Chapter Two

"Matt, what's going on with Jay and Jeff?" Sean was sat opposite Matt while they waited for their pizza. The look on his face was caring but Matt wasn't sure how much Jeff would want him to say.

"They split up after Jay seriously abused Jeff's trust." Matt revealed diplomatically.

"The other night?" Sean had been witness to how terrified Jeff was.

Matt nodded. "All the progress he was making… it's gone. I hope Chris won't hurt him like Jay did."

"They're crazy about each other." The older wrestler laughed a little. "I think there's something good going on there. Just like us." He took Matt's hand, not caring who was watching.

***********************

"Is that hot enough?" Chris turned off the water and allowed Jeff to dip his finger into the water to test its temperature.

"Yes. Thank you Chris." Jeff pulled off his T-shirt. A few bruises were forming on his lower back.

"Jesus baby, I didn't know he worked that stiff." Chris couldn't help staring in horror. "Do you want me to do anything?"

"No, it's OK." He thought it was OK to be beaten black and blue? Chris acquiesced to Jeff's wishes as usual.

"Baby, I'll be just out there if you want anything, OK?" Chris squeezed his friend hand before departing.

"Oh OK." Jeff was surprised to hear disappointment in his voice. He trusted Chris but that would be a huge step, especially when they'd been together for less than a week.

As Jeff lay back in the soothing water he thought about it some more. He wasn't quite sure what was going on in his mind. He knew that had been the case for the past few days, but he couldn't help his mood swings. When he was with Chris he was happy, happier than he'd been in a long time, but then Jay came into his mind and he couldn't see past those threats. It was hard for him to deal with, so for Chris it must be a nightmare. Yet Chris was sticking around and was being as nice as ever, not like Jay had been. Slowly Jeff was coming to realize that the way Jay had treated him was not how a normal boyfriend was supposed to act.

Chris was laid on the bed trying to work out an episode of the X Files. He didn't know what to do. He knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to join Jeff in that bathtub, but he also wanted what was best for Jeff, and that wasn't it. He'd finally worked out the plot of the episode when Jeff came into the room, wearing an old T-shirt and a pair of silk boxers. Chris allowed himself a smile at the incongruous get up. The younger man was drying his hair, then threw the towel on the floor, retrieved his teddy bear from his bag, and came over to sit with Chris.

"Feeling better baby?" Chris adjusted his arms so that Jeff could rest his head on his shoulder.

"Yeah, I'll be in agony in the morning though." Jeff moaned, struggling to get comfortable.

"I promised I'd take you somewhere nice baby, do you still want to go?"

"No, I just want to stay here with you. Do you mind?" Childlike, Jeff looked up at the Canadian through long blond eyelashes.

"Sure sweetie." Chris was exhausted, so that suited him fine. He sat, surreptitiously watching Jeff, who seemed a little distracted. "What's up sugar?"

Jeff knelt in front of him, piercing green eyes burning a hole into him. Tentatively he reached out his hand and touched Chris' face, this time not flinching, but tenderly caressing his cheek, almost in wonderment.

"You're so beautiful Chris." He whispered, cupping the Canadian's face in his hands and gently leaning forward to kiss him.

"I've been wanting to do that since… since we got together… but I've been scared… I feel so safe with you…. And I'm crazy about you…" Jeff breathed. "But I can't help feeling wrong, like, by making a move on people before, I brought on everything that happened. And I'm scared I'm doing that again."

"I promise I'll never hurt you like they did. Baby I only want you to do what you feel comfortable with."

"This feels right to me." Jeff's hands were now caressing Chris' neck, sending shivers down his spine. "It's why I've been so changeable and moody recently. One half of me is so happy when I'm with you, but the other half is constantly afraid of everything. I want you… to help me…so I'm not scared anymore." He sat back, the look on his face like a child, but his eyes showing an inner power and strength that was far from childlike.

"I want to help you." Chris whispered. "Jeffie, the way I feel about you, I've never felt this way before."

Jeff kissed him again. It was such a perfect moment that neither wanted it to end, but eventually Chris pulled away.

"Oh Jeff." For once, Chris was lost for words.

"Don't say anything." Jeff put one finger to Chris' lips. "I just feel so right with you. I realized tonight how special you are."

"I think you're the special one." Chris' voice was unashamedly breaking with tears. "Baby, I know how big a step that was for you. I'll do whatever you need me to, to make it better."

"I know you will, that's why you're so important to me… I still want to take it slow, but I know I want to be with you. I want you to help me, no one else."

"Promise baby."

Chris and Jeff lay blissfully in each other's arms. It was different to before. Before, it was just for support, but now there was another element. It was incredibly sensual, their bodies intertwined.

*********************

Sean and Matt returned to their room after their pizza; Sean was worried about Matt's state of mind, he'd been attentive but quiet, and Sean wanted to somehow try and make it better for him.

He pulled him down onto the couch in their room. "It's Jeff you're worried about, isn't it?"

Matt nodded and looked down, studying his hands nervously.

"Do you want to call him? Check he's OK?"

"No." Matt protested. "He'll just think I'm checking up on him, and Chris will think that I don't trust him."

"Then baby, let it go." Sean forced his lover to look at him. "Let it go for tonight and just think about yourself for once."

The older Hardy closed his eyes. "OK. Sean… I don't mean to be so distant… he's my little brother… I'd do anything for him."

"I know baby."

Sean held out his hand, and led a willing Matt to bed, treating him all night like the wonderful person he was.

****************************

The wrestlers now had a few days off, a chance to go home before they met up again on Sunday. Sean promised Matt that he would come down to Cameron as soon as possible. They didn't even want to spend one day apart, but both had to go home, do their laundry and pay bills, the run of the mill stuff that they never had chance to do on the road. Sean also knew that Matt needed to spend some time alone with Jeff.

Jeff really didn't want Chris to go. He was irrationally scared that if he let go of Chris now, he'd be letting go forever.

"Baby," Chris tried to control his emotions for the sake of the younger wrestler. "It will be a day and a half at the most and then I'll be with you again. Sweetie, I'll miss you too, but we'll be together again soon."

"But Chris…" Jeff pouted, not realizing how adorable that made him look.

"Baby, if you need anything, anything at all, call me."

"I will." Matt called Jeff over because their flight was boarding. Jeff stole one last kiss then followed his brother towards the plane.

The brothers got settled in their seats, and Jeff sat back, and then put his head in his hands.

"It's hard to let go, isn't it?" Matt said to his brother sympathetically. He was missing Sean already, so he had some idea of what Jeff was feeling.

It was slowly dawning on Jeff how much he relied on Chris, how Chris was the one keeping him strong. "Matt, I don't know how I'm going to cope."

"You have me." The older brother reminded him. "I know I can't replace Chris, but I'm right here whenever you need me."

Jeff looked up at his brother. "Matt, you're just as important to me. I love you, it's just, I know how important Sean is to you, and I don't want to mess up this relationship like I have done all your others."

Jeff had always blamed himself for Matt splitting up with Shane. Prior to Shawn, Jeff had been a bit of a wild child, often ending up hurt and needing Matt to comfort him. Shane had complained about Matt constantly neglecting him to look after Jeff. In truth, Matt had got fed up with Shane's moaning, and it had really hurt when he ridiculed the bond they had as brothers.

"Jeff, stop blaming yourself for Shane."

"It was my fault Matt." He'd never been able to persuade Jeff otherwise.

"But if I'd still been with Shane, I wouldn't be as happy as I am now with Sean, would I?"

The younger man smiled. "You two really are happy, aren't you?" Matt didn't even have to say a word. "I'm pleased for you, and I promise I won't ruin this relationship."

It was so nice to be home. In their jobs they rarely got a lot of time to just relax, so they were all hoping to make the most of it. Jeff felt comfortable at home, safe. After Shawn, his bedroom had become a refuge, somewhere, one of the few places that he felt completely safe. When Jay had visited him, when they were together, Jeff hadn't let him in. They'd slept in the guest bedroom. To start off with Jay had slept there alone, and then Jeff had felt guilty and had joined him. Now Jeff realized why. It wasn't the room, it was Jay.

"I'm gonna cook for you Matt." Jeff announced. "But we have to go shopping first. These cupboards are empty."

