Couples 9/15
Now that nanowrimo is finally over, I can concentrate on posting my Slashy-fics again. I'll hopefully be able to post an update every other day on here. For those interested in my other fics, check out the fic-list on my journal! :)
Follow three WWE couples on their way through fame, hard work, stress and the troubles of relationship.
Pairings: Cody/John, Randy/Jack, Ted/Miz
Warning: Slash, Sex, "Strong" Language
This chapter will be nothing really special... no fighting (not really) and no smut... but it'll be setting up future happenings, so I guess it was important to write. Special thanks to Mikey and Cody muses for inspiring me greatly with it! :P
Disclaimer: I own my muses, though I've lost my sanity a long time ago... therefor I'm not sure if they even belong to me.
Warnings (specifically for this chapter): Slash
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
It was one week after the shattering Draft now, Cody and Ted already having had their first Smackdown Show, already getting used to the new travel-schedule, the new faces, new opponents, new atmosphere in a different locker-room.
They had decided to room together again, like in good old times, both of them having missed their long talks about god and the world, their endless discussions about music and movies, their silly conversations about comics or video games.
The topic of Mike had already come up the first night they had roamed together and though it had been a more than awkward conversation, Ted had been more than glad to finally have told Cody everything… from the beginning to the end… and he was even more glad about the fact that his friend tried to console him instead of judging him.
Cody had listened intensely to every single word and though he had been more than eager to just yell at Ted for not telling him sooner -he could have helped him if he had known EVERYTHING that had been going on- he could also understand where Ted was coming from. He knew how it felt to be addicted to someone, knew how it is like to worship someone, to not want to lose that someone… he knew it more than well.
That night they had talked into the early morning-hours, not only about Ted's past relationship, but also about Cody's current, about what the draft would bring for the two of them -career-wise and relationship-wise- they had talked about Randy and Jake… gossiping about other couples like there was no tomorrow.
It had been the first time in a long while that Ted had felt that comfortable, that relaxed, that carefree again.
Cody was currently on his lap-top, video-chatting with John, headset on, legs crossed in front of him as he was sitting on the bed while Ted occupied the other one, back resting against the headboard as he flipped through the channels of their TV.
Can you call it eavesdropping if the other person knows you were in the room? Cause that was exactly what Ted was doing… he could have cared less about the TV, rather listening to what Cody was saying to John, rather watching his movements, his reactions, his actions, seeing his expressions change from happy to frowning to sad in a matter of minutes.
"I'm sure we'll be able to see next week… I'm off from Wednesday to Friday."
John pouted, letting out a long sigh.
"I've a signing on Wednesday and a house-show on Friday… that only leaves Thursday for us… that's one fucking day in 2 weeks."
He could see Cody rolling his eyes, shifting around on his bed as he was keeping his hands in his lap.
"We'll work through it… others have also been able to do so… why not us?"
John just shrugged, tongue darting out to wet his lip.
"Cause I already miss you like hell… I dunno how to wait any longer."
"Miss me or my body?"
He must have forgotten that Ted was there -Ted, who got more than uncomfortable now that the conversation obviously turned into something more intimate- as he arched a brow and tilted his head to the left, chewing his lips.
John huffed, shaking his head.
"Everything about you, Codes… miss to hold you, to kiss you, to tease you, to miss you. Miss to look at you, talk to you, play games with you, walk with you… and gosh… how I miss to fuck your brains out."
Cody gulped, eyes flicking over to Ted to see if his friend had heard that last part as his face grew red… more than red.
The instant he saw Codys eyes flicking towards him, Ted turned back around, trying to look deeply drawn into whatever was on the TV just then. He had not heard what Cena said, but from the looks on Codys face, it sure as hell had been something less appropriate.
"John… don't…"
"Don't what? Ted's there, huh?"
Cody just nodded, chewing his lips as his cheeks started to go back to their natural color, head hanging low and therefore keeping him from seeing John's reaction as he rolled his eyes and his eyes darkened for a short moment.
"Yeah… thought so."
Cody huffed as he heard the disappointment in John's voice, glancing over at Ted again before finding his voice.
"We talked about that, John… there's nothing to worry about."
