has that?!?"
"Don't get hysterical, Jay." Adam sat down on the bench, pulling Jay down next to him. "Let's look at this mess logically. I think the first question is, do you want Jeff back?"
Jay nodded. "Yes. I love him."
"So is the problem that you just had a misunderstanding, or do you think he doesn't want to be with you?" Adam inquired.
"I don't know." The pain in Jay's face was tinged with uncertainty. "I think he does. He just wants things that I have trouble going along with, because I'm human!"
"And what is that?" Adam prodded, staying the calm guiding force of the conversation.
"Time. Mostly time. And he wants to keep our physical relationship at a low level still, which drives me nuts!"
"So sex is the problem?" Adam asked.
"I guess." Jay sighed. "That's probably what triggered the fight."
"Alright. Then I guess you're going to have to decide whether having a relationship with Jeff is worth sacrificing sex for a while, until he's really ready."
Jay frowned. "Well, god, when you say it that way it makes me sound like a real pig, breaking up with him cos he won't sleep with me. That's not what happened! I have been doing that."
"I'll be honest, Jay." Adam's face was still calm, but very serious. "I want you to work this out. I think that, for the most part, you were very happy with Jeff, and he was happy being with you. You say you love him. Which is better, breaking up with him and never getting to be with him again, or giving him the time to adjust to it and having a beautiful relationship?"
Jay was silent for a moment. "You're right. The thought of losing him - I couldn't take that." Jay shook his head. "I couldn't. I'd rather never even sleep with him than lose him, although I certainly hate that idea."
"So go make up with him," Adam urged. "Tell him that you'll love him and you'll wait for the physical stuff, and mean it, Jay. Don't say it unless you mean it. A broken promise hurts far more than a promise not made."
Jay didn't move from his spot. "But, the fight, Adam. It wasn't just about that. He thinks I lied about a bunch of stuff."
Adam sighed. "Do I have to say it again? Just talk to him! He probably just got it from hear say. I can certainly think of people who would say things about you that he wouldn't like. If you love someone, Jay, and they love you, you have to fight to keep them. Love doesn't come around every day, you know."
"What if he doesn't love me?" Jay whispered, worry in his eyes. "He never said it back, when I told him. I figured it was because he wasn't ready, but - "
"And is there any point in sitting here worrying about it?" Adam cut in. "Go talk to him now." Jay thought for a moment, then nodded and stood up. "Oh, and Jay - " Adam called as the golden blonde headed for the door. Jay turned briefly. "Good luck."
After looking for a few minutes, Jay found Matt changing into his gear in another room. "Hey Jay," Matt said, his tone friendly.
"Um - have you seen Jeff?" Jay asked a little nervously.
"Not today." Matt shook his head. "I thought he was with you. Wasn't he?"
"No, but - I need to talk to him. Do you know where he his?" Jay inquired.
"He'd better be around here somewhere. If you do see him, tell him to get his ass in here and change," Matt replied, casually pulling his arm bands on.
"Ok, I will. I'll see you later, I guess." Jay hastily excused himself and went to look for Jeff. He stopped Dave when he bumped into him. "Dave, have you seen Jeff?" he questioned.
Dave crossed his arms. "What do you want to see him for? Didn't you say enough to him last night?"
Jay glanced at the floor guiltily. "I really messed up last night, Dave. We started arguing, and it just got out of hand. I didn't mean what I said." Dave looked dubious. "Can you please tell me where he is?" Jay pleaded.
"No," Dave refused stubbornly. "I think you've hurt him enough. I can't believe you'd treat him like that. You sure had me fooled, Jay. I always thought you were a good guy."
"I am a good guy!" Jay protested defensively. "I said I messed up. Couples fight, you know. Other people aren't supposed to get involved, that just messes it up more." Dave kept his arms crossed, saying nothing. Jay sighed. "Dave, you've only heard one side of the story. The truth is, I really love him. I need to see him, we have to work this out." Jay blinked real tears back. "Please."
Dave looked like he was considering. His face had softened a little when he saw Jay's watery, red eyes. "I don't know." He thought another minute, then sighed. "Alright. You do look sincere, Iguess. He's down the hall, hanging out with DX." Dave pointed toward the DX locker room.
"Thank you, Dave." Jay hurried past Dave and pushed the locker room door open. Jeff was sitting on a couch between Triple H and Road Dogg. X-Pac occupied a nearby chair. The smile Jeff had been wearing faded when he saw Jay. The DXers noticed.
Jay cleared his throat, feeling a little embarrassed. "Jeff, can I talk to you for a moment? Alone?"
"Why?" Jeff demanded. "I was under the impression you didn't want to be around me anymore. Babysitting apparently doesn't agree with you."
"I didn't mean that, Jeff," Jay tried to explain.