Shopping at home was the greatest thing. They never got pestered for autographs, because everyone had known them since they were kids. Jeff picked up all the supplies they had needed for the week and Matt picked up their mail.

Jeff was seriously good in the kitchen. There was an agreement he had with his brother: he took care of the food, and Matt dealt with the bills. It was an arrangement that had gone on for many years, and both were happy with it.

While Jeff was cooking, his mind kept flipping to Chris. How much he was looking forward to cooking for him, wondering what he was doing right now. It was something that Jeff had never experienced before. Was it love? Jeff had no idea. He was afraid to think so, because didn't love mean getting hurt?

*********************

Chris finally allowed himself to rest at his home. Since he'd got back, he'd forced himself to rush around getting everything done, so that he could fly out early to North Carolina the next day. He was missing Jeff like crazy. He wanted to call, but knew that the brothers needed some time to themselves. And he'd told Jeff to call if he needed anything.

He was almost asleep when the phone rang. In one way he hoped it was Jeff, but in another way not, because that would mean something was wrong.

"Hello?"

"Hi Chris, it's Adam." Chris unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey man, what's up?"

Adam sounded down and kind of serious. "I don't know how much you're gonna want to hear this, but I was on the same flight as Jay."

Chris' heart sank. He didn't know that he was gonna hear, but it was gonna be bad. "Go on."

"He was real drunk, and was threatening people. Then he came up to me and said… he wanted Jeff, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it."

"Oh Jesus."

Adam continued. "He said I was to tell you… that he knows every arena, and in one of them you'll lose Jeff and you'll never get him back." All Adam could hear on the end of the line was Chris struggling not to cry. "Man, I'm sorry; I just thought you should know."

"Thanks Adam." Chris sniffed.

"Anytime. Now you look after Jeff for us, yeah?"

When Chris hung up he burst into tears. Jay couldn't take Jeff away now. He couldn't hurt poor little Jeffie. Chris would die first.

*********************

Matt and Jeff lay watching their favorite movie. Jeff's long limbs took up most of the couch so Matt had slouched on a beanbag on the floor. He glanced up at his little brother every so often. Jeff seemed distracted, so Matt started throwing popcorn at him.

"Hey!" Jeff grabbed one piece and popped it into his mouth.

"You were miles away there." Matt observed. "What were you thinking about?"

"Chris." Matt rolled his eyes and laughed. "I really miss him."

"He'll be here tomorrow."

"I know. I was thinking about Jay too." Jeff's voice became less certain.

"Still worried?"

"Yeah. I still can't believe that he hurt me." Jeff moved onto the floor next to Matt, stealing half the beanbag. "I trusted him, and he hurt me."

"But you and him are through now. He has no reason to come near you again."

"Doesn't he?" Jeff revealed the truth to his brother. "He's been threatening me Matt. That's why I've been so scared of him."

"Oh Jeff." Matt hugged his little brother. "You should have told me. I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you."

"I'm sorry for not telling you before. I wanted to, but I don't want you to worry about me, especially when you've just got this new relationship and all."

"I'll always worry about you baby, Sean accepts that." Matt stroked his brother's hair from his neck. "Does Chris know?"

"Yeah." Jeff was realizing a lot of stuff about himself that he never knew before now. "I… really like him… and he promised that… he wouldn't get angry and… he's helping me to realize that… not everything is my fault."

"I'm glad you found each other Jeff. You deserve to be happy. I like Chris; I know he'll be good to you. But remember," Matt smiled tenderly. "I'm always here for you."

***********************

Sean was on the phone seemingly non stop when he got home. First it was his good friend Joanie, wanting all the news about his new relationship, a subject he was more than happy to talk about for hours. Then it was about four other people wanting to know the same thing. Then finally he had chance to do all the things that he went home to do.

He couldn't wait to see Matt again. It was weird; Sean really didn't expect to feel this way about someone. He'd tried to stay away from relationships since splitting up with Shawn. He was dreading telling Matt about that relationship. In one way, he felt like he was to blame for what happened to Jeff, because if he'd never split up with Shawn, the wrestler known as HBK wouldn't have gone somewhere else looking for someone to abuse.

That was one of the things that Sean loved about Matt. He would never be abusive, or turn violent. He was open about his feelings, loving, caring and generous. Sean couldn't wait to get to Cameron.

*******************

Chris was in a crisis. After what Adam had told him, he wanted to be with Jeff right now. He went over Adam's words in his mind. 'He knows every arena… never get him back'. At least Jay wouldn't be going down to Cameron to hurt Jeff. And at the arenas surely one of them would be able to protect Jeff. Or Chris would die trying. They were spending one night alone that was it. This time tomorrow they'd be together again.

He packed, so that he would be ready to go first thing in the morning, and went to bed. But now he couldn't sleep, so he just head straight to the airport and got the first flight out of there.

**********************

"I'm going to bed Matt." Jeff stood up and yawned.

"OK sweetie. You know where I am if you need me." Matt kissed his little brother good night and Jeff retreated to his bedroom. As he lay in bed his mind was filled with Chris. Jeff made some decisions. He was gonna start being independent, as much as possible. He was not gonna be a victim any more. As long as he had Chris, he'd be OK. He couldn't wait to lie in this bed in Chris' arms. This bed. Hell, in all the months he was with Jay he hadn't trusted him to do that.

**********************

Chris met up with Sean at the airport the next morning. It looked like they'd both had the same idea.

"You couldn't wait either?" Chris put on a brave face so Sean didn't notice how upset he was.

"I really missed Matt." Sean admitted. "Stupid, isn't it? We've been together for five minutes and already I hate spending time apart."

"I know exactly how you feel. Now what do you say we drive out and surprise them?"

***********************

Matt was up and dressed early that morning. Jeff was dead to the world: he very rarely got up early unless he really had to. And Matt figured it would do him good to sleep undisturbed for a few hours.

He was sorting through their bills when there was a knock on the door. The older Hardy was immediately concerned, remembering what Jeff had told him about Jay.

Cautiously he opened the door, and then smiled broadly. "Sean. What are you doing here?"

"Well that's a nice welcome. Hello baby." Sean smiled and hugged his boyfriend. "I've brought a surprise for Jeff too." Chris stood behind him, smiling shyly.

"Oh god, Jeff will be so pleased to see you." Matt spoke from within Sean's arms. "He's still in bed. I'll go and wake him."

"No don't." The Canadian protested. "I know how he likes his sleep."

"Don't worry. This is something he will definitely get out of bed for."

Matt crept into Jeff's room, kneeling by the side of the bed and touched his brother's cheek tenderly. "Jeffie wake up."

Jeff blinked tiredly. "What? Leave me alone Matt."

"You mean you don't want to see Chris?" Matt dropped this information and went to leave.

Jeff immediately sat up and rubbed his eyes. "He's here?" He jumped out of bed and ran to the lounge, where Chris was waiting. They almost jumped into each other's arms.

Chris' heart leapt when he saw his baby was OK. "I've missed you so much." He whispered into Jeff's ear, trying not to cry.

"I've missed you too. Come with me. You can sit and talk to me while I shower." Jeff took Chris' hand and led him off, leaving Matt and Sean alone.

"I'm sorry I came so early, I hope I didn't disturb your plans." The older wrestler smiled.

"I'm glad you're here." Matt whispered, pulling Sean to sit on the couch next to him. "I really missed you."

"I missed you too. That's why I came so early. I couldn't stand the thought of us spending another night apart." Matt raised his eyebrows. "Hey, I wasn't thinking that way." Sean laughed. "But now you come to mention it…"

Matt knew what he was thinking. "Let me give you a guided tour of the house. Starting with my bedroom." He held out his hand with a cheeky smile. Sean eagerly agreed.

*********************

"This is my room." Jeff was still clutching Chris' hand while he grabbed a few clean clothes. "Do you like it?"

Chris didn't give himself a chance to look, sitting down on the bed and looking up at Jeff. "Sweetie, we need to talk."

The younger man looked very concerned. "What is it? Chris, you're not gonna finish with me, are you? You're not gonna tell me you don't want me." His voice was trembling and nervous.

"No, no baby." The Canadian pulled Jeff onto his lap and hugged him. "I'd never do that. It's just, Adam phoned me."

"What?" He didn't even have to ask. "It's Jay, isn't it?"

"They were on the same flight. He…" How could Chris say this? "He threatened you again."

