"ITVR: Chapter 3"
Misunderstandings.
By Jadedoll, Penumbren, & Raising Kane
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He'd followed simply because Shawn had asked him to. Was there anyone that could resist wanting to do exactly what the man asked them to? Dave didn't think it was likely. He'd watched quietly as Scott pulled Shawn into a hug, wondering what it would be like to have that privilege any time he wanted. When Shawn had touched him earlier, it had only surprised him to the extent that he hadn't expected it. He should have considering how hands-on Shawn was in general. He didn't make the mistake of thinking it was anything special in his case. Scott's acknowledgment of him had surprised him as well. He'd pretty much expected to go unnoticed by the rest of the group. Once Hunter had approached, Dave had almost said his good-bye's right there and left. Not that he didn't like Hunter, he liked him a lot. He just wasn't sure how Hunter would feel about him making an effort to get closer to Shawn. In truth, he knew it was Shawn's decision that mattered the most. What would Shawn say if he knew that Dave really wanted to get to know him better? There was really only one way to find out, but did he have the guts to find out...that was the question. While everyone was distracted with Hunter's question, Dave laid his hand on Shawn's arm to get his attention. Trying to keep it quiet so that if Shawn turned him down it wouldn't immediately become a source of amusement to the rest of the group, Dave attempted to convey his interest in the man. "I was wondering if maybe you'd want to go for a drink or coffee or something sometime? My way of apologizing for introducing you to the ring post." Realizing that his invitation sounded more like something business-related than personal interested, Dave growled at himself quietly. "That's not really what I meant. I'm so not good at this...and now I'm talking to myself in front of you. Nice, huh?" Taking a deep breath he decided to try once more. "What I meant to ask was...would you like to go out sometime...with me, I mean." He managed to keep his eyes fixed on Shawn even though he felt like sinking into a huge hole. Could he have possibly made a bigger idiot of himself? **** Randy had the hood of the rental open and was looking at the engine, while Maven helpfully drank a beer and watched. Chris hadn't even heard footsteps and that should have warned him really. No-one, not even the great HBK himself moved with the fluid silence of Adam Copeland. "Looks like you're missing a few followers, Christopher, king of mine. Mind if I join the party this evening?" The warm breath against his earlobe sent an involuntary shiver through CJ's body, one that he tried very hard to suppress. Pity that suppressing his body's reactions around Edge was damn nigh impossible. Knowing his expressive face would give him away in seconds, Chris kept his eyes on the comedy unfolding in front of him. Shane Helms had decided to try and help, Maven popped another beer. It went downhill from there. Chris infused his voice with the same tone of humour he used with everyone. "Why Edgster. Your king just doesn't allow your presence, he commands it!" He felt tempted to lean into the warm body so close to his, but stuffed that inclination where it belonged. He shrugged easily. "Jay had to meet JR about something, he'll be here soon," he offered knowing Adam was probably hunting for his room mate. Since Edge's return from that horrific neck surgery Chris had immediately ordered Jay into Adam's room to watch over him. CJ and Tyson got on fine anyway, the big man's reserved silences balancing Chris' need to fill any space with words and laughter. "A couple of guys I know are playing at a club on the east side. Kinda dark, grungy and very loud. You'll love it." Adam liked places he could be anonymous and blend into the darkness. Was he perverse in being turned on by the fact that he still hadn't moved to look at Edge? The fantasy of keeping his eyes on the mundane while Adam whispered erotically into his ear wasn't a new idea at all. And that they were semi-public too sent a frisson of heat to his groin. He prayed Adam would think his shivers were caused by the change in temperature from the air-con of the arena to the heat outside and not the tall, graceful body in such proximity to his own. "Don't go there," he warned himself, it'll matter. He'd only touched his shoulder for fuck's sake! Talk about acting like a thirteen year old. Chris was saved from embarrassing himself by the never stealthy stomp of Austin's boots. He turned