I Won't Tell Anybody
“Hi,” said the guy nervously. “Uh, Vince wants a stare-down with you and Cena on your way to the ring.”
He wasn’t trying to get Randy to go anywhere or bring bad news, so Randy humoured him a little. “He say anything else?”
“You and Cody and Ted are to go out there together. Before we go to break, we’re gonna show you three walking to the gorilla position and you’re gonna pass by John. Nothing said, just dirty looks.”
Randy nodded. “Yeah, sounds like a plan. Tell him I’ll be out early so we can shoot it.” He closed the door almost in the man’s face, thinking it over - and as odd as it sounded, it lifted his sour mood a little. He’d get to see John before the end of the night and well, sparks always flew between them. Very few people would realise it was anything more than their customary hatred.
Thinking of John actually got Hunter out of his head and by the time he’d outlined the plan to a returned Cody and Ted, he was almost cheerful. Whenever they thought he wasn’t looking they exchanged confused looks and he supposed he understood why; his mood getting better once he’d started brooding was unheard of until long after he’d reacted to the pent-up emotion. And while it was true that too often he’d remember what Hunter had done and feel a surge of rage, considering John managed to diffuse it. Cody and Ted might be surprised, but no one was more surprised than the Viper himself. His temper had been his downfall his whole life. He had never known there to be a solution before. And while he watched John’s match, eyes greedily devouring the images of his lover on the screen, it seemed as if Hunter’s actions lessened in meaning for him. He was still angry, he was still embarrassed, but it was as if it had happened days ago and he’d had the time to recover.
When it came to time for his match, the three of them took their positions at the far end of the corridor, one where production equipment would be left as the corridor widened and where John would be waiting, talking to one of the interchangeable Divas. His match was shortly before Randy’s and for that reason they cut to a backstage interview so that John could get to where he was supposed to be, not allowing Randy the chance to speak to him first. Then again, they worked better off the cuff when it came to moments like these. And John was cutting it pretty fine, his urge to showboat to the crowd meaning that he came close to not making it. Randy had to admit, John’s vanity of playing to the crowd made him feel like John was a lot more human than if he’d been entirely modest. He wouldn’t have understand if John didn’t like to be adored.
For once, Randy had put the belt around his waist instead of over his shoulder, Cody fastening it quickly. Usually he put it over his shoulder just because it felt more comfortable and natural there, but he felt like stepping through the curtain and then taking it off - showing off a little, he could admit, but also showing Cody and Ted off, making them easier to see as they came out until he knew he could hold the belt high without one of their faces obscured by his arm in the resultant photos. It wasn’t hugely comfortable but he could live with it. It wasn’t until the cameras rolled on him that he realised it might not be the best thing for the camera backstage for the gold to be out of sight.
But this wasn’t their usual in-yer-face staring match, they were too far apart. Randy started walking down the corridor, Cody and Ted behind him giving comment about ‘ass-kickings’ and Randy occasionally rumbling a word of agreement - most of what they said would be obscured by the music and the announcers at that point, so the overall feel was more important than the words themselves. Cody slapped his shoulder and that was when John’s voice sounded, deliberately loudly so that the cameras would pick it up. At the sound, all three members of Legacy turned their heads sharply and Randy waited a moment as he knew the camera would be panning out to include John in the shot.
Still shirtless and sweating, John had apparently been caught as he returned to his locker room, a Diva frozen in mid-flirt. She faded into the background for everyone right away as Randy’s eyes met John’s, blue on blue, determined, steely looks on both men’s faces.
Very deliberately, John broke the stare and let his eyes drift down, over Randy’s torso with such obviousness that Randy thought he could feel the weight of it. Then he remembered the camera, the watchers and knew just what John was looking at; the belt. He drew himself up taller and when John’s eyes went back to his, he smirked and shook his head, allowing Cody and Ted to hustle him onwards toward the curtain.
“Tonight,” he commented, not knowing if the cameras were still running but since the cameraman was still going ahead of him, it was a logical enough assumption. “I’m gonna show Cena why I’m the champion.”
And then the cameraman stood aside for him, first training the camera on the retreating Legacy and then swinging it back around to John to show his narrowed eyes and unsmiling face.
~:~
The monitor inside of his room provided John with the ability to watch Randy and his boys as they went and did their match -he had even managed to catch Ted and Cody’s promo though he had missed the end because he had had to ready for his match- and he couldn’t help but grin like a complete goof as he watched Randy (and Cody and Ted). It was the well-known curse of the heel that people would overlook your wrestling because of your character, but there was just something about Legacy -good looks notwithstanding- that you just couldn’t overlook. Each man had their own strengths and skills, and each was a treat to watch.
He remembered back when he had first been briefly introduced to both men when they had had their respective starts in the industry and he could see just how far they had come in their techniques and performance. For all they had obviously been nervous earlier they had managed to do a pretty good job out for the cameras and John made a point to get a message to them somehow to let them know. It always reassured him whenever he had someone giving him an opinion on how he’d done, and he just genuinely wanted to compliment the younger men. Any good words he’d received he’d taken very seriously and, hell, he’d even cherished the advice and compliments, even the naysayer’s words now and again.
