So Close, So Far Away By Lady Boss
	I realize some of what I have written didn't happen at the Royal Rumble, but I couldn't afford to purchase it so I'm going by imagination and what results I've read so far. Title: “So Close, So Far Away” (Sequel to Moving On) Rating: PG (Implied M/M) Author: Lady Boss E-mail: pikachu_524@yahoo.com Distribution: Kriket’s if she wants and The Boss’s Office - >http://bossoffice.topcities.com>. Anyone else, let me know where and ask nicely Disclaimer: Not mine never will be, but still buying those lottery tickets. Summary: Mark returns to the road, but are the feelings between he and Adam still there? Note: Title from Hall and Oates song of the same name. Also I’m using Rey Mysterio’s (Oscar Guitterez) real name in this in case anyone wonders who ‘Oscar’ is This was the day she dreaded for weeks now. As she stood at the bedroom doorway watching Mark pack his things, she felt a pit in her stomach. Sure she could chalk it up to the same feelings other wrester’s wives had when their husbands went back on the road after having them home for so long; the concern for their safety, the loneliness of having an empty house to contend with. But for Sara there was another reason for the pit in her stomach; Mark’s leaving meant he would be back on the road with Adam and though she didn’t want to make a scene of it, the thought of her husband working so close to his ex-lover again concerned her and she was certain the feelings Mark suppressed while he was home were sure to come out when he got around Adam again. “I guess that’s everything.” Mark’s words broke her reverie, snapping her back to the here and now. “Got your boots?” “Yup.” “Duster?” “Yup.” “Secret stash of gummy bears?” She said with a smirk, dissolving into a giggle when she saw the ‘Don’t start with me woman’ look on his face. With anyone else it would be intimidating, but Sara knew Mark was mostly all show when he did anything like that around her. “Check.” He set his ring gear bag on the floor next to his suitcase. “You going to be okay?” “Oh yeah,” she dismissed. “It’s not like you haven’t left me home alone before. Kristi’ll come over and we’ll rent chick flicks and gorge on ice cream.” “You hate chick flicks.” Mark pointed out. Sara shrugged. “I’ll live.” “You know.” He sat down on the edge of the bed. “This is a pay per view. You can come with me. In fact, I think everyone’ll be surprised if you didn’t.” “You mean Adam will be surprised if I didn’t.” She watched his shoulders slump before he let out a sigh. “It’s over between us, Sara. Has been for a while. He has to move on and I have to do the same.” “That’s a nice thought when you’re here with me, but what about when you’re on the road and he’s so nearby? And maybe he hasn’t moved on. What if he’s waiting for you to come back and make things like they were before?” “I’ll just have to talk to him then. Tell him it’s over and I’m with you now.” Are you? She wanted to ask, remembering how he murmured Adam’s name in his sleep last night. She knew he was with her physically but when it came to his heart and his soul, she knew Adam had laid claim to that a long time ago. “All you’d have to do is throw a few things into a suitcase and we could head to Boston.” Mark offered. The offer was tempting; going to Boston and find out once and for all if Mark’s feelings for Adam had passed, wanting to see it with her own two eyes. But what about house shows and SmackDown tapings? She couldn’t drop everything to follow him everywhere like a groupie though when she first heard about he and Adam, the thought had popped into her head. No, there was only one way to find out for sure if Mark’s feelings had changed and that was to let him go alone. And hope for the best. “You know it would take me forever to pack,” she spoke. “I can change my flight to a later one.” “And have Vince on your case about being late?” She shook her head. “No, I couldn’t bear to have that on my conscience.” She smiled before letting it slide. “Come on. I’ll drive you to the airport.” He dreaded this day as well. Wearing only a pair of jeans, Adam stood looking out the window of his hotel room while sipping on his coffee, the sound of Oscar singing something in Spanish breaking the almost tomblike silence of the room. Taking a sip of the warm vanilla flavored liquid, only one thought came to