slowly from Adam's touch and instantly mourned the loss. "CJ get yer ass in gear, we're ready ta go." Steve yelled as he, Jay, Ty, Trish and Molly approached. Chris forego to mention that he'd been waiting for them. "You can't come Austin! You drunken psycho!" he insulted deliberately. Trish rolled her eyes, this happened every time. "Yep I'm comin' Kitten, as often as possible!" the bald Texan nudged Molly and waggled his eyebrows. She burst into giggles. CJ thought he better not continue in their usual vein, in case he lost Adam's interest. That the beautiful man wanted to join their crowd was a rare and wonderful thing and Chris wasn't gonna risk it. Moving so he was nose to chin with Austin Chris ticked off his points on his fingers. "Okay under four conditions. One...spirits only for drinking games, beer is not allowed," Steve's frown was comical. "Two...you will NOT introduce Trish and I as a bi-sexual's wet dream," the frown morphed into an evil smirk. "Three...no dancing for you," at Steve's perplexed look he conceded, "when you’re drunk...for the safety of others on the dance floor, and Four," locking eyes with the ice blue ones so he couldn't be ignored. "If you try and pimp me out to someone you’re playing pool with I’ll slash your truck tires and key the sides. Clear?" Why was he always reading the riot act to guys bigger and meaner than him? Probably because when he acted like a five year old on a caffeine high it was funny. Austin's guffaw of laughter was echoed by Jay. "But he offered me five hundred if I set it up." Steve tried to plead his case, "he was okay, if ya could ignore the hairy back and mono brow." Another snort from Jay. "I would'a split it with ya Kitten." Chris was tempted to do a 'talk to the hand' but he'd already been a bit bossy and didn't want Adam to think even less of him than he already did. "Who's driving?" Jay asked as Chris continued to glare at Steve. "I can," Molly offered. She never drank much anyway, preferring to keep an eye on Trish. And everyone knew Tyson would drive, so they filed out into the car park. Nearly eight people now stood around the Honda watching Randy fiddle under the hood. It was like bees to honey. **** "Why Edgster. Your king just doesn't allow your presence, he commands it!" If he hadn't had his hand on him, he'd never have noticed Chris' slight shiver. It was nice to know that maybe Chris wasn't completely unaffected by him, though he still had the best of intentions where Chris was concerned. He smiled over the "commanding" of his presence and was about to make some highly inappropriate remark about being happy to follow any command the blond gave him when Chris saved him from himself by mentioning Jay. Adam noted the information about Jay with passing interest. It wasn't like he was going to keep tabs on Jay any more than Jay managed to keep tabs on him. Despite the fact that they were close friends and supposed to be rooming together, he highly doubted that Jay had come right out and told anyone that he didn't make it back to their room until almost daybreak on most occasions. He doubted that Jay minded in the least since it gave him extra time to spend with Tyson if so chose. Adam had asked a few times why he wasn't rooming with Ty in the first place. Jay seemed to dodge the question each time and Adam had yet to call him on it. The place that Chris described would normally have been exactly what he'd look for in a place to go. It still sounded great, but Adam didn't intend on doing his normal disappearing act once they got there. How was he supposed to cheer Chris up if he wasn't around him? Nope, no disappearing act tonight. Tonight Chris was going to see so much of him that he'd most likely be sick to death of him by the end of the night. Austin's approach cut off any further chance to tease Chris, which Adam should have been thankful for. Instead he found himself resenting the presence of the others that had joined them. "Get a grip Adam. The others make him happy...and that is what you wanted, right? For him to be happy?" he thought to himself. The mental kick in the ass was just what he needed to remind him of the reason he was joining them tonight in the first place. Adam laughed inside at the banter between the members of the small group, though he was careful not to show it, his normally bored expression fixed on his face. Seems that Chris liked to "command" everyone in his presence, though he was sure that most of it was just for show. He wouldn't blame him for the proposed maiming of Austin's vehicle if it came to pass though. Adam would have been threatening to