Angel was sitting backstage watching everyone run around trying to prepare for that night's show. Sean was in talking with Matt Hardy planning his match with Jeff that night. Normally Angel would sit and listen to the guys as they worked things out, but she wasn't into it today. Her mind was too preoccupied with what had happened with Kane a month ago. She couldn't believe that she had misread him so badly. It was true that she wasn't the most experienced person there. In fact she was probably the most inexperienced person there, but with all the raging hormones around she thought she could at least tell when a man was interested. Obviously though she was wrong.
Sean fortunately was blissfully unaware of her current emotional state though. He was so happy with his new relationship with Scotty that he wasn't devoting much attention to anything but Scott and work. Angel didn't think she could handle a round of "Let's Insult Glenn" from the Brat right then. While she thought it was obvious that Glenn was completely uninterested in her, she couldn't help but wonder at what she was missing. Glenn in her opinion was one of the sweetest men she had ever met and she had been genuinely interested in him.
"Hey, Angel Eyes, Where's Scotty?" Angel heard a familiar voice ask. Her mood suddenly brightened when she recognized that voice as belonging to Kevin Nash... one of her favorite people in the world.
"Kevin," She exclaimed jumping down from her perch and launching herself at the older man. "I didn't know you were coming to visit!!"
Sweeping Angel into a huge hug, Kevin twirled her around before answering, "Neither did I".
"I missed Scotty and haven't seen the Kid in awhile so I thought I'd come and check things out. Missed me??"
"Oh you have NO idea how much," Angel assured her friend feeling her eyes starting to fill with tears... something that was becoming a common occurrence these days. Trying to take a calming breath, Angel flashed Kevin a watery smile before ducking her head.
Looking concerned Kevin asked, "What's wrong, baby?"
"Oh Kevin," she sighed, "I wish I could tell you."
"I messed up big time, but Sean will be so mad if I do. He told me not to go to the Kliq if things got messed up."
"The Kid told you NOT to go to the Kliq?" Kevin asked shocked. He couldn't believe that Sean would refuse to help Angel if she needed it or prevent her from seeking help from the other Kliq members.
"Uh huh," she confirmed. " He warned me that I shouldn't do it, but I didn't listen. He said that if I got hurt not to go running to you guys."
Sensing that he was missing big parts to this story Kevin decided it was time he got the whole picture. "I think you and I need to talk, Angel Eyes," Kevin said.
"Why don't you come with me while I say hi to Scotty and the Kid and then you and I will go talk?"
"But Kevin," Angel protested, "Sean'll get mad at me if I do."
"You let me worry about the Kid," Kevin assured her. "Come on... take me to Scotty 'n Sean."
Angel knew that arguing with Kevin was pointless. If he decided he was gonna "fix" something no one could stop him. Besides, she could use Kevin's advise and knew that he was about as close to impartial as she was gonna get. Are you sure you wanna get involved, Kevy?" she asked giving in to his stronger will.
"Yes, I am sure," Kevin said.
"You are Sean's best friend... that makes you a friend of the Kliq's. You should know that by now. Your problems are our problems. Sean had no business telling you not to come to one of us if you needed help."
"Ok, they're in the Hardy's dressing room planning out Sean and Jeff's match for tomorrow," She said taking Kevin's hand and leading the way to the guys.
"Are they done for the night?" Kevin asked.
"Uh huh," Angel answered. "Sean wrestled Matt in the opening match."
"Who's the main event?" Kevin inquired.
"Glenn is taking on Vinnie Mac and the Big Show in a handicap match," Angel told him worriedly.
"You sound upset about that," he said curious.
"I am a little," she acknowledged. " I think something is going on. I worry about Glenn being out there without Mark."
"Glenn's a big boy he can take care of himself," Kevin assured her.
Angel didn't respond to that statement. She wasn't as confident that things would be ok. She had a funny feeling.
At the dressing room, Angel poked her head in the door asking, "Scotty an' Sean have a visitor... can I interrupt real quick?"
Scott looked up from the notes he was studying. He had been worried about Angel. She had been awfully quiet since he got there... he even saw her crying a few times when she thought that no one was looking. He tried to get her to talk, but she only insisted that nothing was wrong. May had even tried with no luck. Angel just insisted that she was fine despite the fact that May could tell she wasn't.