"Oh, so you just said it for my self esteem then?" Jeff was glaring at him angrily. He cut Jay off when the golden blonde tried to speak again. "I'd rather not have a boyfriend than be with someone who labels me a baby because I'm not physical enough with him! I'm fine to just hang with my real friends for a while." Jeff draped his arms around Hunter and Road Dogg's shoulders. The DXers stayed quiet while the two talked.
"Could we please go somewhere else?" Jay pleaded.
"Nope." Jeff didn't budge.
"Fine. I'll just say it here. I'm not embarrassed." Jay swallowed and took a deep breath. "Last night was our first big fight. Couples have those! To be in a good relationship, you just have to get past those things and work it out. Whatever problems we have, we can fix them. I love you, Jeff. I'm not just saying that, I really do. I love you, and I hate the thought of being without you. Please give me another chance." Jay couldn't bare to meet Jeff's unwavering gaze anymore, so he moved his eyes to stare at the floor. A tear slid down his cheek. He was about to wipe it away, but a soft hand brushed it away for him. He looked up to find Jeff standing before him.
"I don't want to break up," Jeff admitted. "But I'm not a baby."
"I don't really think you are. People say stupid things when they're angry. I didn't mean it." Jay reached out a hand and ran a finger gently down Jeff's cheek. "Can we give it another go? I can be patient, I really can. I think the thought of losing you has scared more patience into me. It'll work this time. I'll try harder, I promise."
Jeff was quiet for a moment, the contemplation going on in his head spelled out on his face. "You really love me?" he breathed. "Even if I don't sleep with you?"
"Yes," Jay replied absolutely. "I love you."
A smile crept across Jeff's face. "I didn't want to break up," he told the golden blonde. "I just thought - I thought you'd lied, and - " He shook his head, chuckling quietly. "Who cares, we can talk about that later. It wasn't true, anyway. Thank god." Jeff's smile grew wider. "I can't stand the thought of losing you, either."
Jay echoed Jeff's smile. "Really? So we can get back together?"
"Yes." Jeff pulled Jay into his arms, hugging him tightly. He grinned as he pulled back. "I bet that was easier than you expected, huh?" Jay nodded. "Yeah," Jeff continued. "That's probably because neither of us really wanted to break up." He pulled Jay close to him, meeting his lips in a long kiss. The DXers broke out in cheers and applause. Jeff looked a little red as he drew back.
"Congrats, you two," Hunter told them, slapping them both on the back in a friendly way. "Now get out of our dressing room, it's too crowded in here."
Benoit spotted Jeff and Jay walking down the hall together a little later. He frowned, turning around to look at them and almost crashing into Rock, who was walking directly behind him.
"What the hell are you doing?" Dwaine exclaimed. "Watch where you're going, Chris!"
"Did you see that? They were walking together!" Benoit cried. "They can't be together, they broke up!"
"Not anymore, Chris." Benoit turned around to see who had spoken. He found Chris Irvine right behind him, which made him start slightly.
"Can't you ever just walk up like a normal person?" Benoit snapped.
"I like taking people by surprise," Chris stated. "It's funny talking to you, since you have my name. It's a beautiful name, but it really sounds better on me than on you. No offense."
"Cut the babble. What happened with Jeff and Jay?" Benoit demanded.
"They made up in the DX locker room," Chris supplied. "All the DX guys saw it. Jay kept babbling about how much he loved Jeff, and then Jeff said he didn't really want to break up either, and then they started hugging and making out and they're definitely back together. I've got a match, so I have to go, but find me later and I'll tell you all the rest of the gossip going around. I bet you haven't heard half of it, you don't pay attention to much." Chris walked past them and out of their site.
"I can't believe this!" Benoit exclaimed angrily. "I had Jay eating out of my hand! Now he's back with that baby?"
"I guess he really does love him," Dwaine mused. He patted Benoit on the back. "Give it up, Chris. The GHP is way more fun, anyway. And since you don't have to try and impress Jay tonight, you can come have some fun with me and Val." Rock smiled and licked his lips. "Maybe we'll invite Angle, too." He looped his arm around Benoit's shoulders and continued talking as they walked away, Benoit grudgingly going along with him.
Later that night, Jay and Jeff were sitting on a bench in the locker room waiting for some friends. They were cuddled up together, as they had been the whole night, with the exception of their matches. "Jay?" Jeff breathed, smiling happily as he looked into the golden blonde's eyes.
"Yes love?" Jay chuckled, brushing Jeff's lips gently.
"I like you calling me that," Jeff replied, bringing his hand up to stroke Jay's hair. "We can save our more serious discussions for later and just be happy right now, can't we?"
"Sure we can." Jay moved closer to Jeff, gently kissing his neck a few times.
Jeff smiled and closed his eyes, leaning his head back against Jay's strong shoulder. "I love you, Jay," he murmured.
Jay's smile grew brighter. "I've been waiting to hear that for two months."
He pulled Jeff into his arms and just held him, not planning to let go
for a long time.
THE END