Disclaimer: I do not, nor have I ever claimed to own or know any of the people depicted in this story. Their likenesses are the property of TNA and WWE respectfully.
Author's Note: Some of the people who have been in the wrestling fandom for awhile will recognize this story. It was on my old account at will slowly begin bringing fan fictions, edited and rewritten over to this account and deleting them off my former account to which the link can be found in my profile. This story in particular is getting a complete overhaul that I hope you will enjoy. It takes place in 2002.
Jeff Hardy walked backstage slowly, feeling completely and utterly numb after what had happened to him that evening. His own blood, someone he had known for his entire life. The man who had been his tag team partner since they had learnt to wrestle, Matt Hardy had betrayed him; and to of all people Rob Van Dam, one of their friends.
He might as well have stuck a knife into his brother's back for all his broken promises were worth. He had interfered in the match, giving Jeff the Twist of Fate and left him lying helpless in the ring as RVD had won the match with a three count
Jeff wasn't really sure what hurt most in the situation just that his body ached all over and his heart wasn't really feeling much better. Matt had promised to protect him against the harshness of the business they had gotten themselves into without having to do any "favours" for any of those higher up then themselves. And apparently the time to protect his little brother had run out for Matt, Jess just wished he had told him ahead of time so that he could've prepared himself for it.
Walking into the locker room Jeff was relieved to see that Matt had already been and cleared out all his stuff. Matt would be joining the ranks of the Smackdown roster with Shannon Moore; Jeff's best friend since childhood as well as his band mate and would be under the command of the Million Dollar Princess Stephanie McMahon. Considering the temperament of Shannon and Stephanie who he actually got along with rather well Jeff couldn't help but wonder whose side they would take. Although with his luck running out so fast Jeff thought it to be most likely Matt.
His brother had always been able to garner the attention of others despite how much Jeff paraded around in revealing clothes, with his hair and nails done. In fact whenever Jeff did so Matt would typically snort derisively and shake his head muttering something about his "fag of a brother." Those around him, pulled in by Matt's often manipulative ways would nod their heads in agreement. It was no secret that Jeff didn't exactly have that many fans on the roster or in the offices. Jeff knew for a fact he was only kept around because he was virtually a fan magnet, they gravitated towards him like flies to honey; a fact that he never stopped appreciating.
Slumping down onto the bench Jeff pulled off his ruined shirt and winced at the pain in his side, 'Great,' He thought to himself, his insides would certainly match his outsides. Both would be considered hurt beyond immediate repair, at least for the time being.
Vaguely recalling last week's Raw Jeff shook his head sighing, Triple H had admitted to hurting his best friend and fellow Kliq member weeks prior to that night's show. He could remember vividly the hurt and betrayed look on Shawn's face as he had challenged Triple H to a match at Summer Slam. It was definitely more than regular story lines, just like what was going on between him and Matt; backstage politics interfering with what was supposed to be an hour of entertainment. Last week although horrible for Shawn had been good for him, Matt had seemed happy and so had Amy, despite not being able to wrestle. He hadn't felt betrayal flowing through his veins like heavy lead, choking his blood supply. Although he had before been able to identify with his death defying idol Jeff would give anything to not have to at the moment in time.
So lost in thought Jeff didn't notice the person knocking on his door or said person entering the room on crutches. This gave the much larger man a chance to study Jeff, worrying his lip in between his teeth as he considered all that had happened that night involving the rainbow haired young man.
"Come on kid, you're coming with me," He said, his deep voice resonating throughout the room. He smiled when Jeff looked up at him, obviously surprised at having the Big Wolf, Kevin Nash leaning on his crutches.
Jeff for once was so surprised that he didn't say anything at first; he opened his mouth and found that there was nothing he could say. "Are you supposed to be here in your condition?" He questioned, only realize how stupid that sounded after it had left his mouth. Why was Kevin here though? He had shown no interest in the Hardy as anything other than an acquaintance before.
Chuckling slightly Kevin shook his head, "You make it sound as though I'm some woman with a bun in the oven or something Jeffrey. I'm not supposed to be wrestling due to this injury but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be in the arena watching from backstage." He explained, his warm voice washing over Jeff immediately making him feel calmer.
