This Is Life By Mistress
	TITLE: This Is Life AUTHOR: Mistress E-MAIL: Taker_Mistress@w... RATING: From G to NC-17 in parts CONTENT: Slash, Angst, Fluff, Real Life Situations CATEGORY: Slash, AU SPOILERS: Not a single one SUMMARY: Doesn't the title say it...it's LIFE...that's all DISCLAIMER: So not mine...wish they were but you know the saying to that one...they belong to themselves and to WWE, I just borrow them so they can have a vacation... DISTRIBUTION: www.gotfiction.com ...Amanda...anyone else ask first...or at least let me know you are taking it...lol NOTES: Ok so I so was not gonna send this out till it was almost done but I caved...I caved to my musi who are demanding that I let everyone read it...oh well...what are ya gonna do. Oh and I am seriously screwing with ages and age gaps here...but since it's my story and my AU then it's ok...but just so no one sends the lynch mod out after me...I at least told ya The large moving truck pulled into the drive way of the suburban home, followed by a king cab Ford F150 and and a moderately new compact car. This was it. This was home. Home for good hopefully. Mark hopped out of the moving truck and stretched. His legs felt stiff and his back was killing him as he walked around the truck to get the circulation flowing again. It had been such a long drive, he just hoped it was worth it. He watched as his son's tiredly exited Matt's car. He had to grin to himself. It would have been so much easier to just hook the car up to the trailer and have the boys ride with either him of Hunter. But no. Matt wanted to drive. He wanted to get the experience of driving on the highway. He got the experience all right, he looked like death warmed over. Poor Jeffy didn't look much better. He watched as Hunter parked their truck along side the moving truck and smiled at his husband. Hunter actually looked like he had enjoyed the trip, he looked fresh and alive and full of energy. But then he always looked good. And he loved to travel, to drive. If they went anywhere, weather it be just the two of them or with the boys, he drove. So it didn't surprise him in the least that he looked ready to go. Or in this case, unpack. Hunter walked over to Mark and smiled. Taking his hand and twining their fingers together, he looked at their new home. "So this is it?" He tilted his head and squinted his eyes, staring at the nice sized home. Mark waited patiently for his approval. But Hunter just continued to scrutinize. Finally Mark turned to his husband, intent on getting a reaction. Instead he got an arm full of man and a quick kiss. "It's perfect." Hunter's laughter was long and full of happiness, infectious. "Dad, do we have to unpack everything today?" Matt's plaintive tone distracted the two older men and they turned towards the two exhausted teenagers. They looked dead on their feet. Hunter opened his arms and a tired Jeff practically fell into them. "Just out suite cases and sleeping bags. Everything's turned on so we can order pizza and take showers. But tomorrow everything is coming off that truck. "The boys moaned but nodded at their father. "Monday while I'm at work your dad is gonna take you both to register for school and buy groceries for the house." Mark nodded towards his husband and they started unloading their bags and some thick blankets from the truck, the boys following suit. Walking up to the front step, Mark pulled the door key from his pocket. "Ok, ready to see it from the inside?" The boys looked wide awake as he unlocked the door, Jeff practically bounced in place. "Here we go." And they all piled in. The house was huge, at least compared to their tiny apartment. "Oh and boys, pick out what room you wan. You each get to have your own." Their faces lit up as they dashed off. After having to share their whole lives, the idea of getting their own separate space in the world was worth it's weight in gold. Mark felt strong arms wrap around his waist and a solid chest pressed against his back. "Thank you, it's beautiful." Soft lips pressed against his neck and he shivered. "We better unpack the beds last tomorrow. Either that or the boys will be doing all the work." Mark shivered and nodded in agreement, turning in Hunter's arms to get a proper kiss. Their tongues duelled and caressed as hands roamed over hard bodies. They held each other tight as the kiss continued for several minutes until a light tapping on Mark's shoulder interrupted them. Turning dazed looks at their sons Hunter smirked as Mark just looked annoyed. "Can we help you?" Matt sighed dramatically as only a sixteen year old boy could and rolled his eyes. "Could you please not make out in front of us. You could scar us for life. Who know's how many years of therapy Jeff's gonna have to go through." He flinched as his younger brother but smiled at his fathers. He could still remember how lonely and quiet his dad had been before Hunter. His mom had died when he was very young but he could still remember how lost his dad had been. But then Hunter had come into their lives and he had made his dad smile again. Jeff was just born when their mother died. Complications of giving birth. He still couldn't ask what had happened and he wasn't sure his dad could answer even if Jeff did. So he couldn't remember a time with out Hunter. But Matt could. And all he really remember was the pain and tears and sadness. But Hunter had been with them for almost twelve years and he knew it wasn't all roses but their lives were better for it. Jeff cuddled up to Hunter and smiled. "Don't listen to Matt." It still amazed Hunter at how different Matt and Jeff were. Matt was so independent and strong. He had a good head on his shoulders. But he had grown out of the mushy stage years ago. Not Jeff. Yes he was independent and strong like Matt. He was imaginative and creative. But he still needed to affection and reassurance from his fathers. Hunter kissed the top of his head and gave him a one armed squeeze. "We never do." Mark smiled and ushered his family away from the door, closing it behind them. "So, did you decide who gets what room?" Both boys started talking at once, arguing over which room was bigger and which had more windows and bigger closet space. "Hey. Hey. HEY!" Mark had to scream over their increasingly loud voices just be heard. "One at a time. Matt...go." He held up his hand at Jeff's instant protest and waited for his eldest son to begin. "I think I should get the bigger room in the back. I'm older so naturally I should get the bigger one. It's got enough room for my new weights and all my stuff." He paused to breath. "I have more clothes than Jeff and it has the bigger closet." Mark was silent for a moment before he nodded and pointed to Jeff. "Don't you think that that I'm older line is just a little tired. 