The two women were as close as sisters and it was usually May who kept confidences from Angel... things he didn't want others to know... not the other way around. The fact that it was Angel who was being so closed mouthed worried them. May told him that he should ask Sean if there was a problem, but Scott has sensed a strange vibe going on between the two friends and he didn't think it was a good idea. He mentioned Angel's strange mood to Kevin instead hoping that he would come to investigate.
"We always have time for you, Angel Eyes," Scott responded to Angel's question. "Who has come to visit us?"
Instead of answering his question Angel stepped back out of the doorway urging Kevin to walk in ahead of her.
"Kev," Scott said happy and relieved to see his friend. If anyone could get Angel to talk it was Kevin.
Sean looked up from his planning and seeing Kevin bounced off the bench. "Hey Kev," Sean exclaimed as he was pulled into a big hug from the older man. "What're you doin' here?"
Grinning Kevin answered, "I thought I better come make sure you weren't holding Scotty hostage."
"Plus I wanted to see how my favorite Angel was doing."
Shaking her head, Angel blushed slightly at Kevin's affection. Angel liked all the Kliq and considered them all friends, but Kevin and HBK however held a special space in her heart. She had a tendency to worry more about them than she did the others... even Sean sometimes and she felt a protectiveness towards the two that rivaled anything the Kliq themselves had been accused of.
Smirking over at Angel, Sean replied with a hint of sarcasm, "You know Angel... she's as happy as ever."
"She even stopped talking to the idiot Glenn Jacobs."
Angel bowed her head at Sean's cruel words towards Glenn. She had to bite down on the inside of her bottom lip to prevent herself from making a nasty comment in Glenn's defense. Despite what happened she still felt a protectiveness of him that she couldn't explain. Angel turned her back to the room as she felt the tears coming again... hoping to hide them from the men. Glenn was such a kind man and there was a pain she sensed in him that she had an overwhelming urge to soothe. She didn't know why he wore the mask all the time, but wanted to rip it to pieces. He used it to hide from the world and she hated it.
Scott noticed her actions and glanced at Kevin to see that he too had seen Angel's tears and wasn't happy about them. Angel was obviously sensitive about Sean's harsh words concerning Glenn. What made Kevin mad was that from the sarcasm he heard in Sean's voice it was also obvious that Sean knew he was upsetting angel and had made the comment anyway. He didn't know why Sean had taken to being cruel to Glenn after the breakup of their Tag Team and was curious because it wasn't usually Sean's style to be like that. He would have let it go however if it hadn't been for Angel's reaction.
Annoyed, Kevin reached over and popped Sean hard in the back of the head saying, "You are such a fucking brat sometimes, Kid."
"Ouch!" Sean whined, " what the hell was that for?"
"Don't say that shit about Glenn, " Kevin ordered.
"Glenn's a nice guy, Brat, " Scott said scowling at Sean. "You shouldn't talk that way. It isn't his fault that you are a li'l shithead."
"Christ, " Sean swore hurt at his friends criticism. "Don't tell me that you two like that fucking loser, too."
"It's bad enough that Angel has been mooning over him for the last month. She walks around here like a lost puppy dog crying at the drop of a hat. I told you he would only hurt you... so don't expect me to feel sorry for you. Maybe one for these days you'll listen to me. Glenn Jacobs is a good for nothing freak."
Angel whirled around and stared crying at her friend. "You know?"
"Shit Angel," He swore again disgusted with her, "half the damn locker room knows."
"You should know nothing is a secret around here. One of the agents saw the three of you talking as they came thru the curtain and Raven saw you run crying from their dressing room. I don't know why you still like that idiot... you must be a glutton for punishment. You stand ogling him all the time. You're acting like a damn hootchie."
Angle simply crumbled at her friend's cruelty. Matt and Jeff who had sat quietly thru Sean's rant both got up from their seats and went to Angel. Scott was furious at his young friend. He couldn't believe that he was treating Angel like this. Kevin who was normally Mr. Calm Cool and Collected was irate.
Sean realized he was in deep shit when Kevin turned to him and said quietly, "So lemmie get this right...."