Getting up as the match drew to a close John knew that he should probably get a shower before he dressed and went to go and meet Randy. He had seen in the other’s face that he had been disappointed that he wouldn’t join him earlier and John wanted to show him that it had most definitely not been a case of John not joining him because he didn’t want to. That was far from the truth. In all honesty he hadn’t trusted himself to behave if he was close to Randy with baby-oil involved, and having Cody and Ted there might not have put any sort of damper on him. He wasn’t proud of such a thing because he had never been such a slave to instinct before, no matter how light it was but he couldn’t very well deny it and, well in all honesty he wasn’t even embarrassed about it deep down.
Stripping out of his jorts (jean-shorts) after he had toed off his trainers and socks John grabbed his shower-gel from his little travel toiletry bag and then padded into the showers. Group showers had never bothered him -joking comments about ass tone and tackle size were standard when you were surrounded by other body-caring, testosterone filled men- but he couldn’t deny that it was undeniably nice that he had the privacy on his own and he could soap up without causing any attention to be drawn to himself. And, well, after adrenaline or something else to cause noticeable attraction happened then he didn’t have to worry about trying to hide an erection or needing to find some way to deal with it before anyone else saw it. Eyes drifting shut John popped the cap of his shower-gel and then took some onto his hand before beginning to create lather up.
The rushing of the shower overhead meant that John missed the dressing-room door opening (he was always forgetting to lock it after himself when he was actually in it because people always seemed to need him and therefore it seemed an occasionally pointless exercise) and someone depositing a bag down on the bench beside his own. A pair of pants were shucked off and shoes removed, the naked visitor silently slipping into the shower behind the completely relaxed and unawares Cena. Had he not immediately recognised the contours of the body at his back or the tattooed arms that encircled his middle John would have freaked out big time and kicked the ass of the pervo trying to creep on him but as it was John merely turned his head enough to send a smile to the slightly smiling younger man whose body was currently pressed snugly into his back, hands splayed over his sudsy stomach.
“You looked good out there tonight,” John said, pressing a kiss to the momentarily embarrassed but also pleased looking Randy’s cheek. They may not have been together long but he knew the signs enough to know that something wasn’t right with Randy and he wanted to ask what it was--- but he also knew that right then Randy seemed to have no inclination to mention what was bothering him and as such John should just wait until Randy was ready to talk. Confessing his love for the other and not having the sentiment returned followed by then badgering the other to ask him what was wrong with him would probably not promote John to the spot of Number One Lover. Instead he merely turned in Randy’s arms and drew the other down into a kiss by leaning up to close that irritatingly small difference in height that separated them as he took some more shower-gel into his hands and lathered them up afresh before bringing them to Randy’s bronzed flesh. The younger man had a low purring growl rumble up from his throat immediately.
“For the record we always look good out there,” Randy winked as they parted from their kiss, the words low and breathy. John merely shook his head with a wan chuckle and continued to soap his lover up. “Does this make up for me not sharing your locker-room before?” Randy pretended to consider, “Well, we’re getting there. Give me a foot-massage back at the hotel and I’d say I could be persuaded.” Giving the younger man a playful poke in the ribs John then wrinkled his nose, “I’d rather suck your cock then massage those sweaty feet of yours.” Randy went to protest as to whom exactly had sweaty feet when he realised what John had said. A slow smirk curled his lips as John moved around to begin soaping up his back since he’d done his front, “Well, if that would make you feel more comfortable you’ll not hear me protesting.”
~:~
Back in his hotel-room, Evan sighed and sank down onto the mattress of the double-bed. There was a single bed to the side closest to the wall but neither he nor Chris had been using it. Despite his insistence that Chris needn’t foot the bill of their room alone the older man wouldn’t hear of Evan doing it, so they had compromised that they would go halves. Evan didn’t want to seem ungrateful for the generous gestures that Chris made to him but he wasn’t used to having money and gifts given to him without hesitation and it took a lot of getting used to, it was second nature to offer some sort of protest. Dropping his bag down onto the floor Evan flopped back onto the crisp covers and placed an arm over his eyes. He knew that he should really get up and go shower since he hadn’t done so at the arena but he really didn’t want to move at that moment in time.
Since Chris had a promo and interview to do after the show that night Evan had begged-off a lift from Kofi and JoMo, the two men having no problem with him riding along though they did ask why he couldn’t get a lift with whoever he had gone across with. Evan made some vague excuse and changed the topic as swiftly as he was able; he knew that Chris still wasn’t ready for them to tell, because he was still held back by his reservations, and Evan would be lying if he said that it wasn’t getting harder and harder for him to keep mum about it. The age difference between them might cause raised eyebrows but Evan honestly didn’t care; he had never felt anything even remotely like this for another person before and he had never, never, ever second-guessed himself when it came to his emotions and he wasn’t about to start now.
That night hadn’t been a total bust on the show he supposed, he had been in a match against Kofi after all and even though he hadn’t gotten the pin it seemed to have gone over well… at least he was being used at all on TV this week, he tried to tell himself--- but even that thought couldn’t stop the small prickling of frustrated tears in his eyes. His career wasn’t the only thing on his mind that night though; his talk with John earlier that day in the gym had been plaguing him a lot. Though his friend had seemed relatively at ease and genuinely happy Evan had the feeling that maybe he was not feeling so calm inside. He wished he could do something more than the other than offer a sympathetic and attentive ear when he needed someone to vent to but logically he knew that was impossible: there was very little that he could do against the forces of Hunter and Shawn. Popular with the fans he may be but he wasn’t exactly high up on the card, meaning he was protected.