'i'm older so I should do this or get that.' one of the smaller rooms would still hold all his junk and what about mine. I have my new tv and playstation that have to go somewhere." Again Mark nodded before turning to his husband. "What do you think?" "I think I right when I said this would happen. Hunter thought and then smiled. "We could just let them fight it out and who ever is left standing gets the room." He frowned. "No, cause then we would need somewhere to hide the body." Shaking his head he smirked. "Well, we could just tell them that the big room is already taken and that they each get one of the smaller ones. So it really doesn't matter." The boys groaned at their father. "Sorry boys, the room in the back goes to the parental units." Mark watched the two young man walk off to decide which of the smaller rooms in the back of the house when to who. "That wasn't very nice." He looked down at Hunter and smiled. "But it was fun as hell." Chapter 2 The night was uneventful, pizza was ordered, plans for the next day were made and they all few asleep in the large den. By the next morning Mark was already up and walking through the door with two large cups of coffee, two cups of orange juice for the boys and fast food for all. The smell of fresh coffee roused his slumbering husband and the threat of cold water woke his lazy children. "Up and at em' boys. Got to start early if we want to get everything unloaded before it get's too dark to see." Matt groaned into his pillow and burrowed deeper into his heavy sleeping bag. "Why couldn't we hire movers like any normal family?" Jeff reluctantly crawled out of the safe, warm haven of flannel and tiredly sat at the kitchen bar, the stools being left by the previous owners. Mark yanked at the covers off his hiding son and grabbed him by the arms, pulling him to his feet. "Now why hire someone I would actually have to pay when I have two very good, very strong little slaves at my disposal." Hunter laughed, joining their youngest son and digging into breakfast. They always ate so healthy and nutritious. It was actually a treat to get fast food. "Come on. It's not that bad. I let you sleep till six." "SIX!" Matt's screech startled giggles from Jeff and he looked down at his watch for confirmation. "Nobodies awake at six!" He almost made it back to his sleeping bag but strong hands attached themselves to his shoulders and forcibly turned him back to the bar. "Sit, Eat, Wake UP!" Marks voice was loud and very parental. He knew Matt wasn't a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. In order to get him jump started in the morning you had to use demands and force. Threats usually worked as well. "We have to get started. After you eat, roll up your sleeping backs, throw them in your room and change into something cool. It's gonna get hot today." He bit into his egg mcmuffin and grimaced. He really didn't like fast food. "We're getting all the heavy stuff in the back off first, then the boxes. We'll put the furniture where we want it then you can unpack your stuff." The boys nodded, mouths to full of food to say much. Hunter gulped down his by now luke warm coffee and sighed. "That was good." He picked up his trash, gave Mark a semi chaste kiss as he shoved his trash in the empty food bag and went to fold up their stuff. "You two better hurry up. We got a lot to do today." The boys wolfed down their breakfast and gulped their drinks. Washing up they dried their hands and went to fold up there stuff, carting it all into their rooms. By the time Matt and Jeff emerged, Hunter and Mark had the truck unlocked and several large items of furniture out on the lawn. "What's that?" Matt pointed to a new bed frame and mattress/box spring set that had yet to be unwrapped from it's original box. "You and Jeff can't very well share the bunk beds in you each have your own room now can you. So we bought you a new bed and Jeff gets the beds. He can either keep both or we can separate them and he can use the bottom one. We also have a new dresser for your room." Hunter watched the boys examine the new bed and had to laugh at Matt's little happy dance. It was only a twin sized bed, just something to use but it make the idea of separate rooms real. "Go a head and move the beds in, we'll get the couch." As an after thought he looked at jeff. "Do you want both the top and bottom bed or just the bottom?" Jeff seemed to think about it for a minute and smiled. "Just the bottom." He seemed just as excited about it as Matt was. He was full of energy, bouncing from one foot to the next. "Then when you get the new on put in Matt's room just move in the bottom and put the top part in the garage. There's plenty of room." Both boys nodded and got to work a the adults started hefting the couch that would go into the den. They worked all day, cleaning out the truck, the pickup and the car of all their possessions. By the time it got too dark to see everything was in the house. The furniture was where it was supposed to be and boxes were loaded in rooms. Some were unpacked, partially or all the way and some were waiting to be ventured into. The boys sat on the couch, flopped out and dreading the venture into their rooms to start unpacking their stuff. Mark and Hunter sat on the love seat, Hunter's feet in the big mans lap as the older man gave his husband a foot message. All the heavy work was done and everything but the personal stuff for their rooms was unpacked. "You boys can wait until after the pizza gets here and we eat before tackling your rooms. But it needs to get done tonight. You won't have time tomorrow." Hunter nodded at his husbands words, too relaxed to comment. "You have to be up early to register for school, go shopping for food and school stuff. So you can't put it off." The one thing Mark always required of his boys was that their room be clean. Now dirty clothes on the floor, no trash or junk stroan about. The boys nodded but neither moved more than that until the door bell chimed announced that the food had arrived. Jeff seemed to be rejuvenated at the sound of the door bell and jumped up to answer it. Hunter followed at a more sedate pace with the money. When he got to the door he stopped for a minute at the scene in front of him. Jeff stood in a sort a of shock. A blush crept up to his hair line and he smiled shyly. The teen that stood at the door was no better. He was tall but not as tall as Hunter himself. He looked to be about 16 or 17 and had shoulder length blonde hair pulled back into a pony tail. They both seemed sheel shocked and just stood their smiling at each other. Jeff jumped in surprise when his father tapped him on the shoulder and handed him the money, taking the pizza's from the teen standing just out side the door. "Here you go." Jeff's voice was halting and just a little stuttered and his blush grew darker. "Thanks. And if you ask for me I can get your pizza's here a lot faster. The others all take their sweet time. My boss wanted me to apologize for your food being cold yesterday." The teen reached out to shake hands and Hunter took it before Jeff could, smiling menacingly. "No problem." Hunter may have shook the offered hand a but roughly but the teen didn't seem to notice, only smiled. "I got to get back. Just ask for Shawn next time though." He smiled at Jeff who's face lit up brightly and he back peddled to his car. The two boys continued to look at each other even as Shawn hopped in his car and started to back out of the driveway. "Jeff..." No response. "Jeff..." Hunter's voice was becoming impatient. 