mind… Mark was coming back. No one was sure how he would be coming back though; was he still ‘The American Bad Ass’ or was he coming back as ‘The Dead Man’? Either way, Adam’s stomach felt like butterflies doing a mosh pit. How was he going to tell Mark about he and Oscar? He took Jay’s advice, accepting Oscar’s invitation to join him at a party for New Year’s Eve. For the first time in a long time, Adam allowed himself to forget his problems with Mark and had fun, even going as far as kissing Oscar when the clock struck midnight and since then, though they weren’t together on television much since Oscar had his knee scoped, they were inseparable away from the ring, Adam even missing a couple of house shows so he could be there for Oscar’s surgery. In fact over the past few weeks, things had been peaceful with he and Oscar getting closer, last night the first night they made love and in a weird way to Adam, it felt like he had given Oscar his virginity, like he had when he had given it first to Mark. And now Mark was coming back. He hadn’t heard the shower turn off or even heard Oscar enter the bedroom until he felt Oscar slide his arms around his waist making him start a little. “Hey,” he said, tilting his head down to kiss Oscar. “Hey. You look a million miles away.” “Just got something on my mind.” “You’re not worried about the Rumble tonight are you?” Adam shook his head. “Nope.” He looked at Oscar. “How about you? Worried about being squished during the Rumble?” Oscar chuckled. “A little, but that’s one of the advantages about being my size, I can hide out in a corner until it’s safe to come out again.” Oscar kissed Adam’s shoulder before walking over to the still made second bed where he laid out his clothes. “You want to go out and get some lunch before we head to the arena?” Oscar offered as he started dressing. “Yeah, lunch sounds good.” “You okay amante?” Adam looked at Oscar who was sliding his painter’s pants over his slim hips. “I’m fine. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.” He dismissed before returning his attention to the activity outside. “Anything in particular? Or maybe I should say anyone?” Adam looked back over at Oscar before walking away from the window over to the beds. “Okay, I admit I’m a little worried about Mark coming back.” “Why should that bother you?” Adam sat on the edge of the bed he and Oscar had shared last night. “I wonder if he’s bringing Sara with him.” Oscar slid a t-shirt over his head. “Are you hoping he does?” “In a way yes, in a way no.” Adam set his coffee cup on the nightstand. “I hope he does because that would mean he’s getting on with his life with her and I hope he doesn’t because I wanted to talk to him.” “About getting back together?” “No. That’s a dead issue.” “Then why talk to him?” “Maybe to make sure he’s moved on and tell him about us.” “Sure you want to do that?” “Tell him about us? Yeah, it’s not like I’m keeping you a secret. Everybody in the back more or less knows about us.” “What I meant was, are you sure you want to talk to him?” “You think I shouldn’t?” “It’s not up to me to tell you what to do,” Oscar sat down and tied his sneakers. “We’re going to have to be around each other now he’s back.” Adam reminded. “We might even get thrown into a storyline together, you know?” “I know.” Oscar nodded. “So why did you ask if I was sure I wanted to talk to him?” Adam heard Oscar sigh before watching him swing his legs over the bed so he and Adam were face to face. “The only reason I ask is because I know he hurt you when he married Sara and I also know there’s a little bit in you that wants him back.” “That’s so not true.” Oscar looked at him. “Then why did you call out for him when we made love last night?” “I did?” Oscar nodded. Adam tried to wrack his brains as he tried to remember having done so. “When?” “It doesn’t matter when. Only that you did.” “Christ, Oscar I’m sorry…” Oscar reached out a finger to press against Adam’s lips. “Shhh…don’t worry about it. I know how it is. I remember when I was with Billy and I called out for Konnan.” “Konnan?” Oscar shrugged. “What can I say, my standards were lower then.” They both laughed. “You know I love you.” Adam said. “I love you too and I know you loved Mark. Maybe this is what you two need. One last face to face to set things straight once and for all.” Adam nodded. “Then