"No, please no." Jeff buried his head in Chris' shoulder.

"I'm sorry baby." Had he done the right thing? He'd only upset Jeff, and all because of that bastard who was determined to wreck his life. "I shouldn't have said anything, I didn't want to upset you, but I don't want to keep secrets, especially something like this."

"You were right to tell me." Jeff's voice was muffled as his face was buried in Chris' fluffy blond hair. "What did he say?"

"Adam said… he said that he wanted you and no one could stop him… that he knew every arena in the country and one day I'd lose you and never find you again. But I promise I'll never let that happen." Chris put his hand on the back of Jeff's neck to try and comfort him, to try and stem the sobs that were wracking his body. Immediately Chris was crying too. "Baby I'm so, so sorry."

Jeff sniffed and looked up at Chris' tearstained face. "As long as I'm with you…" he gently whispered, "I'll be OK. I don't want to be apart from you ever again."

"I know baby, I feel the same." The older man kissed Jeff gently. "Now how about you go for that shower, then we'll put Jay out of our minds for the next few days, and just concentrate on being together, yeah?"

"Yeah." Jeff grabbed his clothes and led Chris to the bathroom.

The younger Hardy went to pull off his boxers so Chris turned away, to give him his privacy.

"You don't have to turn away Chris. Unless it's because I'm so ugly you don't want to look at me." His voice was soft.

"Baby you are not ugly." Chris turned around, looking Jeff straight in the eye, while taking in his form. "You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen. It was just that I didn't want to pressure you."

"I know, but I've been thinking a lot. I know I'm not afraid of you, and the thing that was holding me back before was, that if I had sex with people, I'd be asking them to hurt me. But you've made me realize it's not like that."

"I would never hurt you, you know that."

"I know. That's why I want to give myself to you completely. I've never felt this way before about anyone."

Chris grabbed Jeff's hand and kissed it. "You are the most wonderful person I've ever met."

Jeff slipped into the shower and they continued talking, even though both of their minds were whirling. Jeff's mind was filled with Chris and how much he felt for him, how much he trusted him. And Chris was shocked at what Jeff had said that he trusted him that much was beyond his wildest dreams. It was everything Chris could have hoped for and more.

After Jeff had showered he insisted on giving Chris a proper guided tour. First off he dragged him back to his room.

"This is my safe place, my bedroom," he announced. Chris looked around. The ceiling was black, with hundreds of tiny stars painted all over it, the walls every color of the rainbow. There was a huge bed against one wall, a few cupboards against another. There were candles everywhere, on every surface, and a mound of cushions and cuddly toys on the floor.

He smiled at Jeff. "Baby it's gorgeous, exactly how I would have expected it to look."

"This is my shelter. Here I know I'm entirely safe and secure." Jeff pulled Chris close. "I never let anyone in here before. I didn't trust anyone enough cos I knew they'd hurt me in the future, and I didn't want this room to be tainted by them"

"You really do trust me, don't you?" Tears formed in Chris' eyes again. Jeff nodded. "I promise I'll never betray that trust."

"I know." Jeff kissed his tears away. "You are so important to me. You trust me too, don't you?"

He looked up, surprised. "Of course I do."

"I just… well most people wouldn't… I have… a reputation." Jeff bit his lip nervously.

"I don't care. What is in the past stays there. It's now that's important, and I trust you completely, because you have given me no reason not to."

"Thank you." They stayed in each other's arms for what seemed like an eternity, and then Jeff looked up at Chris again. "Come on, I'll show you the rest of the house."

When they walked past Matt's room both of them blushed, for the sounds that were coming from the room suggested that Matt and Sean were doing a little more than chatting. Jeff shook his head and smiled. "Anyway, as you can tell, that's Matt's room. The one next to it is the guest bedroom. And let me show you the kitchen, it's where I spend most of my time."

"I didn't know you could cook." But then, Chris wasn't really surprised. He knew how talented Jeff was, even if the younger man didn't realize it himself.

"Yep." He laughed flippantly. "I've been looking forward to cooking for you."

**********************

Jeff and Chris' suspicions as to what was going on in Matt's bedroom were fairly accurate, and mid-afternoon they were still in bed.

"Did I tell you I missed you?" Matt sighed happily. "What we have here, it's intense, isn't it?"

Sean kissed him again and smiled. "I can honestly say I've never been in anything like this before. But I've never been with anyone as special as you before either."

"Nor me." Matt admitted. "After Shane, I thought I was going to end up hurt like that forever."

"How come you two split?"

"He got fed up with me dealing with Jeff's crises, and I was so hurt that he didn't understand how important Jeff is to me. So, anyway, he cheated on me." Matt frowned at the memory of seeing Shane with someone else.

"I'd never cheat on you baby. I know what it's like to be hurt that way. I also know how important Jeff is to you."

"Thank you. It means a lot to know that." It made Matt feel more secure. Maybe this relationship would work.

*******************

When the couple finally got up they discovered Jeff and Chris watching TV, Jeff's head resting in Chris' lap as the older wrestler stroked his hair tenderly. It looked the picture of innocence, but the love between the two was so obvious it was only them who couldn't see it.

"Hey guys." Matt attempted to get their attention.

Jeff barely looked up. "Hey. Finally decided to drag yourselves out of bed and join us did you?"

"Little brother I don't know what you are insinuating."

"Sure." Jeff propped himself up on his elbows to get a proper look at his brother, to see if he was blushing. Chris and Sean just watched the verbal sparring through amused eyes. "Whatever Matt."

"Anyway." Sure enough, Matt was blushing. "I'm gonna show Sean around Cameron, then we're gonna go to Lou's for food. We'll be back late, OK?"

"Sure, you have fun." Jeff lay back down, dismissing his brother with a wave of his hand. "See you later."

"Bye Chris." Finally they left.

The Canadian laughed and ruffled Jeff's hair. "Are you two always like that?"

"Yep." But what Jeff didn't realize was that he hadn't been that carefree since Shawn. The recovery was now well underway.

"It's nice. Not all brothers are as close as you are." The room descended into silence again. They were just completely content like this. Neither was watching TV. They were watching each other, taking in every part of the other's face.

"You are so beautiful." A soft southern voice broke the stillness, a hand reaching up to caress his cheek. "So incredibly gorgeous I don't have the words to describe it." Jeff sat up so that he was on Chris' lap. It was like he fit perfectly. "You have the most wonderful sea-blue eyes."

Those eyes were filling with tears, and he had to swallow a lump in his throat. "You don't have to say those things when they're now true."

"Ah, I found the chink in your armor." Jeff wasn't the only one who had low self esteem. "I wouldn't lie to you babe. You are beautiful."

They sat kissing for what seemed like hours, and when they finally tore themselves apart, it was only for a second.

Jeff leapt off Chris' lap. "I'm gonna cook for you."

"Can I help?" Chris held out his hand so Jeff could help him up.

"No but you can come and talk to me," he replied, taking Chris' hand, leading him to the kitchen.

Chris was amazed at how good a cook Jeff was. Within an hour he'd prepared a three course meal, without allowing Chris to do anything. And he'd chatted to Chris the whole time, stopping every so often, to kiss the older man.

After the meal, they sat again in each other's arms, lazily watching TV until it was late.

"Tomorrow, I'm gonna show you around Cameron." Jeff decided, smiling up at Chris. "And you'll see why I love this place so much."

"I look forward to it."

"But I'm tired. You must be too. What time did you fly out this morning?"

Chris cringed. "About 1.00 AM."

"Baby you must be exhausted." Jeff exclaimed.

"You keep me going." He grinned. "I couldn't get too tired with you around."

"Well, we're going to bed. Come on."

Suddenly Chris was unsure. He stood at the door to Jeff's room and grabbed his arm. "Jeffie… I don't want you to think that you have to let me in here. I can sleep in the guest room cos I know that your room is special to you and I don't want to intrude on that."

"Don't worry." Jeff's green eyes shined up at Chris. "I want you with me. There's no one else I'd let do this. But, I want you."

"If you're sure."

"Yeah. Come on baby."

Jeff sat down on the bed and motioned for Chris to sit next to him. "Chris? I'm not ready… to go all the way… but I'd like to move… forward a little… if that's OK. I mean… if you don't want to."

Chris put one finger to Jeff's lips. "Babe, I want to. You just have to tell me what you're comfortable with, and that's OK, I'll completely respect that."