Jeff cracked a grin, feeling less like he was falling apart on the inside as he stared at the Kliq leader. "So why are you here? And don't insult my intelligence by telling me that you've been here since the beginning of the show cause that would be a lie. You're easy to notice believe me." He began packing up his ring gear as he removed it from his body, tossing his wife beater in the trash he ignored the shaking of his own hands. He debated trashing the pants as well, as a way to rid himself of the memory of this night but decided not to. Standing up in naked glory he gestured to a well worn leather chair in the corner with one hand before tucking it behind him, not wanting Kevin to see his wrecked nerves anymore than he wanted to admit to having them.
Hobbling over to the chair Kevin sat down and pulled out his cell phone dialling the first number in his memory then putting it to his ear waited for it to stop ringing, his patience thin with every annoying sound. He tapped one foot hoping that one of his family members would be home to help him when he left the arena with Jeff.
"Pity party central how may I service you?" A familiar voice rang through the speakers bringing pictures of a mischievous face surrounded by beautiful raven black hair.
Kevin couldn't help the smile that crossed his face or the chuckle that spilled from his lips as he imagined the look on his friends face. "Well you can start by making room for one Sean." He responded with ease, stretching out.
Sean immediately became more animated, his interest showing through even in his voice. "Are you bringing home a new cub to play with?" He asked, his eyes sparkling as he glanced across the room at another family member who seemed as interested. "Is he cute? Is he sexy? Does he have the looks that drive the boys wild? Does he have the moves that really move them?" He ducked as the other man threw something in his direction.
Kevin laughed as he heard Sean get yelled at to shut up. "Yeah Sean, he's cute and sexy. I'm sure he drives the boys wild with his looks and I haven't seen his moves other than what he does in the ring and those are fabulous so I can't tell you that." He waited for Sean to stop laughing, smiling wryly.
Showering quickly Jeff got dressed and walked out, not too surprised at finding Kevin on the phone with someone. He waved at him and stuck the rest of his things in his bag before zipping it. He sat down on the bench and began the menial task of pulling on socks and tying up his platform boots, hoping that wherever Kevin took him that the people wouldn't find him too strange.
"Alright, love you too kid. I'll be there soon. Uh huh okay. See ya soon," Kevin flipped the phone closed before watching Jeff for a moment then speaking. "Are you ready to go kid?" He asked, standing slowly and grabbing his crutches, wishing he didn't actually have to bother with them.
Jeff hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly; he hadn't really had much contact with Kevin since the older man had begun working in the WWE again and despite hearing great things about him from Shannon still wasn't sure.
"Don't worry Jeff; we'll take damn good care of you just like we've done before. You're with the Kliq now so there's nothing to worry about. We're the Elite and despite what Vince may think we truly run this joint," Kevin assured him, his eyes gleaming.
Jeff nodded again and followed Kevin through the building, remaining slightly behind him as the older man stopped to say hi to 'Taker, otherwise known as Mark Calloway.
"Hey badass, how's it hanging?" Kevin greeted his old friend in a friendly manner, shaking his hand and winking slyly.
"Low and a little to the left," Mark grinned wickedly as his eyes swept down Kevin's body, an almost predatory glint to his eyes. "But things do seem to be looking up." He flirted blatantly, his voice a low rumble in his chest tinged with just the slightest hint of an accent.
Jeff felt himself turning red as the older man's gaze settled on him and shifted more behind Kevin as if to hide. Although he'd worked with Mark before it had always been a serious environment and the legend had always maintained a professional attitude. Jeff had certainly never seen this side of him before and wasn't ready to deal with the repercussions if he were to return the good looking man's antics.
"Aww man, look what you did. You scared the pup," Kevin admonished Mark as he reached back behind him and gently grasped Jeff's hand, running his thumb along the back.
Mark's smile vanished immediately; he hadn't realized that the rainbow haired Hardy would be so sensitive to his flirting. He knew he was intimidating at times but hadn't realized how much. "Jeff I didn't mean anything by it I promise. I don't want you feeling uncomfortable around me as you'll be seein' me a lot in the near future." He reached out slowly as to not startle Jeff and squeezed his shoulder, pulling back quickly when the younger man flinched, not wanting to hurt or scare him.