He was more than uncomfortable to once again have this conversation, especially now that Ted was only inches away… and could hear every single word leaving his mouth.
"But he's there… and I'm not… who says that now that he's single, he won't try to get into your pants again?"
"I do!"
His voice came out as a growl, harsher than he had wanted, but he seriously started to grow sick of John's jealousy… especially since he had no reason whatsoever.
John just sighed again, shaking his head before he turned around -probably looking at the clock.
"Listen… I have to go now… I need to be at the arena in a bit."
"Can we talk again after the show?"
God… why did he have to sound like a lovesick puppy now? It was not him behaving like a little kid; it was John. He should be the one sounding desperate.
"I dunno… the boys wanted to go out tonight. Might join them."
"Great… just great…"
He sighed, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall, trying to keep his voice steady and his aching heart from bursting. Why did this feel like the end? He was only going offline… nothing else… no need to fucking cry.
"I'll call you tomorrow morning, Codes… I promise. Love ya."
Cody raised his head again, managing a weak smile as he saw John kissing his hand and placing it on the screen, mimicking his movements as he lay his hand to where John's was, whispering.
"Love you, too…"
The screen went blank as John signed off, Cody's eyes staying fixed on it for a while longer, so caught in his thoughts that he did not even realize Ted getting off his bed, throwing the remote carelessly onto the covers.
He could not handle to see his friend that sad, that down, that depressed… not even for a minute.
Walking over to Codys bed, he carefully sat down next to him, placing a hand on his back, smiling as the younger man looked up at him, a shaky sigh escaping his plump lips.
*You haven't seen the world outside for days. You sleep, you hope, you wait, imagination disappears.*
It would not only do Cody any good, but also himself.
"How about we go out tomorrow? After the show? Just the two of us… like in good old times? Get drunk, party… ya know… just have some fun?"
He sighed again, glancing back at the screen as he chewed the insides of his cheek, thinking about it for a short while, the soft hand on his back soothing his nerves a little.
Could not do any harm, now, could it? He had not been out for a while, not without John especially… and the last time he had gotten busted… hell, that must have been ages ago. So yeah… why not?
He slowly nodded his head, making Ted's smile grow, his hand leaving Codys back and patting his thigh as he rose again.
"Good… and now, come on… we've a houseshow to be at in an hour."
Due to Teds now changed schedule, Randy and Jake had have enough time for themselves over the past week to make up for everything they had missed until now and both of them had certainly enjoyed each and every second they had been able to spend together… this time at Jake's home.
Randy was still worried about Ted's mental status, but he had enough trust in him and in Cody to let it rest. He had called Ted a few days ago, just to check in on him while he was with Jake, finding the younger man in a strangely good mood. Obviously, the break-up with Mike had done him better than Randy would have guessed at first… and even Cody had told him yesterday that there was nothing to worry about, he would take good care of him.
Besides this, he had other things to dread right now… Adam. Why of all people did he have to be drafted back to Raw again? Right now when everything seemed to be going so well? Now that he was happy?
Neither him nor Jake were happy with it, though it had different reasons. Randy was afraid that even though he had moved on, Adam would be able to somehow find a way back into his life… his head… his heart… while Jake was afraid that Randy might get second thoughts about there relationship, now that Adam was back in the picture. That far away -on Smackdown- he had not considered him a threat at all… but now?
The show was about to start in a few minutes as they made their way towards Randy's locker-room, hand in hand, ignoring the glances of their co-workers, the disgusting words some of them threw at them, the more than stunned looks on the faces of some of the stuff. They both had gotten used to it already, had had a long talk about it and had both decided that neither of them cared about it.
As long as they were happy, as long as they felt comfortable holding hands, kissing, showing their affection towards each other in public, none of them gave a damn. Even Vince had talked to them about it, telling them to at least be careful around fans, in public places, when photographers were around. He did not need the world to find out that two of his biggest stars, two of his biggest merchandise-sellers, kids- and chick-magnets were dating.
Just when Randy was leaning down to peck Jake's lips, to whisper him some words of encouragement for his match later on, murmur him some words of love -in front of his locker-room- a rather loud wolf-whistle caught both their attention- and as they turned around to see where it came from, none of them was pleased at all.