Both undressed in silence and slipped under the covers, putting their arms around each other. Chris could feel Jeff was trembling slightly.

"Baby we don't have to do anything. It's OK."

"I want to." Jeff smiled slightly. "It's just, it's been six months, I am kind of nervous."

"We can take it slow honey, as slow as you like."

Gently Chris kissed every inch of Jeff's face, before returning to his lips. Then Jeff took control, his small hands gingerly exploring Chris' body. Chris' nipples were incredibly sensitized, and when Jeff's fingers touched them the thought that it was Jeff doing this almost sent the Canadian over the edge there and then.

Jeff seemed to be toying with Chris' body almost in wonderment seemingly amazed at his reactions. Slowly he moved his way down Chris' body, gaining a little confidence. When he reached his hips, he looked up nervously, before moving back up to reclaim Chris' lips.

"I'm sorry Chris… I'm not ready for that." Jeff whispered, his lips seeking out Chris' ear.

"It's OK baby." Chris took the initiative now, sensing how much Jeff was ready for. He took in Jeff's wonderfully toned body, softly caressing his skin, massaging Jeff's shoulders to help him to relax, before brushing his kiss swollen lips over Jeff's chest. He swirled his tongue around Jeff's nipples, which were even more sensitive than Chris'. Then Chris began to play with Jeff's navel bar, which was one of the sexiest pieces of jewelry he had ever seen.

When Chris kissed Jeff's lips again, he was almost seeing stars. "Baby, never doubt how beautiful you are." He breathed. "I want to make you feel good baby. What do you want me to do?"

"I want to always feel this way. You make me feel so special." Jeff's sought out Chris' ear again and nibbled on the lobe. "Baby, I want to… I want to make you cum." He let out a deep breath, looking at Chris nervously.

"If you're sure baby. I don't want you to do anything you're not ready for."

Jeff answered by moving his hands down Chris' spine, before running his fingers teasingly over his balls, then one hand was squeezing them gently while the other was firmly moving up and down his cock. The sight of Jeff's painted black nails moving on him and the delightful sensations he was causing made Chris feel incredible. He tried to just enjoy the feeling for as long as possible but Jeff just sent him over the edge and he came, spurting out over Jeff's hand.

"Oh god." Chris bit his lip to try and stop himself screaming in pleasure. Jeff just smiled up at him innocently, putting his fingers to his lips and tasting some of Chris' cum. Chris kissed him, tasting himself but loving the taste of Jeff's tongue more.

"Baby," he whispered, "do you want me to make you cum?"

Suddenly the innocent look was all too real. Jeff looked nervous but nodded.

"I'll be gentle baby, I promise." Chris kissed him again, while trailing his fingers down Jeff's chest, before spending a lot of time caressing and massaging his hips, which he'd discovered sent Jeff wild with desire.

The younger man's reactions became a lot less inhibited as he became more used to a caring touch. Eventually he seemed relaxed enough that Chris felt confident to move his attention to Jeff's cock.

Jeff had never had someone treat him so tenderly, with so much care and attention. The way Chris was making him feeling, it was so good. Chris watched Jeff's eyelashes flutter as the emotions overwhelmed him and he came. Jeff realized for the first time how amazing it was possible to feel when someone was as gentle and caring as Chris was.

"Baby." Jeff was still breathing heavily. "I've never felt this way before… that good."

"Are you sure I didn't push you too much, that you're OK?" Chris kissed him tenderly.

"No baby, you made me feel… wow. I don't know what to say." An innocent smile lit up Jeff's face. "We should clean up. Come shower with me?"

Chris eagerly accepted the invitation, so they both quickly changed the sheets on the bed before showering together. They explored each other's bodies under the water. A boundary had been broken and Jeff felt more comfortable with physical contact than he ever had done before.

Finally they got back to bed and Jeff lay content in Chris' arms. Then he seemed to get a little fidgety and worried.

"What's wrong baby?" Chris immediately thought that it was his fault that he'd pressured Jeff.

Jeff frowned, then his green eyes looked up at Chris, filled with tears. "Chris honey, we haven't been together long, and already I've done more with you than I ever did with Jay. Doesn't that prove that I'm a tease? He said that I could do it and now I've proved that. I was a tease, he was right. But what I did with you, it felt so natural, so right. It wouldn't have felt like that with him."

"Jeffie…" Chris looked deeply into his eyes, wiping the tears away with his thumb. "You are not a tease. The reason… you didn't do anything with Jay, was because you didn't trust him."

"What do you mean?"

"You see baby," Chris continued, "sex is more than something physical. It's about trusting and caring for the person you're with. Half of the pleasure you get is because you know how much the person you're with means to you. You didn't have that with Jay - he didn't understand that bond… to him, sex is just physical, and that is where he's wrong."

"That's why I've never felt as good this before." Jeff murmured, snuggling back into Chris' more than willing arms.

Chris' heart leapt. "Oh Jeff." He struggled to control his tears so he just closed his eyes.

"I keep making you cry. I'm sorry." Jeff seemed upset about it. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Chris.

"It's only cos I'm so happy to be with you." He opened his eyes and tears trickled from the corners. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Now let's sleep baby, yeah?"

Jeff closed his eyes, pulling his arms tighter around Chris, and both were soon asleep.

********************

When Matt and Sean returned the house was silent and in darkness.

"Jeff and Chris must be in bed." Sean commented.

"In bed… that sounds like a good idea." Giggled Matt, who stopped what he was doing to kiss his lover. "Up for it?"

"Horny little devil aren't you?"

The wicked grin on Matt's face confirmed it. He raised his eyebrows and looked at Sean's crotch, where a bulge had suddenly appeared. "I'll just check on Jeff. Meet you up there." Matt kissed his lover once more, then ran off towards Jeff's room, leaving Sean to make his way to Matt's room. He'd never had a lover as enthusiastic or as obvious with his affections as Matt, but he liked it.

Matt pushed Jeff's door open slightly, and peeked in. The light from outside allowed him to just see his little brother firmly ensconced in Chris' arms, the elder protective but not overpowering. Jeff had been happy today, so Matt was content. He pulled the door shut and made his way to his own room.

Sean was sat on the bed, and looked up when Matt quietly entered the room.

"Are they OK?"

"Fast asleep. Chris has been so good for Jeff, he hasn't been so happy since… since…" Matt looked at him nervously.

"It's OK baby. You don't have to talk about it." Sean didn't want to talk about it. He had enough bad memories about Shawn and right now he didn't want to feel even guiltier than he already did. "Come here."

For once, Matt was silent and obedient. He allowed the slimmer man to hold him, reciprocating the affection.

"Now I seem to remember you promising me something if I was good tonight." Sean grinned mischievously. "Have I been good?"

Matt's face broke into a smile. "How about you show me how good you can be?"

********************

"Chris, wake up." Jeff looked at his sleeping love impatiently. He'd been awake for the last half hour, and at first he was content in just watching the sleeping blond next to him, but then he got bored and decided he needed to wake Chris. Talking to him evidently wasn't working, so Jeff tried something different.

He studied the Canadian's face, and began to stroke his cheeks, with a touch as light as a feather at first, then creating a soft motion as black fingernails traced his jaw line, his eyes, his eyebrows. "Come on Chris." He was getting really impatient now. "Wake up babe."

Incredibly slowly, Chris opened his eyes. "Morning baby." He murmured, barely focusing on Jeff's face which was smiling tenderly at him, before moving slightly and closing his eyes again.

"Morning Chris." Jeff snuggled back down into his arms before realizing that he was intending on going back to sleep. "Hey, wake up babe."

"I am awake." Chris mumbled. "I'm just resting my eyes."

Jeff moved so that his face was right in front of Chris' almost touching but not quite. "Open your eyes."

Chris opened his eyes and smiled. Jeff kissed him tenderly, having finally figured the perfect way to wake Chris up.

"Good morning indeed." Chris gazed at the chiseled features of the face that was smiling at him.

"Did I get your attention?" Jeff asked coyly.

"Oh yeah. You can get my attention like that anytime." Chris brushed Jeff's hair back from his neck, allowing his hand to stay there and caress the soft, pale skin. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah. It's so nice being with you, knowing you'll be there when I wake up."