"You knew that something happened between Angel and Glenn that upset her, but you did nothing to comfort her... even ordered her not to go to the rest of the Kliq for comfort. You knew that Angel likes Glenn and that when you say nasty stuff about him that it upsets her, but you said it anyway. You are being cruel to a man that was nothing but your friend and I am guessing that despite all the shit you've been saying hasn't defended himself once or said a nasty word about you in return. Is that about right, Kid?"
Not giving Sean time to answer Kevin punched the smaller man in the gut as hard as he could. Then grabbing Sean by his shoulders Kevin lifted his off the ground so that he was eye level and slammed him against the locker room wall. "What you have done is inexcusable," Kevin said his eyes burning with anger.
"It's bad enough that you are going around and deliberately hurting someone who has never done anything to you, but you have deliberately hurt Angel who is your best friend."
You aren't bein' smart, Chico," Scotty snarled. His temper was well known and nothing pricked it more than one of his friends being hurt... let alone that it is May's best friend.
"God knows she puts up with alot more from you than the rest of us would. If that had been May you were treating like that, Brat, I woulda dumped your ass months ago."
"Scotty, I thought we..."Sean started.
"NO!" Scott interrupted, "this has nothing to do with that."
"This has to do with you intentionally hurting one of our own, Chico."
"Yeah, and you know better than anyone how we deal with that," Kevin purred angrily raising his fist to punch the younger man once again as Scott reached up to hold the younger man in place.
Realizing that this situation was getting out of hand, Angel pulled from Matt and Jeff's embrace and rushed over to Kevin. Jumping she grabbed his fist before he could hit Sean.
"No, Kevin please," Angel begged, "please don't hit him."
Kevin looked down at Angel momentarily distracted. Sean realized he was about to be saved and decided his best bet would be to keep his mouth shut. "Scotty let him down please," Angel asked moving to stand between Scott's arms so that her body was between the two men and Sean. Scott reluctantly let Sean drop to his feet.
"Matty, can you and Jeff take Sean to the X Factor dressing room and finish planning the match there?" She asked.
"Sure, "Matt agreed, "no problem."
Walking over Matt grabbed Sean's arm and pulled him from behind Angel where he had been leaning on her for support. Jeff grabbed the notebooks they had been scribbling on and helped maneuver Sean out of the room. Angel watched the men leave then turned back to Scott and Kevin.
"You guys know I hate it when I am the cause of arguments," She spoke quietly.
"Even though I am really pissed at him and that he has hurt me, Sean is still my friend and yours and I am not kosher with him getting beat up. What I need right now isn't your brawn but your brains."
Kevin reached down and lifted Angel's chin so that she was looking at him. "We weren't doing anything different with him than we would have if it was one of us he was pulling that with," Kevin said.
"Maybe," Angel conceded, "but we both know that he wouldn't ever pull that with you guys."
"I get it because he knows I will take it and because I would normally defend Glenn whereas you guys would just listen to him call Glenn names."
"That doesn't make it right, Angel Eyes," Scott said calmed down.
"No, Scotty, you're right it doesn't," she agreed.
"But, it is a fact nonetheless. Besides if it was someone he didn't hate so much it wouldn't be a problem, but with it being Glenn it only makes it worse. If I knew why he hated him so much maybe I could understand, but I can't see any reason for his anger at Glenn."
Kevin took Angel's hand and led her to one of the benches. Sitting down he pulled her unto his lap. Scott sat next to them so that he was facing the two. "Tell us what happened, Angel Eyes," Kevin asked.
Sighing Angel leaned back into Kevin's arms. " I first met Glenn when him and Sean were teaming. We met at the airport once when I was coming to meet Sean and Glenn's plane hadn't taken off yet. I liked Glenn from the start. There was just something about him that I just had this irresistible urge to comfort. He was so nice and sweet I was really impressed and intrigued with him. Unfortunately we didn't get to talk long and him and Sean broke up soon after that. I have never understood why Sean took to hating Glenn so much. It actually started not long after we met. It seemed that every time I mentioned his name Sean just got shittier and shittier. The creative team didn't have much choice in breaking them up. Hunter told me that they had planned on making 'Kane' a long-term member of DX, but Sean made things so difficult that they had to change everything around. "
"Doggie seems to think that Sean is jealous over my attraction to Glenn, but I told him he's nuts. For one thing Sean was married when I met Glenn and for another we are just friends."