maim Steve if Steve had done the same thing to him. Following the rest of them out into the car park, Adam stuck close to Chris. While the rest of them were trying to decide who was riding with whom, Adam decided to try that whole cheering up bit again. He got as close to Chris as he dared without making it obvious to the others. If Jay caught on to the uncharacteristic physical contact he was exhibiting with Chris, he'd know something was up in a heartbeat. Flashing his most wicked Edge grin, Adam spoke quietly enough so that only Chris would hear him while running the back of a single finger over the length of his arm. "The fact that Austin would rather pimp you out than keep you for himself makes me think he has to be either completely straight or completely stupid. I'm betting on the second choice myself." Not wanting Chris to see the complete sincerity in the statement he'd just made, Adam turned to find Jay and Tyson and give them some grief. "Sorry to burst your bubble Jay, but there will be no whoring around for me tonight, so if you're going to do that kinky stuff that you do when I'm usually not there, you two will have to find somewhere else to do it." **** As Adam turned away to give Jay and Ty shit, CJ traced his arm, following the trail of nerve tingles the other man had created. So Adam thought Steve was stupid for not wanting to keep Chris? That would be...the single most fantastic thing Adam had ever said to him. It had just taken top place from the "love those pants Christopher," comment he'd received when wearing his new black vinyl leg wear four months ago. But really. Chris and Austin? No fucking way. They really couldn't stand to be around each other for very long before the itch to hurt and maim just got too strong. Nah, the bald bastard just tried to make his life hell and, he had to admit, probably vice versa. Austin was like an annoying big brother that said absolutely everything you didn't want him to say in polite company. And he was the ugliest damn cupid CJ had ever laid eyes on, constantly trying to fix Chris up with some massive biker man who liked "pwetty blondy". Steve'd eat a pool cue if he tried that again anytime soon. But Adam had though Steve was stupid. Chris felt like dancing, he felt like singing. Good thing he was gonna do both in about thirty minutes. Edge's other words sank in as he was stuffing Trish onto Austin's lap for the car ride. ...there will be no whoring around for me tonight.. So, it was true. Although Jay tended to exaggerate he'd obviously been dead on the money when confiding his worries about his best friend to Chris. He'd almost verbally ripped into Jay for bad mouthing Adam when he'd caught the real concern in his normally bimbo-brained fellow Canadian's voice. So...well. Who gave a shit? Chris was hardly pure as the driven himself. His own snow had been well and truly driven on a number of occasions, so he'd hardly poke fingers at Adam's sexual appetite. But...no whoring tonight huh? Okay, then Chris would show Edge the absolute best non-sexual night he'd ever had. If he's gonna give up some lovin' to party with CJ and his maniac group then the least Chris could do would be to make it worth his while. And if Adam kept touching him and agreeing that Austin was a stupid reject then Chris could be allowed to enjoy himself as well. Couldn't he? In a totally we're just friends, non sexual way. Grinning at his plan, he slammed the door of Molly's car hard into Austin's face, missing his nose by less than an inch. Receiving Austin's one-fingered salute he blew the bald man a kiss and climbed into Ty's car. Jay had called shotgun as usual so that left CJ in the back with Adam. Sweet. Leaning his back against the door he tried to figure out what was behind the ever present shades. "Ty we need the second exit.......So tell me the kinky stuff Adam. Ty won't give and a man has the right to know if his friends are getting porny when he can't see them." Pitching his voice loud enough so that Jay would hear every word, he ignored the hiss from the passenger seat and hoped Edge would be forthcoming...so to speak. **** Hunter returned Scott's hug with more enthusiasm than he probably should have, given Kevin's presence. But it had felt so nice to be held by his friend's warm arms again, he had just let himself indulge for a moment. "Sorry, Hunter" What? Why? Hunter quickly reviewed Scott's manner and could've thumped his head for being so stupid. Hall thought he had caused Hunter a problem? God. Hunter would do anything in his power to make life better for Scott and Kev in the WWE. Hunter was the