"Baby you are so beautiful, I could never, ever leave you alone. I don't like it when we're not together. I mean, "Chris tried to stop himself getting tongue-tied, "I know since we've been together we've only spent one day apart, but I hated it. I'd happily spend forever with you."

"Me too. I… can't put my feelings into words like you can, but I feel the same."

It was intense, but it felt natural. Neither cared what anyone else thought, they felt right and that was all that mattered.

***********************

The two couples finally met up around lunchtime. All of them appeared with shy, embarrassed smiles on their faces.

"What do we have planned for today?" Matt asked brightly. "I thought we could meet up tonight, go out somewhere?"

"Yeah! I'll cook for us, and then we can all go to Cameron's one and only club." Jeff was enthusiastic, while at the same time rolling his eyes to show the irony of their home town's appalling night life.

"Cool. Is that OK baby?" Matt looked at Sean, who nodded.

"Well, we're going to see the sights." The younger Hardy grabbed Chris' hand and led him towards the door. "See you two later."

When they'd gone Matt looked at Sean with some concern. "If you don't want to do any of this, it's OK. I mean, I know small town life is boring."

Sean held up his hand to stop Matt's rambling. "Matt, I like it here, I'm having a good time, Cameron is beautiful, so just relax."

"Are you sure?"

Sean smiled. "If I wasn't, I'd tell you."

************************

Outside the house, Jeff looked up at Chris innocently. "Bike or car?"

"Which is better for sightseeing?" Chris asked, equally innocently.

"For what I have in mind, bike." Jeff had a gleam in his eye. He threw Chris a helmet. "Besides, I haven't ridden in a while." Since before Shawn to be precise, but Jeff didn't realize that.

Jeff got on the bike and Chris had to pause to appreciate the sight. A few strands of purple hair straggled out from under his helmet, and he looked so confident, and sexy as hell. The Canadian had always had a thing about men and bikes.

He sat behind Jeff and slipped his arms around his waist.

"Ready babe?"

"Yeah." The bike roared off.

**************************

"Matt, come here." Sean's voice was unusually stern, causing Matt to look at him, somewhat surprised. But he did as he was told, and sat down with his lover.

He looked into Sean's eyes, a little upset. "What is it? Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry."

"Matt will you shut up and listen to me?" The older man's voice wasn't harsh, but it was commanding. Then it softened. "Babe, you have done nothing wrong. Quit worrying about me, being happy here. You think this place is too small town for me, that you have to entertain me. Honey, I'm more than content just being with you. Hell, I could just sit and stare at you for hours, and I'd be more than happy." Matt blushed. "Seriously though, this relationship is on an equal footing. If you do something I don't like, I'll tell you. And when I do something that annoys you, you tell me."

"Are you sure?" Matt didn't sound particularly convinced. "It's just… I'm just me. I'm the sensible one… and that just means boring. Jeff's the exciting one, doing crazy stuff, and I'm the sensible boring one looking after him."

Sean laughed gently. "You think you're boring? God Matt, you are anything but. You're funny and sweet and smart and just because you don't do crazy stuff doesn't make you boring. You are such an amazing person… you have so many different facets to your character that I am just discovering about you. And…" Sean smiled seductively, "you do stuff to me that I have never known before, or never had so good."

The older Hardy looked more confident. "Yeah?"

Sean didn't say a word. He just stared at Matt with undisguised lust in his eyes.

"What?"

"Oh I was just staring at you. I told you I'd be happy spending my day doing that."

"Well don't, it makes me nervous."

"Make me." Now there was a challenge that Matt would enjoy.

*************************

Chris was sure that Cameron was a gorgeous place, he just didn't get to see much of it because they were going so fast everything was a blur. When they finally slowed down they were traveling down a little-used track until they came to a small clearing. Jeff stopped abruptly and pulled off his helmet, so Chris quickly did the same.

******************

"This is it." Jeff's voice had changed. He was now more confident than Chris had ever known him before.

Chris got off the bike, closely followed by Jeff, who then grabbed his hand and led him to the middle of the clearing, then pulled him down to the leafy floor, so both were lying, staring at the blossom-heavy overhanging branches.

"Is this not the most beautiful place you've ever seen?" Chris stole a look at Jeff, who had shut his eyes, a look of peace and contentment on his face.

"Yeah Jeffie. It's gorgeous. I've never been anywhere quite so peaceful and tranquil."

"My mom showed me this place before she died. I like to think that she's still here. She always said… that no matter what bad things happened in my life… this place would always be here, and it would always be beautiful, and it would be a reminder that despite everything…all the bad things… beauty would always find its way into my life." Everything was silent, except for Jeff's gentle voice, and the occasional rustling of the wind through the leaves. Chris could hear Jeff's breath as he tried to remain calm. He tried to calm his own but could feel himself getting emotional yet again. "I haven't been here since Shawn, because… despite what mom said, I couldn't see any beauty in my life. All there was… was pain… even with Jay… I had comfort but no beauty. I looked at people and I saw what they were, but I didn't see any beauty in them. I didn't come here cos I was scared that I'd lose the beauty, the essence of this place, you know? Then… I saw you in a new light… I saw beauty… and I knew I could come back. I knew that mom was right. Beauty did find its way into my life. You."

"Jeff?" Chris' voice broke with tears. "Sweetie I don't know what to say. Jeff, you… you are beauty. I mean, on the outside you are beautiful, and on the inside you have the most intense, incredible, fragile beauty. It's what makes you the person you are. If only everyone could see that, then no one in the world would ever hurt you again."

The scene descended into silence again. They were laid side by side and slowly and carefully Jeff sought out Chris' hand and squeezed it. They interlinked their fingers and everything felt right.

**********************

They met up in early evening. Matt and Sean had tidied the place up somewhat, so Jeff sent them all into the lounge so he could start cooking undisturbed. Matt was positioned on a beanbag at Sean's feet, while Chris was sprawled across a chair.

"So Matt, tell us about this place we're going tonight." Chris asked, curious because Jeff didn't have too many compliments for the place.

"It's not that bad, well not as bad as Jeff makes out." Matt laughed, knowing that however much Jeff criticized the place; he always had a good time when he was there. "The owner knows us quite well. We're…" Matt blushed, "kind of local celebrities, so he has photos and stuff of ours on the walls. But he's always treated us good, and he makes sure we have a good time."

"Photos, huh?" Chris stood up and walked to the bookshelves, picking up a picture of a young Jeff and Matt, probably when they were about three and six years old. The older Hardy had been protective even then, with his arms around Jeff and both had huge smiles. There was no sign of the long hair though. "You were cute kids."

"Yeah, and look what happened." Sean joked, reaching down and ruffling Matt's dark hair.

"Watch it Waltman." The offended Hardy threatened. "Don't make me angry."

"Why not?" Sean had a wicked grin on his face as he pulled his lover's strings effortlessly.

"Because…" Matt turned the tables, "I know how ticklish you are." And he promptly began tickling Sean until the latter was laughing uncontrollably and trying to fight him off.

"Children." Chris rolled his eyes. Carefully he replaced the photo on the shelf and went to the kitchen to see how Jeff was getting on.

He stood for a moment to admire the sight of Jeff working in the kitchen. There were four pots on the stove, another in the oven, and he was busy checking on a desert he'd made earlier. He seemed completely at home, wiping his brow with his sleeve before checking on the pans on the stove.

"Hey Jeffie." Chris made his presence known. His subject looked round and smiled.

"Hey babe."

Chris walked up and stood behind him, slipping strong arms around his slim waist and resting his chin on his shoulder, kissing his flawless neck tenderly. Jeff put his hands over Chris', pulling him closer, and sighing contentedly.

"You're looking kind of frazzled babe." Chris whispered. "Do you want me to do anything?"

"I'm OK. Everything's under control now, I think." Jeff turned round in the Canadian's arms and smiled. "I just want this to be perfect."

"I'm sure it will be. I'm not putting you off am I?" Chris could see that Jeff was taking a lot of pride out of doing this, and it would be an immeasurable boost to his self-confidence so Chris didn't want anything to go wrong.

"I'm never too busy for you babe." Jeff relaxed in Chris' arms for a moment then looked at the food again. "You know, if you could lay the table and put some plates in to warm, that would be such a big help."

"Sure baby." Chris kissed the tip of his nose and reluctantly let go, ready to do Jeff's bidding. When he'd finished, Jeff was almost ready.