"Angel," Scott interrupted, "I heard about that little incident at his apartment after the divorce and that was anything but 'just friends'".
Angel looked at Scott confused. "Ok, I admit that I have always liked Sean a little more than in just a friendly manner, but nothing long term and he was still married. Besides, if Sean was interested he would have said something after he got divorced."
"Oh yeah, right" Kevin said dubiously, " this is the kid that waited how many years to let us know the truth?"
"Yeah he is so open about his attractions and what if he doesn't realize it?" Scotty asked. "Sean is great at denial you know."
"Wait," Angel said, "you mean to tell me you actually think Doggie was right?"
"You think that Sean LIKES me likes me??"
"I wouldn't be surprised, "Kevin drawled. "Knowing Kid he doesn't realize it."
"If he does he certainly hasn't mentioned it to me," Scott cracked.
"Well, damn," Angel swore. "Now what do I do?"
"Well, would it change how you feel about Glenn if you knew for sure that the Kid was interested in you?" Kevin asked.
Searching her feelings Angel shook her head reluctantly. "No," she relied, "I don't think so."
"There is something about Glenn I just can't resist. I love Curls to death. Despite everything he is and will remain one of my best friends in the world, but he isn't Glenn. I'm not sure after everything he has said to me and Glenn that I would ever totally trust him the way I would need to in order to be in a committed relationship."
"The green eyed monster is a strange thing, Angel," Scott reminded her.
"It can make a man do things that he wouldn't normally do or say. Even if he knows better."
"I know Scotty," she acknowledged, "but if he is going to do it to Glenn who's next... Matt and Jeff Hardy? They are my friends too... what happens when he decided they are a threat? I can't spend all my time being put down because Sean can't control his jealousy. If he is like this and we are just friends what will he do if it became more?"
"So you're sticking with Glenn," Kevin asked making sure she had made up her mind.
Angel nodded, "Yeah, not that it will do any good."
"He doesn't want me. I still don't understand how I misread him so badly."
"What makes you think he doesn't want you?" Scott asked curious.
Sighing Angel recounted the encounter that had taken place the month before with Glenn and Mark. "About a month ago, the night Sean and Scott first hooked up, I had planned to hang out with Glenn and Mark. I met then as they were coming backstage from their match and we talked for awhile. Mark wanted to take a shower so the three of us went back to their dressing room. Mark headed towards the showers I thought to wash up and Glenn and I uhh talked for a bit. I thought he wanted me so I offered to do anything for him that he wanted... all he had to do was ask. I told him several times, but he would never say anything. I even touched him and kissed his mask and everything. Finally I realized that I was making a fool out of myself. I apologized and ran out. I haven't spoken to him since. I'm so embarrassed I can't even look him in the eye. I can't believe I acted like that. Sean's right I am just a damn hootchie."
"Sean is a damn idiot," Kevin said. "The kid doesn't have the brains to realize he's crazy about you and doesn't have the balls to admit it if he did. I love the hell outta him but sometimes I swear I would just like to shake him."
"You know, Kev," Scott started, "if the Kid is acting this jealous he must have some reason to think that Glenn really does like her."
Kevin nodded in response. "Yeah I agree and my impression of Glenn is that he isn't the most outgoing man in the world. I seem to recall Paul telling me his last girlfriend did a real number on him."
Scott nodded in agreement. "I talked to HBK a couple weeks ago and he told me Mark had come to see him. Mark told him that Glenn was pissier than hell lately. Said his temper was out of control and he was at his wits end cause he didn't think there was anything he could do about it."
"So, Angel is upset and Glenn is upset," Kevin said. "Hmmmmmmmmmm, think they're related??"
"Kevin don't be a dip-shit," Angel said scowling. "If Glenn wanted anything to do with me he woulda said so that night."
Scott shook his head in disagreement. "Mind games can do strange things to ya, Angel Eyes, and alot of times the damage lasts a long long time.
"So what are you two telling me?" Angel asked afraid to hope that there was still a chance with Glenn.
"Well, it sounds to me like you and Sean need to have a heart to heart," Kevin instructed. "One of us should go with you while you do it. 'Cause if he is mean again he is gonna get hurt and the other one needs to go talk to Mark and find out just what the deal is with Glenny-Boy."