one who should be apologizing to Scott, for fucking around behind the skybox while some punk rookie insulted his friend. Scotty always felt terribly guilty about the problems he'd had with people in the locker room. It was a small part of why he found the bottle so enticing. Despite his joking tone, Hunt knew that the dark man would feel awful about being the centre of such a fuss. Hunter's teasing on top of Sean's would just be rubbing salt into the wound. As Scott moved back towards Kevin, Hunter caught hold of a broad shoulder and held him back for a moment. His voice a matching whisper, "Not even a problem Scotty. Family right?" Letting Scott return to the comfort of Kevin's presence, Hunter eyed the Big Man warily. Putting on a show of lookin' over each long limb he smirked, "No ring rust I see Kev. Scotty keep giving those joints a work out?" He'd been about to move forward to see if Kevin would return his offered embrace when Dave's quiet request filtered through Sean's prattle. He privately sent up a small cheer that Dave had worked up the courage to ask Shawn out at last. Maybe now the 'Animal' would be a bit more relaxed around Hunter. They worked well together, Hunter finding Dave's so much more than the stupid monster heel gig he'd been granted earlier in his career. He and Ric had pushed to get Dave into Evolution when he'd come back from the injury. He and the crazy blond had gone into gales of laughter over Bill Goldberg's reaction to super cool, more talent in his little finger than you Butthead, Dave Batista's return. The guy could literally take Hunter's breath away. He had briefly hoped that Dave would return his admiration but one look at the Heartbreaker had Dave smitten. Hunter could hardly blame the man, he'd been smitten with Shawn for nine years and he still hadn't gotten over it. But it did mean that Dave was conscious of Hunter's relationship with Shawn and his own position as Hunter's workmate. Hunter had tried to ease that tension by offering a platonic friendship but Dave seemed wary for some reason he had yet to fathom. But witnessing two very gorgeous, very dear people begin something new, would make up for all the shitty stuff Hunter had been dealing with recently. Maybe he could help Dave out. After all, Shawn was too damn important to Hunter to see just anyone win the Heartbreaker's heart. Dave was top notch, if Shawn liked him then Hunter would make it happen. Somehow. Still hovering a bit uncertainly near Kevin, he changed his momentum by rocking onto his toes. Normally only dwarfed by Batista, with Glen, Scotty and Kev around him, he was back to agreeing with Sean's comments about making friends with redwoods. "If you’re finished Kid, there are a couple of limos out front to take us to the hotel." He'd put Dave in with Shawn if the blonde seemed willing. "Let's give Shawn a chance to change and we'll see you out there." That'd give Scotty and Kev time to regroup, Dave a chance to talk to Shawn and Hunter time to change his shirt. And call Stephanie. **** As much as Shawn loved his closer-than-family, there were times when he wanted to scream at them. Scott's attempt at sneakily checking to see if he had a fever right after he'd invited Dave into their little circle was a good example. He purposely failed to see the curiosity in Scotty's eyes, since he didn't know himself what he'd been thinking when he invited Dave to follow him. He'd just realized the big man had a crush on him; he wasn't the type to take advantage of that, no matter how desperate he was. If he truly got desperate, he could seek refuge with Kevin and Scott and feel actually loved again for at least one night. Dammit... he shoved that thought aside and buried it with the rest of the insecurities that he refused to look at. Hunter's appearance caught him by surprise, and he felt a smile flitting across his face automatically as he turned to look at his best friend. He watched as Hunter tried to act casual with Kevin but he could see the wariness in Hunt's posture. Whatever exactly had happened between the two of them, neither would admit to him, and it was obvious to him at least that although they tried to act normal, they'd never worked it out. Maybe that was what was bothering Hunter... no. It might be part of it, but there was more going on. Marriage problems were the first thing that leapt to mind, but he'd never seen Hunter and Steph argue... hell, he'd hardly seen them together outside of appearances and other events. He blinked as something fell together in the back of his mind, but before he could quite grasp the thought that was