"Could you get Matt and Sean?" he asked, unaware that separating the couple for even a moment would be a challenge and a half.

"I'll try, though when I left they were almost glued together." Chris smiled regretfully, but when he crept into the lounge Matt and Sean looked fairly innocent, even though Matt was surreptitiously adjusting his jeans.

"Ahem." Chris coughed conspicuously. "Jeff said he's ready."

"Oh right." Matt blushed, not entirely sure how long Chris had been stood there for. "Thanks Chris."

Even Matt was impressed at how much effort Jeff had put into this meal. Everyone was complimentary and they meant every word of it. Afterwards Matt and Sean insisted on clearing up, ushering Jeff and Chris into the lounge to relax.

Their definition of clearing up was an interesting one, and the result was soapsuds all over the place, but they did get finished eventually. And Jeff and Chris' idea of relaxing involved a whole lot of kissing. Finally a semblance of normality was achieved when the brunette couple, as Jeff had secretly labeled them, made the arrangements for the evening.

"If we aim to be ready in about an hour? Can you manage that?" Sean looked at Chris teasingly, knowing that the blond could spend hours in front of a mirror just doing his hair.

"You know I can." Chris laughed, fearing that they'd never get out the house.

**********************

Matt watched Sean lazily lay on the bed while his lover tried to dry his hair. He was just about ready, but watching the movement of Sean's hands rubbing his hair dry somehow made him want to rip all his lover's clothes off and take him there and then.

Sean looked up for the first time and let out a whistle. "Wow Matt, you look gorgeous baby." He appreciated the low slung jeans and the deep green, skin tight, long sleeved T-shirt. "Incredibly gorgeous in fact," kneeling over him, wearing a pair of silk boxers and nothing else. "If we weren't going out tonight I'd fuck you right now."

Matt grinned. "We have 45 minutes. What's stopping you?"

***********************

"What should I wear Jeff?" Chris was completely indecisive when it came to choosing clothes.

"Show me what you have." Patiently Jeff studied the clothes Chris had brought with him. "Where these." He said, holding up a pair of red PVC pants. "You look so hot in those, and this T-shirt." It was plain, black and skin tight.

"What are you wearing sugar?"

Jeff tapped the side of his nose. "Secret, give me fifteen minutes and you'll see."

Chris was intrigued, and he dressed while at the same time impatiently waiting for Jeff to return. Eventually Jeff returned from the bathroom.

His shirt was steel grey and tight, but not too tight, and his black PVC pants were skin tight, set off perfectly by his huge-heeled boots and loads of glitter around his eyes.

"Oh my god." Chris gasped.

"Do I look OK?" Jeff asked shyly, looking at Chris through long blond eyelashes.

The Canadian smiled. "Oh you look more than OK baby, you look stunning. My god, you are so beautiful… I'm not sure how to describe it."

Jeff slipped his arms around his neck. "It's all for you, you know. This is all for your benefit. It's… not like I'm getting dressed up so I can flirt with people."

"I know sweetie." Chris claimed his lips in a tender kiss. "What brought this on?" Jeff's eyes clouded over in hurt. "Jay?" Chris just knew.

"Those last few weeks… when I started going out again… if I got dressed up he'd accuse me… of looking for people… of flirting… of asking to be attacked… the night he tried to rape me… we'd argued majorly… he even used to get jealous of our fan support… that's why I stopped taking my shirt off in the ring." Jeff tried not to cry, but his emotions were so screwed it was really hard.

"I know you would never cheat on me baby." Chris softly wiped a tear away, getting glitter on his hand in the process. "The way I see it, when you get dressed up it's a compliment to me, so I can be even more proud of you than I already am… I would never think you would do that… and you didn't ask to be attacked baby. What you wear has nothing to do with that. The only person to blame for you being raped was Shawn, OK?"

"OK." Jeff sniffed.

"Now stop crying baby, we'll have a good time tonight, won't we?"

"Yeah." But Jeff was a little down now, so Chris feared the worst.

********************

The decided to get a cab so that they could all drink. Matt and Jeff led the way, Jeff a little happier now. They were greeted eagerly by the owner.

"Matthew, Jeffrey, it is good to see you." They were warmly greeted.

"Dave, long time no see." Matt hugged his old friend. Jeff froze slightly at the contact but no one noticed except Chris. "This is Sean, and this is Chris." Both shook hands.

"Come on in, make yourselves at home." Dave led them to the private end of the bar. "If you want anything, just ask, OK? Now you have a good night."

They seated themselves and the bartender brought over four glasses of a blue liquid. "This is Dave's new cocktail; he would like you to try it with his compliments."

Sean raised his eyebrows and held up his glass for closer inspection. He sniffed it cautiously. "Christ that's strong."

Chris looked at Jeff, and discreetly squeezed his hand. He was worried, Jeff was too quiet. "You OK babe?"

Jeff nodded weakly. "Yeah… it's just the first time I've been out… since Jay."

"Don't worry baby, nothing bad is going to happen." Chris reassured him.

Jeff eyed his drink suspiciously, "This looks strong… you all know I'm not too good at holding my drink, if I get drunk…"

"I'll carry you home." Chris whispered so that only Jeff heard.

Jeff took a tentative sip. "Hey it's not bad." The others followed suit, agreeing wholly with Jeff's opinion.

They sat chatting for a long while, the drinks flowing freely. Everyone seemed to be having fun. Matt and Sean eventually went off to dance, the drinks having loosened their inhibitions somewhat.

Then Jeff looked around nervously. "I have to go to the bathroom."

"Do you want to go on your own, or shall I get Matt?" He didn't want to make Jeff nervous or scared by going with him himself.

"Will you come with me?" Jeff's eyes were tear-filled and terrified. "Please Chris."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, please Chris. I know you won't hurt me." Jeff felt like he would beg if needs be. "I'm just scared."

"OK baby." Chris slipped an arm around his waist and they walked off. When they returned Chris kissed his love's cheek and whispered. "You were really brave baby. I'm proud of you."

Jeff was still a little pale. "I don't feel brave. I feel like I want another drink."

Dave must have been psychic, because at that moment another round of drinks arrived. Matt and Sean returned from the dance floor, both exhausted. They'd been quite a sensation, by all accounts. They all decided to leave after this last drink. Jeff drank his way too quickly for Chris' liking, and than drank most of Chris' too. When he went to stand, he needed Chris' steady arm around his waist.

**********************

Chris took Jeff straight to bed. Giggling, the younger Hardy sat at the edge of the bed, looking at Chris longingly. The Canadian went to the kitchen and brought back a huge glass of water.

"Drink this baby." He ordered, kneeling at Jeff's feet.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, unless you want to feel like shit in the morning."

Jeff drank the water, then put the glass to one side and began to undress, kicking off his boots and throwing them across the room, then wriggling out of his pants. Chris watched through amused eyes, then undressed quickly himself, wrapping his arms around Jeff in bed. Suddenly the younger man looked incredibly vulnerable, innocent and sad.

"Chris, I'm sorry for getting drunk."

The older wrestler sighed. "It's OK babe, I understand why you did it baby, it doesn't help anything though, believe me I know."

"I just… I guess Jay's still haunting me, I just wanted to block out my fear…" Jeff bit his lip till he almost drew blood.

"I know sweetie, but… I'm not saying that you shouldn't get drunk; just don't look for it to solve your problems. I'll always be there for you, please don't think that you have to go anywhere else."

"I'm sorry." He buried his head deep in Chris' chest.

Chris just held him close. "Shh honey, it's OK. I'm right here for you."

*******************

Matt and Sean were giggling uncontrollably as they fell into bed.

"I've had way too much to drink." Matt slurred.

Sean giggled some more. "Me too." He kissed his lover's pouting lips passionately. "I'm sorry babe; I've had way too much to drink to even think about doing anything tonight."

"I wanna sleep." Matt murmured, his eyes already shut. "Night baby."

"Night." Sean fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

**********************

If there was any justice in the world, Jeff should have woken up with a pounding headache that morning, but thanks to Chris' care he felt OK. He looked over to see the Canadian already awake.

"Morning sweetie." Chris smiled tenderly. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm OK. Thank you for last night, for everything." Jeff felt a lot happier than he had done yesterday. It was their last night together in Cameron for a while, and they'd have to deal with Jay again, but this time, Jeff knew he wasn't on his own. Whatever happened, Chris would be there.

