Blue eyes darted away as the bigger man pulled back from the hug. "Why do you care?" he asked temperamentally. "What did I ever do that caused you to give a fuck about me?"

Batista shrugged and touched a finger to the other wrestler's nose. "You were *you*. Damn if I know, Chris! Don't ask me why. That's not an answerable question."

"What should I ask you, then?" Jericho met his gaze, sensed the impending kiss and backed away. "Quit it," he muttered.

Roughly, Batista yanked him into a desperate embrace. A reckless kiss was placed on Jericho's luxurious lips as hard, massive arms prevented a struggle. "Let me ask you the right question." His voice was gravelly. "Why not?"

When the eyes met again, the bigger man snarled at him. Facing him bravely, Jericho snarled back, then, after a quick glance over Batista's scornful expression, grabbed his shirtfront and hauled him down for another kiss.

~~

Tasting blood, Batista gentled the bruising kisses, opened his mouth wider to apply light suction, licks and careful kisses to the full lips beneath him. No less than twenty kisses passed between them before they paused to behold one another.

"Um, what was that?" Jericho said, nibbling on his sore lower lip.

Batista smiled at him, but it wasn't his evil, snarling ring smile. His eyes were soft, his lips were swollen, and his heart's desire was obvious. He was smitten. "You kiss like an angel," he murmured.

"What?" But Jericho could not act offended about it. The attraction was valid and all-encompassing. "Jeez, David, this is crazy!"

"Let me take care of you," Batista said, lifting his hand and kissing the palm. "Until you heal."

"That's not necessary," Jericho said. When his eyes zoomed in on his companion's lips again, he found that he was unable to tear them away.

"Of course it's not necessary, but I want to. Let me take care of you."

The blonde nodded numbly. "Okay, for a little while."

The second smile brightened the room. "Yeah, baby," he said, pulling him into his arms again. "For a little while."

Ready Story #3 of 7 titled Butterflies & Flowers