screaming for attention, Dave touched him. It was just a simple thing, a hand on his arm. But for some reason, that simple touch nearly made Shawn jump again... and not from startlement this time. Blinking in mild confusion, he cocked his head at Dave, wondering what was up with the big man. His lowered voice told Shawn that he didn't want everyone around them hearing what he was saying and he half-unconsciously took a step closer to Dave. "What I meant to ask was...would you like to go out sometime...with me, I mean." Shawn's eyes widened briefly before he reached up and covered Dave's hand, still on his arm, with his other hand. Maybe... maybe it was more than a crush? Maybe this could be something more? Whatever it was, it would be better than spending another night brooding by himself. He'd still be sleeping alone, but at least he'd have some good company beforehand. A warm smile tilted his lips and he looked up at Dave. "If that's the apology I get for being introduced to a ring post, what will you do if you get me friendly with a steel chair?" Shawn knew that sounded flippant, but he was curious as to the answer. He knew how incredibly apologetic Hunter had been after their unsanctioned match... and how far off the mark he'd been for what he thought Shawn wanted. While he'd never pass up a chance to spend time with Hunt, that night he'd been hoping for a little more than a hug and good company. Sighing mentally, he reminded himself that he'd never even hinted to Hunter that he might want more than a friendship, and it was a little late now to worry about it. He snapped back to the present when he saw the look on Batista's face and got more serious. "I'm sorry, Dave. What I meant is that yes, I'd love to go out for coffee sometime. But not just anytime... I was thinking more like you, me, dinner... tonight. Does that work for you?" He knew there was more than a hint of the HBK ego in his eyes even though he'd tried not to let it out, but found himself hoping that Dave would say yes. So why did he catch himself glancing over at Hunter and hoping that he'd want to go with them? A getting-to-know-you-as-a-possible-lover dinner wasn't the time to be grilling your best friend about his recent despondency... As that thought came back to him, Shawn blinked. Then again... maybe it was a good time for it. Returning his attention to Dave, he said in a low voice, "I absolutely mean that, Dave. But..." His gaze flicked back toward Hunt. "... at some point tonight, I have to talk to Hunter. Something's not right with him. And... maybe you can help." **** Chris...back seat. In the back seat with Chris... No, no, no, no! He was so not going there. Forcing his mind to more innocent thoughts was pretty much imperative at the moment otherwise Chris wouldn't be able to miss his reaction. Fucking tight leather pants! Though on most occasions he didn't mind showing off the goods, so to speak, he was supposed to be playing the platonic-yet-slightly-flirty friend tonight, not Mr. No-Stuffing-Necessary. Think something nasty. Paul Heyman...that's a start, but not good enough. Crackwhore Lita in her bra and panties...yeah that helped with his problem, but still not good enough. Albert's back...that did it and made him a bit nauseous to boot. "So tell me the kinky stuff Adam..." Jay and Ty sex? Ewww. Why hadn't he thought of that right off the bat? Deciding that this topic was infinitely safe as well as amusing as hell if he played it right, Adam turned and smiled at Chris, despite the noise of protest from Jay. Raising his hand to play with the gold chain around his neck, he had a sudden inspiration. "Well there was that time I showed up at about 4 am. Something to do with a bridle, a crop, and a dog collar. I'm not quite sure I'll ever get over the horror of that scene," he said with a smirk then waited for the expected noise of protest from Jay over the blatant lie. "Okay maybe I am exaggerating on that one, but I will tell you one thing Chris...If you ever open the door and find a room service cart in there, turn and run out the door. Don't let your curiosity get the best of you, do not go in to grab your bad, just turn and run out the door as fast as you can move that cute ass of yours." Whoops. Slight miscalculation with using the word cute there, but maybe Chris would miss it. Not waiting for the even bigger protest that Jay would most likely voice, since the incident in question was altogether true, Adam slid closer to Chris on the seat before shooting Jay a truly evil grin. "Oh and let's not forget..." Leaning in close to Chris and cupping his hand to