"You do believe me, that drinking won't solve your problems?" Chris looked concerned, his flawless face creased into a frown.

"Yeah, I know." He did genuinely regret drinking so much. Then Chris' words came back into his head. "Baby, what happened to you?"

Chris looked a little confused. "What do you mean?"

"You said that you knew drinking was bad… from experience."

Chris closed his eyes. "Jeffie… it was my first relationship with another guy, when I was back in Atlanta. I was with Bret for about four months, but I was more serious about the relationship than he was, cos I found out he was sleeping around. When I found out I fell apart, I was devastated, and I went completely off the rails. I'd go out partying, drinking way too much, having one night stands and regretting it. I eventually realized that I was screwing up my life, so I quit it." He hated showing weakness, feeling that he had to stay strong for his love.

"He really did hurt you, didn't he?" Jeff kissed the corners of his eyes, kissing the tears away.

"It was my first relationship, and I was kind of expecting to be hurt from then on. It took me a while to realize that I could be in a relationship and not get hurt."

"You know I'll never hurt you." Jeff smiled tenderly, feeling a little pleased that he could help his love in some way.

********************

All four wrestlers sat around the kitchen table chatting. It was their last night in Cameron, and they all wanted it to be special, although none of them were sure what to do.

Then Jeff had a brainwave. "Mattie, how about we go to the peak and…"

"Star watching!" Matt finished with a delighted smile. "Jeff you are a genius."

Sean and Chris looked intrigued and confused, but the Hardys refused to divulge any more information until later, preferring to leave their boyfriends in the dark.

Matt packed the equipment as Jeff made up a picnic. Somehow, no one knew how, he'd managed to get hold of champagne and strawberries. The guests just watched, amused at the enthusiasm of the brothers. Then they were dragged out to the car, and set off.

The peak was about a half hour away. Matt was driving, with Sean at his side, and Jeff and Chris were curled up on the back seat, Jeff pointing out various sights, although Chris could hardly see them because it was so dark.

"We're here." Matt announced, stopping the car. He ordered Sean and Chris not to move until he and Jeff were finished.

They quickly set up the equipment and spread out the picnic hamper, then called their lovers over. Both were wide eyed, but when they saw the equipment they knew what was going on.

"Telescopes? Wow." Sean exclaimed in surprise.

"You get the best views from up here, especially when the sky's clear like it is tonight." Matt explained, taking a cursory glance for the best place to look.

Jeff looked at Chris shyly. "What do you think?" He took his hand and led him over to one of the telescopes, seeking out a particular constellation. "Look."

Chris did as he was told and gasped in amazement. "Oh Jeff! It's so clear, I can't believe it."

"Do you like it?"

"Baby this is amazing. I've never done anything like this before." Chris could hardly take his eyes off the view. Jeff just rested his head on Chris' shoulder, lazily pointing out the different constellations.

Matt was doing much the same with Sean, giggling at the faces Sean pulled when he was trying to see more clearly.

"I told you I was always finding out new things about you." Sean whispered tenderly.

After a while they all got hungry, so Matt opened the champagne and Jeff the strawberries. Jeff and Chris in particular managed to end up kissing after each strawberry, sipping the liquid slowly and sensually.

Eventually Sean ended up lying in Matt's arms, staring at his lover who was staring at the sky. They didn't need words. They had full knowledge of each other, what else could they possibly need? Jeff was snuggled tightly in Chris' arms, staring up at his lover and not really understanding the tears in his sea-blue eyes.

"Jeffie this is so perfect." He whispered brokenly. "It's beautiful, just like you. I wish we never had to leave."

"I know. But we do have to."

Chris swallowed the lump in his throat. "As long as we're together it'll always be beautiful."

Jeff was struck by this statement and mused on it in silence for a while. It was like a symbol, something they could always come back to, no matter what happened.

They stayed until the sun rose, then returned to the house. It was their last night here for a while, so suddenly the mood changed. Now silent, both couples went straight to bed.

**********************

Matt dragged Sean into bed, his full, pouting lips demanding to be kissed. The older wrestler eagerly obliged, almost ripping off what remained of Matt's and his own clothes. When they made love it was the most frantic experience of their lives, both totally abandoned their inhibitions and became closer than they had ever thought possible.

********************

Jeff and Chris were a little more restrained. The specter of Jay was looming ever larger on the horizon, and Jeff was already descending into terror. His wide eyes pierced Chris with such pain the Canadian wanted to kill Jay, to make him hurt for what he'd done, but that wouldn't help Jeff any.

Jeff didn't say a word, Chris just sat on the bed and Jeff snuggled in his arms, burying his head in the crook of Chris' neck. He stroked Jeff's multi-colored hair soothingly, whispering reassuring words that didn't seem to have much effect.

"Chris? Please don't let him hurt me." Jeff whispered into the pale skin of Chris' neck. "I'm so scared."

"I know baby. I'll do everything in my power to protect you." Chris wasn't sure that he could say that he would stop Jeff from being hurt; he couldn't guarantee it and he didn't want to lie to Jeff. "I won't leave you, I promise." That he knew was true.

Jeff kissed his lover, a kiss filled with pure, instinctive need. Chris responded with passion, fiery but still leaving Jeff full control. His nimble fingers pulled at the Canadian's clothes, Chris aiding him a little then reciprocating the actions. He wanted to worship Jeff, he wanted to make him feel alive and wanted and loved.

"Baby." He pulled Jeff close and just held him for a while. "Tell me what you want baby, I'll do it. Whatever you want."

"I… oh Chris I can't tell you. I can't say it." Jeff broke into heart-rendering sobs. "Jay will want me to do it to him, he'll say it…. Demand that I do it, so… I can't say it Chris… I want you so much but I can't say it."

"It's OK baby." Chris hated that he'd caused this. "I'm sorry, I never meant to upset you baby, and I won't let Jay come near you, he won't hurt you."

Jeff still didn't stop sobbing. "I'm so afraid… I don't want him to ruin me and you, but I'm so afraid I'll lose you."

"No Jeffie no." Chris almost screamed in horror. "I will not let him break us up. I will not lose you. Ever. He might get into your mind sometimes but it'll take more than that to split us up."

Chris rocked Jeff's body tenderly until his sobs subsided, while trying to control his own emotions. Poor little Jeffie. "Shh, it's alright baby, it's alright." Chris tenderly whispered in his lover's ear, before scooping him up in his arms and laying him in bed. "I'm not gonna leave you Jeff. Not ever."

His tearstained face was still beautiful, as it looked up pleadingly at Chris. "Baby… I want you… I want you to…" Still he couldn't say it.

"Do you want to go a little further babe?" Chris was wary of asking this, but did it all the same. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with."

"No, I want to." Jeff seemed a little more confident in this assertion. "Let me… please?"

"Jeffie, I just want to please you tonight. I want to treat you like the angel you are. I want to make you feel good." Chris took control, gently pushing Jeff on to his back. "Let me love you baby, please?"

"I want you to." Jeff looked up at the Canadian, reaching up and tracing the outline of his face. "I want you so much."

Tenderly Chris kissed his lover, his fingers easing over Jeff's shoulders to calm him down. He kissed his neck before trailing his tongue down his chest, swirling and teasing his nipples, causing Jeff to moan. Chris spent a lot of time playing with Jeff's navel, the bar in it was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. When he teased it with his teeth the younger Hardy almost screamed in pleasure.

Chris wanted to spend a long time playing with Jeff's hips. He knew that Jeff was sensitive there, so he began to massage slowly all around his hip bones, occasionally letting his hands slip down to his inner thighs.

Jeff was almost shaking. He'd never been so turned on in all his life. Then Chris did something that almost made him cum there and then. He started to lick along Jeff's hipbone, biting along the sensitive area.

"Oh my god Chris." Jeff's wide eyes looked at his lover in delight. "Jesus Christ."

Chris scooted up and kissed Jeff again. "You like that baby?" He smiled and looked at Jeff's erection, a heated look in his eyes, and moved back to his target.