'Jeffrey Nero." Jeff jumped at the use of his middle name and looked at his father with surprise, wondering what he had done. "Close the door and come on." Hunter watched sone walk back to the kitchen before turning back to the closed door. "Interesting." When he followed, Mark and Matt already had the table set with paper plates and drinks. Mark looked at the thoughtful scowl on his husbands face and sent him a silent, wondering look in his direction. 'Later,' Hunter mouthed and Mark shrugged, reaching for a slice of steaming pepperoni. Chapter 3 The boys were in their rooms, all the lights turned out to give the house a very dark look. Hunter shut the door before taking off his bathrobe and hanging it up and slipped into bed beside his husband. Hunter slid automatically into Marks arms, cuddling up close to the big man. "Did I tell you today that I love you?" Mark laughed and kissed his lips gently. "I can't remember, we've been so busy today." Hunter tisked low in his throat before running a gentle, barely there touch down his husbands stomach. "That's just not right. I should be punished." He leaned in, ghosting soft kisses down Mark's throat, feeling his pulse beat. Trailing back up he nibbled an ear hidden in damp red hair. "I love you." His whisper was husky and dark as he slid on top of the bigger man. Straddling his hips he rocked gently against Marks hardening cock. They always slept nude, never wanting anything to separate them as they held each other through the night. Leaning down, he captured Marks lips in a sweet sensual kiss, stealing both their breaths. It had been days since they had been together it seemed and they wanted to savour and cherish. Slowly Hunter worked down his husbands hard body. They both believed in good health and fitness, instilling that belief in the boys as well. Mark had already called and gotten in touch with the local gym. "Mmm, I miss how you taste." A deep, rumbling chuckle worked through Mark, turning into a low moan as Hunter latched onto an already hard nipple. Biting, sucking, licking gently he worried the small nub with his mouth, his hand pinching and caressing the other. Then he was moving further down, lapping at his belly button, gently tickling Mark's side with soft caresses. Until that proud, straining cock rest at his lips. Slowly, so slowly he took the head in, reacquainting himself with the flavour and scent of his husband. He sucked and nibbled letting more of that delicious cock slide into his mouth. Mark groaned, thrusting his hips as Hunter slowly swallowed him to the root. He knew Hunter was just teasing him he had seen the lube laid out on the night stand and knew what Hunter wanted. But if there was one thing his husband liked more that being fucked it was going down. He could spend and hour or more just teasing him with that wicked tongue and seductive mouth of his. When the boys were in school, Hunter would visit him at his lunch break, dragging him to the bathroom or a closet or somewhere hidden from spying eyes. As soon as the door was closed, Hunter would be on his knee's, Mark's cock being sucked down that wonderful throat. It would be quick and fierce and full of need and wanton lust. And after his husband swallowed all he had and he was left panting for breath, Hunter would rise. Tucking him gently back in his pants and zipping him up before pulling him into a sweet, sweet kiss. He would always say that Mark was his favorite afternoon snack. And now he was between his thighs, teasing and caressing him into a frustrated high of need and hunger. Growling, he pulled Hunter up top lay full length on top of him before rolling him onto his back. He pressed him down into the mattress, a knee forcing those strong thighs apart and a hand reaching for the lube. "You are such a tease." Popping the lid he slicked his fingers before roughly shoving two into that tight body below him. Hunter bit his lip to keep from screaming, spreading his legs wider and inviting more. "Am not." He panted, arching and thrusting, fucking himself on those persistent fingers inside of him. "I always deliver." A third finger entered him and he moaned, arching high off the bed and rubbing his aching cock against Mark's hard belly. "Please...now..." Mark removed his fingers from that tight ass, slicking his cock and lifting Hunter's legs up over his shoulders. Leaning over he thrust his tongue into that hot mouth as he pushed his hips forward, pushed in in one easy long thrust. Hunter gasped into Marks mouth and he gripped the bed sheets. They lay still for a moment, just feeling each other. Basking in the connection between them. And then Mark was moving. Pulling out slowly to let Hunter feel all his hard length before thrust back in deep and fast. Hunter moved with him, urging him to move fast and give him everything. To give him his power and strength and ferocious love. To release it and turn it on him. Mark was quick to give him what he wanted. The bed springs creaked and strained with the powerful thrust's. Hunter clawed at Mark's back, eagerly demanding release and satisfaction. The bigger man smiled wickedly, taking Hunter's leaking cock in his hand and pumping it ruthlessly. And they exploded. Fire consumed them and ice froze them in that single moment. A silent scream reflected on Hunter's face as his body went taunt and strained in completion. Mark grunted, spasming atop his husband, brutally jackhammering his hips as his cum shot deep inside Hunter's body. They clung to each other in heat and sweat and abandon. Slowly they came down from the high, settling back into their bodies, spent and totally exhausted. Mark gently pulled out of Hunter, settling beside him and getting his shivering body. His own breath was labored and shallow as he pulled the now sweaty blankets around them. Hunter numbly reached out for the clean towel they always kept on the bed side table, it never hurt to be prepared. Cleaning them both he smiled. Mark always knew how to make his insides turn to liquid. He sighed, kissing Mark's shoulder tenderly. "That was nice." A deep chuckle reverberated around him and the arms holding him tightened. "Thanks." They lay there for a moment, just enjoying the silence before Mark propped himself up on one big arm and looked down at his husband. Hunter knew that look. It was the one that said, 'I need to ask you something but am not really sure how to.' "What?" "Earlier, when the pizza was delivered. Why were you looking like you wanted to do some serious damage? And who was the receiver of said damage?" He knew it had something to do with Jeff. He had heard Hunter's harsh voice when he had called the young man by both his first and middle name. Hunter sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm probably being an over protective asshole but you know how Jeff answered the door, right?" He opened his eyes and saw Mark nod. "Well the kid who