Chris' ear as if he were about to announce some momentous secret, Adam leaned in and let his breath blow against Chris' ear before speaking. "There really is nothing else. Pretty normal stuff, though if you'd like to pretend to be shocked and disgusted, be my guest. I just like pulling his chain." Damn. Whatever Chris had used to shampoo his hair with smelled...really good. Realizing exactly how close he was to Chris, Adam pulled away and leaned back against the seat before his traitorous mind could talk him into sticking his tongue in the blond's ear. Crossing his arms over his black half-buttoned short-sleeve shirt, Adam waited to see what Chris would do with the ball he'd tossed him while hoping his reaction to being that close to Chris wasn't patently obvious. Fucking pants! **** When Shawn's hand landed on his own, Dave barely kept from jumping. Just like a branding iron, the heat of Shawn's hand scorched along his nerve endings. That in addition to the smile on Shawn's face gave Dave a bit of hope that he hadn't completely flubbed his invitation. Then Shawn spoke and Dave felt that tiny bit of hope plummet into his stomach like a rock. How was he supposed to respond to that question? At least he'd had the sense to be quiet when he'd asked Shawn out, it might be a little less humiliating that way. He was about to apologize for wasting Shawn's time, when HBK made an appearance. Dave debated with himself. The apology had sounded sincere, but Dave didn't want to go on a date with HBK...he wanted a date with Shawn. It might be true that his crush was based on feelings he had for HBK...bright, shining, so full of life in the ring, not to mention drop dead gorgeous, who wouldn't be drawn to him? Shawn on the other hand had the looks of HBK, but he wasn't just a name on a marquee that put fans in the seats. Shawn, the man...not the legend, was the one that Dave was interested in. Shawn...the guy that tried time after time to make Hunter break character and came close to succeeding on more than one occasion. Shawn...the guy that always had a moment to help out someone else with their problems. Shawn...the guy that had been worried that he might have actually hurt Dave with those chair shots when he had been the one bleeding after their spots. Watching as Shawn's gaze shifted to Hunter, Dave was just about to throw in the towel and admit to himself that Shawn didn't really have any interest in him in the way he wanted. He couldn't help but feel as if he was missing some part of the equation. Maybe Shawn was in the mood to talk about the match on Sunday, or maybe he wanted to toss around new ideas, or maybe... "...maybe you can help." Or maybe Shawn wanted help figuring out what was wrong with Hunter. Dave wasn't sure how much help he would actually be, although he was fully aware that Hunter hadn't been acting the same lately. Hunter and Ric had lobbied for him to be a part of the Evolution stable and when Dave found out he had been over the moon. Working with a legend like Flair was like a dream come true. Working with Hunter had been both a joy and a source of anxiety. There weren't many that could teach him the ropes better than Hunter could and Dave had been happy to have the opportunity. The anxiety came from the fact that he'd always found Hunter to be... pretty damn hot. He'd caught himself staring at the man on more than one occasion and that was not a good thing. How could having an interest in the boss' son-in-law, Stephanie McMahon's husband, be anything but bad news? Hunter had never shown any interest in a guy that Dave knew of...for all he was aware the guy could be completely straight. So in order to keep from possibly getting his ass kicked for ogling Hunter or getting fired for the same reason, Dave had forced himself to keep his relationship with Hunter strictly limited to a professional one. He felt bad for rebuffing Hunter's attempts at a friendship of sorts, but if he'd let him get that close, Dave knew he'd have been doomed to slip up at some point. He'd still had to spend a lot of time in Hunter's presence with his role on the show. There was something odd about Hunter's relationship with Stephanie, though he couldn't quite put a finger on what exactly that something odd was. Hell, Hunter seemed happier around Shawn than Dave had ever seen him around Stephanie. Happier around Shawn... Dave flipped through a few mental images he had of Shawn and Hunter. Hunter smiling with Shawn, joking with Shawn, touching Shawn... Those thoughts were equivalent to flipping a switch in Dave's head. Let there be light... he almost laughed. He