He must have dozed off at some point, tired and mind full of conundrums because the next thing he was aware of was being lifted by a pair of now familiar and strong arms. Hazily he blinked and brought himself back to the land of the conscious just as Chris gently eased him into a pleasantly hot bath. When the other had undressed him Evan had no idea and he was mildly amused and surprised that the other had managed to do so when he was sleeping--- he was a notoriously light sleeper generally unless he was well and truly tuckered out. “Chris?” he mumbled, aware of what was going on and yet struggling to keep up even so. Chris was clad in his suit, but the jacket was missing alongside the tie and his sleeves were rolled up and exposing his toned arms. The Canadian smiled softly down at his sleepy lover; Evan had been working hard today, granted, but he knew that there had been something else playing upon his cheerful little puppy’s psyche.
“I’m gonna go and pick us up some dinner, Ok? We can eat when you’re done. Chinese Ok?” Evan leant up and exchanged a slow kiss with the other before sinking down into the water as Chris headed off. He liked to think that the blush on his face was due to the water but he knew it wasn’t; the heat he felt was emanating from his chest and had everything to do with Chris and nothing to do with the water surrounding him and easing his sore muscles. Everyone thought that Chris was so aloof and unkind but that wasn’t the case at all. He treated Evan like a prince and even spent hours practising moves with him and helping him go over his promos and segments despite having lots of work of his own to do since he was higher up in the hierarchy. Allowing himself to soak for a little bit longer Evan then washed his hair and himself before draining the tub and exiting it, a small towel being used to dry off before he then rescued a pair of sweatpants from his bag and settled Indian style against the headboard after changing. Chris walked through the door mere moments later.
The blonde undressed himself (he didn’t have to shower since he hadn’t been wrestling that night, had only done some promos and been ringside) before then settling beside Evan as they unwrapped the delicious smelling takeaway food that Chris had brought. They had the TV playing low in the background for the ambience more than anything, a comfortable silence between them as they ate. It was only when they were halfway through that it really clicked to Evan that the food and the bath, though things that Chris had done for him before when they could get away with it, he usually only did them when he was concerned about him. Exhaling a gentle breath Evan turned and sent Chris a small apologetic smile, startling the older man just slightly since it seemed that he had chosen that moment to steal another glance at the smaller man.
“I’m sorry, Chris… I’ve been a little out of it today, haven’t I?” he had been distant when he’d come back from the gym when he had seen John and he hadn’t said much as they’d managed to steal a quick lunch together before they then headed to the arena. Setting his food aside for the moment Chris reached and rested his forehead against Evan’s. “If there’s something bothering you, you know that you can come and talk to me right?” at least, he was sure that he had given Evan that impression. He knew that occasionally he could be short-tempered with people that moaned and complained all the time but in Evan’s case he felt as though the other could stand to complain some more and be a little more selfish. Evan was always trying to help other people out and seemed reticent about asking for help himself, as though that would make him weak to do so. “I know, I know,” Evan hastened to assure softly, sighing gently. “It’s nothing wrong with me exactly, but my friend… John and Randy, I’m really worried that things are going to get difficult for them soon.”
Chris’ brow furrowed slightly; Evan had confided in him when John had first started seeing Randy because he had been concerned about how this might affect him in the long term. He placed a hand atop Evan’s own and asked, “What is it?” the dark haired male sighed and then began to give the main points of concern for him--- Shawn and Hunter for the main. Chris’ face took on an unimpressed and understanding expression immediately and Evan paused, “Chris?” the blonde man sighed and shook his head before attempting to give Evan a reassuring smile, “It’s alright, Evan. It’s… well, I wish I could say that this sort of behaviour was new, but it isn’t, and the sad thing is I doubt it will stop even after you have retired.” Evan waited for Chris to elaborate but he didn’t, he merely picked his food back up and resumed eating before then prompting Evan to continue speaking, offering the other comfort where he could and just generally hoping to make him feel better.
~:~
Cody giggled slightly as he shoulder-bumped Ted as they made their way through the arena and out to the car. Randy had vanished off, telling them both not to worry waiting he and John would find some way back, and Cody had called after him a reminder that they locked the arena up overnight so he couldn’t spend too long molesting his Number One Contender in the showers. Randy had flipped him off but winked as he left and the younger men were relieved that a good portion of whatever tension Randy had been carrying earlier had been worked-out during their match that evening. Ted grinned and caught Cody lightly around the neck, ruffling his hair and hearing him squawk in protest. He really wanted to draw the other into a kiss but there was still many a wrestler around and there was quite the sizeable crowd gathered outside of the fence surrounding the car-park when they got outside so he couldn’t risk it. It hurt Cody sometimes and he knew it despite what the other man said to him. It hurt him as much as Cody that society’s expectations and their job’s notoriety meant that they couldn’t act like an everyday couple together in public, but it was just one of those things that they had to sacrifice for the time being at least.
Inside of the car he clicked his seatbelt in as Cody did the same in the passenger seat before immediately reaching for the radio dial and switching to some RnB style song that Ted didn’t like or dislike; maybe it was the country boy inside of him but he’d much rather listen to a bit of Tim McGraw as opposed to Snoop Dogg or whoever was the current flavour of the charts. At first glance he and Cody wouldn’t seem like an obvious choice of friends but they had known one another since they were kids and Ted could honestly say he’d never connected better with another person--- even before he had realised he’d fallen in love with Cody. “Honestly…” he teased as he drew the car back to leave the lot, conscious of the camera lights going off some distance away from them. It still shocked him how desperate some people could be to get a picture of them.