Angel groaned at Kevin's pet name for Glenn. "Oh Kevin, really you need to get over this thing about putting a 'y' at the end of everyone's name."
Scott chuckled, "I would bet on it happening soon... he has been doing it for years."
"Why don't I go with Angel and you go talk to Mark. "
"Why do you wanna go with me and not Kevin?" Angel asked suspicious at his motivation.
"Cause Kevin already got to hit the Brat and I haven't had a chance yet," Scott said frankly.
Laughing Kevin said, "OK, I am off to talk with Mark then," before leaving the dressing room.
Angel turned to look warily at Scott. "Now, Scotty," she began, "Sean isn't going to tell me anything if you are threatening him. "
"So, if you are going with me you are gonna have to behave."
"Yes, Angel," he said smiling down at her.
Shaking her head Angel led the way out of the dressing room in search of X-Factor's dressing room. Once there Angel and Scott walked in without pausing to knock. Albert was sitting on the bench watching Sean and Justin mess around. Angel didn't see the Hardy's anywhere in sight and assumed that they were done planning their match.
Sean and Justin stopped what they were doing when they saw Angel and Scott standing there. "Hey guys," Justin greeted, "what's up?"
"I need to talk to Sean," Angel said tentatively, "but can you guys stay close??"
"If Scotty tries to kill Sean I may need your help."
"Sure thing Angelface," Justin agreed. "We'll just lounge out in the hall... come on Albert."
After the two men left Angel turned to Sean and looked at him quietly without speaking. Scott walked over to one of the benches and sat down to watch the two. His intention was to stay out of their conversation unless Sean got nasty.
Sean glanced at Scott warily before turning his full attention to Angel. He had a feeling Scott was there to play an enforcer role and wouldn't get involved unless Sean got out of hand, but after the incident earlier he wasn't taking any chances.
"Angel," he said thinking that if he could give a good enough reason for his earlier actions he could avoid future beatings from Scott.
Angel however was not in the mood to hear it and cut him off, "shut up, Sean."
"I am going to run this conversation and I don't wanna hear any of you lame asses excuses. You are gonna tell me why you are being so nasty to Glenn and you are gonna tell me like NOW."
Sean stared at his friend. He knew by the tone in her voice that she was pissed and that was never a good sign for him. If she was intent on finding something out and had Scott for backup then he knew that his goose was just about cooked and he might as well just give in while he still had a chance at salvaging their friendship.
"What do you wanna know," he asked sitting down in front of his locker.
"I just told you what I wanted to know," she said sternly refusing to give in to the puppy dog eyes he was flashing her.
Sean sighed as he realized that this wasn't gonna be easy. "He makes me mad," Sean stated not knowing how to explain his feelings. Every time he heard Angel gush about Glenn is made his wanna punch someone.
"Just how does he do that?" Angel asked doubtfully. "He doesn't even speak to you."
"He just does," he returned pouting.
Too tired to play games Angel decided to get right to the point. "Doggie has an interesting theory."
"Doggie had alot of interesting theories," Sean said suddenly worried. Brian had cornered him one day and confronted him with a dumbass theory about his anger towards Glenn. It never occurred to him that he would tell Angel his theory too.
"Yeah, and alot of them were right, too," Angel shot back.
"You know I never thought it could be true though until I told Kevin and Scott about it."
"You told Kevin and Scott!" he shouted then remembering Scotty's presence said sorry quickly before Scott could hurt him.
"What's the big deal, Sean," she asked curious. "If it isn't the truth it shouldn't matter. Or was Doggie right?"
"Just which of Brian's damn twisted ideas are we referring to?" Sean asked dumbly trying to waste enough time that he could figure out what to say.
Not fooled by his dumb act Angel answered his question anyway. "He thinks that the reason you are mean to Glenn is because you are jealous of him."
"Why would I be jealous of that idiot?" Sean shot back without thinking.
Scott stood up threateningly. Angel motioned for Scott to stay where he was. "Say one fucking more bad word about Glenn and I am through. Our friendship will end here. Let me get that straight now. I am not putting up with your attitude towards him anymore. "
"As far as Doggie goes, Brian thinks you are jealous because you know that Glenn and I like each other and you are mad because you wanted me for yourself."