wasn't completely sure, but if the thought that was floating around in his head was true, he could see why Hunter had been depressed lately. Dave felt the rock in his stomach grow a little bit heavier. If he found out that his suspicions were indeed truth he'd most likely lose any slim chance he had with Shawn, but... He owed Hunter a lot for helping him with the business and if he could repay him for it...? Shawn...Dave just wanted Shawn to be happy and how could he not be happy with finding out that Hunter had feelings for him. Maybe he should watch them together for a bit before he jumped to any conclusions or tried to "help". After all, he could be wrong. Through all his thinking, Dave had managed to keep a placid look on his face, not giving away his thoughts or feelings in the slightest or so he hoped. Forcing a smile to his face, Dave looked from Shawn to Hunter and then back again. "Sure Shawn, you know I'll do anything to help him after all he's done for me," he said in a low tone, neatly sidestepping the dinner invitation as issued while letting his eyes slip to Hunter for just a second. "Tell him...tell him that I want to toss around some ideas for the six-man tag I'll be working next week and I wanted help from the best in the business. You know how he is when it comes to helping improve the show. Tell him I tossed in dinner, I know he hasn't eaten since he got here, and I'm betting you won't even have to twist his arm. I have an idea or two on what might be going on with him." "Let's give Shawn a chance to change and we'll see you out there." Pulling his hand from under Shawn's as evenly as possible so as not to look like he was running away, Dave took a step back and let his voice return to a normal level as he spoke. "I'm going to go grab my bag. I...." Whoops maybe it would be better not to mention dropping it in the hall when he'd come down to bust up the fight. "I left it in the locker room when I came looking for you and Hunter," he managed to say with a completely straight face. "You can let me know if you're both free after you have a chance to check with him." Dave forced himself to walk at his normal sedate pace back towards the locker room instead of hurrying so that he could cover his tracks before he got caught out in his little white lie about his bag. Once he'd reached where he'd dumped the bag, he turned and looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching as he picked it up and walked the few steps it would take him to reach the locker room door. Ducking inside he tossed his bag onto a bench before sitting down next to it. So much for spending the night trying to improve his own love life. Instead he was going to try to figure out for sure if Shawn and Hunter should take a step towards being something more than friends. **** Kevin realized that his expression was probably giving away how he was feeling to anyone who was looking at him, but he really didn't care. Hunter was up to his games again, and while Kev did appreciate that Hunt didn't just think about himself when using his ties with Vince, he didn't appreciate getting yanked around on said ties because somebody had a bad day. Watching some of the tension leave Scott as he hugged Hunter, though, made him take a deep breath and force himself to lighten up a little. If the man could make his lover happier just with a hug and some words too low for anyone else to hear, then he should probably at least try to treat him normally. But he was definitely going to take Hunt aside and have a nice, long chat with him... sometime soon. "No ring rust I see Kev. Scotty keep giving those joints a work out?" Kevin rolled his eyes but couldn't help the little smirk as he put an arm around Scott's shoulders and pulled him close again. Screw whatever anyone else thought. Having Scotty back was still new, and this time, he was determined not to take his lover for granted. If that meant being openly affectionate in public spaces, well... to be honest, that was nothing new. Vince might frown on it, but who cared? "In more ways than one, Hunt." The amusement lacing his voice was genuine, as was the heat in his eyes as he caught Scott's gaze again. Leaning forward a little, he whispered, "We're ditching everybody just as soon as we can." Pausing, he let his eyes wander over Scott, the well-loved sight just fanning the flames. "It's been a while since we've made out in a limo, hasn't it?" Glancing around, he noticed that most of the earlier observers had left. He saw Shawn talking to Batista and his eyebrows raised. The Animal obviously had a crush on Shawn---who