The drive back to the hotel took a little bit of time because of the seemingly large amount of cars on the road so late and by the time they got back Cody was more than ready to get something to eat and then collapse into bed with a film. When he mentioned this to Ted the other blushed, and for good reason; every time they had been in a hotel after Ted’s film The Marine 2 had come out Cody had insisted on ordering it and Ted had been forced to sit there, squirming in embarrassment as Cody watched his acting from beginning to end. It was weird to watch himself on TV, he couldn’t even do it when he was at home with the family… and his dad liked to make a point of keeping his better matches to watch back whenever he went back for a visit. It was a tradition that he doubted would stop anytime soon.
When they reached the hotel though they found something that was very out of place--- Hunter was sitting in the reception area, and it was quite obvious that he was waiting for someone. Cody twitched in the direction of Ted’s hand, wanting to reach for the other, but he caught himself in time and hastily made out that he had been stretching both arms instead. “Teddy…” Cody started, voice low, and Ted nodded his head slightly to acknowledge that he had heard and understood. If Hunter was waiting for Randy then he was going to be waiting for a good long while, and if he caught Randy and John returning together then who was to say he wasn’t going to start throwing his weight around with the other two men? Cody would be lying if he said he wasn’t just the slightest bit afraid of Hunter.
In all honesty, Ted didn’t like him either. Sure, whenever he had been around when he was younger, with his dad or someone else, Hunter had always been nice as pie towards him and told him he could come to him if he ever had any problems or wanted some advice. Ever eager to learn and grow Ted had considered actually taking him up on that advice… until he had noticed how cold Hunter’s eyes were. The smile he wore didn’t reach them and there was something in that untrue expression that had gotten all of Ted’s senses on high alert. He had dealt with the man only when absolutely necessary and he had done his best to make sure Cody didn’t get caught out either--- he could let his guard down easier than some.
They hadn’t realised that as they had essentially stopped to have one of their silent conversations Hunter had noticed them, and he had motioned to someone in the bar. A certain Texas someone who sauntered out of the bar area and walked beside Hunter until they reached the two younger men. Ted was the one who noticed the arrival of the blonde men first and he subtly placed himself a little before Cody as he turned to acknowledge them. Though he might be a huge fan or what they did in the ring and what they had done for the company, he didn’t like the way they handled personal affairs. To him work and private life should be kept separate… he was aware that Cody caused him to maybe not adhere to his own thought as much as he might want to, but he didn’t begrudge him that, but at least they didn’t flaunt themselves all over or drag other colleagues into their business.
“Shawn, Hunter,” he greeted, drawling slightly as he adopted his fail-safe manner of casual and at ease, loosening his stance and making sure he projected an unawares and unassuming stance. For a moment he could sense Cody tense behind him but then he seemed to cotton on and relaxed himself before offering a slight smile and nodding. “Ah, Baby Rhodes-“Cody’s nostrils flared just slightly at the name, “-and the Million Dollar Prince, just the two we wanted to see. Come and have a drink with us. It’s on me and Shawn.” Every instinct he had was screaming not to buy into the seemingly casual affair, but the logical side of Cody’s mind was reluctantly acknowledging that they could just want to talk about their potential up-and-coming feud and it would stupid to cut his nose off to spite his face--- in the career sense of course.
“Maybe just one then…” Cody said, drawing on his natural confident charm to make sure that he wasn’t showing any intimidation and showing up himself or Ted, “-we’re tired and we’ve had a long day.” For a moment he could have sworn he heard Shawn mutter something that sounded like, “Looking forward to an even longer night?” but when he sent the other man a look Shawn was already walking away and heading for the bar, Hunter waiting until Cody and Ted began to follow before moving himself. Ted suddenly felt like a lamb being led to the proverbial slaughter.
They found themselves seated at a back table as Shawn charmed the waitress into bringing drinks over for them, Cody and Ted only getting beers to be polite… something that amused Ted because he knew that beer wasn’t Cody’s favourite tipple but he was showing a united front with his lover by selecting the same as him. Shawn and Hunter sat opposite them and sent them disarmingly charming smiles, Cody pressing his thigh against Ted’s just slightly underneath the cover of the table and glancing towards the bar door. If John and Randy showed up then maybe Hunter and Shawn would take a hike before they did… whatever they were intending.
“We don’t know if you’ve been told yet-“and the suspicion in those words was so clear it was amusing, “-but we’ve been considering a good boost for you two in the tag circuit. Tag wrestling’s going downhill and Vince wants to bring it back…” Shawn gave a grandiose tip of the hat towards the two younger man and took over from where Hunter had started, “So, we’re thinking that Legacy should begin a feud with DX. It works well considering that it’ll be a reason for Shawn to be taken out of the WWE title run, and which tag-team would really boost your standing amongst the fans? It makes perfect sense.” Cody and Ted couldn’t argue with that; DX were arguably one of the best tag-teams in the history of the business if not the best tag-team in the history of the business.
“You want us to get into a feud with you?” Ted had to hide his smile by taking a drink as he heard Cody’s deceptively naïve words, “Are you sure we’re ready for that?” neither he nor Cody were lacking in confidence when it came to their abilities--- they had been born and bred for the business after all. Sure, Ted had considered becoming a Minister at some point but that had been short-lived. Wrestling was in his blood and nothing could draw him away from it. Cody getting into the business so young and before him had killed him, especially when he’d heard Cody was chumming around with Randy… of course this was before he’d gotten to really get to know the man again since childhood and he hadn’t been aware that Cody was in love with him. Looking back he wondered how he’d missed it.