when you’re done letting him know how things stand, you can put him behind you and we can move on together.” “We’re going to be working together and on the road.” Adam started. “I’m sure it’s going to be awkward for him seeing us together.” “He has a wife, Adam. One he doesn’t seem too keen on giving up for you right now. Sure you and he have to work together, but that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to live like a monk so you don’t hurt his feelings. Remember, he hurt you first when he married Sara.” He had to admit Oscar was right. “Yeah he did.” “Maybe if he could see how happy we are when we’re together, he’ll move on, and then,” Oscar took Adam’s hands in his and kissed the top of them, “maybe we can too.” Adam nodded, hoping that would be the case. “Yeah, I really feel the love from ya Kurt,” Mark cracked before entering the dressing room. Walking over to the farthest changing area, he set his bags down and hung his leather duster on the hook in the back of the stall. Since arriving an hour ago, things had gone smoothly; he found out what he would be doing tonight, talked to some of the guys about their holidays and got his travel itinerary. All without seeing Adam yet. He wondered if Adam was going to be used tonight or maybe Vince decided to give him the night off, but his question was answered when he looked around and saw one of the PVC coats Adam wore as ‘Edge’ hanging on a hook of its own across the room from him. He sighed when he saw it, the impulse to walk over there, hold the slick white material in his hands and inhale Adam’s scent was tempting, but he forced it to pass. He and Adam were over as a couple. He hoped Adam felt the same way. Even if he didn’t. “I should get ready,” Adam said between kisses as he and Oscar found a quiet corner to hide out in for a little bit. “Not yet,” Oscar said before kissing Adam again. “Oscar…” Adam warned, but lost his train of thought when he felt Oscar’s tongue slip between his lips. He sighed and let it in, deepening the kiss between them before breaking it off. “Oscar, I’m serious, I have to get dressed.” “You are dressed,” Oscar pointed out, gesturing to Adam’s casual outfit of jeans, sweater, and sneakers. “You know what I mean,” Adam replied with a soft chuckle. “I have to get into my ring gear.” “What color are you wearing tonight?” Oscar nuzzled at the side of Adam’s neck. “White.” Adam kissed the smaller man’s temple. “Mmm,” Oscar pulled back. “Have I ever told you how much you look like an angel when you wear white.” “Right,” Adam drew the word out a bit. “It’s true, you do.” Another quick kiss from Oscar. “Okay. I guess I can let you go now. I’ve got to talk to Patterson about how we’re going to get our revenge on ‘A-Train’ during the Rumble tonight.” Oscar hopped off the lighting rig he was sitting on. “We’re still on for dinner, right?” “Yeah, but who knows what it’s going to be like after the Rumble.” “True.” Oscar nodded. “Well if we don’t make dinner, we can go straight for dessert.” Adam laughed. “Jeeze Oscar, you act like you haven’t had sex in weeks.” “What can I say?” Another quick kiss. “I can’t get enough of you.” “Same here.” Adam admitted. “I better get going. See you later?” “Sure.” Adam walked out of the alcove and headed for the main dressing room, feeling slightly giddy. He never thought he’d feel like this after everything that happened with him and Mark, but being with Oscar… he couldn’t describe it other than he liked the feeling. But the feeling changed when he walked into the dressing room and saw Mark’s things in the stall across the room from his. Sighing, he knew he would run into Mark sometime, but he was hoping it wouldn’t be for a while yet. Forgetting about changing, he walked over to the stall and following impulse, he reached out to touch the soft black leather as memories came back to him; when he and Mark first met; when wanting to be closer to Mark, he ‘joined’ The Ministry; their first time making love… The night Mark told him he was marrying Sara. Oblivious to being watched, Adam, for a few minutes, let himself wallow in the memories because after tonight when he told Mark about he and Oscar, that would be all he would have. Fully dressed in his ring gear, Mark watched Adam touch the duster. Watching Adam’s slender fingers brush over the leather, he felt a shiver go