Adam was leaning against the wall, his temple resting against it as his arms were crossed over his chest, ring-gear already covering his freshly showered body, hair hanging down his shoulders dripping wet as he sent them his trademark smirk.
Randy's tongue got almost caught in his throat at the sheer appearance of his ex-lover, his former boyfriend and partner, the once love of his life and Jake could feel the grip on his hand tightening almost painfully hard, flinching a little as he saw the look in Randy's eyes… something along pain, hurt, uncomfortable ness, a frown playing on his lips -the same that had just moments ago worn such a beautiful smile, that were about to brush his own only a minute before.
"Good to be back on Raw… how I've missed the sight of my favorite tag team partner ever."
As Adam pushed himself off the wall, taking a few steps closer towards them, Jake could feel Randy's body stiffening, could feel his hand slightly shaking, could see his expressions turn cold and the worst thing was, that he did not know what to do about it.
Squeezing gently the hand that held his, Jake smiled over at him, before turning back around to face Adam, giving him a quick nod and extending his right to him.
"Jake… glad to finally meet one of my all-time favorites."
Adam looked down at the hand with an arched brow, before glancing at Randy, seeing the younger man frozen in his spot, his lips instantly curling up in a smirk again as he shook the hand, his gaze never leaving Randy's features.
"So… the infamous Jake Hager… I've already heard a lot about you… good and bad… and I can't wait to find out if it's all true."
When he saw Randy inhaling sharply, he knew he still had it. Turning his attention back towards Jake, he could see the frown gracing the young mans face, making him smirk even wider, sending him a quick wink.
"Sorry that I have to keep this short, but I've a promo to cut in a minute… though I'm sure we'll see each other later again… and I'm eager to get to know you a bit better… Jake."
As his name left Adam's lips, husked, in a mix between seduction and sarcasm, Jake flinched again, a chill running through his whole body as -lost for words- his eyes followed Adam the whole way down the hall, mind already producing all kind of thoughts and questions, almost forgetting about his lover standing right next to him.
As soon as he was gone, Randy let out the long breath he had been holding all the while, before following it with a growl, shaking his head as his shoulders tensed up, hand -that seemed frozen in Jake's the entire time- finally relaxing and pulling free from his lovers grip, turning around to look at him, his eyes softening the instant they locked with Jake's.
"Sorry…"
Jake managed to creek a soft smile as he shook his head, the questions that were seconds ago running through his head forgotten the moment those warm blue pearls had locked with his.
"It was supposed to happen anyways."
Randy nodded quickly, head lowering as he gazed down the hall again, taking a deep breath, trying to form a fitting apology for Adam's behavior, but he was cut short by Jake's lips softly pressing onto his, his body finally relaxing completely.
Even though he was well aware of Randy's reaction towards Adam, even though he was now more afraid than ever before that this would not end well, and even though Adam's words were still ringing in his ears, Jake tried to push all this aside… for now… in favor of making Randy forget and as he felt the large palm carefully sliding down his back, gentle cupping one of his cheeks, to pull him closer, to deepen the kiss, he knew it had worked.
They stood like this for almost an eternity, until Randy finally pulled away, lips curled up into a goofy grin, foreheads resting together, breathing coming out in short pants as he licked his lips dry, savoring the sweet taste of his love on them.
"Come on… let's go and give them fan girls what they're waiting for."
The immature, silly remark drew a soft chuckle from Jake, and for that single moment, the whole awkward meeting was forgotten as they headed into Randy's locker, preparing for the show to come.
Later that night, the show long over, as they were both back in the privacy of their own four walls -or rather the privacy of the hotels four walls- Jake finally let the happenings of the evening get back into his mind.
He had tried to stay his usual happy, delighted self during the show, towards Randy at least, whenever his lover had been around, but now… Randy was taking a shower and it was the perfect chance for him to review the night, their running-in with Adam, Randy's reaction, Adam's words.
He sighed heavily as he let his head hit the pillow beneath, closing his eyes for a moment.
That look on Randy's face, in his eyes when Adam had been only a few inches away… it made his blood boil in pure jealousy. He did not know what to think of it… did not know if it meant that Randy still had feelings left in him, if he still loved Adam. After all they… no, HE had wanted to marry that guy, though that had been a long time ago.