delivered the pizza, some guy named Shawn, looked to be about Matt's age, was standing there. They both looked sorta shell shocked, staring at each other all shy." He saw Mark nod again, urging him on. "It's just. I don't like the idea of Jeff, I know know, dating. And the way they were looking at each other, well that guy was definitely thinking of more than just dating." Mark kissed Hunter's lips softly and gave him a tender hug. "Darlin' Jeff's fourteen. He's going to start looking. And if we do to him what we tired to do to Matt, well you know what happened there." He could still remember how scared he had been that night. Matt and Hunter had gotten into a huge screaming match, ending when Matt said something smart assed and hurtful and had received a hard open handed smack across the face. Matt had stormed off to his room and Hunter when to theirs and silently cried. They never hit their kids out of anger, never. And it had all started with Matt wanting to go to the movies with some girl, which Hunter had promptly refused stating Matt was too young to go on a date. Mark remembered waiting, giving his son enough time to cool down before going to his room to talk to him. But he hadn't been there. The window had been open and his back pack was missing off the desk where he normally kept it. He remember waking Jeff but the younger boy didn't know where his brother had gone. He had raced through the how to his bedroom, scared and worried and pissed as hell that Matt would do something so stupid. He remembered the way Hunter's fingers shook as he dialed the neighbors, asking if they could watch Jeff. He remember Jeff's own worry as he clung to his father, picking up o the worry. And then there were driving. Looking. Thank God there were no police out that night because they must have ran every stop light and stop sign in their search for their oldest child. Until finally they spotted him, sitting on a bus stop bench, clutching his back pack and tears running down his face. They screeched to a hault, Matt jumping in surprise and fear before running to his fathers. He could still remember that scene. Hunter reached his dark headed son first, pulling him into a tight, feirce hug. And Matt had clung to his father, crying and repeating 'I'm sorry' over and over again. He had pulled both his husband and son against his chest as they held each other. Silently he had steered them both back to the truck and ushered them inside. It was one of the only times Hunter hadn't driven. He was too shakey to even see strait. Chapter 4 The drive home was silent, the adults thanking God himself that they had found the boy. And when they got back to their small apartment Hunter had walked with Matt while Mark went to go get Jeff. The boy jumped into his fathers arms and asked frantically about his brother. When they had walked into the kitchen both his husband and his son were standing facing each other, but neither could look the other in the eye. Jeff launched himself at his brother and hit him soundly in the arm before hugging him tightly and making him swear never to scare him like that again. And then was gone, off to bed for much needed sleep. The three men left in the kitchen just looked at each other before silently sitting around their small table. Matt cried as he explained why he had run away, begging forgiveness and swearing never to do it again. Hunter and he had just listened, silent tears of relief and anger rolling down their cheeks. And then Hunter had stood. "We love you. I'm sorry I hit you, I shouldn't have. But you shouldn't have run away." He knelt by his son and took his hand gently. "I know you're fifteen and you really like this girl. I know you wanted to take her out and I'm sorry. I'm sorry I got so mad but I can't seem to think of you as anything other than the little boy I held when you had nightmares. I can still see you as a four year old sitting in your best clothes playing in the mud right before a family picture." He stood and kissed his son's forehead beore turning to Mark. He always played the heavy. Mark just smiled, sighing slightly. "We do love you son but you acted stupidly and without thinking. What would you have done? Where would you have gone? Did you think about that? Where would you ahve stayed? How would you have eaten?" Matt hung his head, ashamed. "I don't know. I didn't think..." "That's right, you didn't. Matt, yes we may have over reacted, but so did you." Mark stood, looking down at his son. "You're grounded. For at least a month. That means no phone, no tv, no computer." Matt nodded. "If you can prove we can trust you not to do something like this again then maybe. Maybe at the end of the month we can 'talk' about you starting to date. But, and this is a big but, if you do then there will be some serious ground rules for that." He had watched as Matt nodded sullenly before pushing himself to his feet to leave his fathers alone. But before he could leave Mark pulled him into a huge bear hug. He had never been so scared in all his life. Mark was brought out of his thoughts as Hunter sighed in his arms. "I know, I know. I still get scared when ever Matt's out five minutes past curfew. But Jeff's just a kid. He's too young to start dating." He yawned heavily and snuggled closer to his husband. "Go to sleep, let's talk about it later." Hunter nodded and closed his eyes. Mark soon followed him into slumber. Chapter 5 Jeff practically bounced as they carried bags in from the truck. Food, clothes, and supplies for school. He had been hyper all day, ever since they had registered for school and picked out classes. "I can't believe they have a gymnastics team. And a class! Thank God!" He shifted excitedly, helping unpack bags and put away the food. He had bugged his fathers for weeks about a gymnastics class and now he was almost if not past giddy. Hunter smiled indulgently at his son as Matt rolled his eyes. He motioned the boys to keep unloading the bags from the truck as he started putting away food. He hadn't meant to buy so much. But he could never resist Jeff's pleading eyes and Matt's insistent 'but we need this'. He knew Mark would just shake his head and sigh at the enormous bill. He always did. And yet he still allowed Hunter and their son's to go shopping together, he insisted. You would think he would learn eventually. The boys unloaded bag after bag of food and clothes. The mountain of plastic and paper seemed to grow and grow until it was monumental. "Ok, take all you junk to your rooms and come back and help me. Then you can tackle your rooms and all your new stuff." They nodded but stood still eyeing the pile of stuff in front of them. "Boys, move." And they scurried before Hunter reached the impatient tone of voice he was so close to. He eyed the mountain of groceries himself before starting in and putting things away. Soon the boys were back and in no time they were seated around the dining room table, slightly out of breath and no trace of their little shopping spree left. "Ok, catch your breath and then start in on your stuff. You know how your father is