through him as he remembered a night they spent together before Sara announced her ‘pregnancy’ with that duster being both witness and participant; he’d returned late from an after card meeting with Vince and had walked in on Adam trying it on in their hotel room. When Adam caught sight of Mark in the mirror he was in front of, he’d tried apologizing, but Mark was just speechless at the sight of Adam’s blondness against the black of the leather. Without another word exchanged between them, he walked over and kissed Adam hard, rewarded by finding Adam nude underneath the coat. Mark shook his head, forcing the image from his mind, but little images of that night wouldn’t let him go; the way Adam felt in his arms, the way Adam tasted, how warm and wet his mouth felt, how warm and tight he was… “You know,” Mark said, wanting to bring himself back to the here and now. “If that coat could talk, we’d have to cut its tongue out.” He watched Adam start and look at him. “Hi.” He heard Adam whisper. “Hi.” He returned, every inch of him wanting to walk over there and kiss Adam, but he maintained his resolve. “So it’s official?” Adam asked. “You’re coming back as The Bad Ass.” “Looks that way.” Mark walked into the room. “How was your holiday?” “It was okay.” Adam moved away from Mark, retreating to the safety of his changing area. “I never got to thank you for the humidor.” Mark sat down. “I knew I had to get it for you when I saw it in the store. It just screamed ‘Undertaker’.” Mark chuckled. “That it did. Should’ve seen the look on Sara’s face when she saw it.” Adam nodded. “Get my gift?” “The DVD player and the movies?” Mark nodded. “Yeah. I got it all hooked up and nearly wore out.” Adam said breezily. “Thanks.” “Have a good time at your Mom’s?” Mark dug around his bag to find his wrist tape. “I didn’t go home for Christmas.” Mark looked at him. “You weren’t alone, were you?” He felt a twinge of guilt, remembering the promise he had made Adam before Sara’s ‘pregnancy’ about them spending Christmas together, even if it would’ve been for a few hours. Adam shook his head. “Jay and Chris Jericho came over and spent the day.” “They’re still together?” “Yeah, they’re moving in together.” “That’s good. I’m glad you weren’t alone on Christmas.” “So how was it with you and Sara?” Adam hoped he sounded more jovial than he felt. “Busy. I think there were some relatives I don’t remember being related to who were there.” Mark chuckled. “Anyone talk about having kids or…?” “Nope. No one brought up the subject. Thank God.” Adam nodded. “So what did you do for New Year’s?” “Went over to a friend of Sara’s who was throwing a party on New Year’s Eve and watched the bowl games with some of the family. You?” Adam was about to say something when the door opened and Oscar walked in. “Hey I thought you were getting dressed.” Oscar followed Adam’s gaze. “Oh. Hi Mark.” “Oscar.” There was an awkward pause, which Oscar broke. “I talked to Pat and I think you’re really going to love what we get to do to Bloom tonight.” Oscar sat next to Adam. “We ripping off any piercings?” “Nah, but it’s just as much fun.” Oscar looked at Mark. “So how was your vacation?” “Pretty good.” “And your hand?” Mark flexed it. “Still working. How’s the knee?” “Couldn’t be better.” “You going to change now or…?” Adam asked. “No, not yet. I thought I’d come and see if you were changed yet, but I see you’re not, so I’ll stop back in a few.” Oscar leaned over and kissed Adam before leaving. “You’re seeing Oscar?” It was more of a statement than a question. Adam looked at Mark and saw the look on his face. It wasn’t jealousy but it wasn’t relief either. It looked more like resignation. “Yeah, we’ve been seeing each other since New Year’s. He invited me to a party a friend of his was throwing and we’ve been together since then.” Mark slipped a finger through the hole of his tape and using his thumb, rolled it back and forth as he looked at Adam. “Things good between you?” “Yeah. I mean, it’s a little too early to tell how things are going to go, but so far it’s been good.” “He treat you okay? I know you’re taller than him but…” “He does. He treats me…” Like you used to before you married Sara, Adam wanted to say but he changed course. “He treats me like a prince.” “Good. I’m glad, because that’s how you deserve to be treated.” Adam bit the inside of his