And that hard grip on his hand, he could still feel his veins pound, could still feel the affects of Randy's grip nearly crashing his hand… as if he had forgotten that he had still been there. But then again… the look in his eyes as soon as Adam had been gone… so warm, so genuine, so soft… so full of love.
He groaned, shaking his head, rolling around onto his belly to press his face into the pillow, stifling the scream that escaped his throat.
And Adam? That crazed look in his eyes, pure lust as he had shook his hand… not towards Randy, but towards him. What was this guy onto? Trying to make Randy's life a living hell? Trying to push him? Trying to make Jake uncomfortable, sweaty, insecure… until the point where he would just run off and leave Randy alone? Or… was he trying to prey him away from Randy? Did he try to flirt with him?
He huffed, rolling back onto his sides as he opened his eyes again, chewing on his lips.
As if this would ever happen… he would never… ever cheat on Randy, nor would he just leave him. No way would he give up what they had, not after fighting so long for it. If Adam wanted a fight… oh god knew… he was on.
A minute later Randy re-emerged from the bathroom, working the last droplets of water out of his hair with a towel, boxer shorts hanging low on his hips, humming the theme of Mission Impossible while he smiled at Jake.
His eyes were too clouded with lust, with affection… with love to even realize that something was off with his lover as he slowly inched closer towards Jake, throwing the towel away carelessly before letting himself plop down on the bed, scooting over until he lay right in front of his lover, noses almost touching, placing a hand on his hip and starting to slowly run it up and down his love's thigh.
"Hey there."
Jake cracked a short smile, before tucking his lower lip in, his eyes following the movements of Randy's hand, feeling the goose bumps on his skin. Randy ignored the sirens in his head at Jake's distance -at least for now- as he let his hand travel down to the waistband of Jake's pajama's, his lips softly brushing over his lovers neck, leaving a trail of butterfly kisses on his skin.
The younger man closed his eyes again, letting out a long sigh as he turned his head away, rolling onto his other side. He had too much on his mind to get distracted now; especially like this… he just could not get all those things out of his mind.
Randy's eyes widened at Jake's almost cold behavior and he propped himself up on his elbow, hand leaving the smooth skin of his love only to be placed on the shoulder of the man who's back was now turned towards him as confusion and worry were taking over his soft expressions.
"Babe?"
His only answer was a short groan. Scooting up into a sitting position, his hand ran up to Jake's cheek, carefully turning his head to face him, brows ceased as he saw the sadness in Jake's eyes.
"What's wrong?"
He bit his lip, shrugging as he tried to lower his gaze again, his eyes now in line-up with Randy's crotch not really helping the matters.
"Jake? Come on… talk to me… please!"
A huff escaped him as he too scooted up into a sitting position, head still lowered, avoiding Randy's gaze as he chewed on his lips, hands fondling with his waistband.
Randy had never seen Jake that insecure, that nervous, that… almost child-like before and he was seriously starting to become worried now. Did he do anything wrong? Was he in trouble? Was Jake in trouble? Or even worse… going to break up with him… already?
"I…" He needed to take a deep breath before he was able to look back up at Randy, meeting his confused gaze as he continued. "I don't know… I'm kinda worried… Today when we ran into Adam… I just… I had that weird feeling, that weird idea… and then I saw that look on your face… so hurt and all… and… and… I know it sounds childish and totally silly… but do you… well… are you sure you're over Adam? Completely?"
The noise leaving Randy's throat was a mix of sigh -of relief- and gasp -of fear- as he crooked his neck to the side, eyes widening a bit at the mention of the name… at the question having been asked.
"I…"
Jake saw the reaction and instantly knew -or rather thought- that his worried were rightful, entitled, his face falling instantly.
Randy sighed, raking a hand through his short hair before he was able to continue.
"I'm sure I'm over him… I just… it was awkward today to see him again… nothing else… Jake… why would you… I mean, okay… I know why you would think something like this, but really… I'm just scared that he'll somehow ruin our relationship."
Jake looked at him as if Randy had grown a second head, eyeing him warily as he shifted on the bed, hands now resting in his lap.