about your rooms." Both boys groaned in unison and hefted themselves to their feet. Hunter laughed silently as they marched like weary solders to their rooms. Jeff's chatter added to the sound track. "You're gonna come to my gymnastics meets, right Matt? I'll go to your basketball games if you come to my meets. Will ya?" Hunter could almost hear Jeff bouncing from the kitchen. "Yes Jeff. I'll be there." Matt's own voice was weary and tired but happy. "Jeff, you have your own stuff to put away. Go to your own room." Hunter heard a door close, followed by a second and then duelling radio's. He shook his head and glanced at the clock. As if that simple gesture conjured him, Mark walked through the door and smiled at his husband. "How was your first day?" Mark sighed and wrapped his strong arms around his husband and kissed the back of his neck. "That good or that bad?" "That good. I think this was a good move." Releasing his husband, Mark sat next to him and just seemed to relax into the chair. "How about you?" Hunter smiled and rested his head against his husbands shoulder. "Tiring. The boys ran me ragged at the mall. I am sorry to say our visa has melted from all the friction burns." He couldn't help but smile at Mark's soft chuckle. "The kitchen is now stocked, we could last the next five years." Mark's chuckle turned into a deep rumbling laugh. "An I'm too exhausted to move." To make sure his breathing pillow didn't decided to leave Hunter wrapped a large arm around Mark's waist. "How'd things go at school?" He knew there shouldn't have been any problems but he just wanted to ask anyway. "Fine, better than fine if you ask the boys." Running over his son's schedule in his mind he grinned as he remembered Jeff's excitement. "The principle seemed nice and genuinely kind. Matt signed up for trigonometry this year which shocked the hell out of me, what with how much he bitched about math last year. But when I asked him about it he just shrugged and said, quote, 'I'll need it in college and I may not like it but I can do it' unquote." "Kid know's what he's got to do." "Yeah." Digging into his pocket he pulled out a copy of Matt and Jeff's schedule. "They do the split semesters here, they only take 4 classes a semester and the classes are 90 min long. Matt's taking Trig, Anatomy, English III Honors and PE the first semester. Then US History, Computers, Shop and Health. Jeff, Jeff is ecstatic over his schedule. His first semester he's taking English, World History, Geometry, and an actual Gymnastics class. The second semester he's taking Physical Science, Art, Drama, and a second PE class. He's already talked to the coach and while we were there did a little try out and he starts gymnastics practice next week. Matt talked to the basket ball coach and he can try out in the late fall. If, when he makes it practice begins after Christmas break. He paused and took a deep breath. "So all in all the boys are happy." "And school starts Wednesday?" Hunter nodded. "Yep, and I can start taking a nap in the afternoon again." He loved the fact that he could catch extra sleep now that summer vacation was almost, thankfully, over. The long standing arrangement of Mark working and him taking care of the house suited him just fine. Besides, Mark liked the idea of being the bread winner and he made more than enough to keep them comfortable. "I still have to get my transcripts and find out about classes around here. I only have a few more courses and then I am done with my degree." It had been a long hard time but he was finally almost done. He had been taking one for two classes a semester, sometimes a year depending on how things were and he was almost done. Physical Therapy and medicine had always fascinated him and Mark had supported him when he wanted to go back to school. "Good. You look beat. Why don't you take a nap and I'll make dinner." Hunter nodded and Mark ushered his husband off to bed. He smiled to himself. This was definitely a good move. CHapter 6 He stood still. Stock still in terror. What the hell had he gotten himself into. This was not a good idea. He should have known better. He wasn't good enough. He couldn't do it. It was stupid and silly and he should have known better. But of course he had to run his big mouth, had to get in over his head. He had to say he could do it. Why couldn't he keep his big mouth shut for once and not be an idiot all the damn time. He stood looking out at the extensive gym. Kids were running around, doing what ever they needed to do. Kids he didn't know and were probably waiting to see the 'new kid' screw up. And he knew he would. He shifted nervously and wished Matt had the same gym period he did. Or he wished his dad was there. Because he knew Hunter wouldn't laugh. Shaking his head he tried to tell himself to calm down. But all he wanted was to hide in the corner and hope no one saw him. "Jeff." He turned toward the voice that called out his name and tried not to flinch. The large man walking to him smiled and he smiled back. The gymnastics coach had and easy smile that was just infectious. "Glad to see you're back." He walked over to the nervous boy and threw and arm around him "Don't let the hecticness throw you. When the bell rings things tend to quiet down." Jeff nodded, clutching his books to his chest. his gym bag was a reassuring weight on his shoulder and he let the older man steer him towards the locker room. "Thank's Mister Gunn." He felt a little more at ease with the familiarity of someone he had met. "Call me Coach, or if you have to, Coach Gunn. The only Mr. Gunn I know is my dad. And I ain't that old yet." The blonde man smiled even brighter at him. "Why don't you go in and pick out a locker, go ahead and change and I find you a lock. Meet me back out here and we'll get started." Coach Gunn pushed him gently to the door before turning back to his other students. "Adam! Jay! Get down from there! Or do I have to call your father, again?" "Sorry Coach!" Chorused across the gym as the door shut behind him. Jeff smiled, maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. At least he liked the Coach. Walking into the locker room he spied a row of unused lockers and set to work filling one. The room was quiet and he took comfort in the silence. Pulling off his shirt he pulled on his old tank top. He felt more comfortable in the battered shirt. It reminded him of everything he used to know. Jeff jumped as he heard the door open and the laughing apology for being late that drifted to him. "Sorry Coach. Class ran over." He refused to turn around as he pulled his shorts out of his bag and started undoing his jeans. He heard movement behind him but just ignored it. Folding his jeans he slipped on his shorts over his boxers and slipped on his old tennis shoes. The sounds of another body getting ready for class was almost normal in a way and he pulled his blonde hair into a poney tail. Finally ready to face what ever and who ever was sharing the silence with him he turned, and almost jumped. Long muscular legs bare to the cool air greeted him as the stranger stepped out of his own jeans. He could see cowboy boots shoved into the open locker and a black t-shirt wadded up in a corner. The older boy who ever he was pulled a loose white tee over hie head and shock out a pair of wrinkled black track pants. Jeff berated himself for staring and shook his head. Turning back he shut his own locker and headed to the door. "Wait up would ya'?" The southern drawl that was masked by the scratchy voice stopped him and he turned back around to the other boy. And almost fell over. "Oh it's you." He remembered him. Jeff wanted to do a little happy dance. "How was the pizza?" "F...Fine. Good." He stuttered and blushed. "Hot and everything." He couldn't believe it. There he was. 