didn't? But Shawn had seemed oblivious earlier... now there was a glint in his eyes that Kevin recognized. He didn't know Dave, but if Shawn thought the man was worth his time, he'd make a point of getting to know him. Although... as he watched, he saw Shawn glance at Hunter a couple of times, and then Batista did... and that slightly hopeful look on the man's face faded. Kevin frowned. What the hell was going on with those two, and what did Hunter have to do with it? Scott shifting in his arms brought him back to reality. Their stuff was still in the locker room and while normally he'd just go grab it and rejoin Scott on the way out, tonight he was really reluctant to let his lover out of his arms, let alone his sight, anymore than was necessary. Impatience flared, and he stepped away from the wall, his arm still around Scott. "Sounds good, Hunt. We'll just grab our stuff and go claim a ride, then." **** "Sure Shawn, you know I'll do anything to help him after all he's done for me." What the...? What had just happened? Dave had gone from being shy but earnest to almost businesslike. And Shawn happened to know, thanks to Hunter's confused---and slightly hurt---whining about it, that he wasn't that close to Hunt. So how would he know what might be wrong when Shawn didn't? "You can let me know if you're both free after you have a chance to check with him." And where the hell was he going? Shawn found himself staring at Dave's rapidly retreating back, confused and a little hurt. He was sure that Dave was interested in him, so why the sudden change? His mouth twisted as he dropped his gaze to the floor. Looked like his normal luck was striking again. Every time he thought someone was interested in him, it turned out that what they really wanted was HBK, and he just couldn't be HBK all the time. Mentioning Hunter probably hadn't been the greatest idea in the world, but he'd felt like Dave was someone he could trust, someone he could talk to, and someone who would understand. He took a step toward the locker room, then hesitated when he realized that he was following Dave. If the man didn't want to even stand out in the hallway and talk to him, Shawn wasn't too sure he wanted to stand in the locker room and change in front of him. As he paused, he saw Kevin frowning at him. Avoiding his friend's gaze, he walked slowly down the hall, feeling more lonely than he could remember being in a long, long time. When he reached the locker room and saw Dave sitting on a bench looking lost in thought, he paused again, debating, before reluctantly deciding to follow his normal routine. Pulling out his towel, he unfastened his boots and took them off before stripping out of his tights and wrapping the towel around his waist. He refused to look at Dave while doing so; he knew he got ogled a lot in the locker room because he didn't wear anything under his tights, but he really couldn't handle knowing if Dave had been looking at him. He rushed through his shower, since other people were waiting on him, and quickly dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. He'd pulled the shirt from his bag without even looking at it and was somehow not surprised to find that it was one of Hunt's old shirts. "It's Good to Be King" still suited him. His lips quirking a tiny bit, he wondered if they could convince Marketing to use the "H cubed" logo again. Packing everything away after he toweled his hair somewhat dry, he pulled on an old black leather jacket, an old favourite, and a black cap, and headed back out. Waiting by the limos, since he didn't see anyone else there yet, he tried to figure out what he'd done wrong with Dave. He knew he'd sounded flippant, but he couldn't help it; he'd always been known for saying what came to mind and thinking about it afterward. He could be tactful when he tried, but... Heaving a sigh, he leaned against the side of the nearest limo, his bag at his feet, and crossed his arms. Apparently his big mouth and HBK's big ego were conspiring to keep him lonely for the rest of his life. Funny how quickly you could go from having a wonderful night to being incredibly depressed, he mused, his eyes closing as his head tilted forward. Whatever was up with Hunter---and possibly Steph---he could probably deal with. He just didn't know if he'd ever be able to deal with his own problems. Maybe Bret was right, he thought bitterly. Maybe he was destined to be the guy everybody lusted for, but the one who no one ever loved. The thought made him shiver a little and he pressed his arms closer against his chest, almost hugging himself. to be continued... |