"How could he possibly do that? I mean… if it's really true that you love me… then how could he get in between us?"
Randy shrugged, shaking his head before smacking his lips.
"I know him, know his crazy mind, his psycho-tricks, know how he can influence people… and even though I DO love you… …" Whatever he wanted to say, it got stuck in his throat and he had to clear it before being able to go on. "I just… Jake… you're the only thing, the only person I desire… and not even Adam can change that."
Jake's lips twitched into a quick smile as he listened to the words, a soft sigh escaping him as Randy placed a hand on his cheek, thumb brushing over the bone down to his chin, lifting it up.
"I love you… and I won't let Adam come between us… I promise."
He could only nod, the honesty, the sincerity in Randy's eyes and the warmth of his voice making him believe almost everything right then, the smile forming on Randy's lips enough re-assurance that everything would be good.
"Now… actually I had something special planned for you… but after this talk… I dunno if you'd still want it?"
It was a hint of sarcasm, a glue of teasing in those words, in his tone, that made Jake swallow down hard before arching a brow.
"Depends on what exactly you had planned?"
He got his answer by lips pressing onto his, softly yet urgently, wanton yet gentle, passionate yet smooth and as the night went on, his lips did not stay the only place getting a taste of Randy's talented tongue.
In the meanwhile, most of the guys had gone out to party, one of them in particular having caught Mike's eyes -not for the reasons you might think, but for the fact that he was flirting with a rather attractive brunette chick… and he was blasted.
It was John he was watching from his spot on the bar, the elder man on the dance-floor, all over the girl, leaning close to her, whispering in her ear, their hips grinding against each other as they were swaying -from what he could see, John was not able to do more than that in the state he was in- to the rhythmic sound of the music.
He did not like the look of it at all. Even though Ted had broken up with him, even though he had never much to do with Cody and even though he was still in denial of everything that had gone on over the past months, this was something he could not accept. Ted had made it perfectly clear to him how he had been feeling whenever he had cheated on him -girl or boy- and he did not want anyone else to ever feel as shitty as Ted did… and who knew? Maybe this would be a perfect way to get into Ted's heart again… or at least in his head?
The next night, Ted had taken his invitation serious, dragging Cody out to a local club right after the Smackdown-taping.
An hour after they had stepped into the club, two beers later, he could finally see Cody starting to enjoy his time, could see him relax, the smile back on his lips as he was tapping his feet to the music…. And he was close to forget himself.
It had not only been the first time for Cody to go out without John ever since they had started dating, but also the first time for Ted… EVER that he was out, having fun without Mike anywhere near him, without being in a relationship… the first time he felt like being able to let go ever since that disastrous thing called love.
As they were leaning against the bar, their eyes flicking over the dance-floor, beer in their hands, both of them were glad to finally be away… for a whole other reason.
Cody was able to feel free for once again, not under control and the careful watch of his boyfriend, getting rid of the constant nagging, his jealousy, able to forget about the distance between them.
Ted on the other hand just enjoyed being that close to his once best friend again, able to connect with him, to just let go of his past for a while, letting all his worries, all his pain fly away. He had lied so many times by now, that he had already lost track of it. Because how could anyone seriously believe him when he had said that Mike was not on his mind anymore? When he had said that he did not love him anymore?
Of course, he still did… why else would it still hurt so much?
And just as those thoughts were running through his mind, his phone went off, vibrating in the back pockets of his jeans.
He pulled it out, flipping it open, instantly groaning and rolling his eyes as he saw the name flashing up on the screen, shaking his head.
Cody watched him with his bottom-lip tucked in, his eyes darting onto the screen and seeing the name blink one last time before Ted flipped the phone shut again, ending the incoming call before answering it.
"You know… you should really talk to him… at least one last time."
Cody's low rumble startled him a bit and he was glad about his fast reflexes as he almost dropped his bottle. Staring into the beautiful, soft blues, he tilted his head, confusion written all over his face and if he could read his mind, Cody nodded towards the phone in Ted's other hand.
"Mike… you said you've never talked to him… like… civilly and all. I think you should at least give him a chance to explain… even though it won't change anything."