"Sorry Hardy boy. I forgot about your match," Mark apologized, keeping his voice low and soothing. "You took a pretty bad beating, inside and out but you can sure as hell put up a fight so keep on doing it." He cupped Jeff's face and stroked his cheek slightly before turning to Kevin. "Hey I'll see y'all tomorrow," He waved and headed off to his locker room to change.
"Come on, the limo's waiting for us, I hate to be an annoyance," Kevin coaxed Jeff along gently to start walking again; leading him to the limo neither of them said a word until they had made themselves comfortable in the back. He glanced over at Jeff as he sat back and smiled slightly, "You look confused," He observed, his voice low and soft. "What's up?"
"Mark obviously," Jeff joked weakly, appreciating the small chuckle the older wrestler gave to him, most likely out of pity. "What did he mean I'll be seeing him a lot in the near future and why would I even end up seeing him tomorrow?" He felt curious and a little bit excited about this, interacting with people who he'd never been able to interact with before.
When Matt was around he'd arranged the matches most of the time, risking Jeff's body and his talent instead of his own, keeping his brother in the dark most of the time. On the rare occasion Jeff had spoken to someone new Matt always made him sound childish and like a freak, something Jeff was never sure was intentional or not. For all he knew it could've been his brother falling back on old habits as far as their behaviours and roles were concerned, little brother trying to tag along a little too much.
"Well Glenn is going out with Sean, so that means Mark being his best friend got roped into coming around to the house a couple of times and we all became really good friends," Kevin explained, avoiding the discussion of the nature of his and Mark's relationship. It wasn't that he didn't want the rainbow haired high flier to know, he just thought it was better left to another time when Jeff wasn't feeling so overwhelmed with everything already. He studied Jeff's expression of shock at the news of Sean and Glenn, barely managing to suppress a smiled, there was a rare innocent quality surrounding the other man.
"Glenn's going out with Shawn Michaels?" Jeff felt about ready to drop from shock, his heart pounding in his chest due to his emotions and thoughts racing about a mile a minute. "I never knew," He ran a hand through his hair, trying to process this new information. He had known both men experimented from time to time but hadn't really pictured either of them as being each other's type.
Kevin just laughed and shook his head in amusement; this kid was just a little too much at times. He found it to be refreshing how shocked and amazed Jeff was concerning the many intricacies in being involved with a group like the Kliq, "No he's going out with Waltman. Michaels doesn't have anyone like that," He decided sticking with last names would probably be best for now.
Jeff nodded, calming down somewhat as the car lulled him into relaxation, staring out the window at the scenery. "How is Shawn doing, Michaels that is," He had been concerned, undoubtedly after the events of last week, having idolized the man growing up and admired him the more he'd come into contact with him. He didn't deserve the bad lot he'd been given lately, that was for sure.
Sighing Kevin rolled his shoulders in a shrug; it was hard to say exactly how Shawn was doing these days. "Shawn is as good as anyone could be in this situation I suppose," He responded to the question first before continuing. "Paul hasn't talked to anyone, he's become the man he portrays on television in a way, and he is what he says he is, he is the Game, and wrestling is his life now. And while he thinks he is that damn good no one can stop him, not even if they tried their hardest, and we all have tried." He paused to gather his thoughts. "It's sad how easily you can forget who you are in this business just because someone tells you have to be something you're essentially not. It's happened so much, we used to go around saying the Kliq was for life, and we would take care of all those we could, but we didn't know how short a life the Kliq would end up having," He spoke sadly.
"That's what happened to Matt I think. He became so lost in all of this shit, wanting to be the greatest. I just don't get it, I know I'm good in the ring, and I know I'm happy there, but the politics, the storylines. It's all too much for anyone to handle," Jeff shook his head in dismay, his hazel eyes filled with sadness. "Why does this happen?" He asked, so much of his soul showing in his gaze that Kevin somehow knew that Jeff was definitely older when his twenty six years when it came down to it.