He wasn’t trying to get Randy to go anywhere or bring bad news, so Randy humoured him a little. “He say anything else?”
“You and Cody and Ted are to go out there together. Before we go to break, we’re gonna show you three walking to the gorilla position and you’re gonna pass by John. Nothing said, just dirty looks.”
Randy nodded. “Yeah, sounds like a plan. Tell him I’ll be out early so we can shoot it.” He closed the door almost in the man’s face, thinking it over - and as odd as it sounded, it lifted his sour mood a little. He’d get to see John before the end of the night and well, sparks always flew between them. Very few people would realise it was anything more than their customary hatred.
Thinking of John actually got Hunter out of his head and by the time he’d outlined the plan to a returned Cody and Ted, he was almost cheerful. Whenever they thought he wasn’t looking they exchanged confused looks and he supposed he understood why; his mood getting better once he’d started brooding was unheard of until long after he’d reacted to the pent-up emotion. And while it was true that too often he’d remember what Hunter had done and feel a surge of rage, considering John managed to diffuse it. Cody and Ted might be surprised, but no one was more surprised than the Viper himself. His temper had been his downfall his whole life. He had never known there to be a solution before. And while he watched John’s match, eyes greedily devouring the images of his lover on the screen, it seemed as if Hunter’s actions lessened in meaning for him. He was still angry, he was still embarrassed, but it was as if it had happened days ago and he’d had the time to recover.
When it came to time for his match, the three of them took their positions at the far end of the corridor, one where production equipment would be left as the corridor widened and where John would be waiting, talking to one of the interchangeable Divas. His match was shortly before Randy’s and for that reason they cut to a backstage interview so that John could get to where he was supposed to be, not allowing Randy the chance to speak to him first. Then again, they worked better off the cuff when it came to moments like these. And John was cutting it pretty fine, his urge to showboat to the crowd meaning that he came close to not making it. Randy had to admit, John’s vanity of playing to the crowd made him feel like John was a lot more human than if he’d been entirely modest. He wouldn’t have understand if John didn’t like to be adored.
For once, Randy had put the belt around his waist instead of over his shoulder, Cody fastening it quickly. Usually he put it over his shoulder just because it felt more comfortable and natural there, but he felt like stepping through the curtain and then taking it off - showing off a little, he could admit, but also showing Cody and Ted off, making them easier to see as they came out until he knew he could hold the belt high without one of their faces obscured by his arm in the resultant photos. It wasn’t hugely comfortable but he could live with it. It wasn’t until the cameras rolled on him that he realised it might not be the best thing for the camera backstage for the gold to be out of sight.
But this wasn’t their usual in-yer-face staring match, they were too far apart. Randy started walking down the corridor, Cody and Ted behind him giving comment about ‘ass-kickings’ and Randy occasionally rumbling a word of agreement - most of what they said would be obscured by the music and the announcers at that point, so the overall feel was more important than the words themselves. Cody slapped his shoulder and that was when John’s voice sounded, deliberately loudly so that the cameras would pick it up. At the sound, all three members of Legacy turned their heads sharply and Randy waited a moment as he knew the camera would be panning out to include John in the shot.
Still shirtless and sweating, John had apparently been caught as he returned to his locker room, a Diva frozen in mid-flirt. She faded into the background for everyone right away as Randy’s eyes met John’s, blue on blue, determined, steely looks on both men’s faces.
Very deliberately, John broke the stare and let his eyes drift down, over Randy’s torso with such obviousness that Randy thought he could feel the weight of it. Then he remembered the camera, the watchers and knew just what John was looking at; the belt. He drew himself up taller and when John’s eyes went back to his, he smirked and shook his head, allowing Cody and Ted to hustle him onwards toward the curtain.
“Tonight,” he commented, not knowing if the cameras were still running but since the cameraman was still going ahead of him, it was a logical enough assumption. “I’m gonna show Cena why I’m the champion.”
And then the cameraman stood aside for him, first training the camera on the retreating Legacy and then swinging it back around to John to show his narrowed eyes and unsmiling face.
~:~
The monitor inside of his room provided John with the ability to watch Randy and his boys as they went and did their match -he had even managed to catch Ted and Cody’s promo though he had missed the end because he had had to ready for his match- and he couldn’t help but grin like a complete goof as he watched Randy (and Cody and Ted). It was the well-known curse of the heel that people would overlook your wrestling because of your character, but there was just something about Legacy -good looks notwithstanding- that you just couldn’t overlook. Each man had their own strengths and skills, and each was a treat to watch.
He remembered back when he had first been briefly introduced to both men when they had had their respective starts in the industry and he could see just how far they had come in their techniques and performance. For all they had obviously been nervous earlier they had managed to do a pretty good job out for the cameras and John made a point to get a message to them somehow to let them know. It always reassured him whenever he had someone giving him an opinion on how he’d done, and he just genuinely wanted to compliment the younger men. Any good words he’d received he’d taken very seriously and, hell, he’d even cherished the advice and compliments, even the naysayer’s words now and again.
Getting up as the match drew to a close John knew that he should probably get a shower before he dressed and went to go and meet Randy. He had seen in the other’s face that he had been disappointed that he wouldn’t join him earlier and John wanted to show him that it had most definitely not been a case of John not joining him because he didn’t want to. That was far from the truth. In all honesty he hadn’t trusted himself to behave if he was close to Randy with baby-oil involved, and having Cody and Ted there might not have put any sort of damper on him. He wasn’t proud of such a thing because he had never been such a slave to instinct before, no matter how light it was but he couldn’t very well deny it and, well in all honesty he wasn’t even embarrassed about it deep down.