"Looking at the floor Sean said quietly, "like I said Brian had some interesting theories."
"Was he right?" Angel asked.
"I dunno," Sean admitted finally giving in.
"The thought of you and Glenn together just makes me irate. Every time I have to listen to you go on and on about him I just wanna go punch the guy. But until Brian said something I never considered that I wanted you for myself. "
Angel put her hands over her face in frustration before looking at Sean again. "Sean, I don't understand. You and I have never had a relationship like that. I mean I know that we play around sometimes, but it was never anything more than friendly I thought. I have always known where your interest lied and I know it isn't with me. So, I don't understand why this is an issue." Angel started to pace restlessly as ideas started swirling in her head. She knew Sean better than anyone maybe the Kliq and she knew it was not her that he wanted to be with. His heart lied elsewhere. "But, what if he isn't jealous because he is in love with me but because of the time a relationship with Glenn would take," she thought to herself.
Stopping mid-stride Angel whirled around to look at Scott thinking about the comment he had made earlier about the lasting damage mind games can cause. Scott arched an eyebrow at her but remained quiet. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head and knew whatever it was she was working out it was important.
Still looking at Scott angel replied, " You are right, Fuzzy." Walking over she sat next to him and looked calmly at Sean. When Scott just looked at her confused she continued. "The comment you made earlier about mind games. The damage they cause can last for years and it can come up and bite you when you least suspect it. Sometimes you don't even realize that is what is happening."
"What are you thinking, Angel?" Scott asked quietly trying not to break her concentration.
Angel watched Sean as she speculated out loud. "Scotty, I think that Doggie was on the right track, but he was a little off base... which is par for the course when it comes to Brian and his theories. Sean is jealous alright, but not for the reason y'all are thinking. One of Sean's biggest fears is abandonment... of losing the people he cares about the most because he isn't good enough. Remember when he first introduced me to you guys? Every time I talked to one of you or about one of you he pitched a fit. It turned out that he was afraid that I would start spending all my time with you guys and wouldn't want him around anymore.
"I remember that," Scott admitted watching Sean. " It wasn't until Kevin and Heartbreak practically killed him one day that he admitted the truth."
Angel nodded in agreement. "I think this is the same thing. I think those old fears have come back and he doesn't want to admit it. Sean knows how much I like Glenn. It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibilities for him to be afraid that once Glenn and I got together that I wouldn't have time for him anymore. Of course it would never happen, but I can imagine his being afraid that it would."
"How can you say that?" Sean asked quietly.
"How can I say what, Curls?" Angel asked in response.
"How can you say it could never happen? Anything is possible. You could get together with Glenn and decide you don't need the hassles I bring and go away." Sean continued to stare at the floor afraid of what he would see of he looked his friend in the eyes.
"I didn't say it couldn't happen, Sean," Angel pointed out. "I said that it wouldn't happen. There is a difference. Given the right circumstance anything can happen, but as things stand at this moment in time there is no way that I am turning my back on you. Despite the fact that you have been treating me like shit for the last month I still love you. You are my best friend in the world and even your bratty ass isn't gonna change that. I am afraid you are stuck with me, Kid."
"You swear?" He asked worried still. "You aren't gonna change your mind?"
"Not unless you keep being nasty to Glenn," Angel threatened. "You are going to have to accept that I like Glenn and he likes me... I think. Regardless, this trashing Glenn all the time IS going to stop. You have no choice in that... understand, Brat?"
"Yes, Angel," he answered glad to be forgiven. "I will talk to Glenn and apologize... I swear."
Angel shrugged her shoulders. "If Kevin doesn't find something encouraging out with Mark it won't matter."
Scott put his arm around her. "Have a li'l faith, Angel Eyes."
"Kev'll come through... he always does."
* While Angel and Sean had been working things out in X-Factor's dressing room, Kevin was on a mission trying to find out from Mark Calloway if Glenn was still interested in Angel. *
When Kevin got to the dressing room Glenn was still there, so Kevin sat and joked around with then two men until Glenn left to go prepare for his match.
The door wasn't even closed yet before Mark asked Kevin, "So why did you really come to see me?"
Kevin grinned, "what makes you think I didn't just come to shoot the shit?"
"Cause I've known you long enough to know when you are after somethin'," Mark replied not buying into Kevin's act.