Kevin rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. This was definitely not the conversation he had expected to be having with Jeff tonight, "It happens because we let it Jeff, the storylines engulf us and we let ourselves become the personas we play on TV and in the end we become strictly what the fans want or don't want, just to get some kind of reaction. It's so easy to just forget what you really are, especially when you're in the ring with another person, you aren't supposed to think of them as a friend if that's what they are. Sometimes kayfabe ceases to exist and no matter what you want to win at all costs, to reach the top of the corporate ladder and your opponents are only there for you to mutilate and destroy. But some of us are lucky enough to have friends to pulls us back and kick our asses when that starts to happen, because that kind of desperation can consume and destroy you." He knew what he was talking about possibly more that anyone, he'd had it happen, seen it happen to Scott, to Shawn, to Pac. Just like it was happening to Paul, and just like it was happening to Matt Hardy like it had so many people before them.
Jeff looked at him in something akin to awe, his entire thought process seeming to settle in his own head. Everything Kevin had said just made so much sense, the storylines, the rules and the game, all of it brought about feelings he'd felt before when in the ring and had been so frightened of. He realized then that it wasn't something necessarily to be frightened of but to own, and use to his advantage instead of turning it inward and allowing it to hurt him. "You sure know a lot," He commented softly, smiling almost shyly when Kevin laughed once again and reached over to ruffle his hair.
"You're definitely alright in my books kid," Kevin responded, grinning at him as they pulled up to a large pair of gates bracketed by, surprisingly enough farm fences. They had reached some kind of ranch, Jeff noticed once he looked out the window, watching the driver punch in the code and drive up to a big house adorned with Christmas lights, the contrast between the dark brown wood and the white twinkling lights making it seem like a place filled with wonderment and magic.
"Why are the Christmas lights still up?" Jeff asked as he looked at the intricate designs on the side of the house, created with fairy lights. It seemed to be some picturesque nativity scene, and Jeff found he was impressed and wondered how long something like that would've actually taken.
"They've never actually been taken down. Paul and Shawn did that last year for the neighbourhood Christmas competition and won. Shawn was so proud, and with everything that's been going on I think he doesn't have the heart," Kevin explained as best he could. People from the outside tended to be overly judgemental rather than try to examine and understand the inner workings of the Kliq.
Jeff grinned once Kevin was finished talking, "That is cool looking," He told Kevin as they stepped out of the limo, still staring at the lights in awe. It was only dusk at the moment; he definitely would need to come out when it was completely dark to capture the full effect. "I wish I could create things like that," He remarked.
"I thought you could," A new voice spoke from behind them, Shawn Michaels, who merely smiled when Jeff jumped and whirled around. He'd been waiting for them to arrive, sitting on the porch. "I mean, I heard about your sculptures from the Kid. Illuminamis? I believe he said they were called."
"Mr. Michaels, it's nice to see you," Jeff greeted him once he was over his shock; shy he was unsure of how to react to his long time idol. Especially not when the man was standing right in front of him looking hotter than hell and more delicious than sin, it had been a while since he'd first met Shawn and back then he hadn't even been able to form words before Matt had whisked him off.
Shawn grimaced slightly, his distaste at the formality visible. "Remember one thing kid, it's always Shawn, I don't do well with formality," He shook the young man's hand.
Jeff blushed, embarrassed he shied away a little bit. He'd only just arrived and he was already screwing everything up. "Sorry sir," He muttered in a soft voice, hoping he hadn't made Shawn angry at him. He'd been so kind, him and the Kliq, allowing Jeff to stay with them.
Looking at Jeff in shock Shawn couldn't help the anger that swelled within him; this wasn't the Jeff Hardy he'd seen backstage at shows before. That young man had been vibrant and friendly at times, and introverted at others, but never downright frightened of people. "I guess this has all gotten to you huh?" He waited patiently as he could for Jeff to nod in acknowledgment, "You used to be so outgoing what happened Jeff?" He questioned voice gentle.
Jeff could feel a lump grow in his throat and he shook his head, "I was told I scared people, or made them wary of me because of the way I dress. Like some kind of freak, no one would want a freak around," He whispered trying not to cry. His brother had told him lots of things he knew were the truth and others that maybe weren't. But at the moment his head was so messed up he couldn't tell one from the other. People didn't trust him, not typically and he knew that.