Stripping out of his jorts (jean-shorts) after he had toed off his trainers and socks John grabbed his shower-gel from his little travel toiletry bag and then padded into the showers. Group showers had never bothered him -joking comments about ass tone and tackle size were standard when you were surrounded by other body-caring, testosterone filled men- but he couldn’t deny that it was undeniably nice that he had the privacy on his own and he could soap up without causing any attention to be drawn to himself. And, well, after adrenaline or something else to cause noticeable attraction happened then he didn’t have to worry about trying to hide an erection or needing to find some way to deal with it before anyone else saw it. Eyes drifting shut John popped the cap of his shower-gel and then took some onto his hand before beginning to create lather up.
The rushing of the shower overhead meant that John missed the dressing-room door opening (he was always forgetting to lock it after himself when he was actually in it because people always seemed to need him and therefore it seemed an occasionally pointless exercise) and someone depositing a bag down on the bench beside his own. A pair of pants were shucked off and shoes removed, the naked visitor silently slipping into the shower behind the completely relaxed and unawares Cena. Had he not immediately recognised the contours of the body at his back or the tattooed arms that encircled his middle John would have freaked out big time and kicked the ass of the pervo trying to creep on him but as it was John merely turned his head enough to send a smile to the slightly smiling younger man whose body was currently pressed snugly into his back, hands splayed over his sudsy stomach.
“You looked good out there tonight,” John said, pressing a kiss to the momentarily embarrassed but also pleased looking Randy’s cheek. They may not have been together long but he knew the signs enough to know that something wasn’t right with Randy and he wanted to ask what it was--- but he also knew that right then Randy seemed to have no inclination to mention what was bothering him and as such John should just wait until Randy was ready to talk. Confessing his love for the other and not having the sentiment returned followed by then badgering the other to ask him what was wrong with him would probably not promote John to the spot of Number One Lover. Instead he merely turned in Randy’s arms and drew the other down into a kiss by leaning up to close that irritatingly small difference in height that separated them as he took some more shower-gel into his hands and lathered them up afresh before bringing them to Randy’s bronzed flesh. The younger man had a low purring growl rumble up from his throat immediately.
“For the record we always look good out there,” Randy winked as they parted from their kiss, the words low and breathy. John merely shook his head with a wan chuckle and continued to soap his lover up. “Does this make up for me not sharing your locker-room before?” Randy pretended to consider, “Well, we’re getting there. Give me a foot-massage back at the hotel and I’d say I could be persuaded.” Giving the younger man a playful poke in the ribs John then wrinkled his nose, “I’d rather suck your cock then massage those sweaty feet of yours.” Randy went to protest as to whom exactly had sweaty feet when he realised what John had said. A slow smirk curled his lips as John moved around to begin soaping up his back since he’d done his front, “Well, if that would make you feel more comfortable you’ll not hear me protesting.”
~:~
Back in his hotel-room, Evan sighed and sank down onto the mattress of the double-bed. There was a single bed to the side closest to the wall but neither he nor Chris had been using it. Despite his insistence that Chris needn’t foot the bill of their room alone the older man wouldn’t hear of Evan doing it, so they had compromised that they would go halves. Evan didn’t want to seem ungrateful for the generous gestures that Chris made to him but he wasn’t used to having money and gifts given to him without hesitation and it took a lot of getting used to, it was second nature to offer some sort of protest. Dropping his bag down onto the floor Evan flopped back onto the crisp covers and placed an arm over his eyes. He knew that he should really get up and go shower since he hadn’t done so at the arena but he really didn’t want to move at that moment in time.
Since Chris had a promo and interview to do after the show that night Evan had begged-off a lift from Kofi and JoMo, the two men having no problem with him riding along though they did ask why he couldn’t get a lift with whoever he had gone across with. Evan made some vague excuse and changed the topic as swiftly as he was able; he knew that Chris still wasn’t ready for them to tell, because he was still held back by his reservations, and Evan would be lying if he said that it wasn’t getting harder and harder for him to keep mum about it. The age difference between them might cause raised eyebrows but Evan honestly didn’t care; he had never felt anything even remotely like this for another person before and he had never, never, ever second-guessed himself when it came to his emotions and he wasn’t about to start now.
That night hadn’t been a total bust on the show he supposed, he had been in a match against Kofi after all and even though he hadn’t gotten the pin it seemed to have gone over well… at least he was being used at all on TV this week, he tried to tell himself--- but even that thought couldn’t stop the small prickling of frustrated tears in his eyes. His career wasn’t the only thing on his mind that night though; his talk with John earlier that day in the gym had been plaguing him a lot. Though his friend had seemed relatively at ease and genuinely happy Evan had the feeling that maybe he was not feeling so calm inside. He wished he could do something more than the other than offer a sympathetic and attentive ear when he needed someone to vent to but logically he knew that was impossible: there was very little that he could do against the forces of Hunter and Shawn. Popular with the fans he may be but he wasn’t exactly high up on the card, meaning he was protected.