"I came to find out what is up with Glenn," Kevin replied suddenly serious.
"Angel just told me what happened between the two of them and I would like to know whether or not I have to kill him."
Mark looked at Kevin unfazed. "Brave words little man. I don't think your little Kliq buddies are gonna be much help."
"What makes you think I need the Kliq?" Kevin asked unconcerned at Mark's insinuation.
"If Glenn deliberately hurt Angel then his ass is mine."
Mark snorted, "Glenn thinks that girl walks on water."
"He is still beating himself up over what happened. Truth is that if you did go after him he probably wouldn't fight back, but just takes it. The dumb shit is still mooning after her... but do you think I can convince him to go talk to her??? Hell no!! He's driving me nuts! His temper is worse than Scott's and HBK's combined. When he isn't trying to kill someone he is just sitting somewhere moping. He's driving me nuts!"
Kevin shook his head amazed at the couple. "So then Glenn is still interested in Angel," he asked to confirm what he was thinking.
"Hell yeah he's still interested," Mark replied. "How 'bout Angel? Is that Glenn she's been walking about moping over?"
"Uh huh, she has us worried. Although I have a feeling things are gonna look up real soon." Kevin joked.
"What are you gonna do?" Mark asked.
"Tell Angel that Glenn still likes her for one," Kevin assured the other man. "Then beat some sense into Sean if he doesn't start to behave for two. "
"Well, that one you need to get under control real quick or else I will take care of it and I don't think y'all will enjoy what I have in mind." Mark warned Kevin.
"Angel is in talking to Sean right now so hopefully things will work themselves out." Kevin said just as someone knocked on the door.
Scott poked his head in the room and asked, "Is it ok if we come in?"
"Sure we are done," Mark answered.
Scott, Sean, Justin and Albert shuffled into the room and took seats on the benches.
"Where's Angel?" Kevin asked worried.
Scott shook his head. "Sometimes I think I'll never understand that girl. One second she is swearing Glenn hates her and the next she has decided to go wait for him so they can talk after his match."
Sean laughed, "Angel has more balls than all of us combined. Once she has decided to go after something there is nothing to stop her."
"I take it you two worked things out then and you are gonna be nice to Glenn now?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah," Sean said looking at Mark sheepishly, "I was being an idiot."
"Shit, Kid we knew that," Mark drawled glad that the hostility would end between Sean and Glenn.
The door suddenly banged open when Raven rushed in. "Mark you might wanna come out here and watch this match," he warned.
Mark rushed out of the dressing room heading to the nearest monitor... the other men close behind him. Once there he saw that Glenn's match had taken an unexpected brutal turn. Glenn was cuffed to the ring ropes and Vince was hitting him with a steel chair over and over. Mark turned to run out and help his friend only to be confronted by Commissioner Regal.
"I wouldn't do that, Sunshine," he advised.
"And why not?" Mark asked hostile.
"Because if you do Mr. McMahon has told me he will fire you and Kane on the spot," Regal sneered smugly, "And the same goes for the rest of you I am sure.
"Feel free to watch from here though... I am sure you will be interested in the unveiling Mr. McMahon has planned."
"What the hell does that mean?" Mark screamed at Regal's retreating back.
Up at the curtains, Angel managed to work her way up the stairs so that she could peek her head through the curtain. She couldn't believe they were doing this to Glenn and couldn't figure out where in the hell Mark was.
When Vinnie Mac threw down the chair she hoped that that was the end. Feeling a hand on her shoulder Angel turned her head to see that Matt and Jeff Hardy had joined her.
"I gotta bad feeling about this, Angel," Jeff drawled.
Turning back to the ring Angel saw that Vince had grabbed the mic.
"Kane, you disgust me," Vince sneered.
"You are weak and pathetic. I never wanted you in my organization, and I am not going to put up with you anymore. I kept you around because these dumb fans are constantly cheering you. Well if they knew what a hideous monster you really are they wouldn't cheer so quickly."
Before anyone knew what was happening Mr. McMahon ripped the mask off Glenn's face revealing the horrible scared face beneath. The crowd fell completely silent in shock. Matt and Jeff were struggling to hold Angel from rushing to the ring. She had managed to make it to the top of the ramp before they could stop her.