'Shawn'. The guy who had made him blush, had blushed in return with out saying a word when he had answered the door. The cute boy he hadn't been able to stop thinking about since that night. "It was good." Shawn smiled as he sat to lace up his own shoes. "Good." There was a pause as neither boy knew what to say. "So what grade are you in?" He eyed the young man and smiled his most charming smile. "Ninth." Jeff was sure his face had never been so red before in his entire life. "Really! They normally don't let freshmen into this class. They have a beginners class for them. You must be really good to get in here." Again Shawn watched as the young kids face darkened in a blush. Poor kid was shy. He reached out his hand and Jeff grasped it tenatively. "Shawn Michaels." "Jeff Hardy." Jeff shuddered slightly at Shawn's touch. His hand was so strong and calloused. He wanted to duck behind the lockers or run into a shower stall but he was frozen by Shawn's smile. "What grade are you?" He hated that he was so shy, he sounded timid. "I'm a junior." He paused and cocked his head to the side. "Hardy? There's a new kid in my Trig class named Hardy. Dark hair, tall." "That's my brother, Matt." At least it was getting easier to talk to the older boy. Maybe he would even quit blushing. "Cool." Glancing at his watch he sighed and stood up. Shawn threw an arm around Jeff's shoulders and started to the door. "Come on dude, let's see what you got." Nope. Blushing not under control. ------------ Jeff watched in awe as Shawn worked through a floor routine. His boyd was like water and air. Floating, falling, twisting and turning effortlessly. Almost flowing from one move to another. Other's gathered around to watch and Jeff glanced at them nervously. Did he have to go in front of all these people? Could he do that? Finally Shawn was done, taking his bow for the growing audience and hamming it up. "Alright Michaels. Enough showing off. We all know what you can do." Coach Gunn smiled at his top student and motioned for Jeff to step forward. "Give someone else a chance to show off a little." Shawn smiled at Jeff and winked as he walked by and off the mat to watch. "Alright kid, time to show em' what you can do." And he slapped him on the back and walked away, leaving Jeff the center of attention. He couldn't move. He couldn't breath. This was not good. He could hear the other students start to snicker and whisper back and forth and the urge to run was almost overwhelming. Closing his eyes he tried to calm himself, to center, but he couldn't get past his own fear. But then he felt strong hands on his shoulder and he opened his eyes. Shawn stood right in front of him, smiling. "Breath Jeff, breath and forget they're even here. You're good. You'd have to be to be in this class. Blow them all away. Just look at me and forget there's anyone else in the room." Jeff nodded and Shawn smiled on last time before walking backwards to the edge of the crowd. Never taking his eyes off Jeff's. Jeff closed his eyes again and slowly exhaled all the air in his lungs. 'I can do this.' He repeated over and over again in his head before opening his eyes again. Looking right at Shawn he smiled. 'I can do this." Chapter 7 "Jeff!" Matt waved to his younger brother as the boy bounded out of the school with the other students from his grade. Man oh man, what a day. THis was a huge school and he'd had a hard time finding all his classes. But it hadn't been so bad. He wondered how Jeff's day had been. He eyed the young man and his almost blinding smile as he walked up and they headed for Matt's car. "Good day?" Jeff practically beamed. "You could say that." He was beyond hyper. He couldn't seem to banish the smile from his face and nothing seemed to destroy his wonderful mood. He noticed Matt giving him a sideways glance. "What?" "What's that look for. I mean I know you like school but not that much. Something happen?" What ever it was had Jeff practically walking on air. Jeff just smiled brighter and had to resist the urge to giggle. Buys did not giggle. Still it was a close call. "Gym was cool. The coach is awesome and they have some great gymnasts. And what can I say, I love school." And he was so not telling him any more. He did not feel like getting picked on relentlessly by his own brother. Matt just smiled. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Jeff confessed all. That's just how they were. When the younger boy was ready he'd tell him. "Uh hu. Well we better go. Dad's expecting us home tonight." Jeff sighed again and stared out at the window as Matt pulled away from the school. He had been so nervous, so scared that he would fall on his face. He just knew he wasn't good enough for the advanced class. No matter what the coach thought. And then there was Shawn. *FLASH* Silence. Pure, cold, scary silence greeted his ears as he finished his routine. Oh god, was it that bad? He closed his eyes and waited for the laughs to start. A lone, almost thunderous noise started and his eyes flew open searching for the source. Soon everyone was clapping and Jeff had to fight down the blush he could feel warning his cheeks. Coach Gunn laughed and slapped the startled boy on the shoulder. "Well boy, looks like you could give Shawn 'Hot Shot' Michaels a run for his money." He smiled almost fatherly and pushed Jeff towards the older boy. "Shawn, I want you and Jeff to work together during class and at practices. Work on moves, routine, work outs and weights. Whatever. I think you could both learn something from each other." Shawns' smile was almost blinding and he seemed to be bouncing in place. Jeff shyly walked to stand behind the older boy, taking the attention away from himself. He almost jumped out of his skin when he felt Shawn's hand on his arm. "Well Jeff, your stuck with me now." *FLASH* "Hey dude, snap out of it. We're home." Jeff stated as his eyes focused on their new house. "Come on." Matt cut the engine and grabbed his bag out of the back seat. "You know dad's gonna have a bunch of stuff for us to do." ------------ Hunter smiled over his coffee mug as his two boys walked through the front door. "Good first day?" He almost let loose his snicker as Matt glared at him and Jeff just nodded enthusiastically. Shaking his head he pointed to their rooms. "Go, change. Jeff you have the trash. Matt, dishes after dinner. Straiten up your rooms. No tv till chores and homework is done. And boys, dirty clothes go in the hamper not under your bed." Both boys nodded, it was the same thing every afternoon. Hunter shook his head. He knew the teens should have the routine down pat. But he also knew that if he didn't tell them specifically what to do, being the teenage boys they were, they would try to get out of it simply by stating the obvious. 