He must have dozed off at some point, tired and mind full of conundrums because the next thing he was aware of was being lifted by a pair of now familiar and strong arms. Hazily he blinked and brought himself back to the land of the conscious just as Chris gently eased him into a pleasantly hot bath. When the other had undressed him Evan had no idea and he was mildly amused and surprised that the other had managed to do so when he was sleeping--- he was a notoriously light sleeper generally unless he was well and truly tuckered out. “Chris?” he mumbled, aware of what was going on and yet struggling to keep up even so. Chris was clad in his suit, but the jacket was missing alongside the tie and his sleeves were rolled up and exposing his toned arms. The Canadian smiled softly down at his sleepy lover; Evan had been working hard today, granted, but he knew that there had been something else playing upon his cheerful little puppy’s psyche.
“I’m gonna go and pick us up some dinner, Ok? We can eat when you’re done. Chinese Ok?” Evan leant up and exchanged a slow kiss with the other before sinking down into the water as Chris headed off. He liked to think that the blush on his face was due to the water but he knew it wasn’t; the heat he felt was emanating from his chest and had everything to do with Chris and nothing to do with the water surrounding him and easing his sore muscles. Everyone thought that Chris was so aloof and unkind but that wasn’t the case at all. He treated Evan like a prince and even spent hours practising moves with him and helping him go over his promos and segments despite having lots of work of his own to do since he was higher up in the hierarchy. Allowing himself to soak for a little bit longer Evan then washed his hair and himself before draining the tub and exiting it, a small towel being used to dry off before he then rescued a pair of sweatpants from his bag and settled Indian style against the headboard after changing. Chris walked through the door mere moments later.
The blonde undressed himself (he didn’t have to shower since he hadn’t been wrestling that night, had only done some promos and been ringside) before then settling beside Evan as they unwrapped the delicious smelling takeaway food that Chris had brought. They had the TV playing low in the background for the ambience more than anything, a comfortable silence between them as they ate. It was only when they were halfway through that it really clicked to Evan that the food and the bath, though things that Chris had done for him before when they could get away with it, he usually only did them when he was concerned about him. Exhaling a gentle breath Evan turned and sent Chris a small apologetic smile, startling the older man just slightly since it seemed that he had chosen that moment to steal another glance at the smaller man.
“I’m sorry, Chris… I’ve been a little out of it today, haven’t I?” he had been distant when he’d come back from the gym when he had seen John and he hadn’t said much as they’d managed to steal a quick lunch together before they then headed to the arena. Setting his food aside for the moment Chris reached and rested his forehead against Evan’s. “If there’s something bothering you, you know that you can come and talk to me right?” at least, he was sure that he had given Evan that impression. He knew that occasionally he could be short-tempered with people that moaned and complained all the time but in Evan’s case he felt as though the other could stand to complain some more and be a little more selfish. Evan was always trying to help other people out and seemed reticent about asking for help himself, as though that would make him weak to do so. “I know, I know,” Evan hastened to assure softly, sighing gently. “It’s nothing wrong with me exactly, but my friend… John and Randy, I’m really worried that things are going to get difficult for them soon.”
Chris’ brow furrowed slightly; Evan had confided in him when John had first started seeing Randy because he had been concerned about how this might affect him in the long term. He placed a hand atop Evan’s own and asked, “What is it?” the dark haired male sighed and then began to give the main points of concern for him--- Shawn and Hunter for the main. Chris’ face took on an unimpressed and understanding expression immediately and Evan paused, “Chris?” the blonde man sighed and shook his head before attempting to give Evan a reassuring smile, “It’s alright, Evan. It’s… well, I wish I could say that this sort of behaviour was new, but it isn’t, and the sad thing is I doubt it will stop even after you have retired.” Evan waited for Chris to elaborate but he didn’t, he merely picked his food back up and resumed eating before then prompting Evan to continue speaking, offering the other comfort where he could and just generally hoping to make him feel better.
~:~
Cody giggled slightly as he shoulder-bumped Ted as they made their way through the arena and out to the car. Randy had vanished off, telling them both not to worry waiting he and John would find some way back, and Cody had called after him a reminder that they locked the arena up overnight so he couldn’t spend too long molesting his Number One Contender in the showers. Randy had flipped him off but winked as he left and the younger men were relieved that a good portion of whatever tension Randy had been carrying earlier had been worked-out during their match that evening. Ted grinned and caught Cody lightly around the neck, ruffling his hair and hearing him squawk in protest. He really wanted to draw the other into a kiss but there was still many a wrestler around and there was quite the sizeable crowd gathered outside of the fence surrounding the car-park when they got outside so he couldn’t risk it. It hurt Cody sometimes and he knew it despite what the other man said to him. It hurt him as much as Cody that society’s expectations and their job’s notoriety meant that they couldn’t act like an everyday couple together in public, but it was just one of those things that they had to sacrifice for the time being at least.
Inside of the car he clicked his seatbelt in as Cody did the same in the passenger seat before immediately reaching for the radio dial and switching to some RnB style song that Ted didn’t like or dislike; maybe it was the country boy inside of him but he’d much rather listen to a bit of Tim McGraw as opposed to Snoop Dogg or whoever was the current flavour of the charts. At first glance he and Cody wouldn’t seem like an obvious choice of friends but they had known one another since they were kids and Ted could honestly say he’d never connected better with another person--- even before he had realised he’d fallen in love with Cody. “Honestly…” he teased as he drew the car back to leave the lot, conscious of the camera lights going off some distance away from them. It still shocked him how desperate some people could be to get a picture of them.