Back at the monitor Mark was being held with great difficulty by Kevin and Scott. Sean and Justin were trying to talk some sense into Mark, without much success until a camera showed Angel and the Hardy's in the stage.
"Hey, isn't that Angel?" Albert asked.
Back on the stage, Angel's presence had been noticed by Mr. McMahon. "Are you crying for him??" he shouted.
"What is wrong with you? Can't you see that he is a monster? I will show you... I will show you all!!"
Mr. McMahon pulled a can of lighter fluid from his pocket and started covering Glenn with it. Show stood off to one side flicking a lighter.
Matt and Jeff realized there was a serious problem and rushed to the ring with Angel following close behind. Kevin and Scott gave up any attempt to hold back Mark and instead ran along with him towards the ring... X Factor following on their heels.
Jeff Hardy hit the ring just as Show reached to ignite the lighter fluid and knocked the lighted from Show's hand out into the crowd. Show was unhappy at the ruined plans and took his frustration out on the helpless Hardy Boyz. Angel who hit the ring right after Matt went directly to Glenn who had momentarily forgotten… Mr. McMahon was to busy helping Big Show beat up on Matt and Jeff to worry about Glen.
"Glenn are you ok, baby?" she cried.
"My face… please you have to cover my face," Glenn begged hysterical at the thought that everyone could see his disformity.
Without hesitating Angel got as close to Glenn as she could get and buried his face in her ample chest hiding it from the fans and cameras. Matt and Jeff were being beaten relentlessly. All of a sudden the crowd was on their feet cheering X-Factor had hit the ring followed closely by the Undertaker and The Outsiders. Show and Vinnie Mac quickly realized that they were out-manned and bailed out of the ring as quickly as possible. Angel found herself yanked from Glenn by Mark who wanted to check on his friend.
The Hardy Boy's were being tended to by X-Factor. Kevin and Scott were standing off to one side watching Angel who was looking at Vince. Vinnie Mac and Show had reached the top of the ramp… someone had brought Vince out a Microphone.
"That's it! You are all fired!! Get the hell out of my ring!" Vince ranted loudly.
"And you… you damn slut. You can just have your monster boyfriend. God knows you will be the only one that wants him now. Without his mask everyone can see what a hideous creature he really is."
Angel walked to the front of the ring glaring up at Vince wishing she had a microphone. No sooner had she wished it than one appeared in front of her. Looking back she saw that The Outsiders were standing on each side and Kane w/ his mask back on and Mark were standing behind her. Kevin was holding out the microphone grinning.
Angel looked around her and seeing the talent around her felt more confident than she ever had in her life. Turning around Angel looked at Glenn and handed the mic to Scott asking him to hold it up for her.
Then ignoring everyone else including Vince McMahon she spoke.
"The first thing I want to say is that I love you Glenn Jacobs. The second thing I wanna say is that you don't need this mask."
Reaching up Angel tried to remove the mask only to be stopped by Glenn who grabbed her wrists. He tried to step back out of her reach but found Mark, Kev and Scott had blocked his way.
"Vince McMahon is an idiot Glenn. Everything he says is a lie. You are not a monster. You are a warm loving sweet man that I would be proud to be seen with. Your scars are simply a part of you and to hide their existence only gives more power to narrow-minded sorry excuses for human beings like Vince McMahon. There are 7 people in this ring that care about you and couldn't care less what you look like. I am not in love with you because I like that stupid mask… as a matter of a fact I hate the damn thing."
"You love me?" Glenn asked shocked. "But what about…"
"That doesn't matter, baby," Angel assured him. "Maybe the timing just wasn't right. Maybe it wasn't supposed to happen then. All that matters is now…Right here in this ring. Whatever it was it doesn't matter. I love you. I love everything about you. You are the man I want to be with until the day I die. We don't need this mask. It's time that we put away Kane. His tortured soul has suffered long enough and it is time we let him rest in peace." Angel looked up at Mark and smiled. Mark just winked at her.
Glenn looked around at the friends surrounding him and taking a deep breath removed his mask throwing it out into the crowd. The fans went nuts cheering like mad for the big man. The men around him smiled and patted him on the back. Taking the mic from Scott, Kane looked at the woman he loved and said, "I love you, Angel… forever."
Glenn had finally found the courage to speak.