Shawn hugged Jeff unable to resist comforting the younger man who seemed so broken, so insecure and sad. He reminded Shawn too much of himself, having to put up a front because he was afraid that no one would like the real person behind the mask. "Sweets, you're not a freak. You're probably one of the most normal people I know, with the same insecurities that everyone else has. It's the inside that counts after all, just because you paint your nails and dye your hair it doesn't make you a freak. If you want to be outgoing, you should be outgoing. People like you," He comforted Jeff as best he could, at a loss of what to do.
Pulling away Jeff wiped at his eyes quickly so that no one would see his tears. "Why does no one love me then? Why doesn't Matt love me? He didn't say anything to me about him going to Smackdown, or about what would happen tonight. All I wanted to know was the truth, how hard is the truth to give someone?" He felt like throwing a world class temper tantrum, one that would surely make Christian proud.
Shawn put his hand on Jeff's lower back gently, leading him into the house. "Of course there are people who love you, Matt loves you. He's just lost right now, which is why he probably didn't say anything to you. He's just too much in his own head right now; it's nothing to do against you. Don't worry about him, he'll find his way back to you." He pushed Jeff towards the couch, smiling when he sat down. "I'll be right back. I gotta go find Glenn and Sean, they disappeared fifteen minutes ago, and I haven't seen them since."
Kevin settled himself in an overstuffed comfortable looking chair and snorted back laughter, "Fifteen minutes? Well I think I know where they are now. Probably cleaning up their mess, ain't that right Shawn?" He smirked at his best friend, grunting when a shoe came flying from the hall and hit Kevin in the chest.
"You're only a little bit perverted aren't you Kev?" Shawn called from the hallway, laughter in his voice. "Thinking about other people's sex lives when really you should be more concerned with your own," A muffled shout was heard after the sound of a door opening. Shawn came running back down the steps, covering his eyes he bumped into several walls overdramatically. "Fuck I'm blind, blind I tell you," He collapsed in heap on the floor in front of the couch, struggling not to laugh.
Jeff watched the scene with wide yes, unsure of what to do. "What happened Shawn?" He couldn't help but laugh as Shawn flopped around on the floor like Ric Flair after a suplex.
Shawn stopped moving around and looked up at Jeff, leaning his head against the younger man's thigh he grinned wickedly. "Well, let's just say I know now why Glenn is called the big red machine." He winked as Jeff blushed again, finding the flush on the other man's cheeks to be quite endearing, wanting to make it happen again and again.
"Shut your trap Michaels," Glenn growled, coming into the room with Sean trailing behind him, their hands clasped together. Both of them looked mussed, their clothes wrinkled in all the wrong places and Sean's hair was hanging in tangled curls around his face. "Just because you don't have a sex life doesn't mean you have to rag on everyone else's," He continued, sitting down on the couch opposite Jeff.
"Well, what are you doing getting your freak on in my house old man?" Shawn challenged, moving closer to Glenn there was a smirk on his face. Just as it seemed the two of them were going to play wrestle on the floor like a couple of puppies a knock sounded at the door. All of them groaned, no one really wanting to move to get it, especially not Shawn who had sprawled back against Jeff's legs, causing the young man to flush violently once again.
Heavy footsteps sounded through the house as the person approached the living room; his long blond hair tied back, a black tailored suit on his form. Jeff gasped softly when Glenn growled at the sight of the Kliq's own traitor. "What the fuck do you want?" Kevin demanded, managing to stand despite his injury, Shawn standing as well.
Shawn's face was rapidly losing colour losing colour as he stumbled backward, nearly landing on Jeff who quickly moved out of the way and helped him sit down. All of them looked shocked at the man standing in front of him, someone most of the Kliq hadn't seen in months.
It was Hunter, some hair from his ponytail drooping down in front of his face, wet with rainwater. He looked saddened by their reactions, his eyes downcast toward his feet, "I came to talk to Shawn," He spoke softly. At that very moment he wasn't Triple H or the Game, he was just Hunter. He was the same man they'd called brother, Kliq member and their best friend.