Ted let out a long sigh, glancing at his golden cell phone for a while before shaking his head and putting it back into his jeans.
"Maybe… but not tonight… tonight's all about us… and having some fun, right?"
Cody rolled his eyes, but nodded nonetheless. Who was he to give his friend orders anyways? Moreover, giving him advice on his love life? After all, he was not the one to talk with the past he had.
Ted smiled at him, clapping his back before taking another sip of his beer, long, very long, almost gulping it down in one go, eyes darting back to the dance-floor to avert Codys boring gaze.
The next morning had come way too fast and while Ted had been sleeping off his intoxication, Cody had had lots of time on his hand to think about his current state -or rather the state of his relationship.
It had been well after noon that Ted had finally gotten his lazy ass out of bed, the hangover not quite as bad as he had guessed it to be. Cody had already been chatting away with John again; laptop cradled just where it belonged: in his lap as his back rested against the headboard, a soft smile spreading his lips as he had watched Ted awakening, groaning at the bright light shining directly in his face.
Thirty minutes and an aspirin later, Ted had joined him back in their room, shirt and sweat-pants covering his sore and tired body as he plopped down on the bed, hand instantly reaching for his phone and flipping it open, sighing as he saw three missed calls -all by Mike.
He gave Cody a quick glance, seeing that he was too enclosed in his conversation with John to get distracted now and the decision was made, the buttons pressed, phone held close to his ear as he waited for his former… his… ex-boyfriend to pick up.
"Hey!"
He could just picture the surprised, yet happy smile on Mike's face as he answered the phone and it involuntarily smile himself.
"Hey…"
A short moment of awkward silence came between them, Ted shifting around on his bed uncomfortably, eyes darting over to Cody every now and then, as he was waiting for Mike to say something… anything.
"I… uhmmm.."
"You've tried calling me a few times."
"He… yeah… err… I needed to… well… I wanted to talk to you."
Ted nodded -as if Mike could see him- pulling his legs close to his body, hugging them as he rested his chin on his knees.
"I guessed that…"
"Listen… I am really sorry about everything, Ted. Words can't describe how sorry I am… and I know nothing will ever make up for what I've done to you… it's just…"
He could hear him sigh, could hear the rustling of sheets, instantly imagining Mike on his bed in nothing but his boxers and nervously chewing his lips. Damn his mind for letting it be influenced like this every single time.
"I miss you… I know that no apologies will ever make up for what I've done…"
*I'm holding on so tightly now, my insides scream so loud. They keep watching, watching me drown. How did it come to this?*
"I've been a fucking idiot… the biggest on planet earth… I just hope that maybe one day you can forgive me… and we can at least be friends again."
Ted sighed, running a shaky hand through his hair, licking his upper lip before tucking in the lower one, eyes once again darting over to Cody who was looking at him curiously.
"I just… Mike… I can't… all the things you've done… you've said. You have no idea how much they've hurt me… how much it still hurts. You're right… no apologies will ever make up for it, no words will ever make it better…"
He could hear him swallow hard, could almost picture his eyes watering as Mike's voice started to tremble.
"I'm sorry… I really am… I've started treatment, seeing a doc to deal with my addiction, going to therapy because of my sudden outbursts, my violence… I'm really trying to change."
He had to close his eyes, biting his lips so hard that he could almost taste the blood, his hand tightly gripping onto the phone as he took the words in. He knew what Mike was talking about, often enough had he seen the pills laying around openly in their room, often enough had Mike taken them right in front of him -but still he had never had the guts to tell on him, or to just slap them out of his hand, to even TALK to him about it. All he had ever done was staying passive, staying in his submissive role, never fighting back, and never saying a damn thing.
So how could he blame it all on Mike? It was partly his fault that it had come that far… he could have stopped it long ago.
"A little too late." He had finally found his voice again, though it was a little shaky. "Besides this… I already have my eyes set on someone else."
That did not only make Mike almost double over, but also got Cody's attention as the young man raised his head from his lap-top, arching a brow at his friend, eyes wide and glued to Ted's lips… to every single word that left them from then on.
"You… you… I… who?"
Ted shrugged, glancing at Cody with a little smirk playing on his lips.
"I don't see why I should tell you that, Mike."