The drive back to the hotel took a little bit of time because of the seemingly large amount of cars on the road so late and by the time they got back Cody was more than ready to get something to eat and then collapse into bed with a film. When he mentioned this to Ted the other blushed, and for good reason; every time they had been in a hotel after Ted’s film The Marine 2 had come out Cody had insisted on ordering it and Ted had been forced to sit there, squirming in embarrassment as Cody watched his acting from beginning to end. It was weird to watch himself on TV, he couldn’t even do it when he was at home with the family… and his dad liked to make a point of keeping his better matches to watch back whenever he went back for a visit. It was a tradition that he doubted would stop anytime soon.
When they reached the hotel though they found something that was very out of place--- Hunter was sitting in the reception area, and it was quite obvious that he was waiting for someone. Cody twitched in the direction of Ted’s hand, wanting to reach for the other, but he caught himself in time and hastily made out that he had been stretching both arms instead. “Teddy…” Cody started, voice low, and Ted nodded his head slightly to acknowledge that he had heard and understood. If Hunter was waiting for Randy then he was going to be waiting for a good long while, and if he caught Randy and John returning together then who was to say he wasn’t going to start throwing his weight around with the other two men? Cody would be lying if he said he wasn’t just the slightest bit afraid of Hunter.
In all honesty, Ted didn’t like him either. Sure, whenever he had been around when he was younger, with his dad or someone else, Hunter had always been nice as pie towards him and told him he could come to him if he ever had any problems or wanted some advice. Ever eager to learn and grow Ted had considered actually taking him up on that advice… until he had noticed how cold Hunter’s eyes were. The smile he wore didn’t reach them and there was something in that untrue expression that had gotten all of Ted’s senses on high alert. He had dealt with the man only when absolutely necessary and he had done his best to make sure Cody didn’t get caught out either--- he could let his guard down easier than some.
They hadn’t realised that as they had essentially stopped to have one of their silent conversations Hunter had noticed them, and he had motioned to someone in the bar. A certain Texas someone who sauntered out of the bar area and walked beside Hunter until they reached the two younger men. Ted was the one who noticed the arrival of the blonde men first and he subtly placed himself a little before Cody as he turned to acknowledge them. Though he might be a huge fan or what they did in the ring and what they had done for the company, he didn’t like the way they handled personal affairs. To him work and private life should be kept separate… he was aware that Cody caused him to maybe not adhere to his own thought as much as he might want to, but he didn’t begrudge him that, but at least they didn’t flaunt themselves all over or drag other colleagues into their business.
“Shawn, Hunter,” he greeted, drawling slightly as he adopted his fail-safe manner of casual and at ease, loosening his stance and making sure he projected an unawares and unassuming stance. For a moment he could sense Cody tense behind him but then he seemed to cotton on and relaxed himself before offering a slight smile and nodding. “Ah, Baby Rhodes-“Cody’s nostrils flared just slightly at the name, “-and the Million Dollar Prince, just the two we wanted to see. Come and have a drink with us. It’s on me and Shawn.” Every instinct he had was screaming not to buy into the seemingly casual affair, but the logical side of Cody’s mind was reluctantly acknowledging that they could just want to talk about their potential up-and-coming feud and it would stupid to cut his nose off to spite his face--- in the career sense of course.
“Maybe just one then…” Cody said, drawing on his natural confident charm to make sure that he wasn’t showing any intimidation and showing up himself or Ted, “-we’re tired and we’ve had a long day.” For a moment he could have sworn he heard Shawn mutter something that sounded like, “Looking forward to an even longer night?” but when he sent the other man a look Shawn was already walking away and heading for the bar, Hunter waiting until Cody and Ted began to follow before moving himself. Ted suddenly felt like a lamb being led to the proverbial slaughter.
They found themselves seated at a back table as Shawn charmed the waitress into bringing drinks over for them, Cody and Ted only getting beers to be polite… something that amused Ted because he knew that beer wasn’t Cody’s favourite tipple but he was showing a united front with his lover by selecting the same as him. Shawn and Hunter sat opposite them and sent them disarmingly charming smiles, Cody pressing his thigh against Ted’s just slightly underneath the cover of the table and glancing towards the bar door. If John and Randy showed up then maybe Hunter and Shawn would take a hike before they did… whatever they were intending.
“We don’t know if you’ve been told yet-“and the suspicion in those words was so clear it was amusing, “-but we’ve been considering a good boost for you two in the tag circuit. Tag wrestling’s going downhill and Vince wants to bring it back…” Shawn gave a grandiose tip of the hat towards the two younger man and took over from where Hunter had started, “So, we’re thinking that Legacy should begin a feud with DX. It works well considering that it’ll be a reason for Shawn to be taken out of the WWE title run, and which tag-team would really boost your standing amongst the fans? It makes perfect sense.” Cody and Ted couldn’t argue with that; DX were arguably one of the best tag-teams in the history of the business if not the best tag-team in the history of the business.
“You want us to get into a feud with you?” Ted had to hide his smile by taking a drink as he heard Cody’s deceptively naïve words, “Are you sure we’re ready for that?” neither he nor Cody were lacking in confidence when it came to their abilities--- they had been born and bred for the business after all. Sure, Ted had considered becoming a Minister at some point but that had been short-lived. Wrestling was in his blood and nothing could draw him away from it. Cody getting into the business so young and before him had killed him, especially when he’d heard Cody was chumming around with Randy… of course this was before he’d gotten to really get to know the man again since childhood and he hadn’t been aware that Cody was in love with him. Looking back he wondered how he’d missed it.