'Well you didn't 'tell' us'. Needless to say he caught on to that trick pretty quick. Glancing at the clock he grinned. Another hour before Mark got home. Just enough time to start the spaghetti for dinner and have it ready by the time everyone had had a shower. House Husbandry, an art that he had perfected. Chapter 8 Mark stretched over to his husband and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, I needed a good meal after today." It had been hell at work. He'd obviously been given his one day to get use to the place and now it was demands and work and problems and they were all piled on and everyone expected miracles yesterday. Oh well, just like any other place he guessed, but it would have been nice to ease into it for once, "That's what I'm here for. To save you from bad days with mediocre spaghetti." Hunter laughed at his husbands chuckle and looked up as he heard gagging sounds from his two sons. "So tell us about your first day." Neither boy spoke up. They both looked innocent and sweet and it didn't convince their fathers one bit. "Matt, how was your first day?" Mark knew if he wanted any information he would have to be direct and almost commanding with his questions. Matt just sighed. Being the oldest sucked sometimes. It meant that you got picked first most of the time to tell what ever it was that the parental units wanted to hear. "Ok, I guess. I have homework on my first day." Looking at his fathers expression he sighed again. "Which I already did." He knew that was going to be the next question. "I got a little lost between classes but Lita helped me, she's in three out of my four classes this semester." That got Hunter's attention. "Lita?" Matt shrugged. "Just a girl. She's pretty smart and is on the soccer team. She seems cool." First rule of being a teenage, never give away information out freely when it could be used against you at later dates. And never give too much information unless asked directly. But Matt could see the way Hunter looked at him and he knew what questions were going to be in his future. In truth, Lita did seem pretty cool. She was pretty in a tomboy, I could kick your ass sorta way. She was only 16 but she already had a tattoo, explaining that her parents owned a tattoo shop in town. Her hair was bright red and she had a wicked sense of humor. But again, why give out details that were sure to make his parents weary. Hunter just gave his son a searching glance before turning to Jeff. "What about you?" Jeff beamed. "Gym class was so cool. I mean at first I was terrified. I mean I was in an advanced gymnastics class and I just knew I wasn't good enough no matter what the coach thought but when I was in the locker room I met this guy, Shawn, and he seemed cool. Coach wanted me to show everyone what I could do and I thought I would die. I just knew I would fall on my face but I didn't and Coach wants me to work with Shawn. He's the best student in the class and Coach said I could train with him. He said I could give him a run for his money." Jeff was practically bouncing in his chair. Matt smirked at his brother. So that was it. Jeff was crushing bad. He knew the signs, he'd just gotten better at hiding them than his younger brother. It was no secret that Jeff preferred the same sex, where as Matt chased after the girls. Their dad's didn't care who they liked just so long as they were happy. But he also knew that Hunter wouldn't like it because he thought Jeff was too young. Oh well, he'd just have to pump his brother later for more information. "Shawn?" That same tone was used for the boys name as it had been for Lita's. "He delivered the pizza the other night. He's a junior or senior, I can't remember. But he's really good." All of a sudden Jeff clammed up and jerked his head at his brother. Matt had decided that that was enough gushing unless the younger boy wanted the full spanish inquisition and had kicked his leg under the table. "I promised Jeff I would help with some of his homework and he's gonna help me and rinse the dishes." Matt motioned for his brother to get up and shut up. As the boys left and started cleaning off the table the two adults headed for their bedroom. Hunter practically dragged his husband in the need to talk and vent a bit with out the boys hearing. "Ok, what?" Mark watched as his lover paced the room and he sat on the edge of the bed to wait until Hunter could put words to his thoughts. "I told you. I told you this would happen. That guy that delivered the pizza's, I told you. And now their in class together." Hunter wanted to warn the older boy off his son, he was too young. Too naive and sweet. "Hey." Mark grabbed his pacing mate and pulled him down beside him. "Jeff's 14. It's just a crush." Hunter made to protest but Mark put his hand over his mouth before he could get a word out. "And if it isn't then we will deal, Jeff's gonna start dating. Not a lot we can do there." Hunter nodded and shook that large hand off his face. "I know." Mark shook his head. Why did he always have to be the rational one. He didn't like the idea of his little boy dating any more than Hunter did. "And if this kid is interested in Jeff we'll just have to put the fear of God in him." Hunter couldn't help laughing at that. "Fine. I don't like it but fine." Mark looked at his pouting husband and smirked. The boys were busy doing chores and homework. What a rare moment of peace. Bending to capture Hunter's lips in a fierce kiss he pushed the other man against the mattress of their bed. Why waist it? CH 9 He stood outside of class waiting for everyone to empty out. It had been two weeks since their first day and it was time to answer some questions he had. Nothing major, but he was the older brother. It was his job. He had been surprised with he found out the other boy was in his math class. He figured the other kid was just some dumb jock. To find out that Shawn Michaels was one of the smartest kids in school was a bit of a shock but leave it to Jeff to find the best pick. His little brother was always finding the best people to hang out with and always brought out the best in others. Seeing the blonde boy gathering his things he waited. He didn't want to scare the boy off, he actually thought he would be perfect for Jeff. He just wanted to make sure. "Hey Shawn, got a minute?" Shawn looked at him in surprise and nodded. "Yeah man. You're the new kid right. Matt?" Matt nodded and smiled. "Yep, just moved here two weeks ago. I think you know my little brother. Jeff?" He watched as Shawn's expression softened and he blushed. Oh he had it bad alright. "Yeah I know him. He's in my gym class." He tried to sound casual and it might have worked