mouth to keep his emotions in check. “I guess I better go talk to Pat myself about how things are supposed to go.” Mark set the roll of tape down and stood. “You don’t have to leave on my account.” “I’m not.” Mark assured him as he walked to the door by Adam. He paused as he reached for the handle and looked at Adam. “I’m glad you found someone who loves you.” Adam looked up at Mark. “Thank you and I’m glad things are good with you and Sara.” Mark nodded before leaving. Adam leaned back into his stall and let out a breath. That went well, he reasoned. So why did it hurt so much? Oscar watched as Adam slept, his having gone straight to bed after arriving at the hotel. Everything went as planned that night; he and Adam got their ‘revenge’ but Mark had been eliminated during the Rumble, holding off another title reign for the time being. But that was far from Oscar’s mind as he lifted a strand of Adam’s hair away from Adam’s lips. He noticed the subdued way Adam acted while they were backstage after he and Mark had ‘talked’ and tried to get it out of Adam as to what was said and if things were settled, but when Adam asked him to let it slide for tonight, Oscar did. But he knew it was something they’d have to talk about soon. “I guess congratulations are in order,” Sara’s voice said from the other end of the phone. “Yeah I guess.” Mark said as he stretched out on the bed. “You don’t sound too happy about making your grand return to the ring.” Mark shrugged. “Another day, another Rumble, ho hum.” Sara giggled. “Oh come on now, you got off on getting back in the ring and you know it.” “Yeah.” “Anything else happen tonight?” He knew what she meant. “I saw Adam.” There was a pause before she spoke. “How is he?” “He’s fine.” Mark looked at the television screen showing the replay of the Rumble and was watching when Adam and Oscar got their ‘revenge’ on ‘A-Train’. “Are you two sharing a room?” There was a slight tone of accusation, but Mark either missed it or ignored it as he watched Adam slam the chair into A-Train’s knee. “No, I’m rooming by myself tonight.” “Oh.” “Yeah.” He watched the ‘celebration’ on the screen and felt his heart grow heavy as the reality of his situation sunk in as he clearly saw the feelings Adam had for Oscar come through in Adam’s green eyes. Eyes that once showed him the same feelings. Feelings he wished he could see once more, but never would as long as he and Adam were apart. He then uttered the four words he never thought he’d hear himself say and it broke his heart when he did because it made everything so real and so painful. “He’s seeing someone new.” “He is?” Sara asked. “Yeah. He’s seeing Oscar.” “There’s an odd couple for you.” “You can say that again.” “Does he treat Adam well?” “Adam says he does and I believe him. From what I’ve heard about Oscar from some of his WCW cronies, he’s definitely not the abusive type.” “That’s good.” “Yeah.” “You sound tired.” “I feel tired.” Mark admitted. “You have a good night in with Kristi?” “Oh yeah. We watched ‘Thelma and Louise’ for the four hundredth time before we ordered the Rumble and I hope you weren’t too attached to the chocolate covered pretzel ice cream, because it’s all gone.” “Damn.” He chuckled. “When you two get together, you go all out don’t you?” “You know we do.” A pause. “Why don’t you get some sleep? We can talk some more in the morning.” “If I have time.” “At least let me know you made it to the arena okay.” “That I can do.” “Okay. That’s all I ask.” She said. “Love you Mark.” “Love you too. Talk to you tomorrow.” Saying their goodbyes, Mark clicked his phone shut and stared at the screen, not paying much attention to the action on the screen. Without meaning to, he began wondering what Adam and Oscar were doing at this very moment. And hated himself for going there. The feelings were still there. Sara let out a sigh as she hung up on her end. Even though she was relieved to hear Adam was seeing someone else, she knew it wasn’t over between them, at least as far as Mark was concerned. She could tell by the tone of Mark’s voice, the feelings he had for Adam were still there, just lying dormant. Turning off the lights in the living room before activating the alarm, Sara gave one small prayer as she headed for the bed her and Mark shared. Dear God, please don’t let Mark and Adam get together again. Please.