At first his long fingers deftly skimmed the skin. Chris watched Jeff as he was doing this: his head was thrown back and his eyelids were fluttering. His hand made a firmer pressure and Jeff gasped. He increased the friction a little, until he knew that Jeff was close to climax. Then, tentatively, Chris allowed his tongue to brush the tip of Jeff's hardness. The younger wrestler looked at Chris, surprised. Chris' eyes were asking, 'do you want this?', and nervously Jeff nodded, then he threw his head back as he felt Chris' mouth slide down on him. The steady suction sent Jeff over the edge, and he entwined his hands in Chris' hair, pushing his mouth down on him as he tasted every drop. Finally Jeff's shuddering subsided and Chris licked his lips before claiming Jeff's lips again.

"Oh Chris." Jeff wrapped his arms around him so tightly he never wanted to let go again. "Baby."

"Jeffie?" Chris looked uncertain, maybe he'd taken it too far. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

"God no…" Jeff kissed every part of Chris' face, especially his eyes, where tears were slipping from them. "Don't cry. You make me feel so wonderful.

"God no…" Jeff kissed every part of Chris' face, especially his eyes, where tears were slipping from them. "Don't cry. You make me feel so wonderful. You always do. I've never felt… I've never felt so good before."

"Jeffie." Chris tried his hardest not to cry, but he couldn't stop himself, it was all too intense. "Baby… I…"

"Shh." Jeff touched Chris' face, then let his hand slip down to Chris' cock, which was hard, even harder at the touch. "Let me taste you. I want to."

Chris was happy when Jeff was using his hands, but when he added his mouth… he thought he was going to cum straight away. The suction was exquisite, and Chris almost exploded. The feel of Jeff's mouth, the things he was doing with his tongue, Chris had never climaxed so quickly or for so long.

"Jeff?" He pulled the younger man into his arms. "Oh Jeff, angel."

"Was I OK?" He asked quietly, his eyes downcast.

"Baby you were incredible." Chris made Jeff look at him. "You were really brave baby. I don't want you to think that… I would ever force you to do this… I wouldn't baby… and if you want to slow down… or whatever you want… it's OK."

"I know that. But I want this." Jeff buried himself in Chris' arms, so the Canadian pulled the bedcovers over them and leaned over to switch off the lights.

"I'll be OK tomorrow baby." Chris whispered, nibbling on Jeff's earlobe. "I'll die before I let him hurt you."

Jeff stayed silent so that he didn't cry, instead just squeezing Chris tighter. He felt safe here. It might be the last time he felt this safe.

*************************

The next morning Matt managed to get Chris alone. They had to work out how they were going to look after Jeff, with the continuing threat of Jay's hanging over them.

"How's he doing?" Matt asked, hating that he'd been so preoccupied he'd ignored his brother's problems.

Chris didn't know what he should tell Matt, so he went for brutally honest. "He's terrified of Jay, absolutely terrified. We have to keep them apart at all costs."

"OK." Matt hated himself for not having noticed how Jeff was feeling. "I think between us three, Adam and Essa we can make sure Jeff's not left alone."

"Yeah." Chris could tell how Matt was feeling. "Matt, it's taken me a long time to get into Jeff's head. Don't feel guilty, I know he's your brother and you love him, but… just as long as he knows he has both of us and we both love him he'll be OK."

"You really do love him, don't you?" Matt believed it instinctively. When Jay had claimed that he loved Jeff Matt hadn't been too sure, but with Chris he knew it was true.

"Yes." Maybe Chris hadn't realized until now quite how much.

****************************

When they got to the arena after a two-hour flight and an hour car ride, Jeff was firmly ensconced in Chris' arms and was not about to move. Adam and Essa were waiting to meet them.

"Hey guys." Chris and Adam shared a look which told Chris that Jay was already there. Essa hugged his fellow wrestler. "You OK little Jeffie?" Jeff nodded then moved back into Chris' arms again and they made their way to the locker room that Adam had claimed for their own.

Sean had disappeared to talk to a few of his friends; he knew Joanie would be desperate to know everything that had happened during the week off. Matt was feeling a little lost without him so he volunteered to go and find out what the booking team had planned for them.

***************

The only person Matt could find was Shane. He didn't particularly want to talk to his former lover but it looked like he had no choice.

"Shane." The McMahon junior looked up, surprised. "Can I talk to you?"

"Of course Matt." He was as smooth as always. "Sit down. Now I guess you've come to find out what we have planned."

"Yeah." Matt cautiously sat down next to Shane.

"Well, I've got good news for Chris. He's finally getting a main event spot. I'll be over to discuss the details with him later. Adam will be going for the IC title, which I've already mentioned to him, and you and Jeff are going to be wrestling singles, aiming for the light-heavyweight title. You'll be feuding with Essa, and Jeff with Jay."

Matt's blood ran cold. "Shane, can't Jeff feud with Essa and me with Jay?"

"No, we were really impressed with the intensity of Jeff and Jay's match last week, so that's the way we wanna go."

"Please Shane. Jeff can't fight Jay. He won't be able to." Shane shook his head. "Is there nothing you can do?"

"No Matt."

Matt was frantic. "Please Shane, I'll do anything, just don't make Jeff fight Jay."

"Anything?" Shane deliberated for a minute then an evil smile spread across his face. "Let me fuck you and I'll put Jeff with Essa, you with Taka, and Jay with Dean."

The older Hardy looked at Shane in shock. "You can't ask me to do that… I'm seeing someone else now."

"How much do you love your brother?" The stark question turned Matt's stomach, but he knew what he had to do. Shane realized that something serious had happened between Jeff and Jay, and was more than willing to play on that.

"Is there no other way?" Shane shook his head, his laughing eyes taunting the older Hardy. "Then… I'll do it."

"Good." Shane leaned over and caressed Matt's cheek, before Matt pulled away in horror. "Come back to this room after your match. Jeff's out straight after you and Sean before so no one will notice you've been gone. Understand?"

Matt nodded and walked out. In the corridor he rested his head against the wall. How could he do this? If Sean found out it would break his heart. But Jeff? It would kill him to fight Jay again. Matt had always looked after his little brother, always made sacrifices for him. Now wasn't going to be any different.

He composed himself before walking back to the locker room. When he opened the door and saw the fear on his brother's face he believed he was doing the right thing.

"Jeffie? You're fighting Essa tonight. I'm fighting Taka."

Jeff almost smiled. "I don't have to fight Jay?"

"No baby." Matt suddenly realized exactly what he was putting at risk. "Chris is getting a main event push."

"I am?" The Canadian smiled broadly. "Wow. I can't believe it."

"I'm so proud of you baby." Jeff planted a kiss on his lover's cheek.

There was a knock at the door and Jeff tensed, then Shane entered the room and Matt tensed, although no one else noticed.

"Hey. Chris, congratulations. I guess Matt's told you about your push." How he could be so smug… Matt had never hated anyone as much as he hated Shane. "You can run interference in HHH's match at the end of the show, setting up a feud, OK?" Chris nodded. "Jeff, against Essa, match number four. Matt against Taka, match number three. Don't come out for each other's matches or the singles thing won't make sense."

When Shane looked at Matt he had undisguised lust in his eyes that made the older Hardy feel sick, then he sauntered out of the room in search of Adam and Essa.

From then on it was just a short time until the show, so thy changed into their ring attire. The hammering on the door eventually told them that it was time for them to go on.

"We'll come and watch from the front, OK?" Matt had never been so nervous in his life. Jeff squeezed his hand and mouthed 'I love you' as he always did before a match and Matt felt a little better.

The match was over way too quickly for Matt's liking, and he was soon making his way backstage.

"You OK Mattie?" Jeff asked as he waited to go out.

Is brother frowned and prepared to lie to Jeff for the first time in his life. "My shoulder's a bit sore. You don't mind me missing your match do you?"

"No." Jeff knew how much Matt's shoulders bothered him at times. "Chris is here, so I'll be OK."

Matt walked off, ready to go to his doom.

********************************

"Be careful baby." Chris kissed Jeff's forehead. "I'll be here when you come back, OK?"

"Yeah." Jeff returned the kiss and bounded out. When he got out in front of the crowd it was the biggest adrenaline rush. He truly loved wrestling, and the fans loved him too. He flew around the ring like it was second nature to him, especially enjoying this match because Essa was one of his favorite opponents. They had stunning chemistry, and always put on an amazing display.

Chris watched with pride. He may be getting the big push but his baby was the talented one.

Read Chapter Three of Seven of Sockospice's Tortured Life