All of a sudden he had grown confident again, sure of himself, nothing of the nervousness and pain showing in him anymore as he got off the bed.
"I told you that I've stopped loving you a long time ago… I just never had the guts to do anything… to leave you."
He could just imagine Mike's face falling, could imagine him crying by now -or at least fuming… whatever it was, it somehow made him feel good… in a weird way.
"I… yeah… you're probably right… so… just… one last thing."
Ted sighed, arching a brow as he wrapped his free arm around himself.
"Shoot."
"After Raw… me and some of the other guys have been out to party… and… John… well…"
Ted's brow shot higher at the mention of his best friends man and he quickly turned his head to look at the young man -still sitting on his bed, still on his lap-top, now fully back in his conversation with John- deciding that it would be better to continue this talk alone. Quickly striding over to the bathroom, he stepped inside, making sure to close the door as quiet as possible, keeping his voice low as he leaned against it.
"What about John?"
"Well… he was flirting with some chick… a brunette… they were like… really close, dancing, grinding, whispering and all. I just… I wanted you to know… maybe… you could warn Cody or something?"
Ted furrowed his brows as he tilted his head, smacking his lips before letting a long sigh escape them.
"Mike… don't lie to me… it won't bring us closer again."
He could hear the sigh of frustration leaving his former lovers lips… those sinful, dirty, talented lips.
*God fuck, Ted… get a hold of yourself.*
"I'm not lying, Ted… Despite treating you like… well… the way I've treated you… never once in our relationship have I lied to you."
He knew that Mike spoke the truth… too much had he enjoyed to rub it all in his face back then, too much had Mike get off about hurting him that he would have never lied to him… and why should that have changed now? Nothing about him would ever change.
"Okay… I believe you… but I won't say anything to Cody… and you won't either. It was just flirting… nothing else. Or did you see them leave together?"
"No… but…"
"See… there's nothing to worry about. I bet John was just a bit drunk, lonely… he's a faithful guy after all…"
*Unlike me* That was what Mike thought at least, but it never made it past his lips.
"Listen… I have to go now. My flight leaves soon… and Cody's waiting."
The second lie today already… thanks god Mike did not see him, else he would have been able to tell it all.
"Okay… I… I'm really sorry… and thanks for at least listening to me."
Before he could say anything else, Ted had already shut his phone off, letting out a long, low, heavy sigh of relief as his back slid down the door until his ass hit the ground. It was hard enough to forget about him, but even harder to stay mad at him.
"You know… maybe… we should have a family dinner next week? Like… you, me… and our parents? And bros?"
He could have sworn that John's eyes nearly bugged out of his head, already giving him the answer for the question he did not dare to ask… John had not told them about him yet… and he was quiet sure he would not do so in quite some time.
"Uhmmm… well…"
Cody sighed, shaking his head as he ran a hand over his face.
"Sorry… shouldn't have asked… just forget it again."
The faint tone of hurt came across, making John feel even guiltier than he already was -dear god, he should not have flirted with that girl two nights ago, but he could not help it… he missed the body-contact.
"No… No… we can…"
Cody eyes suddenly widened and lit up as his head shoot back up, mouth hanging open in question.
"You… really?"
John smiled softly at him, nodding.
"Sure… just… can we like… wait for the right moment to tell them? You know… go there as friends and when the time's right…"
Cody nodded hastily, the ideas for the dinner already forming in his head, of how to trap both their parents in one place at the same time, the food, the surroundings… god… this could actually work out after all.
"We'll talk about it later, okay? I gotta go… flight's going soon."
Seeing John nod and giving him another kiss on the screen re-assured him in doing the right thing… made him positive about that man, about their relationship again and all doubts he had had over the past days were suddenly gone as he kissed him back, hand lingering on the screen for a while longer until he could hear the footsteps in the bathroom, indicating that Ted was about to join him in their room again soon. He could not wait to tell his friend the news -excited about finally taking a step forwards instead of back.
Keep them reviews coming... each and every one of them! They make me smile!
Btw, Spell-check's being a b*** to me, so sorry for any mistakes.
*Off to molest Cody muse since Randy muse is being a sissy ever since I called him a girl*