on anyone else if Matt didn't know his little brother as well as he did. They walked to the hall to the cafeteria. Matt looked around and seeing as there wasn't that many students still left in the hall he put his hand on Shawn's shoulder to stop him. "You like Jeff don't you?" Why be subtle when you could be direct and enjoy the look on the other boys face. "Wha...what do you mean? Yeah I like, him he's a great kid." Shawn looked about ready to bolt. Not the normal for the sure and confident boy. "Yeah he is. You can't help but like him. But I mean, you like him. A lot." Matt watched as Shawn seemed to debate weather it was a good idea to make a run for it. Then he squared his shoulders and looked Matt right in the eye. "What are you getting at?" Matt smiled and pulled the other boy into an empty class. "Look. I know you like Jeff. I also know he likes you. I ain't got a problem with it. My parents will." He sighed. "My dad's freaked the first time I started dating. It's gonna be worse with Jeff cause he's the baby. Just wanted you to know." He sighed and looked out the door. "The only thing I can tell you is, go slow. Be a gentleman. And be honest with him and my parents. And they might actually let you date him." Turning from the stunned boy he walked out the door. But before leaving he turned back and smiled again. "And if you hurt hurt, I'll kill you." ------------ He loved this class. It was his favorite and he looked forward to it every day. He loved working on the routines and he loved feeling like he did something great by the end of it. It gave him such and adrenaline rush, he always felt hyper and light headed after class. But most of all he loved looking up after a routine and seeing Shawn smiling at him. Shawn was so patient. He would teach him new moves and loved for him to show things to him he hadn't learned yet. He loved laughing when Shawn made a wise ass remark or joked around. And he loved when the other boy would pat him on the shoulder or hug him when he would finally land a difficult move. Glancing up he saw the object of his thoughts walking into class and frowned. Shawn looked upset, or sad or something. Walking up to him he was surprised as Shawn practically jumped. He never startled the other boy. "Are you ok?" "Yeah." He ran his hands through his blonde hair and sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine Jeff. Just thinking." "What about?" "Jeff..." He didn't really know where to begin. "I talked to Matt earlier. He said...he said" "What did he say to you?" He would kill him. Well, no cause his parents would be pissed. But he would definitely hurt his older brother if he scared Shawn off. "It doesn't matter what he said. I just. Jeff, I like you, ok." He shifted from foot to foot. It had never been this hard before. He could always tell someone he liked them, ask them out. Why was Jeff any different. "I like you a lot. I just, I don't want you to get in trouble with your dad's. I don't want to scare you. Jeff, you're like two years younger than me." "You like me?" His voice was so small that it took Shawn a moment to realize that Jeff was smiling like he was given the best present in the world. Shawn realized he shouldn't have said that. But in for a penny, in for a pound. "Yeah I do." In a blur of motion Jeff moved and pressed his lips to Shawn's in a shy, sweet kiss. Then he was gone, racing for the work out mat and leaving a stunned, breathless Shawn behind him. What had he gotten himself into? CH 10 He did it. He actually did it. He had had his very first kiss. With Shawn, with anybody. But with Shawn. He kissed him, and then left him to think about it. Jeff peeked up through his lashes as he saw the other boy still staring at him from across the room. He resisted the urge to giggle and just went back to his stretching routine. He had kissed Shawn. It had been two weeks. Two whole weeks with out even a hint as to if the other boy was even interested in him 'that way'. He was beginning to think Shawn was blind or something. He knew he wasn't strait. Talk around school was enough to convince him of that. And it had been two whole weeks and Shawn hadn't done anything. And then he had come in looking so upset and worried. Jeff just had to find out why. And he was still gonna kill Matt. After he hugged him and thanked him about a thousand times. And Shawn had said he liked him. Liked him! And he just couldn't resist. He just had to do something. Anything. And he really wanted to kiss him. He had never wanted to kiss anyone before. He use to get picked on cause he was the only one of his old friends who hadn't kissed anyone yet. But he wanted it to be special. And he knew Shawn would be the one he wanted his first kiss to be with. He knew it the first time he had seen him standing on his front porch. And he had finally done it. He had his first kiss. He hoped there would be more but it would be up to Shawn. Well, unless the other boy took too long and then Jeff would just have to kiss him again. A gentle hand landed on his shoulder and he jumped, holding in the shriek that bubbled up in his throat. "I need to talk to you a sec." Shawn's eyes held a serious expression in them and he was all of a sudden nervous. Maybe he had read him wrong. Maybe he had jumped to conclusions and the other boy was trying to tell him that he liked him as a friend, or a little brother. Shawn led Jeff into the empty locker room and as the door shut closed behind them Jeff tried not to fidget. "Jeff..." "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I should have waited until you were done. Don't hate me. I am so sorry and we can just forget it ever happened and still be friends right? I mean, if you want to forget..." His words were cut off as Shawn pulled him tight against his body and pressed his lips firmly against the younger boys. Jeff melted into his arms. He nearly feinted as Shawn's tongue came out to play against his lips and he sighed. Now this was a kiss. His hands knotted in the other boys t-shirt and he felt himself being pressed against the cool lockers. Shawn pulled away with a smirk. "So, that's one way to get you to be quiet so I can get a word in edge wise. I'll have to remember that one." He kissed Jeff again briefly, chastely. "So, would you go out with me?" Jeff could only nod. Oh yeah. He couldn't help but grin, he had a boyfriend. He moved in for another kiss but Shawn stopped him with a gentle shake of his head. "We need to get out there before coach starts looking for us. I don't feel like getting detention even if I just want to stay in here and kiss you all day." Jeff sighed. "Me too." His grin faded however when a thought came to his mind. "My dad's. Oh man, they are gonna freak." He swallowed and looked at Shawn's down fallen expression. "I know, come over for dinner tonight. We usually eat around 6:30. I'll tell my dad's and Matt wil help. He owes me." Shawn looked nervous but nodded. "Just promise me that when your dad's kill me you'll be at my funeral." "They won't kill you." Jeff smiled and captured a quick, innocent kiss. "Maybe." TBC